birminghammail--2020-05-16--Everything Aston Villa have said about Project Restart

A meeting will take place between all 20 Premier League clubs on Monday as Project Restart begins to gather serious momentum .
Big-league chiefs watched this weekend 's Bundesliga return with grave interest with the Premier League hopeful of following the German model next month .
The pencilled-in return date stands at June 12 but , on Monday , clubs will push for a later start date - possibly June 19 - while also agreeing to return to training from next week .
Strict protocols will be introduced , including players turning up in their kits , having their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being maintained at all times .
At Aston Villa , small groups of players will arrive at staggered times and will train apart .
Staff and squad members will be screened for Covid symptoms upon arriving to Bodymoor Heath while , throughout the week , players will be tested at least twice .
Ahead of Monday 's Project Restart meeting , we have a look back at what 's been said by Smith , chief executive Christian Purslow and the players .
“ I find it hard thinking that we are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that adrenalin and that atmosphere is what creates football .
“ I am looking forward to a resumption as soon as we can really .
“ We are ready , we are keen but it has got to be right to do so .
We are following the government ’ s guidelines at the moment and we are still in lockdown so it ’ s really tough looking to plan .
“ You are planning for the unplannable .
You try to talk to your staff and plan training sessions when we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might look with social distancing , how it might look if it is not social distancing .
“ We have spent an awful lot of video chats as a group of staff , discussing what to do when we get back .
“ But the work we have done online with the players – the video chats we have had with them – they are certainly ready .
They will know what ’ s expected of them when it comes around again .
“ Many will have concerns , there are players in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home , they are going to have to consider the risk that ’ s going to be involved and an awful lot of this is going to go down to the medical staff .
“ You have to deal with them on an individual basis , there can ’ t just be ‘ Listen it ’ s safe and proper to go in ’ because this virus – unfortunately the pandemic there are no boundaries with it , we are still learning about it all the time .
“ The best people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information about it at the moment are the government and we are putting our trust in them at the moment to come up with the right answers.
” '' It ’ s about anything and everything to do with full-strength sides and squads .
What happens with sick players , or players who are symptomatic , that ultimately means you ’ re weakening teams .
`` There are a lot of teams mathematically capable of going down whose squads can ’ t survive three or four players failing ill , not being able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a play a match without [ Jack ] Grealish , [ Tyrone ] Mings and [ John ] McGinn the chances of winning that game reduce enormously .
`` You can ’ t compare it to normal season when , on January 1 , Tom Heaton and Wesley , our goalkeeper and our star centre forward , ruptured their cruciate ligaments [ away to Burnley ] .
That ’ s bad luck and that hurts teams like us and we take that on the chin .
`` But we ’ re talking here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic that is still at large .
It ’ s obvious with 500 or so Premier League footballers that we ’ re going to have positive tests , that players are going to get sick and that ’ s going to have an impact on teams ’ ability to field a full-strength team .
`` I don ’ t know what the solution is .
I ’ d obviously like a rule that says we don ’ t have to play if our best players had Covid .
We ’ re trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our broadcasters a product they want to show but how does it really work if after two games everybody ’ s off ?
You tell me .
`` We ’ re nowhere near having found the formula to complete the season , People have to see through that we need 20 clubs to be happy and that ’ s the statesmanship job that ’ s needed at the moment in the league .
`` Even in the executive group in the Premier League shareholders group , we haven ’ t even been shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play ’ protocols .
So I haven ’ t discussed it with my players at all .
`` The sense I get around the players is , like society generally , you ’ ll have people absolutely desperate to get back to work and have the attitude of ‘ I ’ ll take my chances ’ and you ’ ll have players with particular circumstances where it won ’ t be practical or they won ’ t be comfortable .
`` If I was a betting man I would say that the single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get those protocols signed off by everybody in football . ''
`` In my eyes we either play with relegation , because it ’ s safe to do so or don ’ t play because it ’ s not safe to do so .
`` If you believe everything in the press then I ’ m currently preparing myself to play with a mask , with gloves , for less than 45 minutes each way , whilst quarantining ... .
in Australia . ''
“ There are huge mixed signals at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no chance of coming back and the next they seem to be really trying to push it .
“ I am not sure where I am at with it all at the moment , to be honest with you .
“ It ’ s a real scary time at the moment for everyone .
It would seem money is being talked about more than the health and safety of staff and players to be honest .
“ I am not too sure where it is all going to end up and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do know the health and safety of the staff is really , really important .
“ Whatever big decisions are made there are going to be a lot of unhappy people .
Teams are going to miss out on what they have been trying to do all season .
“ From what I know , they want to keep next season clean , from what we have been told .
“ They want to finish this season off , or at least look like they are trying to .
“ It is all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does not come down to just that .
I hope players safety and backroom staff safety is taken into account.
” “ They are going to be put into a tough position by their clubs .
It 's going to be a phone call or a video call saying : 'Do you want to come back ?
’ “ 50 percent might say yes , 50 percent might say no .
From speaking to some of the players over the last couple of weeks , a few of them that I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't want to go back ’ and a few have said : ' I 'm not going back ’ .
” “ I 've spoken to a few players , around the Premier League .
Obviously I ca n't name them , but they are not easy on going back .
They do n't want to go back .
“ They feel uncomfortable with the way that it 's all rushed as well .
If you look at when the season is looking to start , the players will have been off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll have to play in three or so weeks .
It just looks like it 's all been rushed .
“ If it comes to a choice - and I think it will do - I think there will be a lot of players in the Premier League that wo n't be going back .
”

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A meeting will take place between all 20 Premier League clubs on Monday as Project Restart begins to gather serious momentum.
Big-league chiefs watched this weekend's Bundesliga return with grave interest with the Premier League hopeful of following the German model next month.
The pencilled-in return date stands at June 12 but, on Monday, clubs will push for a later start date - possibly June 19 - while also agreeing to return to training from next week.
Strict protocols will be introduced, including players turning up in their kits, having their own towels and water bottles with social distancing being maintained at all times.
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At Aston Villa, small groups of players will arrive at staggered times and will train apart. Staff and squad members will be screened for Covid symptoms upon arriving to Bodymoor Heath while, throughout the week, players will be tested at least twice.
Ahead of Monday's Project Restart meeting, we have a look back at what's been said by Smith, chief executive Christian Purslow and the players.
Dean Smith
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
“I find it hard thinking that we are going to be going back to empty stadia, that adrenalin and that atmosphere is what creates football.
“I am looking forward to a resumption as soon as we can really.
“We are ready, we are keen but it has got to be right to do so. We are following the government’s guidelines at the moment and we are still in lockdown so it’s really tough looking to plan.
“You are planning for the unplannable. You try to talk to your staff and plan training sessions when we are eventually back in terms of how it might look with social distancing, how it might look if it is not social distancing.
“We have spent an awful lot of video chats as a group of staff, discussing what to do when we get back.
“But the work we have done online with the players – the video chats we have had with them – they are certainly ready. They will know what’s expected of them when it comes around again.
“Many will have concerns, there are players in our group that have vulnerable family members at home, they are going to have to consider the risk that’s going to be involved and an awful lot of this is going to go down to the medical staff.
“You have to deal with them on an individual basis, there can’t just be ‘Listen it’s safe and proper to go in’ because this virus – unfortunately the pandemic there are no boundaries with it, we are still learning about it all the time.
“The best people in place who are getting all the information about it at the moment are the government and we are putting our trust in them at the moment to come up with the right answers.”
Christian Purslow
"It’s about anything and everything to do with full-strength sides and squads. What happens with sick players, or players who are symptomatic, that ultimately means you’re weakening teams.
"There are a lot of teams mathematically capable of going down whose squads can’t survive three or four players failing ill, not being able to play. If Villa had to a play a match without [Jack] Grealish, [Tyrone] Mings and [John] McGinn the chances of winning that game reduce enormously.
"You can’t compare it to normal season when, on January 1, Tom Heaton and Wesley, our goalkeeper and our star centre forward, ruptured their cruciate ligaments [away to Burnley]. That’s bad luck and that hurts teams like us and we take that on the chin.
"But we’re talking here about a known, global, devastating epidemic that is still at large. It’s obvious with 500 or so Premier League footballers that we’re going to have positive tests, that players are going to get sick and that’s going to have an impact on teams’ ability to field a full-strength team.
"I don’t know what the solution is. I’d obviously like a rule that says we don’t have to play if our best players had Covid. We’re trying to complete a league quite quickly to give our broadcasters a product they want to show but how does it really work if after two games everybody’s off? You tell me.
"We’re nowhere near having found the formula to complete the season, People have to see through that we need 20 clubs to be happy and that’s the statesmanship job that’s needed at the moment in the league.
"Even in the executive group in the Premier League shareholders group, we haven’t even been shown yet what they call ‘return to play’ protocols. So I haven’t discussed it with my players at all.
"The sense I get around the players is, like society generally, you’ll have people absolutely desperate to get back to work and have the attitude of ‘I’ll take my chances’ and you’ll have players with particular circumstances where it won’t be practical or they won’t be comfortable.
"If I was a betting man I would say that the single biggest challenge we’ve got is to get those protocols signed off by everybody in football."
Tyrone Mings
"In my eyes we either play with relegation, because it’s safe to do so or don’t play because it’s not safe to do so.
"If you believe everything in the press then I’m currently preparing myself to play with a mask, with gloves, for less than 45 minutes each way, whilst quarantining.... in Australia."
Conor Hourihane
“There are huge mixed signals at the minute. One week I think there is no chance of coming back and the next they seem to be really trying to push it.
“I am not sure where I am at with it all at the moment, to be honest with you.
“It’s a real scary time at the moment for everyone. It would seem money is being talked about more than the health and safety of staff and players to be honest.
“I am not too sure where it is all going to end up and how it is going to finish but I do know the health and safety of the staff is really, really important.
“Whatever big decisions are made there are going to be a lot of unhappy people. Teams are going to miss out on what they have been trying to do all season.
“From what I know, they want to keep next season clean, from what we have been told.
“They want to finish this season off, or at least look like they are trying to.
“It is all coming down to money and I hope it does not come down to just that. I hope players safety and backroom staff safety is taken into account.”
Gabby Agbonlahor
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“I feel uneasy for the players.
“They are going to be put into a tough position by their clubs. It's going to be a phone call or a video call saying: 'Do you want to come back?’
“50 percent might say yes, 50 percent might say no. From speaking to some of the players over the last couple of weeks, a few of them that I've spoken to have said: 'I don't want to go back’ and a few have said: 'I'm not going back’.”
“I've spoken to a few players, around the Premier League. Obviously I can't name them, but they are not easy on going back. They don't want to go back.
“They feel uncomfortable with the way that it's all rushed as well. If you look at when the season is looking to start, the players will have been off for six to eight weeks and they'll have to play in three or so weeks. It just looks like it's all been rushed.
“If it comes to a choice - and I think it will do - I think there will be a lot of players in the Premier League that won't be going back.”


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Manager admits 'it's time' for Wolves target to complete transfer

Emmanuel Dennis is among the many players to have been linked with a transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers in recent months .
With the summer fast approaching lots of names continue to be connected with Wolves , despite some confusion over how the transfer window will play out after the coronavirus pandemic .
Club Brugge star Dennis , 22 , has been linked with Wolves , as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United .
He 's scored nine goals in 31 appearances this season , including a brace against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in October .
Dennis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europa League in February to add to his three Champions League strikes before Christmas .
And his manager in Belgium , Philippe Clement , admits Dennis is likely to move on once the window opens .
Speaking to La Dernière Heure , Clement said : `` It is very likely that Dennis will leave .
He can also count on a lot of interest .
It is the time for him to take a new step . ''
Wolves did n't replace Italian striker Patrick Cutrone after letting him join Fiorentina on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ striker Leonardo Campana arrived at Molineux in January but he 's earmarked as one for the future .
Cutrone 's exit means Wolves are without a senior deputy to star striker Raul Jimenez .
Dennis is reportedly valued at £22.3 million by Brugge .

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Emmanuel Dennis is among the many players to have been linked with a transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers in recent months.
With the summer fast approaching lots of names continue to be connected with Wolves, despite some confusion over how the transfer window will play out after the coronavirus pandemic.
Club Brugge star Dennis, 22, has been linked with Wolves, as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United.
He's scored nine goals in 31 appearances this season, including a brace against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in October.
Dennis also notched against Manchester United in the Europa League in February to add to his three Champions League strikes before Christmas.
And his manager in Belgium, Philippe Clement, admits Dennis is likely to move on once the window opens.
Speaking to La Dernière Heure, Clement said: "It is very likely that Dennis will leave. He can also count on a lot of interest. It is the time for him to take a new step."
Wolves didn't replace Italian striker Patrick Cutrone after letting him join Fiorentina on an 18-month loan deal in January. Ecuadorian striker Leonardo Campana arrived at Molineux in January but he's earmarked as one for the future.
Cutrone's exit means Wolves are without a senior deputy to star striker Raul Jimenez. Dennis is reportedly valued at £22.3 million by Brugge.


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Drugs, phones and cash seized after police pull over uninsured car

Drugs , cash and phones were seized following a police stop in Walsall – leaving two in custody .
Officers from Bloxwich said they stopped the uninsured motor earlier today , Saturday , May 16 , and found the items inside .
Two men were arrested and the car was taken off the road , a spokesman for West Midlands Police said .
The spokesman for the force took to social media to praise officers for the stop .
They added : `` E unit are back on duty for another set of shifts .
Officers from Bloxwich have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Walsall .
A large quantity of class A drugs found , two in custody and a uninsured car off the road .
Great work . ''
The sentence people can receive for conspiracy to supply class A drugs will depend on the circumstances and whether proceedings take place in Magistrates ' Court of Crown Court .
In Magistrates ' Court , the maximum sentence for conspiracy to supply class A drugs can include either or both : • A fine of up to £5,000 In Crown Court , the maximum sentence for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include either or both : • A prison sentence up to and including life imprisonment

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Drugs, cash and phones were seized following a police stop in Walsall – leaving two in custody.
Officers from Bloxwich said they stopped the uninsured motor earlier today, Saturday, May 16, and found the items inside.
Two men were arrested and the car was taken off the road, a spokesman for West Midlands Police said.
The spokesman for the force took to social media to praise officers for the stop.
They added: "E unit are back on duty for another set of shifts. Officers from Bloxwich have already had a good stop on a car in Walsall. A large quantity of class A drugs found, two in custody and a uninsured car off the road. Great work."
Sentence for Class A drugs
The sentence people can receive for conspiracy to supply class A drugs will depend on the circumstances and whether proceedings take place in Magistrates' Court of Crown Court.
In Magistrates' Court, the maximum sentence for conspiracy to supply class A drugs can include either or both:
A fine of up to £5,000
Up to 6 months' imprisonment
In Crown Court, the maximum sentence for conspiracy to supply class A drugs can include either or both:


birminghammail--2020-05-16--How and when police plan to enforce new lockdown rules

The West Midlands police and crime commissioner has revealed exactly how and when officers plan to enforce the new lockdown rules after branding the changes `` confusing '' .
Labour 's David Jamieson clarified that officers would not be stopping small groups of people across the city to verify exactly who they were socialising with .
But instead , mass gatherings or large groups of people playing sport together would become the target of police action .
The new guidance , issued during an anticipated speech last Sunday , allows for unlimited exercise outdoors but with social distancing still in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stopping vehicles on occasion and quizzing train passengers over their journeys .
BirminghamLive spoke to Mr Jamieson in a bid for clarity on how the police could - and would - enforce Covid-19 law , now people are allowed a 'socially-distanced ' chat with one person from another household .
He said the changes made the police 's job even more difficult during the crisis .
`` What we 've got [ now ] is so many different combinations of people who can be together so it 's really very complex for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` By there not being one set of rules , it then makes it really very difficult for the police to enforce it .
My job is to hold the police accountable , but what I want to know is precisely what I 'm holding the force accountable for .
`` It makes it very difficult for the officers , they 're truly excellent but they 've got to know what the rules are to enforce them . ''
Mr Jamieson also accused the Government 's of a lack of communication with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures , and said senior officers were left in the dark until the announcement itself .
`` There 's a level of confusion , they did n't help last week by briefing out selectively to the media on the plans .
`` But there were no briefings to people like myself on what to expect , I 'm watching the TV to find out what 's going on and what the police should be doing .
`` For senior police officers to be sat round the television watching while the public are seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ satisfactory way of running a country , especially during a crisis .
`` The handling in the last week by the Government is looking less than competent , it 's making the job of the police much more difficult .
`` The people of Birmingham and the West Midlands have been very sensible , despite the Government confusion .
`` But we need clear unequivocal messages from the Government on what can and ca n't be done . ''
Will officers be asking everyone to verify who they 're with ?
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what our police should be doing , we 're tracking down the criminals .
`` There is no real stomach for the police to be going out checking every single group of people .
It 's not something police should be doing .
`` Police would be having to go to people and say : 'Who are you with ?
What 's this person ?
Is this a relative ?
Do you live in the same household ? '
`` It 's difficult either with the time available or with the will available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people had gathered clearly flouting the rules , then police will step in .
`` If masses of people are playing sport or massive groups of people are not self-isolating for social events , then the police would step in . ''
When will you be issuing fines ?
`` We have probably handed out fewer penalty notices than a lot of the other forces , because we rely on the goodwill of people .
`` It can be the people who are seriously flouting , the rules have become more complex .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules or where they have been putting their own health or others at risk then West Midlands Police will certainly step in . ''

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The West Midlands police and crime commissioner has revealed exactly how and when officers plan to enforce the new lockdown rules after branding the changes "confusing".
Labour's David Jamieson clarified that officers would not be stopping small groups of people across the city to verify exactly who they were socialising with.
But instead, mass gatherings or large groups of people playing sport together would become the target of police action.
The new guidance, issued during an anticipated speech last Sunday, allows for unlimited exercise outdoors but with social distancing still in place.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirmighamLive)
Officers were previously patrolling parks, stopping vehicles on occasion and quizzing train passengers over their journeys.
BirminghamLive spoke to Mr Jamieson in a bid for clarity on how the police could - and would - enforce Covid-19 law, now people are allowed a 'socially-distanced' chat with one person from another household.
He said the changes made the police's job even more difficult during the crisis.
"What we've got [now] is so many different combinations of people who can be together so it's really very complex for people to understand," he explained.
"By there not being one set of rules, it then makes it really very difficult for the police to enforce it. My job is to hold the police accountable, but what I want to know is precisely what I'm holding the force accountable for.
"It makes it very difficult for the officers, they're truly excellent but they've got to know what the rules are to enforce them."
Mr Jamieson also accused the Government's of a lack of communication with West Midlands Police ahead of the new measures, and said senior officers were left in the dark until the announcement itself.
"There's a level of confusion, they didn't help last week by briefing out selectively to the media on the plans.
"But there were no briefings to people like myself on what to expect, I'm watching the TV to find out what's going on and what the police should be doing.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
"For senior police officers to be sat round the television watching while the public are seeing at the same time is not a satisfactory way of running a country, especially during a crisis.
"The handling in the last week by the Government is looking less than competent, it's making the job of the police much more difficult.
"The people of Birmingham and the West Midlands have been very sensible, despite the Government confusion.
"But we need clear unequivocal messages from the Government on what can and can't be done."
Will officers be asking everyone to verify who they're with?
"In theory yes, but this is not what our police should be doing, we're tracking down the criminals.
"There is no real stomach for the police to be going out checking every single group of people. It's not something police should be doing.
"Police would be having to go to people and say: 'Who are you with? What's this person? Is this a relative? Do you live in the same household?'
"It's difficult either with the time available or with the will available."
When will police intervene?
"If large groups of people had gathered clearly flouting the rules, then police will step in.
"If masses of people are playing sport or massive groups of people are not self-isolating for social events, then the police would step in."
When will you be issuing fines?
"We have probably handed out fewer penalty notices than a lot of the other forces, because we rely on the goodwill of people.
"It can be the people who are seriously flouting, the rules have become more complex.
"Where people have been flagrantly ignoring the rules or where they have been putting their own health or others at risk then West Midlands Police will certainly step in."


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Blues fans respond to Villa star Scott Hogan's transfer revelation

The striker has been a hit at St Andrew 's after joining on loan from Aston Villa in the January transfer window .
He has scored seven goals in eight appearances having struck up a prolific partnership with Lukas Jutkiewicz .
Blues would love to convert his loan stint into a full-time arrangement and Hogan has opened the door for a move if the opportunity arises .
He told BoyleSports : `` I have made friends there , they have made me feel at home , so I will be happy to do it if it comes about .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yeah .
I always thought I could do it but it ’ s just about getting regular games and I have not had that for two or three years now so it ’ s been tough .
`` I got off to a good start and it seems to have gone from there .
Personally I ’ ve done well but as a team we could have done better .
`` What ’ s happened happened and it ’ s put a stop to it but hopefully we can get back and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off .
`` Look , it ’ s totally out of my hands .
I think there are clauses in my contract with Villa and things like that that can stipulate what can happen .
`` With what has gone on at the moment , I ’ ve had calls with my agent about things and we ’ ve both come to the agreement that we need to get this stuff out of the way and then hopefully finish the season .
`` Because of the pandemic we haven ’ t been able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It can be stressful just being in the house and I just want to switch off and not have to worry or hope to get back to football .
`` So , I haven ’ t really thought about anything like that because at the moment it ’ s not in my hands .
I ’ ve still got another year left at Villa . ''
Hogan , who cost Villa £12million when he joined from Brentford three years ago , would likely cost Blues a sizeable transfer fee .
But the 28-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract at Villa Park .
Blues fans , responding to Hogan 's comments on BirminghamLive 's social media channels , are hopeful they can sign the striker permanently .
Colin Carberry : `` He needs to bang a transfer request in ASAP , especially with Che Adams coming onto the market .
Hogan ca n't afford to squander any more of his career at Villa - it just has n't worked out for him there , both parties need to cut their losses and move on ... '' Della Beasley : `` Would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kirk : `` Sign him up .
We should have a bit of cash with the ( potential ) sale of Jude ( Bellingham ) to Man United . ''
Chris Machin : `` Sign him up ASAP , pure class since joining . ''
Sarah Bridge : `` This would be a great move . ''
Ethan Bailey : `` With Jude ’ s transfer money we ’ ll have more than enough . ''

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Scott Hogan's transfer revelation has delighted Birmingham City supporters.
The striker has been a hit at St Andrew's after joining on loan from Aston Villa in the January transfer window.
He has scored seven goals in eight appearances having struck up a prolific partnership with Lukas Jutkiewicz.
Blues would love to convert his loan stint into a full-time arrangement and Hogan has opened the door for a move if the opportunity arises.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
He told BoyleSports: "I have made friends there, they have made me feel at home, so I will be happy to do it if it comes about.
"It’s gone really well, yeah. I always thought I could do it but it’s just about getting regular games and I have not had that for two or three years now so it’s been tough.
"I got off to a good start and it seems to have gone from there. Personally I’ve done well but as a team we could have done better.
"What’s happened happened and it’s put a stop to it but hopefully we can get back and I can carry on from where I left off.
"Look, it’s totally out of my hands. I think there are clauses in my contract with Villa and things like that that can stipulate what can happen.
"With what has gone on at the moment, I’ve had calls with my agent about things and we’ve both come to the agreement that we need to get this stuff out of the way and then hopefully finish the season.
"Because of the pandemic we haven’t been able to get out of the house. It can be stressful just being in the house and I just want to switch off and not have to worry or hope to get back to football.
"So, I haven’t really thought about anything like that because at the moment it’s not in my hands. I’ve still got another year left at Villa."
Hogan, who cost Villa £12million when he joined from Brentford three years ago, would likely cost Blues a sizeable transfer fee.
But the 28-year-old only has one year remaining on his contract at Villa Park.
Blues fans, responding to Hogan's comments on BirminghamLive's social media channels, are hopeful they can sign the striker permanently.
How Blues fans reacted...
Colin Carberry: "He needs to bang a transfer request in ASAP, especially with Che Adams coming onto the market. Hogan can't afford to squander any more of his career at Villa - it just hasn't worked out for him there, both parties need to cut their losses and move on..."
Della Beasley: "Would love him here permanently."
Derek Kirk: "Sign him up. We should have a bit of cash with the (potential) sale of Jude (Bellingham) to Man United."
Chris Machin: "Sign him up ASAP, pure class since joining."
Sarah Bridge: "This would be a great move."
Ethan Bailey: "With Jude’s transfer money we’ll have more than enough."


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Coronavirus test plan for children as pupils in five year groups set to return

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has spoken of plans for pupils in five key years to return to school from as early as next month .
The South Staffordshire MP said children in reception , year 1 and 6 - as well as years 10 and 12 - could go back to school in smaller class sizes as part of a phased return .
Speaking at Saturday 's daily briefing at Downing Street , he sought to reassure worried parents that the Government 's approach was based on the `` best scientific advice with children at the very heart of everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said pupils `` stand to lose more by staying away from school '' .
He praised teachers for `` going above and beyond the call of duty '' for continuing to teach children of key workers , as well as making sure resources were available at home for children at home .
`` You have simply been outstanding and we are so grateful for what you 've done , '' he said .
`` We have been quite clear all along that we 'd only start inviting more children when our five key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not changed nor will it . ''
Mr Williamson continued : `` There is a consequence to this , the longer that schools are closed the more that children miss out .
`` Teachers know there are children out there that have not spoken or played with another child their own age for the last two months .
`` They know there are children from difficult or very unhappy homes for whom school is the happiest moment in their week , and it 's also the safest place for them to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Williamson added : `` School staff can already be tested for the virus , but from the first of June we 'll extend that to cover children and their families if any of them develop symptoms .
`` Together these measures will create an inherently safer system where the risk of transmission is substantially reduced for children , their teachers and also their families . ''
But he added : `` We can now start the planning for very limited return to school for some pupils potentially as early as next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and detailed guidance had been issued after working closely with people in the sector .
He continued : `` It goes without saying that we will be carefully monitoring the impact of this first phase . ''
He said the return was in line with other European countries in terms of getting schools , colleges and nurseries back .
Mr Williamson added : `` I know lots of you will be worried about sending your children to school .
Every one of us wants the very best for our children and I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families across the country .
`` I want to reassure you that this approach is based on the best scientific advice , with children at the very heart of everything we do .
`` Education is one of the most important and precious gifts that we can give any child . ''
Mr Williamson said `` it is thanks to their teachers and the support of their teachers that they are safe and happy '' .
He said that children who do not have support at home `` will be the ones who @ @ @ @ @

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Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has spoken of plans for pupils in five key years to return to school from as early as next month.
The South Staffordshire MP said children in reception, year 1 and 6 - as well as years 10 and 12 - could go back to school in smaller class sizes as part of a phased return.
Speaking at Saturday's daily briefing at Downing Street, he sought to reassure worried parents that the Government's approach was based on the "best scientific advice with children at the very heart of everything we do".
And Mr Williamson said pupils "stand to lose more by staying away from school".
He praised teachers for "going above and beyond the call of duty" for continuing to teach children of key workers, as well as making sure resources were available at home for children at home.
"You have simply been outstanding and we are so grateful for what you've done," he said.
"We have been quite clear all along that we'd only start inviting more children when our five key tests have been met. That position has not changed nor will it."
Mr Williamson continued: "There is a consequence to this, the longer that schools are closed the more that children miss out.
"Teachers know there are children out there that have not spoken or played with another child their own age for the last two months.
"They know there are children from difficult or very unhappy homes for whom school is the happiest moment in their week, and it's also the safest place for them to be."
Regarding testing and tracing, Mr Williamson added: "School staff can already be tested for the virus, but from the first of June we'll extend that to cover children and their families if any of them develop symptoms.
"Together these measures will create an inherently safer system where the risk of transmission is substantially reduced for children, their teachers and also their families."
But he added: "We can now start the planning for very limited return to school for some pupils potentially as early as next month."
Mr Williamson added that full and detailed guidance had been issued after working closely with people in the sector.
He continued: "It goes without saying that we will be carefully monitoring the impact of this first phase."
He said the return was in line with other European countries in terms of getting schools, colleges and nurseries back.
Mr Williamson added: "I know lots of you will be worried about sending your children to school. Every one of us wants the very best for our children and I know how stressful this time has been for families across the country.
"I want to reassure you that this approach is based on the best scientific advice, with children at the very heart of everything we do.
"Education is one of the most important and precious gifts that we can give any child."
Mr Williamson said "it is thanks to their teachers and the support of their teachers that they are safe and happy".
He said that children who do not have support at home "will be the ones who fall furthest behind."


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Ryanair 'refused to give family refund or change booking on flight'

A mum who tried to cancel her flight with Ryanair due to Covid-19 said she was told by the airline : `` We are not forcing you to travel , but we can not offer a refund ” .
Mother-of-two Nikkie Riley had planned to travel to Barcelona with her two teenagers for a holiday on June 26 , reports the Manchester Evening News In light of the latest quarantine updates , Nikkie , 49 , decided to reschedule her holiday if a refund was not available .
Brits have been advised by the government to travel only when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all new international arrivals entering Spain are now required to self-isolate in their residence or a hotel for 14 days .
She called the budget airline and also On The Beach , the travel company providing her accommodation , but was shocked at the response .
Both Ryanair and On The Beach told Nikkie that refunds or vouchers for a later date could not be given .
She said Ryanair told her : “ We are not forcing you to travel , but we can not offer a refund , a voucher nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nikkie , from Miles Platting in Manchester , had paid a total of £700 for a week-long stay and flights for herself and two teenagers , aged 12 and 15 .
She said On The Beach also gave the same response as Ryanair adding the hotel was still open and the booking was n't ATOL protected .
But the hotel in question - Villa Marina hotel , in Barcelona told Nikkie in a phone call that accommodation was only open to key workers .
Nikkie said : “ We were supposed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week .
“ On The Beach say it can ’ t be cancelled because the hotel is still open , so I won ’ t be able to get my money back .
“ And Ryanair says the flight is going ahead as usual .
“ I can ’ t even have a voucher or a free change of date or a refund .
Surely the flight won ’ t be going ahead ?
” “ If we had a refund we could use the money to rearrange a holiday next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
“ But I ’ ve just been told flat out that flights are still going ahead and you can ’ t have your money back - even though we ’ re not allowed to travel . ''
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently states : “ From 15 May , all new international arrivals entering Spain , including Spanish nationals and residents , will be required to self-isolate in their residence or hotel for a period of 14 days , ” the government website states .
“ Only Spanish citizens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , frontier workers or those who can prove they need to enter Spain for essential reasons will be allowed to enter the country .
“ Only green residency certificates will be accepted as proof of residency in Spain and British travellers who are not resident and/or not in possession of this certificate should not attempt to enter the country.
” Our sister title M.E.N has contacted both Ryanair and On The Beach for comment .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Beth Abbit, Sanjeeta Bains)

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A mum who tried to cancel her flight with Ryanair due to Covid-19 said she was told by the airline: "We are not forcing you to travel, but we cannot offer a refund”.
Mother-of-two Nikkie Riley had planned to travel to Barcelona with her two teenagers for a holiday on June 26, reports the Manchester Evening News
In light of the latest quarantine updates, Nikkie, 49, decided to reschedule her holiday if a refund was not available.
Brits have been advised by the government to travel only when it deemed 'essential.'
In addition, all new international arrivals entering Spain are now required to self-isolate in their residence or a hotel for 14 days.
She called the budget airline and also On The Beach, the travel company providing her accommodation, but was shocked at the response.
Both Ryanair and On The Beach told Nikkie that refunds or vouchers for a later date could not be given.
She said Ryanair told her: “We are not forcing you to travel, but we cannot offer a refund, a voucher nor a free change in this case.”
Nikkie, from Miles Platting in Manchester, had paid a total of £700 for a week-long stay and flights for herself and two teenagers, aged 12 and 15.
She said On The Beach also gave the same response as Ryanair adding the hotel was still open and the booking wasn't ATOL protected.
But the hotel in question - Villa Marina hotel, in Barcelona told Nikkie in a phone call that accommodation was only open to key workers.
Nikkie said: “We were supposed to be going to Barcelona on June 26 for a week.
“On The Beach say it can’t be cancelled because the hotel is still open, so I won’t be able to get my money back.
“And Ryanair says the flight is going ahead as usual.
“I can’t even have a voucher or a free change of date or a refund. Surely the flight won’t be going ahead?”
“If we had a refund we could use the money to rearrange a holiday next year depending on the circumstances," she says.
“But I’ve just been told flat out that flights are still going ahead and you can’t have your money back - even though we’re not allowed to travel."
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently states: “From 15 May, all new international arrivals entering Spain, including Spanish nationals and residents, will be required to self-isolate in their residence or hotel for a period of 14 days,” the government website states.
“Only Spanish citizens, those who are legally resident in Spain, frontier workers or those who can prove they need to enter Spain for essential reasons will be allowed to enter the country.
“Only green residency certificates will be accepted as proof of residency in Spain and British travellers who are not resident and/or not in possession of this certificate should not attempt to enter the country.”
Our sister title M.E.N has contacted both Ryanair and On The Beach for comment.


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Customer stunned as Hermes courier THROWS parcel over gate

Delivery firm Hermes has apologised to a customer after a courier was recorded throwing a parcel over her gate .
Accountant Olivia , 29 , had been puzzled about why so many of her packages ended up in the middle of her drive , despite her asking for them to be left just over the gate of her Leeds home .
But all became clear when she watched CCTV film of a consignment on Thursday , May 14 - and it showed the parcel being lobbed unceremoniously onto her property , LeedsLive reported .
The female employee then got in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Olivia from Cookridge in Leeds was horrified when she viewed the CCTV footage taken from her home yesterday , Thursday May 14 .
The 29-year-old said : “ I had to laugh but I wouldn ’ t have been laughing if it was something expensive and they ’ d thrown it over the wall .
“ Yesterday I got a notification that my parcel had been delivered so I thought I would watch on the CCTV .
“ On the video , she throws the parcel over then she rings the bell after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bell to find out if there ’ s someone in first ?
She wouldn ’ t have known no one was there because there was a car on the drive .
`` It ’ s shocking but luckily it was clothing but it was anything breakable it would have been broken.
” It 's not the first time a Hermes courier has been in the news for a job not well done .
In December a Derby man was left fuming when he discovered a Christmas parcel delivered by a Hermes courier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In response to Olivia 's delivery , a spokesperson for Hermes said : `` We have apologised to the customer for this unacceptable behaviour .
The courier will not be delivering on behalf of Hermes again .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Mellissa Dzinzi, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Delivery firm Hermes has apologised to a customer after a courier was recorded throwing a parcel over her gate.
Accountant Olivia, 29, had been puzzled about why so many of her packages ended up in the middle of her drive, despite her asking for them to be left just over the gate of her Leeds home.
But all became clear when she watched CCTV film of a consignment on Thursday, May 14 - and it showed the parcel being lobbed unceremoniously onto her property, LeedsLive reported.
The female employee then got in her car again and driving off.
Olivia from Cookridge in Leeds was horrified when she viewed the CCTV footage taken from her home yesterday, Thursday May 14.
The 29-year-old said: “I had to laugh but I wouldn’t have been laughing if it was something expensive and they’d thrown it over the wall.
“Yesterday I got a notification that my parcel had been delivered so I thought I would watch on the CCTV.
“On the video, she throws the parcel over then she rings the bell after she threw it. Why not ring the bell to find out if there’s someone in first? She wouldn’t have known no one was there because there was a car on the drive.
"It’s shocking but luckily it was clothing but it was anything breakable it would have been broken.”
It's not the first time a Hermes courier has been in the news for a job not well done.
In December a Derby man was left fuming when he discovered a Christmas parcel delivered by a Hermes courier had been put in his bin.
In response to Olivia's delivery, a spokesperson for Hermes said: "We have apologised to the customer for this unacceptable behaviour. The courier will not be delivering on behalf of Hermes again.”


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Available Premier League stars Dean Smith craves at Aston Villa

The indefinite Premier League suspension has allowed Aston Villa manager Dean Smith to take stock .
The boss sat down to give an isolation update a month ago where he discussed a range of topics .
As well as learning Spanish , having his hair trimmed by his wife and hosting hour-long video chats with his squad , Smith also spoke about transfers .
`` We made a lot of changes during the summer as everybody knows , '' he said .
`` You look back and you think in hindsight would we have done anything differently ?
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Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Villa news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store '' We 'd have probably wanted a lot more experience of the Premier League but , at that time , we could n't get it .
`` It was either too expensive or unobtainable , so we did the business that we did . ''
Given Smith admitted to wanting Premier League experience , here 's an intriguing list of players who are letting their contracts run down .
Villa have a policy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the age of 28 and , with that in mind , here 's a rundown of realistic talent that could be high on Smith 's shopping list ... Now to start with a bit of a Birmingham City legend is hugely controversial but Demarai Gray could be available on the cheap by the time the next transfer window opens .
The 23-year-old has been at Leicester City since his £3.5million transfer from Blues back in January 2016 .
According to our colleagues covering the Foxes , Gray has shown `` flashes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceptional potential , but has never lived up to it '' .
His market value is currently rated at £13million by Transfermarkt and his contract is set to expire next summer in 2021 .
Gray 's unlikely to be given a new deal after falling behind Harvey Barnes , Marc Albrighton and Ayoze Perez in the pecking order .
Gray , who was first scouted by incoming Villa talent spotter Steve Hopcroft , is said to be a Bluenose and still lives locally .
Smith , though , could look to reinvigorate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squad that needs improving .
Gray 's former Leicester City teammate Jeffrey Schlupp 's contract is up in June 2021 .
The Ghanaian international signed for Palace for £12million in January 2017 .
This season , he featured heavily up until a hip injury in December which ruled him out for two months .
Schlupp is on a reported £56,000-a-week salary which could be a stumbling block but his versatility of being able to play left-back or left-wing makes him a shrewd option .
The Premier League winner is still only 27 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't forget when we reported how Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden was top of Smith 's wish-list .
`` The clubs that are interested in me are waiting , '' was what Hayden said , `` and the clubs that I want to go to are waiting .
It ’ s just a case of whether Newcastle say : ‘ Yeah , you can go ’ .
If they say that , I can go .
That ’ s where it is really . ''
A move did n't materialise with Hayden forcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ XI .
The 25-year-old has started 23 times for Steve Bruce in the Premier League but , given his willingness to move back down south 17 months ago , a deal could be had for Villa .
Hayden 's contract is up next summer while he 's rated at £7.2million by Transfmarket .
The Southampton captain is a wanted man after a fine campaign in the heart of Saints ' midfield .
A Champions League winner with previous club Bayern Munich , Højbjerg signed for Southampton on a five-year deal for £12.8million back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Tottenham are said to be keen on the Dane who has already turned down a new contract offer by Southampton .
The 24-year-old is exactly what Villa have been lacking in midfield , a real leader who 's prepared to mix it with the best of them .
If some of the big dogs circle for Højbjerg , an alternative could be his Southampton teammate , Oriol Romeu .
The Spaniard has been around the block after breaking through at Barcelona before moving to Chelsea in 2011 .
The midfield anchorman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September but , like Højbjerg he 's a player who breaks play up admirably , wins ball after ball in the air and could be exactly what Smith needs in the engine room .
Romeu 's contract is also up in June 2021 .
The one-time England under-20 man has enjoyed a barnstorming start to life in the Premier League at Sheffield United .
Chris Wilder plucked the midfielder from Oxford three years ago and Lundstram - a bustling , hard-working , box-to-box midfielder - has been a success story ever since .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assisted three goals for high-flying United who , in January , spent a club-record £19million on Sander Berge , a player of the same ilk as Lundstram .
As for Lundstram , his Bramall Lane contract is up this summer and talks have been ongoing to renew his deal .
However , with Berge arriving Lundstram and his representatives could well look for a cut-price move away from the Steel City .
An Aston Villa hero for his exploits on-loan during Villa 's failed promotion attempt in 2018 .
The Scottish wide man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ham under David Moyes and has five goals and five assists from 24 appearances , 17 of which have been starts .
'Snoddy ' turns 33 in September but , given he 's bang in form and the fact he 's well-liked at Bodymoor , a deal does n't sound too far-fetched , especially if there 's a coaching career in the pipeline .
Snodgrass 's contract at West Ham is up next summer .
`` Great memories of my time at Villa , '' was Christian Benteke 's message on the seven-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunderland at Villa Park .
The Belgian was touted with a shock switch to B6 throughout the last window in January , yet a deal could n't get done for whatever reason .
You just get the feeling perhaps Benteke has unfinished business at Aston Villa and , with his deal running down next summer , you just ca n't rule a move back to Birmingham out .
His reported £120,000-a-week salary would be a stumbling block - and so too will the fact Smith has Wesley and Mbwana Samatta vying to lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name will no doubt have popped up given his contract situation and it remains to be seen just how much Smith wants proven Premier League quality .
Benteke , as everyone knows , is bang out of form .
He 'll be 30 when his current Palace deal expires .
The majority of Villa fans would be tempted to bring Benteke back .

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The indefinite Premier League suspension has allowed Aston Villa manager Dean Smith to take stock.
The boss sat down to give an isolation update a month ago where he discussed a range of topics.
As well as learning Spanish, having his hair trimmed by his wife and hosting hour-long video chats with his squad, Smith also spoke about transfers.
"We made a lot of changes during the summer as everybody knows," he said. "You look back and you think in hindsight would we have done anything differently?
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"We'd have probably wanted a lot more experience of the Premier League but, at that time, we couldn't get it.
"It was either too expensive or unobtainable, so we did the business that we did."
Given Smith admitted to wanting Premier League experience, here's an intriguing list of players who are letting their contracts run down.
Villa have a policy of not signing anyone on a permanent deal over the age of 28 and, with that in mind, here's a rundown of realistic talent that could be high on Smith's shopping list...
Wingers
Demarai Gray
(Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Now to start with a bit of a Birmingham City legend is hugely controversial but Demarai Gray could be available on the cheap by the time the next transfer window opens.
The 23-year-old has been at Leicester City since his £3.5million transfer from Blues back in January 2016. According to our colleagues covering the Foxes, Gray has shown "flashes of talent, flashes of a player with exceptional potential, but has never lived up to it".
His market value is currently rated at £13million by Transfermarkt and his contract is set to expire next summer in 2021. Gray's unlikely to be given a new deal after falling behind Harvey Barnes, Marc Albrighton and Ayoze Perez in the pecking order.
Gray, who was first scouted by incoming Villa talent spotter Steve Hopcroft, is said to be a Bluenose and still lives locally. Smith, though, could look to reinvigorate the winger in an area of Villa's squad that needs improving.
Jeffrey Schlupp
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Gray's former Leicester City teammate Jeffrey Schlupp's contract is up in June 2021. The Ghanaian international signed for Palace for £12million in January 2017.
This season, he featured heavily up until a hip injury in December which ruled him out for two months. Schlupp is on a reported £56,000-a-week salary which could be a stumbling block but his versatility of being able to play left-back or left-wing makes him a shrewd option. The Premier League winner is still only 27, too.
Midfield anchormen
Isaac Hayden
It was last January don't forget when we reported how Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden was top of Smith's wish-list.
"The clubs that are interested in me are waiting," was what Hayden said, "and the clubs that I want to go to are waiting. It’s just a case of whether Newcastle say: ‘Yeah, you can go’. If they say that, I can go. That’s where it is really."
A move didn't materialise with Hayden forcing his way back into Toon's starting XI. The 25-year-old has started 23 times for Steve Bruce in the Premier League but, given his willingness to move back down south 17 months ago, a deal could be had for Villa.
Hayden's contract is up next summer while he's rated at £7.2million by Transfmarket.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
The Southampton captain is a wanted man after a fine campaign in the heart of Saints' midfield. A Champions League winner with previous club Bayern Munich, Højbjerg signed for Southampton on a five-year deal for £12.8million back in 2016 with his contract up next year.
Tottenham are said to be keen on the Dane who has already turned down a new contract offer by Southampton. The 24-year-old is exactly what Villa have been lacking in midfield, a real leader who's prepared to mix it with the best of them.
If some of the big dogs circle for Højbjerg, an alternative could be his Southampton teammate, Oriol Romeu . The Spaniard has been around the block after breaking through at Barcelona before moving to Chelsea in 2011.
The midfield anchorman does, though, turn 29 in September but, like Højbjerg he's a player who breaks play up admirably, wins ball after ball in the air and could be exactly what Smith needs in the engine room. Romeu's contract is also up in June 2021.
John Lundstram
The one-time England under-20 man has enjoyed a barnstorming start to life in the Premier League at Sheffield United. Chris Wilder plucked the midfielder from Oxford three years ago and Lundstram - a bustling, hard-working, box-to-box midfielder - has been a success story ever since.
The 26-year-old has scored four times and assisted three goals for high-flying United who, in January, spent a club-record £19million on Sander Berge, a player of the same ilk as Lundstram.
As for Lundstram, his Bramall Lane contract is up this summer and talks have been ongoing to renew his deal. However, with Berge arriving Lundstram and his representatives could well look for a cut-price move away from the Steel City.
Tempting old favourites
Robert Snodgrass
An Aston Villa hero for his exploits on-loan during Villa's failed promotion attempt in 2018. The Scottish wide man has been enjoying a renaissance at West Ham under David Moyes and has five goals and five assists from 24 appearances, 17 of which have been starts.
'Snoddy' turns 33 in September but, given he's bang in form and the fact he's well-liked at Bodymoor, a deal doesn't sound too far-fetched, especially if there's a coaching career in the pipeline. Snodgrass's contract at West Ham is up next summer.
Christian Benteke
"Great memories of my time at Villa," was Christian Benteke's message on the seven-year anniversary of that Premier League hat-trick against Sunderland at Villa Park.
The Belgian was touted with a shock switch to B6 throughout the last window in January, yet a deal couldn't get done for whatever reason.
You just get the feeling perhaps Benteke has unfinished business at Aston Villa and, with his deal running down next summer, you just can't rule a move back to Birmingham out.
His reported £120,000-a-week salary would be a stumbling block - and so too will the fact Smith has Wesley and Mbwana Samatta vying to lead the line. However, Benteke's name will no doubt have popped up given his contract situation and it remains to be seen just how much Smith wants proven Premier League quality.
Benteke, as everyone knows, is bang out of form. He'll be 30 when his current Palace deal expires. The majority of Villa fans would be tempted to bring Benteke back.


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Warning as nails and screws scattered across road

Nails and screws have been scattered near to cars on a residential road , officers have revealed .
South Staffordshire @ @ @ @ @ were found in Edge View Close , Kinver , on Friday , May 15 .
@ @ @ @ @ of the public to be mindful if visiting the location .
A spokesman for Staffordshire @ @ @ @ @ been removed but urged residents to ring 101 if there were further issues in the @ @ @ @ @ `` We have received reports of nails and screws that appear to have been placed @ @ @ @ @ to vehicles on Edge View Close , Kinver .
`` Please be aware if visiting @ @ @ @ @ have been removed from the road however please let us know of any further issues @ @ @ @

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Nails and screws have been scattered near to cars on a residential road, officers have revealed.
South Staffordshire Police said the metal objects were found in Edge View Close, Kinver, on Friday, May 15.
Officers have since warned members of the public to be mindful if visiting the location.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said the items had been removed but urged residents to ring 101 if there were further issues in the area.
They added: "We have received reports of nails and screws that appear to have been placed along the road and near to vehicles on Edge View Close, Kinver.
"Please be aware if visiting this location. The items have been removed from the road however please let us know of any further issues on 101."


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Teenager stabbed after he chased suspected bike thief in Northfield

A teenager was rushed to hospital after being stabbed when he chased a suspected bike thief in Northfield .
The incident happened at around 4pm on Friday , May 15 in the Merritt 's Brook Lane area .
The 16-year-old had caught up with a suspect who was riding a grey and orange Voodoo bike , thought to have been stolen earlier that afternoon and which belonged to the victim 's friend .
The boy was taken to hospital where he remains , although his injuries were not believed to be life-changing or threatening .
A statement by West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking for your help after a teenager was stabbed when he chased a suspected bike thief in Northfield yesterday ( 15 May ) .
`` The 16-year-old had caught up with the suspect who was riding a grey and orange Voodoo pedal cycle around the Merritt ’ s Brook Lane area around 4pm .
The bike was thought to have been stolen earlier that afternoon .
`` The teenage boy was taken to hospital where he remains although his injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening .
`` We would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened or maybe has CCTV or dash cam footage of the assault .
`` Please contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight , call 101 anytime or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting crime reference 20BW /112529Z/20.
``

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A teenager was rushed to hospital after being stabbed when he chased a suspected bike thief in Northfield.
The incident happened at around 4pm on Friday, May 15 in the Merritt's Brook Lane area.
The 16-year-old had caught up with a suspect who was riding a grey and orange Voodoo bike, thought to have been stolen earlier that afternoon and which belonged to the victim's friend.
The boy was taken to hospital where he remains, although his injuries were not believed to be life-changing or threatening.
A statement by West Midlands Police said: "We’re asking for your help after a teenager was stabbed when he chased a suspected bike thief in Northfield yesterday (15 May).
"The 16-year-old had caught up with the suspect who was riding a grey and orange Voodoo pedal cycle around the Merritt’s Brook Lane area around 4pm. The bike was thought to have been stolen earlier that afternoon.
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"The teenage boy was taken to hospital where he remains although his injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.
"We would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened or maybe has CCTV or dash cam footage of the assault.
"Please contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting crime reference 20BW /112529Z/20. "


birminghammail--2020-05-16--£70k cannabis farm in the making smashed before plants could grow

Police rumbled a cannabis farm in the making before the plants even had time to grow amid a crackdown on organised crime .
Sparkbrook officers discovered what would have been £70,000-worth of plants growing inside a property during a dawn raid on Saturday , May 16 .
After smashing through the front door , police found and seized 70 pots from the address .
The factory was smashed in its 'early stages ' , officers said , as they shared an image of the mud-filled pots under ceiling lamps .
The team took to Twitter to share the news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced entry into an address this morning and located a cannabis factory in its early stages .
It was not believed anyone was in the property at the time .
The successful raid came as police redeployed officers from local policing , traffic and CID to target gangs and organised crime through the lockdown .
Earlier this week , two cannabis farms in the city were busted by cops responding to burglary reports .
Officers discovered a number of plants at both locations with their actions `` causing serious disruption '' to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter of the haul and also warned of the dangers of overloading plug sockets , which appeared blackened .
The Force Response team previously said : `` Cteam stechford with WMP dogs have attended 2 separate reports of burglaries tonight in Acocks Green WMP and Washwood WMP , on both occasions no persons located but we 've not left empty handed and have caused serious disruption , if the owners wish to claim get in touch WMPolice ''

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Police rumbled a cannabis farm in the making before the plants even had time to grow amid a crackdown on organised crime.
Sparkbrook officers discovered what would have been £70,000-worth of plants growing inside a property during a dawn raid on Saturday, May 16.
After smashing through the front door, police found and seized 70 pots from the address.
(Image: West Midlands Police)
The factory was smashed in its 'early stages', officers said, as they shared an image of the mud-filled pots under ceiling lamps.
The team took to Twitter to share the news, saying: "Sparkbrook impact team have forced entry into an address this morning and located a cannabis factory in its early stages.
"70 plants located and removed."
(Image: West Midlands Police)
It was not believed anyone was in the property at the time.
The successful raid came as police redeployed officers from local policing, traffic and CID to target gangs and organised crime through the lockdown.
Earlier this week, two cannabis farms in the city were busted by cops responding to burglary reports.
Officers discovered a number of plants at both locations with their actions "causing serious disruption" to the illicit enterprise.
They shared pictures on Twitter of the haul and also warned of the dangers of overloading plug sockets, which appeared blackened.
The Force Response team previously said: "Cteam stechford with WMP dogs have attended 2 separate reports of burglaries tonight in Acocks Green WMP and Washwood WMP, on both occasions no persons located but we've not left empty handed and have caused serious disruption, if the owners wish to claim get in touch WMPolice"


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Wolves learn Rodriguez update after Man United message - reports

James Rodriguez has reportedly decided which club he wants to join this summer .
The Real Madrid playmaker has been heavily linked with a transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers over the past few months .
Rodriguez is a client of Jorge Mendes and the Gestifute boss has been tasked with finding him a route out of the Bernabeu in the next transfer window .
According to various reports , Wolves , Newcastle United and Everton - who are managed by former Madrid chief Carlo Ancelotti - are in the running to land Rodriguez .
But he was recently urged to join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who played in the Premier League for Newcastle .
`` Manchester United would be a good place for James .
It ’ s been a while since they have been winning trophies and they are thinking about strengthening the team for next season , '' he told Colombian radio station Blu Radio , as per the Manchester Evening News .
`` They ’ ve got good players – like Juan Mata , who plays in a similar style to James , although he ’ s a little more dynamic and attacking but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that side .
`` James needs to go where he will play , a club where the coach has expressly asked for him and wants him in his team .
Not where he will be an impulse signing , bought on a whim by the president .
With his talent , he could play anywhere . ''
However , Rodriguez 's preference is to stay in Madrid according to Onda Cero .
They claim the 28-year-old loves life in the Spanish capital and wants to complete a transfer to Atletico Madrid .
Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mendes - but the same report suggests they would have trouble matching his £7.1million salary .

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James Rodriguez has reportedly decided which club he wants to join this summer.
The Real Madrid playmaker has been heavily linked with a transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers over the past few months. Rodriguez is a client of Jorge Mendes and the Gestifute boss has been tasked with finding him a route out of the Bernabeu in the next transfer window.
According to various reports, Wolves, Newcastle United and Everton - who are managed by former Madrid chief Carlo Ancelotti - are in the running to land Rodriguez.
But he was recently urged to join Manchester United by his compatriot Faustino Asprilla, who played in the Premier League for Newcastle.
"Manchester United would be a good place for James. It’s been a while since they have been winning trophies and they are thinking about strengthening the team for next season," he told Colombian radio station Blu Radio, as per the Manchester Evening News.
"They’ve got good players – like Juan Mata, who plays in a similar style to James, although he’s a little more dynamic and attacking but I think James could easily fit into that side.
"James needs to go where he will play, a club where the coach has expressly asked for him and wants him in his team. Not where he will be an impulse signing, bought on a whim by the president. With his talent, he could play anywhere."
However, Rodriguez's preference is to stay in Madrid according to Onda Cero. They claim the 28-year-old loves life in the Spanish capital and wants to complete a transfer to Atletico Madrid.
Like Wolves, Atletico also has strong ties to Mendes - but the same report suggests they would have trouble matching his £7.1million salary.


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Lucky escape as Audi catches fire on driveway

Occupants had a lucky escape after an Audi set alight on a driveway in a village just outside Walsall .
Two fire crews , which were from Lichfield and Aldridge , raced to Whitacre Lane , Stonall , after the German motor began to burn at around 1am on Saturday , May 16 .
Firefighters used two hose reel jets and breathing equipment managed to extinguish the blaze .
Part of the house was also damaged but no one was hurt , a spokesman for the fire service revealed .
It is not known yet known how the blaze started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watch supported Lichfield at a car fire on Whitacre Lane , Stonnall .
Two breathing apparatus and two hose reels were in use .
`` There was also additional minor fire damage to soffit and fascia of nearby property . ''
A spokesman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service added : `` Crews from Lichfield and Aldridge attended a car fire that had spread to a house this morning .
`` Luckily , occupants escaped with no injuries .
With quick action from crews minimising damage to the property .
# differentservicessameteam ''

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Occupants had a lucky escape after an Audi set alight on a driveway in a village just outside Walsall.
Two fire crews, which were from Lichfield and Aldridge, raced to Whitacre Lane, Stonall, after the German motor began to burn at around 1am on Saturday, May 16.
Firefighters used two hose reel jets and breathing equipment managed to extinguish the blaze.
Part of the house was also damaged but no one was hurt, a spokesman for the fire service revealed.
It is not known yet known how the blaze started.
Aldridge Fire said: "Green Watch supported Lichfield at a car fire on Whitacre Lane, Stonnall. Two breathing apparatus and two hose reels were in use.
"There was also additional minor fire damage to soffit and fascia of nearby property."
A spokesman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service added: "Crews from Lichfield and Aldridge attended a car fire that had spread to a house this morning.
"Luckily, occupants escaped with no injuries. With quick action from crews minimising damage to the property. #differentservicessameteam"


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Jeremy Corbyn's brother led away in cuffs at anti-lockdown demo

Jeremy Corbyn 's brother was led away in handcuffs after he linked coronavirus to 5G at an anti-lockdown protest .
Piers Corbyn addressed the Hyde Park gathering with a megaphone before he was removed by police .
He was said to have refused to leave the scene when asked to by an officer .
Around 35 people were said to have attended the event .
Mr Corbyn told them : `` They are telling us its a pandemic !
It 's a pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order . ''
Standing close together near Speaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held placards and banners including slogans like `` freedom over fear '' as police , including some on horseback , looked on .
Around a dozen protesters also gathered on Southampton Common to demonstrate against the lockdown .
The demonstrators held placards saying `` Stop the Lies '' , `` Say no to tyranny '' and `` Fight 4 Freedom '' .
Three police officers attended and were encouraging the group to carry out social distancing .
One protester , Dee , who did not wish to give her surname , said her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been hit by the crisis .
She told PA : `` I am here because I am worried about civil liberties being taken away .
`` Reading the coronavirus act that has gone through Parliament it seems there are changes being made which infringe our freedom .
`` And I am worried the media has run away with the Covid-19 thing and blown it all out of proportion .
`` People are still believing the mainstream media where the actual figures being put out explain it all that the risk of dying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The gatherings took place hours before latest figures showed the UK 's coronavirus hospital death toll had increased by 244 to 28,285 - with the Midlands the worst hit in England as 48 more patients died .
England reported 181 new deaths , Scotland had 41 , Wales recorded 18 and Northern Ireland had four .
The daily increase on Saturday , May 16 was down slightly from the 256 announced on Friday .

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Jeremy Corbyn's brother was led away in handcuffs after he linked coronavirus to 5G at an anti-lockdown protest.
Piers Corbyn addressed the Hyde Park gathering with a megaphone before he was removed by police. He was said to have refused to leave the scene when asked to by an officer.
Around 35 people were said to have attended the event.
Mr Corbyn told them: "They are telling us its a pandemic! It's a pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order."
Standing close together near Speaker's Corner, several of the protesters held placards and banners including slogans like "freedom over fear" as police, including some on horseback, looked on.
Around a dozen protesters also gathered on Southampton Common to demonstrate against the lockdown.
The demonstrators held placards saying "Stop the Lies", "Say no to tyranny" and "Fight 4 Freedom".
Three police officers attended and were encouraging the group to carry out social distancing.
One protester, Dee, who did not wish to give her surname, said her job in the hair and beauty industry had been hit by the crisis.
She told PA: "I am here because I am worried about civil liberties being taken away.
"Reading the coronavirus act that has gone through Parliament it seems there are changes being made which infringe our freedom.
"And I am worried the media has run away with the Covid-19 thing and blown it all out of proportion.
"People are still believing the mainstream media where the actual figures being put out explain it all that the risk of dying from Covid-19 are so tiny."
The gatherings took place hours before latest figures showed the UK's coronavirus hospital death toll had increased by 244 to 28,285 - with the Midlands the worst hit in England as 48 more patients died.
England reported 181 new deaths, Scotland had 41, Wales recorded 18 and Northern Ireland had four.
The daily increase on Saturday, May 16 was down slightly from the 256 announced on Friday.


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Woman 'punched and dragged to the ground' in sex attack

A woman was punched and dragged to the ground in a terrifying sex attack at a city park .
West Midlands Police said the victim was walking in Summerfield Park , Winson Green in broad daylight when she was assaulted .
She was heading from the City Road/ Gillott Road entrance to Selwyn Road at the time of the incident .
It took place at around 6pm on Saturday , April 4 .
She only managed to 'struggle free ' when a passer-by approached , police added .
Officers shared an image of a male who may have information .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 , Birmingham Police said : `` APPEAL | Do you know who this is ?
`` We want to speak to him after a woman was sexually assaulted in Summerfield Park in Winson Green at about 6pm on Saturday 4 April .
`` The woman was walking from the City Road/Gillott Road entrance to Selwyn Road when she was punched and dragged to the ground .
`` She managed to struggle free when a passer-by approached . ''
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk , quoting crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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A woman was punched and dragged to the ground in a terrifying sex attack at a city park.
West Midlands Police said the victim was walking in Summerfield Park, Winson Green in broad daylight when she was assaulted.
She was heading from the City Road/ Gillott Road entrance to Selwyn Road at the time of the incident.
It took place at around 6pm on Saturday, April 4.
She only managed to 'struggle free' when a passer-by approached, police added.
Officers shared an image of a male who may have information.
In the appeal, shared on May 15, Birmingham Police said: "APPEAL | Do you know who this is?
"We want to speak to him after a woman was sexually assaulted in Summerfield Park in Winson Green at about 6pm on Saturday 4 April.
"The woman was walking from the City Road/Gillott Road entrance to Selwyn Road when she was punched and dragged to the ground.
"She managed to struggle free when a passer-by approached."
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk, quoting crime reference number 20BW/59131Y/20, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-05-16--244 more fatalities across the UK and the Midlands is worst hit

The UK 's coronavirus hospital death toll has increased by 244 to 28,285 - with the Midlands the worst hit in England as 48 more patients died .
England reported 181 new deaths , Scotland had 41 , Wales recorded 18 and Northern Ireland had four .
The daily increase on Saturday , May 16 was down slightly from the 256 announced on Friday .
But , with 48 deaths , the Midlands had by far the highest deaths in England .
The North East and Yorkshire was second , with 32 , with the North West recording 29 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdowns in England and Wales were partially eased , and the latest death figures came as people living in or near beauty spots urged day-trippers to stay away .
The Peak District National Park urged the public not to visit as its car parks filled up .
Police set up a checkpoint on the A23 in Brighton and Hove , East Sussex , to remind people of the lockdown rules and catch people who were breaking them .
Visit Weston-super-Mare , which has changed its promotional slogan to `` do n't visit Weston-super-Mare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking people not to visit the seaside town in Somerset .
In Brighton the local council is asking people to `` stay away '' from its sea-front .
The Yorkshire Dales introduced a traffic light system to let visitors know how busy its car parks are in 10 different locations .
By Saturday afternoon , its Malham car park , which has 140 spaces , was marked red to indicate it was full , while other locations were marked amber to show they were filling up fast .
Since Wednesday , a slight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no longer limited to one opportunity to exercise outdoors each day .
They can also drive to beaches and countryside beauty spots in England , alone or with members of the same household , and can picnic , sunbathe and relax in public spaces .
But despite the new freedoms , police forces , tourist boards and park authorities across the country urge caution .
Authorities in Wales have been reminding the public that lockdown measures are different there and people should avoid all non-essential travel .
Meanwhile , teaching unions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government to begin re-opening schools in England as long as it can be done safely without risking a renewed coronavirus outbreak .
Patrick Roach , general secretary of the NASUWT union , said members supported schools re-opening provided they could be made `` Covid secure '' and it would not put public health at risk .
Anne Longfield , the Children 's Commissioner for England , has called on the two sides to `` stop squabbling '' and agree on a plan for a phased re-opening of primary schools from June 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despair '' at the increasingly entrenched positions being taken by the two sides , in which the interests of children were being ignored .
The teaching unions held talks on Friday with Government scientific advisers amid concerns that Boris Johnson was moving too quickly to ease the lockdown restrictions in England .
The meeting , however , was inconclusive with unions complaining that it raised more questions than answers .

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The UK's coronavirus hospital death toll has increased by 244 to 28,285 - with the Midlands the worst hit in England as 48 more patients died.
England reported 181 new deaths, Scotland had 41, Wales recorded 18 and Northern Ireland had four.
The daily increase on Saturday, May 16 was down slightly from the 256 announced on Friday.
But, with 48 deaths, the Midlands had by far the highest deaths in England. The North East and Yorkshire was second, with 32, with the North West recording 29.
This is the first weekend since the lockdowns in England and Wales were partially eased, and the latest death figures came as people living in or near beauty spots urged day-trippers to stay away.
The Peak District National Park urged the public not to visit as its car parks filled up.
Police set up a checkpoint on the A23 in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, to remind people of the lockdown rules and catch people who were breaking them.
Visit Weston-super-Mare, which has changed its promotional slogan to "don't visit Weston-super-Mare" on social media, is still asking people not to visit the seaside town in Somerset.
In Brighton the local council is asking people to "stay away" from its sea-front.
The Yorkshire Dales introduced a traffic light system to let visitors know how busy its car parks are in 10 different locations.
By Saturday afternoon, its Malham car park, which has 140 spaces, was marked red to indicate it was full, while other locations were marked amber to show they were filling up fast.
Since Wednesday, a slight relaxation of restrictions in England means people are no longer limited to one opportunity to exercise outdoors each day.
They can also drive to beaches and countryside beauty spots in England, alone or with members of the same household, and can picnic, sunbathe and relax in public spaces.
But despite the new freedoms, police forces, tourist boards and park authorities across the country urge caution.
Authorities in Wales have been reminding the public that lockdown measures are different there and people should avoid all non-essential travel.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Meanwhile, teaching unions have said they are willing to work with the Government to begin re-opening schools in England as long as it can be done safely without risking a renewed coronavirus outbreak.
Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT union, said members supported schools re-opening provided they could be made "Covid secure" and it would not put public health at risk.
Anne Longfield, the Children's Commissioner for England, has called on the two sides to "stop squabbling" and agree on a plan for a phased re-opening of primary schools from June 1.
She said she was in "despair" at the increasingly entrenched positions being taken by the two sides, in which the interests of children were being ignored.
The teaching unions held talks on Friday with Government scientific advisers amid concerns that Boris Johnson was moving too quickly to ease the lockdown restrictions in England.
The meeting, however, was inconclusive with unions complaining that it raised more questions than answers.


birminghammail--2020-05-16--Bamford discusses 'embarrassing' Villa regret and why he hasn't apologised

Patrick Bamford has opened up on his 'embarrassing ' Aston Villa moment and revealed how his attempt to apologise went wrong .
The Leeds United striker was in the centre of the controversy-filled 1-1 draw at Elland Road last summer .
In the game which will go down in folklore for both sides , Bamford was involved in the melee following the Whites ' opener .
Mateusz Klich opened the scoring for Marcelo Bielsa 's side , but only after they continued to play when Villa felt they were about to kick the ball out .
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Google Play Store and App Store It sparked confrontations on the sidelines and on the pitch , as tensions boiled over between the two promotion chasers .
Bamford initially threw Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane to the floor after he protested Klich 's strike , but it was the incident involving Anwar El Ghazi that is still a sour note for all concerned .
With little provocation , the Leeds striker flung himself to the ground , earning El Ghazi his marching orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescinded - with Bamford himself earning a ban for deceiving match officials .
And now the forward has admitted that as recently as last month , he attempted to pass on his apologies to El Ghazi after he was reminded of the brawl .
Asked for his favourite moment winding up the opposition , Bamford told the club 's official site : `` I 'll tell you my least favourite first .
“ It was the Aston Villa game , at the end of last year .
I look back at that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't mind the throwing Hourihane on the floor , because he had hold of Klichy , but when I went down , that was embarrassing .
Because it was a year ago , I saw it pop up on Twitter , I wanted to message El Ghazi to say sorry but he does n't follow me so I couldn't.
” Once the situation had been diffused , Bielsa allowed Villa to score an unopposed equaliser , a gesture that would see him win FIFA 's Fair Play Award at the end of @ @ @ @ @

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Patrick Bamford has opened up on his 'embarrassing' Aston Villa moment and revealed how his attempt to apologise went wrong.
The Leeds United striker was in the centre of the controversy-filled 1-1 draw at Elland Road last summer. In the game which will go down in folklore for both sides, Bamford was involved in the melee following the Whites' opener.
Mateusz Klich opened the scoring for Marcelo Bielsa's side, but only after they continued to play when Villa felt they were about to kick the ball out.
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It sparked confrontations on the sidelines and on the pitch, as tensions boiled over between the two promotion chasers.
Bamford initially threw Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane to the floor after he protested Klich's strike, but it was the incident involving Anwar El Ghazi that is still a sour note for all concerned.
With little provocation, the Leeds striker flung himself to the ground, earning El Ghazi his marching orders, a decision which would later be rescinded - with Bamford himself earning a ban for deceiving match officials.
And now the forward has admitted that as recently as last month, he attempted to pass on his apologies to El Ghazi after he was reminded of the brawl.
Asked for his favourite moment winding up the opposition, Bamford told the club's official site: "I'll tell you my least favourite first.
“It was the Aston Villa game, at the end of last year. I look back at that and I actually feel embarrassed.
“I don't mind the throwing Hourihane on the floor, because he had hold of Klichy, but when I went down, that was embarrassing. Because it was a year ago, I saw it pop up on Twitter, I wanted to message El Ghazi to say sorry but he doesn't follow me so I couldn't.”
Once the situation had been diffused, Bielsa allowed Villa to score an unopposed equaliser, a gesture that would see him win FIFA's Fair Play Award at the end of year awards in December.