birminghammail--2020-02-28--'Sensational' - The key West Brom quality that is earning plaudits

West Brom are the top scorers in the Championship , and their goal threat from across the pitch is a major factor in their success thus far .
Attacking players in Matheus Pereira , Hal Robson-Kanu , Callum Robinson and Grady Diangana have all taken the plaudits - and rightly so - this season , but it ’ s at the back where the most noticeable difference has taken place in recent weeks .
Albion have kept four clean sheets in their last six matches ; only Nottingham Forest and Reading have managed to find the net in that time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mustered up between them was an own goal and a penalty .
Even more impressive than that , though , has been the lack of shots on target opponents have been able to manage in that time .
This is your round up of all things West Brom ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... • The player ratings as the Baggies sweep aside North End - READ For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Since the defeat to Cardiff at the end of January , they ’ ve allowed six shots on Sam Johnstone ’ s goal , in six matches .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had very little to do , with the defence beginning at the front of the team .
The 4-3-3 has allowed the likes of Filip Krovinovic and Jake Livermore to press higher upfield , and it ’ s suffocating sides who aren ’ t capable of playing through the Baggies .
It ’ s a skill that was picked up on by the pundits on EFL on Quest , presenter Colin Murray and former Spurs forward Darren Bent .
“ I remember when they were on their slump , West Brom , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the Cardiff game how it ’ s about beginning at the back .
It ’ s not good enough .
“ We know on paper what we have to do to stop teams defensively and we ’ re not doing it .
I think there were cups of tea smashed after that game !
“ He was absolutely livid , and the results after that are proof that that was enough , that night against Cardiff , what a February they ’ ve had.
” Bent replied : “ Yeah , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six with one draw .
It ’ s absolutely sensational form .
They ’ re playing some good sides in there , with Forest and Bristol City .
“ As I say , to win five out of six in February , crunch time , it ’ s fantastic.
” A graphic was then displayed by the programme , detailing how Albion were keeping opponents at arm ’ s length - indeed Millwall had half of the shots total of six , all of them coming from Jed Wallace , outside of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many shots the opposition have had one target .
Six , Darren , for the whole damn month .
That ’ s a Premier League team , ” Murray added .
Bent agreed , and believes Albion must continue to approach the remainder of their league matches in such a way .
He said : “ Exactly , and a Premier League manager in my opinion , that ’ s why .
He ’ s moaned at Cardiff about what was going on , and those results there ...
I mean , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Reading ] .
“ To concede six shots in six games is fantastic and they ’ ve played Nottingham Forest , Bristol City and Preston , teams attacking the play-off spots at the moment .
“ If they ’ re going to get promoted that needs to continue .
”

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West Brom are the top scorers in the Championship, and their goal threat from across the pitch is a major factor in their success thus far.
Attacking players in Matheus Pereira, Hal Robson-Kanu, Callum Robinson and Grady Diangana have all taken the plaudits - and rightly so - this season, but it’s at the back where the most noticeable difference has taken place in recent weeks.
Albion have kept four clean sheets in their last six matches; only Nottingham Forest and Reading have managed to find the net in that time, and among the three goals they mustered up between them was an own goal and a penalty.
Even more impressive than that, though, has been the lack of shots on target opponents have been able to manage in that time.
Since the defeat to Cardiff at the end of January, they’ve allowed six shots on Sam Johnstone’s goal, in six matches. It’s meant their number one has had very little to do, with the defence beginning at the front of the team.
The 4-3-3 has allowed the likes of Filip Krovinovic and Jake Livermore to press higher upfield, and it’s suffocating sides who aren’t capable of playing through the Baggies.
It’s a skill that was picked up on by the pundits on EFL on Quest, presenter Colin Murray and former Spurs forward Darren Bent.
“I remember when they were on their slump, West Brom,” Murray said. “Slaven Bilic said after the Cardiff game how it’s about beginning at the back. It’s not good enough.
“We know on paper what we have to do to stop teams defensively and we’re not doing it. I think there were cups of tea smashed after that game!
“He was absolutely livid, and the results after that are proof that that was enough, that night against Cardiff, what a February they’ve had.”
Bent replied: “Yeah, they’ve had five wins out of six with one draw. It’s absolutely sensational form. They’re playing some good sides in there, with Forest and Bristol City.
“As I say, to win five out of six in February, crunch time, it’s fantastic.”
A graphic was then displayed by the programme, detailing how Albion were keeping opponents at arm’s length - indeed Millwall had half of the shots total of six, all of them coming from Jed Wallace, outside of the penalty area.
“Here is how many shots the opposition have had one target. Six, Darren, for the whole damn month. That’s a Premier League team,” Murray added.
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Bent agreed, and believes Albion must continue to approach the remainder of their league matches in such a way.
He said: “Exactly, and a Premier League manager in my opinion, that’s why. He’s moaned at Cardiff about what was going on, and those results there...I mean, even one of those was a penalty [at Reading].
“To concede six shots in six games is fantastic and they’ve played Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Preston, teams attacking the play-off spots at the moment.
“If they’re going to get promoted that needs to continue.”


birminghammail--2020-02-28--'Sickens me' - No holds barred verdict on Aston Villa's Carabao Cup final opponents

It 's a big match on Sunday , if you did n't know .
Aston Villa will face To figure out Villa 's priorities , and the general feeling of the fanbase before the match , we posed a set of questions to three Villa writers .
We asked Regan Foy ( RF ) founder of Under A Gaslit Lamp , Jonathan Fear ( JF ) of Vital Villa and Phil Vogel ( PV ) , editor over at transatlantic Villa website 7500 to Holte about their hopes , fears , opinions and expectations ahead of the match .
Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is the cup final a distraction from Villa 's relegation worries ?
JF : I have never felt so strange and strained about a Cup final in my life .
My first game was 1977 and to me , football has always been about silverware , something this club has far too little of .
But , after the woeful display v Southampton , I agree with Dean Smith , THAT was a Cup final .
The way some did n't show any fight made me think maybe this is a distraction and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trouble is , as a Villa fan , hope springs eternal does n't it ?
It is a distraction for my liver and my latest training regime , that is for sure !
PV : Yes -- but it is a welcome one .
This is not a two-leg match-up with a ton of travel in the middle of the week with five matches in two weeks or anything .
The training schedule is normal -- as is the travel .
Sure the Sheffield United fixture has been pushed back -- but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trip to Wembley for the third straight year for Villa .
It is a chance to add silverware to the trophy case .
Manchester City is a rough opponent -- but anything can happen on the pitch .
And that is a welcome distraction for me as a supporter in the middle of a relegation fight .
If Villa lose -- the table doesn ’ t change .
If Villa win -- huge confidence boost and a trophy for Jack Grealish to lift .
RF : For the fans , absolutely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much .
Of course there will be fans that are still struggling with the fact we 're sitting uncomfortably in 17th , but for the vast majority , a day out at Wembley is bound to reduce the Villa related stresses , at least until kick-off .
For the players , it 's a chance to prove themselves after the horrific performance against Southampton , but a rollicking from City will always be in the back of their mind .
What have you made of Manchester City this season ?
JF : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and much success .
I have always found City to be a bit poxy , and the way they have bought their success , via being owned basically by a country , sickens me .
Well , you did ask !
To be fair , they have n't been at all bad , it is just Liverpool have been SO very good .
They are quality when they start passing the ball around and obviously know where the goal is , as Villa have witnessed twice already this season .
PV : They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front .
City are a squad worthy of winning the Premier League - even while Liverpool are clearly a cut above this campaign .
Any of the City players are capable of moments of brilliance to change a match - which means opponents can ’ t really concentrate on shutting down one player - or one lane of attack .
A 9-1 total score over the two fixtures speaks volumes about the difference in talent .
RF : They have proved football is a fickle thing and that anything can change in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norwich has to be a particular oddity in City 's season - and if Norwich can do it , then so can we .
They have had their issues on and off the pitch , such as Laporte 's injury and the UEFA ban .
City have looked weaker at times this season than they did last year , but they are still such a dominant force in the Premier League and are the highest-scoring team in the division as it stands - which worries me against Aston Villa 's leaky defence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , how would you approach City ?
JF : With anger and fury .
Seriously .
Our lot are too nice , and we will get nothing being nice .
We will get nothing if we try to outpass them .
We need to hurry them , harass them , not give them a moment on the ball .
That is the only way we will have a chance .
Our lot stroll about far too much and give other teams the sort of space they do n't give us .
Why ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Jack and Jack alone , the rest of the team need to be fired up and told if they lose the ball , to blinking well get straight back at it to win it back .
PV : Carefully .
Villa can not expect to outplay Manchester City .
But at the same time , if Villa only sit back for 90 minutes the scoreline will not be kind .
I would tell my Villa team to look for counter attacks and when they are there , push five or six players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box .
But if the move breaks down - do not push the envelope - switch the play and slow it down .
City will press Villa ’ s backline and Villa must be better against the press than they were against Southampton .
Also , - practice set pieces and start Hourihane to try to take advantage of them .
As for goalkeeper .
Reina is clearly the better player .
He has a presence of “ been there , done that ” because he has .
Nyland has been a hero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep his place based on his performances in the Cup .
He also got crushed ( along with the rest of the team ) against City last time out .
The decision is difficult -- reward a younger keeper for his performances or put out the clear first choice .
Martin O ’ Neill picked Brad Friedel over Guzan in a similar situation in 2010 .
RF : I 'd move away from the formation we 've been employing since Burnley .
At times it has looked good and worked well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Leicester , but since that win , I would have to argue it has looked open at the back and light in the middle .
There 's the argument of whether it 's worthwhile to sit back and wait for a rare City mistake , or to go at them from the off in the hope that we can surprise them .
I 'd probably take it back to the basics - something Richard O'Kelly spoke about a lot to club media - and play a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Jack in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stronger teams , or teams with strong wingers , having Jack on the left can leave Targett isolated too often .
Who is going to save the day for Villa if Wembley nerves set in ?
JF : I do n't see any leaders in our side .
That is the problem .
I 'm not talking in hindsight , I said on my forum at the start of the season we were n't set up right .
You ca n't throw players together like this without having some experience .
After the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at anyone who will save the day .
Jack , on his day , is outstanding , but he must be knackered and so frustrated that he has to be up and down the pitch doing the job of two players because we have so many passengers .
Oh and nerves ?
Give me a break .
They are going to play a game of football , something they are incredibly well renumerated for doing so .
I 've walked into brain ops and other major operations with no nerves , just guts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm sure they can kick the ball around withour fear ... no pun intended .
PV : I miss John McGinn .
He is my answer here because he offers a threat that would prevent Manchester City from putting four defenders around Jack Grealish .
But of the players available -- Mings will be key in the back .
He will have to keep his partner or partners in task and alert .
And no delaying on the ball !
!
RF : Nerves certainly set in against Leicester in the semi-final , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stadium thought Trézéguet was going to save the day .
If anyone , it 's going to be someone unexpected , not Jack , I feel .
Maybe a Conor Hourihane cameo from the bench , or a Marvelous Nakamba masterstroke could be the difference between a trophy or a runners-up medal .
On the other side , who is the threat in Pep Guardiola 's team ?
JF : LOL .
Each and every one of them , no point me trying to be clever and say you have to watch out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the all time greats .
I always find Sterling odd , some days he looks the complete player , other times he looks so off the pace .
Hopefully he 's off the pace on Sunday !
But for me , the whole team is just amazing , as they should be , the price they 've spent on them .
PV : Everyone .
If forced to pick -- I guess I would single out Kevin De Bruyne because of his passing .
If the Villa defenders turn off -- he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense .
And -- if I ’ m being honest -- that will probably happen a couple of times even if the Villa defenders are on their toes .
He is a fun watch… except against Villa .
RF : I think this one is relatively obvious , and that 's Kevin De Bruyne .
I would make the argument that he is the best , if not one of the best , midfielders in the world .
He 's Pep 's metronome , keeping everything ticking from the middle of the pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a devilish pass or smash a ball home from 30 yards out could really hurt Aston Villa if they decide they want to defend for the full 90 .
What would it mean to you to see Villa lift the Carabao Cup ?
JF : I missed 1994 due to a brain operation and 1996 for a follow up operation , so to see us win something at Wembley would be awesome .
I do n't really like the playoff system , love that it got us up , but do n't really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and refused the offer to have my picture taken with it , no , that 's not for me ) .
Hey , if we win , you might see a bald bloke crying , and no , I do n't mean Pep !
PV : It would mean my first real memory of a trophy for Villa .
Sure Grealish and Chester technically raised one after promotion last year -- and while that was a fantastic moment -- I don ’ t consider that a title win .
It would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rough decade or so .
I was too young in 1996 and living in the states did not have the kind of access to the team at the time .
RF : Everything !
The Play-Off Final was one of the happiest moments of my life and I 'm not ashamed to say I cried .
Winning some silverware would be great , and especially a cup that we have so much pedigree in , but I 'd favour Premier League survival over winning the Carabao Cup any day of the week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ memory ?
JF : Yes , Sunday 1st March 2020 .
Jack Grealish scores a stunner to win the Cup and cements himself as a club legend .
PV : No .
No I do not .
2010 I was working overnights so the match is kind of a blur -- and not a pleasant one in the end .
RF : In terms of finals , I 'm only old enough to remember one and that 's the 2-1 loss to Manchester United in 2010 which leaves a bad taste in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially as we matched them man-for-man for the entire game .
Generally though , I think the feeling I had when Trézéguet scored against Leicester will live with me for quite some time .
Finally , how do you see Sunday going ?
JF : Gulp .
I think that sums it up .
But hey , you have to dream do n't you ?
PV : Honestly ?
Poorly .
Manchester City are a better team .
Grealish is the one route for real attacks to come from and I expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game ( tactically not physically ) .
Villa will need someone else to step up to create attacks -- with the most likely candidates being the fullbacks .
3-1 to the bad .
But I hope I am wrong -- and that hope is enough right now .
RF : In games like these , anything can happen .
Hull took Arsenal to extra-time in the FA Cup Final .
Wigan beat Manchester City too - and also knocked them out of the FA Cup in 2018 with just 17 % possession .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for both sides and I 'm hoping there 's not a huge scoreline like City 's FA cup final against Watford last season , so I 'm going to say that this Carabao Cup Final will be even after 90 minutes .
Who knows what can happen after that .

It's a big match on Sunday, if you didn't know. Aston Villa will face
To figure out Villa's priorities, and the general feeling of the fanbase before the match, we posed a set of questions to three Villa writers.
We asked Regan Foy (RF) founder of Under A Gaslit Lamp , Jonathan Fear (JF) of Vital Villa and Phil Vogel (PV), editor over at transatlantic Villa website 7500 to Holte about their hopes, fears, opinions and expectations ahead of the match.
Here's what they had to say.
Is the cup final a distraction from Villa's relegation worries?
JF: I have never felt so strange and strained about a Cup final in my life. My first game was 1977 and to me, football has always been about silverware, something this club has far too little of. But, after the woeful display v Southampton, I agree with Dean Smith, THAT was a Cup final. The way some didn't show any fight made me think maybe this is a distraction and some don't deserve to play.
Trouble is, as a Villa fan, hope springs eternal doesn't it?
It is a distraction for my liver and my latest training regime, that is for sure!
PV: Yes -- but it is a welcome one. This is not a two-leg match-up with a ton of travel in the middle of the week with five matches in two weeks or anything. The training schedule is normal -- as is the travel. Sure the Sheffield United fixture has been pushed back -- but that is fine by me.
This is a trip to Wembley for the third straight year for Villa. It is a chance to add silverware to the trophy case. Manchester City is a rough opponent -- but anything can happen on the pitch. And that is a welcome distraction for me as a supporter in the middle of a relegation fight. If Villa lose -- the table doesn’t change. If Villa win -- huge confidence boost and a trophy for Jack Grealish to lift.
RF: For the fans, absolutely. For the players I would argue not so much. Of course there will be fans that are still struggling with the fact we're sitting uncomfortably in 17th, but for the vast majority, a day out at Wembley is bound to reduce the Villa related stresses, at least until kick-off. For the players, it's a chance to prove themselves after the horrific performance against Southampton, but a rollicking from City will always be in the back of their mind.
What have you made of Manchester City this season?
JF: A small club with a massive budget and much success. I have always found City to be a bit poxy, and the way they have bought their success, via being owned basically by a country, sickens me.
Well, you did ask! To be fair, they haven't been at all bad, it is just Liverpool have been SO very good. They are quality when they start passing the ball around and obviously know where the goal is, as Villa have witnessed twice already this season.
PV: They are really good - from back to front. City are a squad worthy of winning the Premier League - even while Liverpool are clearly a cut above this campaign. Any of the City players are capable of moments of brilliance to change a match - which means opponents can’t really concentrate on shutting down one player - or one lane of attack. A 9-1 total score over the two fixtures speaks volumes about the difference in talent.
RF: They have proved football is a fickle thing and that anything can change in the space of a season. Losing to Norwich has to be a particular oddity in City's season - and if Norwich can do it, then so can we.
They have had their issues on and off the pitch, such as Laporte's injury and the UEFA ban. City have looked weaker at times this season than they did last year, but they are still such a dominant force in the Premier League and are the highest-scoring team in the division as it stands - which worries me against Aston Villa's leaky defence.
Villa Wembley supplement Get your 16-page Villa at Wembley pull-out free with today's Birmingham Mail. Featuring interviews with League Cup heroes Savo Milosevic, Big Ron and Tony Daley, the road to Wembley and our Carabao Cup final predictions. Come on you Villa boys! UTV
If you were in charge of Villa, how would you approach City?
JF: With anger and fury. Seriously. Our lot are too nice, and we will get nothing being nice. We will get nothing if we try to outpass them. We need to hurry them, harass them, not give them a moment on the ball. That is the only way we will have a chance. Our lot stroll about far too much and give other teams the sort of space they don't give us. Why? No idea. We cannot rely on Jack and Jack alone, the rest of the team need to be fired up and told if they lose the ball, to blinking well get straight back at it to win it back.
PV: Carefully. Villa cannot expect to outplay Manchester City. But at the same time, if Villa only sit back for 90 minutes the scoreline will not be kind. I would tell my Villa team to look for counter attacks and when they are there, push five or six players forward and get early balls into the box. But if the move breaks down - do not push the envelope - switch the play and slow it down. City will press Villa’s backline and Villa must be better against the press than they were against Southampton. Also,- practice set pieces and start Hourihane to try to take advantage of them.
As for goalkeeper. Reina is clearly the better player. He has a presence of “been there, done that” because he has. Nyland has been a hero to Villa on the run and deserves to keep his place based on his performances in the Cup. He also got crushed (along with the rest of the team) against City last time out. The decision is difficult -- reward a younger keeper for his performances or put out the clear first choice.
Martin O’Neill picked Brad Friedel over Guzan in a similar situation in 2010.
RF: I'd move away from the formation we've been employing since Burnley. At times it has looked good and worked well, such as both of the semi-final legs against Leicester, but since that win, I would have to argue it has looked open at the back and light in the middle. There's the argument of whether it's worthwhile to sit back and wait for a rare City mistake, or to go at them from the off in the hope that we can surprise them. I'd probably take it back to the basics - something Richard O'Kelly spoke about a lot to club media - and play a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Jack in a central position. I think against stronger teams, or teams with strong wingers, having Jack on the left can leave Targett isolated too often.
(Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
Who is going to save the day for Villa if Wembley nerves set in?
JF: I don't see any leaders in our side. That is the problem. I'm not talking in hindsight, I said on my forum at the start of the season we weren't set up right. You can't throw players together like this without having some experience. After the Saints match, I can't point at anyone who will save the day. Jack, on his day, is outstanding, but he must be knackered and so frustrated that he has to be up and down the pitch doing the job of two players because we have so many passengers.
Oh and nerves? Give me a break. They are going to play a game of football, something they are incredibly well renumerated for doing so. I've walked into brain ops and other major operations with no nerves, just guts and a winner's attitude. I'm sure they can kick the ball around withour fear... no pun intended.
PV: I miss John McGinn. He is my answer here because he offers a threat that would prevent Manchester City from putting four defenders around Jack Grealish.
But of the players available -- Mings will be key in the back. He will have to keep his partner or partners in task and alert. And no delaying on the ball!!
RF: Nerves certainly set in against Leicester in the semi-final, and I'd argue nobody in that stadium thought Trézéguet was going to save the day. If anyone, it's going to be someone unexpected, not Jack, I feel. Maybe a Conor Hourihane cameo from the bench, or a Marvelous Nakamba masterstroke could be the difference between a trophy or a runners-up medal.
On the other side, who is the threat in Pep Guardiola's team?
JF: LOL. Each and every one of them, no point me trying to be clever and say you have to watch out for Sergio Aguero, he is one of the all time greats. I always find Sterling odd, some days he looks the complete player, other times he looks so off the pace. Hopefully he's off the pace on Sunday! But for me, the whole team is just amazing, as they should be, the price they've spent on them.
PV: Everyone. If forced to pick -- I guess I would single out Kevin De Bruyne because of his passing. If the Villa defenders turn off -- he will find the pass that breaks the defense. And -- if I’m being honest -- that will probably happen a couple of times even if the Villa defenders are on their toes. He is a fun watch… except against Villa.
RF: I think this one is relatively obvious, and that's Kevin De Bruyne. I would make the argument that he is the best, if not one of the best, midfielders in the world. He's Pep's metronome, keeping everything ticking from the middle of the pitch, and his ability to pick out a devilish pass or smash a ball home from 30 yards out could really hurt Aston Villa if they decide they want to defend for the full 90.
What would it mean to you to see Villa lift the Carabao Cup?
JF: I missed 1994 due to a brain operation and 1996 for a follow up operation, so to see us win something at Wembley would be awesome. I don't really like the playoff system, love that it got us up, but don't really like getting a cup for it (and refused the offer to have my picture taken with it, no, that's not for me). Hey, if we win, you might see a bald bloke crying, and no, I don't mean Pep!
PV: It would mean my first real memory of a trophy for Villa. Sure Grealish and Chester technically raised one after promotion last year -- and while that was a fantastic moment -- I don’t consider that a title win. It would be a proud moment in what has been a rough decade or so. I was too young in 1996 and living in the states did not have the kind of access to the team at the time.
RF: Everything! The Play-Off Final was one of the happiest moments of my life and I'm not ashamed to say I cried. Winning some silverware would be great, and especially a cup that we have so much pedigree in, but I'd favour Premier League survival over winning the Carabao Cup any day of the week.
Do you have a favourite League Cup memory?
JF: Yes, Sunday 1st March 2020. Jack Grealish scores a stunner to win the Cup and cements himself as a club legend.
PV: No. No I do not. 2010 I was working overnights so the match is kind of a blur -- and not a pleasant one in the end.
RF: In terms of finals, I'm only old enough to remember one and that's the 2-1 loss to Manchester United in 2010 which leaves a bad taste in the mouth regarding Vidic remaining on the pitch, especially as we matched them man-for-man for the entire game. Generally though, I think the feeling I had when Trézéguet scored against Leicester will live with me for quite some time.
Finally, how do you see Sunday going?
JF: Gulp. I think that sums it up. But hey, you have to dream don't you?
PV: Honestly? Poorly. Manchester City are a better team. Grealish is the one route for real attacks to come from and I expect City to take him out of the game (tactically not physically). Villa will need someone else to step up to create attacks -- with the most likely candidates being the fullbacks. 3-1 to the bad. But I hope I am wrong -- and that hope is enough right now.
RF: In games like these, anything can happen. Hull took Arsenal to extra-time in the FA Cup Final. Wigan beat Manchester City too - and also knocked them out of the FA Cup in 2018 with just 17% possession. I think it'll be a slug for both sides and I'm hoping there's not a huge scoreline like City's FA cup final against Watford last season, so I'm going to say that this Carabao Cup Final will be even after 90 minutes. Who knows what can happen after that.


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Love Island's Theo Campbell and Kaz Crossley announce split

Love Island 's Theo Campbell has announced his split from girlfriend Kaz Crossley .
Campbell has announced that he 's split from his girlfriend nine months after they made it official .
The 28-year-old starred in the 2017 series of the ITV2 reality show , which is set in Majorca for its summer seasons .
When asked on FUBAR radio how their relationship was going , he confirmed it was over .
When pressed , the star replied : `` I do n't wan na say too much but I 'm gon na say , people these days and love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He added : `` It 's a tricky hard world .
I feel like with us , I kinda gave it my everything and it feels a bit underappreciated .
It 's a bit crazy at the moment . ''
He added : `` I do n't know what to call it .
What 's the right way to say it ?
I got slinged !
I do n't know what to call it .
`` I think girls anyway in general are hard to deal with… Before Kaz I had n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I always said , especially coming off Love Island , that 's why I never got with any of the other Love Island girls and nothing like that .
`` I was like they 're too mentally unstable !
They 're too all over the place !
I do n't want to get with none .
I 'm friends with them but I will never make any of them my girlfriend !
`` But then I met Kaz and I was like , you know what I mean , she might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get these overnight million followers and that overnight celebrity stuff , it 's a lot of pressure for people to deal with , especially with , especially the girls and stuff as well !
`` Trying to have the balance between a normal relationship and the other side of it , it 's difficult to balance . ''
He added : `` I feel like girls , they keep their real emotions bottled up for the six months , selling the dream , and then six months they 're like ' I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be myself ! '
`` If there was such thing as the perfect boyfriend , it would be my face in the dictionary .
The sacrifices I 've made recently !
!
! ''

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Love Island's Theo Campbell has announced his split from girlfriend Kaz Crossley.
Campbell has announced that he's split from his girlfriend nine months after they made it official.
The 28-year-old starred in the 2017 series of the ITV2 reality show, which is set in Majorca for its summer seasons.
When asked on FUBAR radio how their relationship was going, he confirmed it was over.
When pressed, the star replied: "I don't wanna say too much but I'm gonna say, people these days and love these days, it's confusing."
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He added: "It's a tricky hard world. I feel like with us, I kinda gave it my everything and it feels a bit underappreciated. It's a bit crazy at the moment."
He added: "I don't know what to call it. What's the right way to say it? I got slinged! I don't know what to call it.
"I think girls anyway in general are hard to deal with… Before Kaz I hadn't had a girlfriend for five years, and I always said, especially coming off Love Island, that's why I never got with any of the other Love Island girls and nothing like that.
"I was like they're too mentally unstable! They're too all over the place! I don't want to get with none. I'm friends with them but I will never make any of them my girlfriend!
"But then I met Kaz and I was like, you know what I mean, she might be a bit different, but when you get these overnight million followers and that overnight celebrity stuff, it's a lot of pressure for people to deal with, especially with, especially the girls and stuff as well!
"Trying to have the balance between a normal relationship and the other side of it, it's difficult to balance."
He added: "I feel like girls, they keep their real emotions bottled up for the six months, selling the dream, and then six months they're like 'I've got him now and now I can be myself!'
"If there was such thing as the perfect boyfriend, it would be my face in the dictionary. The sacrifices I've made recently!!!"


birminghammail--2020-02-28--How UK's Coronavirus action plan could impact on Aston Villa's battle for Premier League safety

Aston Villa could be set for a reprive from the threat of Premier League relegation due to drastic action being considered to halt the spread of deadly Coronavirus .
According to a report by the Telegraph , the Premier League season could be cut short by the order of the Government to curb the deadly virus .
If the Government takes action , all sporting events for the next two months face cancellation , including Villa 's crunch Premier League run-in .
This would then lead to crisis talks between officials , who would have to decide the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign void , or finish the season early .
It would certainly be a cause of controversy to be relegated , or handed the title , based on an abandonment of schedule - and any team that suffers as a result would surely challenge the ruling .
Villa 's precarious survival situation could end up being influenced by any Government action .
They sit just a point and a place above 18th placed West Ham United in the table - and they face the Hammers in the last game of the season on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fixtures would have a direct impact on the relegation battle with just 11 games to go .
It 's unlikely that any team in the bottom five will win the full allocation of 33 points , and with points at a premium , a schedule abandonment and a confirmation of current standings before the next round of fixtures would be a huge issue for West Ham , Norwich and Watford - but not Villa .
A team facing the threat of relegation - like Villa - may get a reprieve in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season is declared void - Villa will likely stay up .
If the season is cancelled with Villa outside of the relegation zone , they will stay up in that circumstance as well .
Action is yet to take place , but it is currently under consideration as the Coronavirus spreads across Europe .

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Aston Villa could be set for an odd reprieve from the threat of Premier League relegation due to the drastic action being considered to halt the spread of the Coronavirus.
According to a report by the Telegraph , the Premier League season could be cut short by the order of the Government to curb the virus.
If the Government takes action, all sporting events for the next two months face cancellation, including Villa's crunch Premier League run-in as the side battle for survival.
This would then lead to crisis talks between officials, who would have to decide the course of action, which could render the entire campaign void, or finish the season early.
It would certainly be a cause of controversy to be relegated, or handed the title, based on an abandonment of schedule - and any team that suffers as a result would surely challenge the ruling.
Villa's precarious survival situation could end up being influenced by any Government action. They sit just a point and a place above 18th placed West Ham United in the table - and they face the Hammers in the last game of the season on the 17th of May.
Any cancellation of fixtures would have a direct impact on the relegation battle with just 11 games to go. It's unlikely that any team in the bottom five will win the full allocation of 33 points, and with points at a premium, a schedule abandonment and a confirmation of current standings before the next round of fixtures would be a huge issue for West Ham, Norwich and Watford - but not Villa.
A team facing the threat of relegation - like Villa - may get a reprieve in the strangest set of circumstances. If the season is declared void - Villa will likely stay up.
If the season is cancelled with Villa outside of the relegation zone, they will stay up in that circumstance as well.
Action is yet to take place, but it is currently under consideration as the Coronavirus spreads across Europe .


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Former Wylde Green pub apartment block plan rejected

A retirement apartment complex proposal for a former Sutton Coldfield pub site has been rejected due to issues with its size .
Gladman Retirement Living Limited ’ s plan for a four-storey 57-apartment complex on the former Wylde Green pub site in Birmingham Road was rejected by Birmingham City Council ’ s planning committee on Thursday , February 27 .
Councillors voted 11 against the proposal and two in favour .
Councillors rejected the plans on two grounds – the scale of the proposal – the ‘ elongated nature of its frontage to Birmingham Road ’ and the ‘ elongated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ which would be ‘ out of context with the surrounding properties ’ .
And they decided it would be ‘ unduly dominant ’ .
The second reason for rejection was the absence of a suitable legal agreement for a financial contribution in connection with the ‘ loss of the bowling green ’ and to ‘ maintain highway safety ’ .
A third proposed reason for refusal – that the application would lead to an increased demand for on-street parking , and increased vehicle and pedestrian movements in the area - was removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not considered to be legally defendable at appeal .
Speaking at the meeting , Coun Gareth Moore ( Erdington , Con ) said : “ I appreciate the officers coming back to us with reasons for refusal in line with the concerns we raised when the application was considered two weeks ago .
“ I hope the applicant will take the feedback on board and will look to revise the scheme to make it more acceptable in terms of its scale and massing .
I am still of the view it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I have no objection to extra care apartment provision within the area .
It ’ s just the sheer scale of what is proposed is too large in my opinion.
” At a previous planning committee meeting on February 13 , Amy Millichope , whose home in Henley Close backs on to the pub site , spoke against the plan and said it was ‘ overwhelming to neighbouring properties ’ , particularly as the pub site was on a higher level to the homes in her road .
Speaking after the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My neighbours and I are really pleased with the council ’ s decision to refuse the plans in the current form .
“ We wait in anticipation of the inevitable resubmission , and we hope that the developers take the comments from Birmingham City Council on board by reducing the height and dominant nature , to ensure a reasonable development.
” Wylde Green city councillor , Alex Yip ( Con ) welcomed the decision and said : “ I am greatly relieved concerns raised by myself , the Wylde Green Neighbourhood Forum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listened to by the planning committee .
“ It is clear to everyone that the scale , height and number of units is simply not appropriate , out of keeping and will adversely affect residents and the region .
“ While we acknowledge that something will eventually replace the site of this popular and historic landmark , it must be in keeping with the character and of an appropriate size .
“ Any residents who wish to feed into any future planning applications please contact me at my council email .
”

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A retirement apartment complex proposal for a former Sutton Coldfield pub site has been rejected due to issues with its size.
Gladman Retirement Living Limited’s plan for a four-storey 57-apartment complex on the former Wylde Green pub site in Birmingham Road was rejected by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee on Thursday, February 27. Councillors voted 11 against the proposal and two in favour.
Councillors rejected the plans on two grounds – the scale of the proposal – the ‘elongated nature of its frontage to Birmingham Road’ and the ‘elongated nature and height of the rear wing’ which would be ‘out of context with the surrounding properties’. And they decided it would be ‘unduly dominant’.
(Image: Google)
The second reason for rejection was the absence of a suitable legal agreement for a financial contribution in connection with the ‘loss of the bowling green’ and to ‘maintain highway safety’.
A third proposed reason for refusal – that the application would lead to an increased demand for on-street parking, and increased vehicle and pedestrian movements in the area - was removed and not voted upon, as it was not considered to be legally defendable at appeal.
Speaking at the meeting, Coun Gareth Moore (Erdington, Con) said: “I appreciate the officers coming back to us with reasons for refusal in line with the concerns we raised when the application was considered two weeks ago.
“I hope the applicant will take the feedback on board and will look to revise the scheme to make it more acceptable in terms of its scale and massing. I am still of the view it is too large for what is proposed.
“I have no objection to extra care apartment provision within the area. It’s just the sheer scale of what is proposed is too large in my opinion.”
At a previous planning committee meeting on February 13, Amy Millichope, whose home in Henley Close backs on to the pub site, spoke against the plan and said it was ‘overwhelming to neighbouring properties’, particularly as the pub site was on a higher level to the homes in her road.
Speaking after the plan was rejected, she told BirminghamLive: “My neighbours and I are really pleased with the council’s decision to refuse the plans in the current form.
“We wait in anticipation of the inevitable resubmission, and we hope that the developers take the comments from Birmingham City Council on board by reducing the height and dominant nature, to ensure a reasonable development.”
Wylde Green city councillor, Alex Yip (Con) welcomed the decision and said: “I am greatly relieved concerns raised by myself, the Wylde Green Neighbourhood Forum, residents and town councillors have been listened to by the planning committee.
“It is clear to everyone that the scale, height and number of units is simply not appropriate, out of keeping and will adversely affect residents and the region.
“While we acknowledge that something will eventually replace the site of this popular and historic landmark, it must be in keeping with the character and of an appropriate size.
“Any residents who wish to feed into any future planning applications please contact me at my council email.”


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Dean Smith highlights key to keeping Jack Grealish at Aston Villa

One of Dean Smith 's hardest - and frustrating - tasks as Aston Villa head coach is dealing with Jack Grealish .
No , not the player himself - who has become a huge influence and role model at Bodymoor Heath - but the constant bubble of speculation that has surrounded the mercurial Villa superstar on his ascent to greatness has certainly been a grinding frustation .
Once more , Smith was faced with the speculation ahead of the Carabao Cup final with Manchester City .
Will Grealish be leaving - and does winning the cup final make it easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the league ?
`` I don ’ t know .
That ’ s a question we ’ ll have to answer in the summer .
Obviously , staying in this league is one of the biggest things to help us keep Jack Grealish .
`` He wants to play at the highest level and he wants to win trophies . ''
And Smith knows that Sunday is important to Grealish 's Villa future as well - as long as Villa stay up .
`` Winning a trophy ?
You could say we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re going to work hard .
We have to work hard on Sunday to win that trophy .
`` Jack ’ s future like the rest of the players is down to what happens over the next three months , what we can do is assess it then . ''
Premier League survival is the clear path to keeping Jack Grealish at the club , but a trophy - and European football - will certainly sweeten the deal for the Villa captain as icing on the cake .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ashley Preece, James Rushton)

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One of Dean Smith's hardest - and frustrating - tasks as Aston Villa head coach is dealing with Jack Grealish .
No, not the player himself - who has become a huge influence and role model at Bodymoor Heath - but the constant bubble of speculation that has surrounded the mercurial Villa superstar on his ascent to greatness has certainly been a grinding frustation.
Once more, Smith was faced with the speculation ahead of the Carabao Cup final with Manchester City.
Will Grealish be leaving - and does winning the cup final make it easier to keep one of the best talents in the league?
"I don’t know. That’s a question we’ll have to answer in the summer. Obviously, staying in this league is one of the biggest things to help us keep Jack Grealish.
"He wants to play at the highest level and he wants to win trophies."
And Smith knows that Sunday is important to Grealish's Villa future as well - as long as Villa stay up.
"Winning a trophy? You could say we’ve just won one! But we’re going to work hard. We have to work hard on Sunday to win that trophy.
"Jack’s future like the rest of the players is down to what happens over the next three months , what we can do is assess it then."
Premier League survival is the clear path to keeping Jack Grealish at the club, but a trophy - and European football - will certainly sweeten the deal for the Villa captain as icing on the cake.


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Paul Cook offers promotion prediction to West Brom and Leeds United

Paul Cook believes West Brom are the stand-out team in the entire Championship as he prepares his Wigan Athletic side to try and upset the odds at The Hawthorns on Saturday .
The Latics have been in excellent form recently , form that belies their position in the league table ; indeed they ’ ve matched Albion ’ s week thus far of six points and two clean sheets , from their bouts with Millwall and Reading .
Now they remain in the relegation zone only on goal difference , and head to the Baggies with something of a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respective league positions .
This is your round up of all things West Brom ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Baggies throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... • The player ratings as the Baggies sweep aside North End - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Cook , who saw Wigan take a point off of Albion in the reverse fixture at the DW Stadium in December , has since led his side to victory at Leeds United and Slaven Bilic certainly isn ’ t underestimating this weekend ’ s visitors .
His opposing number , though , has spoken equally highly of the hosts , who once more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pack in the play-offs after a run of five wins in six .
Cook doesn ’ t expect to be playing Albion again next season , and predicts that they and Leeds will be in the top flight together come the summer .
“ I don ’ t think it ’ s ever been a case where West Brom , and Leeds , have ever come away from the position of being promotion favourites , ” he told Wigan Today .
“ I know they ’ ve both been on sticky runs recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are probably going to win quite a few games on the bounce .
“ They ’ ve got too many good players to be on bad runs for two long .
I ’ d say West Brom , with all due respect , are the stand out team in the Championship at the minute .
“ Leeds , in my opinion , are also very , very strong and I would be very surprised if the two of them were not in the automatic promotion spots come the end of the season @ @

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Paul Cook believes West Brom are the stand-out team in the entire Championship as he prepares his Wigan Athletic side to try and upset the odds at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
The Latics have been in excellent form recently, form that belies their position in the league table; indeed they’ve matched Albion’s week thus far of six points and two clean sheets, from their bouts with Millwall and Reading.
Now they remain in the relegation zone only on goal difference, and head to the Baggies with something of a free hit, certainly when one considers their respective league positions.
Cook, who saw Wigan take a point off of Albion in the reverse fixture at the DW Stadium in December, has since led his side to victory at Leeds United and Slaven Bilic certainly isn’t underestimating this weekend’s visitors.
His opposing number, though, has spoken equally highly of the hosts, who once more have daylight between themselves and the chasing pack in the play-offs after a run of five wins in six.
Cook doesn’t expect to be playing Albion again next season, and predicts that they and Leeds will be in the top flight together come the summer.
“I don’t think it’s ever been a case where West Brom, and Leeds, have ever come away from the position of being promotion favourites,” he told Wigan Today . “I know they’ve both been on sticky runs recently, but the reality of that is they are probably going to win quite a few games on the bounce.
“They’ve got too many good players to be on bad runs for two long. I’d say West Brom, with all due respect, are the stand out team in the Championship at the minute.
“Leeds, in my opinion, are also very, very strong and I would be very surprised if the two of them were not in the automatic promotion spots come the end of the season.”


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Primark selling Harry Potter cushions and they are ludicrously cheap

Primark now sells Harry Potter cushions for only £6 - and shoppers are loving them .
The budget fashion retailer operates numerous stores across Birmingham and throughout the West Midlands .
Among these is the world 's biggest store , situated right here in Birmingham city centre , after opening back in April last year .
And , after it sent shoppers into a frenzy with its Stranger Things merchandise , Primark is at it again , as Mirror Online reports .
Adding to its collection of Harry Potter-themed beauty items , branded clothing and accessories , the popular high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the hit film series .
The cushions are priced from £6 and include one in the shape of Harry 's snowy white owl Hedwig .
Another is adorned with the Hogwarts crest , while Potter fans can also snap up a small cushion featuring the Marauder 's Map .
The new cushions sent shoppers wild on social media .
Another person commented : `` The Hedwig one is so cute . ''
While someone else tagged their friend and said : `` Need the Hogwarts one ... '' You can find your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool here .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Melisha Kaur, James Rodger)

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Primark now sells Harry Potter cushions for only £6 - and shoppers are loving them.
The budget fashion retailer operates numerous stores across Birmingham and throughout the West Midlands.
Among these is the world's biggest store, situated right here in Birmingham city centre, after opening back in April last year.
And, after it sent shoppers into a frenzy with its Stranger Things merchandise, Primark is at it again, as Mirror Online reports.
Adding to its collection of Harry Potter-themed beauty items, branded clothing and accessories, the popular high street retailer has launched sofa essentials inspired by the hit film series.
The cushions are priced from £6 and include one in the shape of Harry's snowy white owl Hedwig.
Another is adorned with the Hogwarts crest, while Potter fans can also snap up a small cushion featuring the Marauder's Map.
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The new cushions sent shoppers wild on social media.
One person wrote: "Omg I want hedwig."
Another person commented: "The Hedwig one is so cute."
While someone else tagged their friend and said: "Need the Hogwarts one..."
You can find your nearest Primark using the online store finder tool here .


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Drayton Manor Park to reopen 12 days after Storm Dennis floods forced it to close

Staffordshire attraction Drayton Manor Park is to reopen this weekend - almost two weeks after it was forced to close due to severe flooding .
An army of more than 150 employees have spent since February 16 cleaning up the site near Tamworth .
The scope of repairs was broad , with numerous sections of the park such as the arcade , catering outlets , shops and offices needing an entire refit .
As well as damage to outlet interiors , the family-owned and run park sadly lost several stocks of toys and refreshments .
These are some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flooding .
Devoid of thrill seekers , the popular rides and stalls were left partially submerged in water as workers tried to stem the tide .
After days of pumping water , restoring damaged buildings and cleaning the surrounding areas , it will be reopening for its first Thomas & Friends™ weekend on on Saturday , February 29 .
William Bryan , managing director at Drayton Manor Park , said : “ After a mass clean-up operation following the storms , we ’ re delighted to announce that the park will be reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manor team has banded together and worked tirelessly to get the site back to normal as quickly as possible , and we ’ re extremely grateful for their effort and enthusiasm .
“ We ’ re looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming visitors back to the park for our first Thomas & Friends™ weekend this Saturday !
”

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Staffordshire attraction Drayton Manor Park is to reopen this weekend - almost two weeks after it was forced to close due to severe flooding.
An army of more than 150 employees have spent since February 16 cleaning up the site near Tamworth.
The scope of repairs was broad, with numerous sections of the park such as the arcade, catering outlets, shops and offices needing an entire refit. As well as damage to outlet interiors, the family-owned and run park sadly lost several stocks of toys and refreshments.
These are some of the few images showing the extent of the flooding.
Devoid of thrill seekers, the popular rides and stalls were left partially submerged in water as workers tried to stem the tide.
After days of pumping water, restoring damaged buildings and cleaning the surrounding areas , it will be reopening for its first Thomas & Friends™ weekend on on Saturday, February 29.
William Bryan, managing director at Drayton Manor Park , said: “After a mass clean-up operation following the storms, we’re delighted to announce that the park will be reopening this weekend.
“The entire Drayton Manor team has banded together and worked tirelessly to get the site back to normal as quickly as possible, and we’re extremely grateful for their effort and enthusiasm.
“We’re looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming visitors back to the park for our first Thomas & Friends™ weekend this Saturday!”


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Jack Grealish's admission over leaving Aston Villa, FFP update and injury latest - big talking point

Jack Grealish's admission over leaving Aston Villa, FFP update and injury latest - big talking points

Thank you for following Friday 's live Aston Villa blog , brought to you by BirminghamLive .
Preparations continue to @ @ @ @ @ Carabao Cup final with Pep Guardiola 's Manchester City at Wembley this weekend .
In @ @ @ @ @ battle , defeat for West Ham at Liverpool on Monday means that Villa stay outside @ @ @ @ @ just one point and one place .
But for now thoughts about survival can go @ @ @ @ @ with Dean Smith hoping to earn Villa their first major trophy since 1996 .
We @ @ @ @ @ to Sunday 's game as well as any other happenings from B6 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jonny Bonell, James Rushton)

Claudio Bravo's strong hand denied Aston Villa and Bjorn Engels a final say in Sunday's Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City.
The big Belgian rose highest to plant a powerful effort onto City's goal with just two minutes left on the clock - only for City's back-up stopper to pull of an incredible point-blank save to tip the ball onto the post.
Villa, meanwhile, performed bravely before the likes of Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings sunk to the turf after the final whistle. It was Sergio Aguero and Rodri who, ultimately, gave Villa too much to do. Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta had reduced the arrears to give Villa hope going into the break.
However, City continued to dominate the second half, restricting Villa to few chances up until Engels' bullet header with just seconds remaining.
Prior to kick-off Dean Smith opted for a system change, bringing Jack Grealish back inside into central midfield for the first time since playing at Arsenal way back in September.
On the pitch, though, Villa started the much livelier with semi-final assist king Ahmed Elmohamady crossing for Anwar El Ghazi just seconds in - only for the Dutchman's header to nestle on top of Claudio Bravo's net.
The deadlock was cruelly broken after 20 minutes and it was the first half's star performer and puppet master, Rodri, who picked out a pearler of a ball to find Phil Foden bombarding down City's right.
The City youngster, in for a rare start, was given too much room by Matt Targett before heading back to the lurking Sergio Aguero. The Argentine hung back, struck the ball on the bounce with his effort striking off Tyrone Mings' calf before finding its way in.
Foden, meanwhile, continued to cause Villa problems and he sent a left-footed strike whistling past Orjan Nyland's post. Pep Guardiola's men, though, added a sucker-punch of a second after just half-hour.
With the ball rolling away, captain Grealish's sliding challenge struck off Foden before the linesman wrongly flagged for a corner kick. Ilkay Gundogan swung in and found Spaniard Rodri who made no mistake to head home after getting the better of his marker, Frederic Guilbert.
Just 11 minutes later, though, Villa conjured up a cup final lifeline - thanks to a hapless error via John Stones. The City defender collapsed after getting caught under Targett's hopeful ball upfield, El Ghazi pounced and picked out a beauty of a cross which was fired home first-time by Mbwana Samatta's brilliant and athletic diving header.
After the break, Foden again teased and tantalised Targett before jumping on Mings' defensive header to strike a half volley into the ground which flew just past Nyland's post.
The battle between the two sides began to hot up and none more so than the duel between Frederic Guilbert and Raheem Sterling, the latter getting carded for scything down the Frenchman.
City's goal-scorer Rodri was next in the book as Blue Moon frustrations were beginning to show. Villa, meanwhile, were rallied on by the 33,000 claret and blue supporters crammed into the West end.
Head coach Smith changed it up with a little over 20 to go, pushing Grealish further upfield to play from the left while drafting Conor Hourihane inside with the Irishman replacing the creator of Villa's goal, El Ghazi. Trezeguet also came on for fellow countryman Elmohamady.
Cup keeper Nyland sprung into action afterwards, saving well down to his left to stop Rodri's powerful header. The midfielder rose highest from De Bruyne's corner but the Norwegian was equal to it.
Smith rolled the dice late on and gave Keinan Davis a run with 10 to go. City, though, continued to pile on the pressure and kept attempting to pass it into the net. Aguero went close moments later, striking the side netting before slowly walking off the pitch after being replaced by Gabriel Jesus.
With four left on the clock, Villa's chance came. Hourihane's whipped delivery found Bjorn Engels who leapt highest to head at City's goal from six yards - only for Claudio Bravo to dig out a worldie of a save to tip Engels' header onto the post before claiming.
Immediately up the other end, Bernardo Silva struck a shot from Sterling's cut back - but Nyland was more than equal to it and saved with his legs before clearing.
However, it was all too little too late by Villa and, at the final whistle, Smith's side crumpled to the turf after giving it their all against one of the world's best sides. The battling performance should provide hope for the relegation run-in.
ASTON VILLA, 4-5-1 : Nyland; Guilbert, Engels, Mings, Targett; Elmohamady (Trezeguet, 69), Douglas Luiz, Nakamba, Grealish, El Ghazi (Hourihane, 69); Samatta.
Subs : Reina, Taylor, Lansbury, Konsa, Davis.
MAN CITY, 4-3-3 : Bravo; Walker, Fernandinho, Stones, Zinchenko; Gundogan (De Bruyne, 58), Rodri, David Silva (Bernardo Silva, 76); Foden, Aguero (Jesus, 82), Sterling.
Subs : Ederson, Gabriel Jesus, Mendy, Mahrez, Otamendi.
GOALS : Aguero (20), Rodri (30), Samatta (41)
REFEREE : Lee Mason
ATTENDANCE: 82,149
BOOKED : Sterling (56), Rodri (59), Elmohamady (67), Nakamba (72), Mings (90)
NEXT UP : Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, Monday, March 9
Keep up to date with it all in the blog below...


birminghammail--2020-02-28--How Dean Smith delivered bad news to John McGinn as likely Aston Villa return date revealed

The reality of missing out on Aston Villa 's Wembley cup final against Manchester City hit John McGinn hard this week .
The Scottish star has been out since fracturing his left ankle just moments into Villa 's defeat to Southampton before Christmas on December 21 .
McGinn , meanwhile , is known for being a quick healer and the 25-year-old gave himself an outside chance of making Villa 's 18-man squad for the March 1 showdown .
However , reality hit home this week .
McGinn put boots on for the first time back at Bodymoor Heath last Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saints at St Mary 's but , despite a full week of running back on grass , head coach Dean Smith had to deliver the bad news .
`` He had a tough day on Thursday , '' Smith explained .
`` He worked really hard but he found it physically tough , and I had to probably lift him .
`` But he came in a different character on Friday all bright and breezy .
It was a massive long shot for him anyway but , what it did , was give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He 's not been involved in any competitive training sessions yet .
We 've only been working on the physical side . ''
`` Knowing him he will be aiming for Leicester ( on March 9 ) now and , if not Leicester , then Chelsea ( March 14 ) , that 's the way his mind works .
He just wants to get playing .
`` I could just tell from his body language , and when I spoke to him , how disappointed he is not to be involved . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit fitted , is expected to travel down to London with the players on Saturday .

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The reality of missing out on Aston Villa's Wembley cup final against Manchester City hit John McGinn hard this week.
The Scottish star has been out since fracturing his left ankle just moments into Villa's defeat to Southampton before Christmas on December 21.
McGinn, meanwhile, is known for being a quick healer and the 25-year-old gave himself an outside chance of making Villa's 18-man squad for the March 1 showdown. However, reality hit home this week.
McGinn put boots on for the first time back at Bodymoor Heath last Saturday while Villa were comfortably beat by the Saints at St Mary's but, despite a full week of running back on grass, head coach Dean Smith had to deliver the bad news.
"He had a tough day on Thursday," Smith explained. "He worked really hard but he found it physically tough, and I had to probably lift him.
"But he came in a different character on Friday all bright and breezy. It was a massive long shot for him anyway but, what it did, was give him something to aim for.
Villa Wembley supplement Get your 16-page Villa at Wembley pull-out free with today's Birmingham Mail. Featuring interviews with League Cup heroes Savo Milosevic, Big Ron and Tony Daley, the road to Wembley and our Carabao Cup final predictions. Come on you Villa boys! UTV
"He's not been involved in any competitive training sessions yet. We've only been working on the physical side."
"Knowing him he will be aiming for Leicester (on March 9) now and, if not Leicester, then Chelsea (March 14), that's the way his mind works. He just wants to get playing.
"I could just tell from his body language, and when I spoke to him, how disappointed he is not to be involved."
McGinn, who's had a team suit fitted, is expected to travel down to London with the players on Saturday.


birminghammail--2020-02-28--'Everyone looks up to him' - Aston Villa starlet on key factor behind January move

Jacob Ramsey said a conversation with Aston Villa assistant Richard O ’ Kelly helped make up his mind on his January loan move .
The Villa starlet made the move to League One Doncaster Rovers for the remainder of the season on deadline day , and caught the eye immediately .
Ramsey scored twice on his debut for Rovers , a 3-0 victory away to Tranmere Rovers .
He has made five appearances to date for Darren Moore ’ s men , who sit seven points outside the play-off positions with a game in hand .
And it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former assistant at the Keepmoat Stadium , that helped convince him .
“ I had the choice between coming here and staying at Villa , this was the best option for me to develop as a player so I jumped at the opportunity , ” the 18-year-old told Doncaster ’ s official website .
“ I had a few conversations with Richard O ’ Kelly before I came here and he said really good things about the stadium and people around the place .
“ He said he was looking forward to coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great for me to have the support of the coaching staff at Villa.
” One man Ramsey – and all Villa youngsters – looks up to is Jack Grealish .
“ Everyone who comes up through the academy at Villa looks up to Jack , ” said Ramsey .
“ We ’ ve got a couple of others that have got into the first-team and then gone out on loan but Jack is getting better and better .
“ With him being a Villa fan and coming through the system to then captain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him now as their inspiration .
”

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Jacob Ramsey said a conversation with Aston Villa assistant Richard O’Kelly helped make up his mind on his January loan move.
The Villa starlet made the move to League One Doncaster Rovers for the remainder of the season on deadline day, and caught the eye immediately.
Ramsey scored twice on his debut for Rovers, a 3-0 victory away to Tranmere Rovers.
He has made five appearances to date for Darren Moore’s men, who sit seven points outside the play-off positions with a game in hand.
And it was a conversation with O’Kelly, a former assistant at the Keepmoat Stadium, that helped convince him.
“I had the choice between coming here and staying at Villa, this was the best option for me to develop as a player so I jumped at the opportunity,” the 18-year-old told Doncaster’s official website.
“I had a few conversations with Richard O’Kelly before I came here and he said really good things about the stadium and people around the place.
“He said he was looking forward to coming up to watch me play which is great for me to have the support of the coaching staff at Villa.”
One man Ramsey – and all Villa youngsters – looks up to is Jack Grealish.
“Everyone who comes up through the academy at Villa looks up to Jack,” said Ramsey.
“We’ve got a couple of others that have got into the first-team and then gone out on loan but Jack is getting better and better.
“With him being a Villa fan and coming through the system to then captain the team, everyone looks up to him now as their inspiration.”


birminghammail--2020-02-28--The Premier League greats Aston Villa January signing wants to base his game on

Mbwana Samatta wants to base his game on some of the greats to have graced Premier League football .
The Tanzanian joined Aston Villa in the January transfer window , the striker signing a four-and-a-half-year deal from Belgian side Genk .
He has made a solid start to life in the Premier League , thrown straight into the action in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Leicester City , before his first goal four days later in the away defeat to Bournemouth .
Samatta is in line to make a Wembley appearance this weekend , with Villa looking to upset the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester City .
Many greats of the Premier League have graced those finals and the Wembley turf – and Samatta has kept a close eye on them while growing up .
“ It was always my dream to play in the Premier League , ” he told the Guardian .
“ In Tanzania it is our favourite competition .
I liked Manchester United because of David Beckham .
Then came Cristiano Ronaldo but I switched sometimes to Thierry Henry because I liked how he played .
And Didier Drogba , that was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wanted to play like him and I tried to adapt and copy his running and stuff.
” Samatta added : “ Before games I used to always watch videos of top strikers .
“ Every time it used to be Didier Drogba .
Then it was Harry Kane .
I ’ ve watched him a lot ; how he positions himself .
And most of the time when he gets the ball he ’ s just thinking about shooting .
”

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Mbwana Samatta wants to base his game on some of the greats to have graced Premier League football.
The Tanzanian joined Aston Villa in the January transfer window, the striker signing a four-and-a-half-year deal from Belgian side Genk.
He has made a solid start to life in the Premier League, thrown straight into the action in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Leicester City, before his first goal four days later in the away defeat to Bournemouth.
Samatta is in line to make a Wembley appearance this weekend, with Villa looking to upset the odds in their Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
Many greats of the Premier League have graced those finals and the Wembley turf – and Samatta has kept a close eye on them while growing up.
“It was always my dream to play in the Premier League,” he told the Guardian.
“In Tanzania it is our favourite competition. I liked Manchester United because of David Beckham. Then came Cristiano Ronaldo but I switched sometimes to Thierry Henry because I liked how he played. And Didier Drogba, that was the guy I looked at most.
“I wanted to play like him and I tried to adapt and copy his running and stuff.”
Samatta added: “Before games I used to always watch videos of top strikers.
“Every time it used to be Didier Drogba. Then it was Harry Kane. I’ve watched him a lot; how he positions himself. And most of the time when he gets the ball he’s just thinking about shooting.”


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Gabby Agbonlahor makes Birmingham City dig that Aston Villa fans will love

Aston Villa are preparing for arguably their biggest game of the season – with silverware on offer for the first time this season .
Dean Smith ’ s men take on Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final , looking for a second win at the national stadium in the space of eight months .
While the glory of a trophy lift is one Villa fans will want to experience again , attentions are always likely to return to Premier League survival .
Villa are in a relegation scrap at the wrong end of the table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Ham United .
In Carabao Cup action , Villa know they could find themselves in the relegation zone come to close of play of the weekend action .
Former striker and Villa favourite Gabby Agbonlahor said the Wembley final would be a good distraction , but didn ’ t shy away from the importance of maintaining their Premier League status .
He also couldn ’ t resist a dig at rivals Birmingham City .
“ It ’ ll be good for them ( Villa ) to get their minds off the league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agbonlahor told Sky Sports .
“ But everyone knows staying in the league is massive for a club like Aston Vila .
“ I think it ’ s massive for the city as well as Birmingham City are in the Championship.. ” to which he finished with laughter .

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Aston Villa are preparing for arguably their biggest game of the season – with silverware on offer for the first time this season.
Dean Smith’s men take on Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final, looking for a second win at the national stadium in the space of eight months.
While the glory of a trophy lift is one Villa fans will want to experience again, attentions are always likely to return to Premier League survival.
Villa are in a relegation scrap at the wrong end of the table, currently sitting just a point above West Ham United.
In Carabao Cup action, Villa know they could find themselves in the relegation zone come to close of play of the weekend action.
Former striker and Villa favourite Gabby Agbonlahor said the Wembley final would be a good distraction, but didn’t shy away from the importance of maintaining their Premier League status.
He also couldn’t resist a dig at rivals Birmingham City.
“It’ll be good for them (Villa) to get their minds off the league and play this cup game,” Agbonlahor told Sky Sports.
“But everyone knows staying in the league is massive for a club like Aston Vila.
“I think it’s massive for the city as well as Birmingham City are in the Championship..” to which he finished with laughter.


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Coronavirus passed on within UK for first time as 20th case confirmed

A patient diagnosed with coronavirus in England has become the first to catch the illness within the UK .
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said it was not yet clear if the virus had been passed on from somebody who had recently travelled abroad .
It marked the 20th confirmed case in the UK - 18 of which were in England , one in Northern Ireland and one in Wales .
The news comes after a British man became the first UK citizen to die from coronavirus .
The man , who was on board the Diamond Princess cruise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessel , which has been quarantined off the Japan 's coast amid the outbreak , to have died .
Confirming the latest case in England , Prof Whitty said : `` One further patient in England has tested positive for Covid-19 .
`` The virus was passed on in the UK .
It is not yet clear whether they contracted it directly or indirectly from an individual who had recently returned from abroad .
This is being investigated and contact tracing has begun .
`` The patient has been transferred to a specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St Thomas . ''
The Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) said the original source of the virus was `` unclear '' , adding that there was no `` immediately identifiable link '' to overseas travel .
According to Public Health England ( PHE ) , one of the latest coronavirus cases was a resident in Surrey .
Dr Alison Barnett , centre director for PHE South East , said : `` Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident of Surrey and we 're working closely with NHS colleagues in that area as well as Surrey County Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases .
`` Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case .
`` This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public . ''
Elsewhere on Friday , Wales ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the first diagnosed patient in Wales had recently travelled back from Italy , the worst-affected country in Europe .
He told the PA news agency that the man had returned from a holiday there last week , and is now being treated at one of the specialist centres in an English hospital .
In Tenerife , hundreds of guests have been confined to the H10 Costa Adeje Palace after at least four tourists , including an Italian doctor , were diagnosed with coronavirus .
However , six Britons were among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spanish authorities because they arrived at the hotel on Monday - after those who tested positive had been taken to hospital .
Meanwhile , Labour have criticised Boris Johnson waiting until Monday to hold a meeting of the Government 's Cobra contingencies committee on the outbreak .
Northern Ireland reported its first case on Thursday , as someone who recently returned from northern Italy was diagnosed with the virus .
Irish health authorities said on Friday that people who had sat within two rows of the person on the flight from northern Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become the worst-affected country in Europe , with at least 650 cases and 15 deaths .
On Friday , easyJet said it will be cancelling flights as a result of the continued spread of coronavirus , in a move which will particularly affect `` those into and out of Italy '' .
So far , China has reported nearly 80,000 cases and almost 3,000 deaths , while the virus has reached nearly 60 countries with more than 80 deaths .

A patient diagnosed with coronavirus in England has become the first to catch the illness within the UK.
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said it was not yet clear if the virus had been passed on from somebody who had recently travelled abroad.
It marked the 20th confirmed case in the UK - 18 of which were in England, one in Northern Ireland and one in Wales.
The news comes after a British man became the first UK citizen to die from coronavirus.
The man, who was on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship was the sixth person from the vessel, which has been quarantined off the Japan's coast amid the outbreak, to have died.
Confirming the latest case in England, Prof Whitty said: "One further patient in England has tested positive for Covid-19.
"The virus was passed on in the UK. It is not yet clear whether they contracted it directly or indirectly from an individual who had recently returned from abroad. This is being investigated and contact tracing has begun.
"The patient has been transferred to a specialist NHS infection centre at Guy's and St Thomas."
(Image: AP)
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the original source of the virus was "unclear", adding that there was no "immediately identifiable link" to overseas travel.
According to Public Health England (PHE), one of the latest coronavirus cases was a resident in Surrey.
Dr Alison Barnett, centre director for PHE South East, said: "Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19.
"One of the latest cases is a resident of Surrey and we're working closely with NHS colleagues in that area as well as Surrey County Council to manage the situation and help reduce the risk of further cases.
"Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed case.
"This tried and tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public."
Elsewhere on Friday, Wales' chief medical officer Dr Frank Atherton, said that the first diagnosed patient in Wales had recently travelled back from Italy, the worst-affected country in Europe.
He told the PA news agency that the man had returned from a holiday there last week, and is now being treated at one of the specialist centres in an English hospital.
In Tenerife, hundreds of guests have been confined to the H10 Costa Adeje Palace after at least four tourists, including an Italian doctor, were diagnosed with coronavirus.
However, six Britons were among those told they could leave on Friday by Spanish authorities because they arrived at the hotel on Monday - after those who tested positive had been taken to hospital.
Meanwhile, Labour have criticised Boris Johnson waiting until Monday to hold a meeting of the Government's Cobra contingencies committee on the outbreak.
Northern Ireland reported its first case on Thursday, as someone who recently returned from northern Italy was diagnosed with the virus.
Irish health authorities said on Friday that people who had sat within two rows of the person on the flight from northern Italy to Dublin have been contacted.
Italy has become the worst-affected country in Europe, with at least 650 cases and 15 deaths.
On Friday, easyJet said it will be cancelling flights as a result of the continued spread of coronavirus, in a move which will particularly affect "those into and out of Italy".
So far, China has reported nearly 80,000 cases and almost 3,000 deaths, while the virus has reached nearly 60 countries with more than 80 deaths.


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Jack Grealish makes transfer admission about leaving Aston Villa

Jack Grealish has admitted the play-off final against Derby County would have been his last Aston Villa game – if they lost it .
Thankfully for Villa and their fans , Dean Smith ’ s men secured a 2-1 victory over the Rams at Wembley and sealed a return to the Premier League .
Grealish was a key cog in Death Smith ’ s side that surged up the Championship table to secure a play-off spot – and has been equally influential this season .
But his form in the second tier had led to speculation linking the boyhood fan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move to Tottenham Hotspur close last summer .
Grealish stayed and fired his side to promotion , although had that Wembley date not been a winning one , it would likely have been his last game in the claret & blue .
“ Yeah definitely , I knew it would have been , ” Grealish said .
“ If we didn ’ t win that game I knew it would have been my last game for Villa , obviously the day itself I didn ’ t play too well .
I didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We had a great time back then , obviously John McGinn , Tammy Abraham , Anwar El Ghazi , all of them played well that day .
“ Fortunately we ended up winning and obviously I ended up staying at Aston Villa.
” Was the thought of a last game for Villa in his mind in the build-up to that Wembley date ?
“ I tried to not think about it too much , ” said Grealish .
“ Obviously you can ’ t not think about it because it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I tried to just think ‘ Listen , I need to get this game out the way first and hopefully I ’ ll be playing for Aston Villa in the Premier League ’ .
“ I tried to not think about it too much and just got on with the game really .
”

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Jack Grealish has admitted the play-off final against Derby County would have been his last Aston Villa game – if they lost it.
Thankfully for Villa and their fans, Dean Smith’s men secured a 2-1 victory over the Rams at Wembley and sealed a return to the Premier League.
Grealish was a key cog in Death Smith’s side that surged up the Championship table to secure a play-off spot – and has been equally influential this season.
But his form in the second tier had led to speculation linking the boyhood fan away from Villa Park, with a move to Tottenham Hotspur close last summer.
Grealish stayed and fired his side to promotion, although had that Wembley date not been a winning one, it would likely have been his last game in the claret & blue.
“Yeah definitely, I knew it would have been,” Grealish said.
“If we didn’t win that game I knew it would have been my last game for Villa, obviously the day itself I didn’t play too well. I didn’t play well at all actually.
“We had a great time back then, obviously John McGinn, Tammy Abraham, Anwar El Ghazi, all of them played well that day.
“Fortunately we ended up winning and obviously I ended up staying at Aston Villa.”
Was the thought of a last game for Villa in his mind in the build-up to that Wembley date?
“I tried to not think about it too much,” said Grealish. “Obviously you can’t not think about it because it’s always in the back of your mind.
“I tried to just think ‘Listen, I need to get this game out the way first and hopefully I’ll be playing for Aston Villa in the Premier League’.
“I tried to not think about it too much and just got on with the game really.”


birminghammail--2020-02-28--Tributes after Jeremy Kyle Show producer found dead at home

A producer of the Jeremy Kyle Show , which was axed from ITV last year , has been found dead in her home .
Natasha Reddican , 31 , was discovered by her boyfriend in Greater Manchester on Thursday .
Emergency services were called to the house and despite the best effort of medics , she died at the scene .
The cause of death has not yet been revealed .
As reported by the Mirror Online , she had been made redundant after working on the reality TV show for eight years .
Her role involved booking guests for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running of the show .
She was among a group of workers who were made redundant in the wake of a row that broke out following the suicide of Steve Dymond .
He failed a lie detector test on the show last year .
Days later found dead following a drug overdose .
TV sources insisted she had played no part in booking Mr Dymond .
Releasing a statement this evening ( February 28 ) , a spokesman for ITV said : “ Our thoughts are with her family and all those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on The Jeremy Kyle Show and left ITV eight months ago , in June 2019 .
“ As with all other former employees on the show she was offered support and counselling by ITV during the redundancy process and help in securing new employment .
“ ITV arranged for a counsellor to be on site throughout the process to offer emotional support .
“ Everyone also had access to the Employer Assistance Programme , which offers 24/7 counselling and emotional support .
“ ITV also put in place training sessions designed to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ ITV also supports The Film and TV Charity , which has been set up to support those working within the industry , particularly freelancers , and helps fund its free , 24/7 support line offering confidential advice.
” A friend paid released a heartbreaking tribute to Natasha , they said : `` I never thought I would ever have to write something like this .
`` We were best friends , distant friends , did n't b***** talk to each other for a while friends , but never did I see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a goodbye to you so early in your life . ''
Jeremy Kyle , the show host , is still yet to address the death of guest Steve , who took his own life days after filming for The Jeremy Kyle Show .
During his stint , Steve failed a lie detector test and was said to be crushed by the results .
His landlady found his body in his home .
This sparked an outcry which lead to the immediate axing of the ITV daytime show in May 2019 .
TV star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ select committee as MPs probed the aftercare provided by makers of reality TV .
Where to get help if you 're feeling suicidal Samaritans ( 116 123 ) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year .
If you prefer to write down how you ’ re feeling , or if you ’ re worried about being overheard on the phone , you can email Samaritans at jo @ samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK , PO Box 9090 , STIRLING , FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 58 58 ) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason , who need to talk or find information and support .
They 're open 5pm to midnight , 365 days a year .
Childline ( 0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK .
Calls are free and the number won ’ t show up on your phone bill .
PAPYRUS ( 0800 068 41 41 ) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a charity for people with depression .
It doesn ’ t have a helpline , but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information depressionalliance.org Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed , have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts .
Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org The Sanctuary ( 0300 003 7029 ) helps people who are struggling to cope - experiencing depression , anxiety , panic attacks or in crisis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6am every night.There are other depression charities .
The host swerved the Digital , Culture , Media And Sport Committee 's invitation to have his say and be held accountable for what went on behind the scenes at his show .

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A producer of the Jeremy Kyle Show, which was axed from ITV last year, has been found dead in her home.
Natasha Reddican, 31, was discovered by her boyfriend in Greater Manchester on Thursday.
Emergency services were called to the house and despite the best effort of medics, she died at the scene.
The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
As reported by the Mirror Online , she had been made redundant after working on the reality TV show for eight years.
Her role involved booking guests for the series along with assisting with the running of the show.
She was among a group of workers who were made redundant in the wake of a row that broke out following the suicide of Steve Dymond.
He failed a lie detector test on the show last year. Days later found dead following a drug overdose.
TV sources insisted she had played no part in booking Mr Dymond.
Releasing a statement this evening (February 28), a spokesman for ITV said: “Our thoughts are with her family and all those who knew her. She was a producer on The Jeremy Kyle Show and left ITV eight months ago, in June 2019.
“As with all other former employees on the show she was offered support and counselling by ITV during the redundancy process and help in securing new employment.
“ITV arranged for a counsellor to be on site throughout the process to offer emotional support.
“Everyone also had access to the Employer Assistance Programme, which offers 24/7 counselling and emotional support.
“ITV also put in place training sessions designed to support people in securing their next roles.
“ITV also supports The Film and TV Charity, which has been set up to support those working within the industry, particularly freelancers, and helps fund its free, 24/7 support line offering confidential advice.”
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A friend paid released a heartbreaking tribute to Natasha, they said: "I never thought I would ever have to write something like this.
"We were best friends, distant friends, didn't b***** talk to each other for a while friends, but never did I see the day I would ever have to write a goodbye to you so early in your life."
Jeremy Kyle, the show host, is still yet to address the death of guest Steve, who took his own life days after filming for The Jeremy Kyle Show.
During his stint, Steve failed a lie detector test and was said to be crushed by the results.
His landlady found his body in his home. This sparked an outcry which lead to the immediate axing of the ITV daytime show in May 2019.
TV star Jeremy refused to attend last summer's select committee as MPs probed the aftercare provided by makers of reality TV.
Where to get help if you're feeling suicidal Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch. CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year. Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal. Other depression charities
Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information depressionalliance.org
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
The Sanctuary (0300 003 7029 ) helps people who are struggling to cope - experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or in crisis. You can call them between 8pm and 6am every night.There are other depression charities.
The host swerved the Digital, Culture, Media And Sport Committee's invitation to have his say and be held accountable for what went on behind the scenes at his show.