birminghammail--2020-04-24--Woman with baby in car caught tearing down Stratford Road

A driver with a baby in her car was clocked tearing down a Birmingham street in a lockdown speeding crackdown .
She was caught doing 59mph on Stratford Road , parts of which have limits as low as 20mph .
West Midlands Police revealed the incident as the force warned drivers about not treating the city 's quieter streets as a racetrack during lockdown .
It also revealed another motorist was clocked at 76mph in a 30mph zone in Bordesley Green .
The force said officers were reacting to the concerns of residents and monitoring hotspots , And it told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more pressure on the NHS as it battled coronavirus .
Sgt Jon Butler , from the road harm prevention team , said : `` We 've carried out more than 6,000 speed checks this week and it 's pleasing to see 97 per cent of drivers were within the limit and recognising the importance of keeping our roads safe .
`` Unfortunately , concerns that some were speeding along traffic-free routes were found to be justified , with examples of reckless and irresponsible behaviour .
`` An empty stretch of road can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it greatly increases the risk of causing a serious collision .
Do n't be in the minority who are risking lives and our NHS . ''
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner , David Jamieson said : “ Quiet roads are no excuse to use them as a racetrack .
`` Speed remains one of the biggest killers on our roads and the utterly reckless and irresponsible drivers breaking the speed limit are putting the lives of themselves , pedestrians and other road users at serious risk .
“ Just because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to coronavirus does not mean that the speed limits no longer apply , speeding is much more obvious on quieter roads .
`` There are more officers out on patrol looking out for speeding drivers and taking swift action .
It is a minority of road users that do not obey the speed limit and put everyone ’ s lives at risk .
”

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A driver with a baby in her car was clocked tearing down a Birmingham street doing nearly twice the limit in a lockdown speeding crackdown.
She was caught doing 59mph on Stratford Road on a stretch near the Robin Hood island which has a 30mph speed limit, and given a speeding ticket.
West Midlands Police revealed the incident as the force warned drivers about not treating the city's quieter streets as a racetrack during lockdown.
It also revealed another motorist was clocked at 76mph in a 30mph zone in Bordesley Green. They were handed a notice of intended prosecution.
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The force said officers were reacting to the concerns of residents and monitoring hotspots, And it told drivers that speed-related accidents would onlu pile more pressure on the NHS as it battled coronavirus.
Sgt Jon Butler, from the road harm prevention team, said: "We've carried out more than 6,000 speed checks this week and it's pleasing to see 97 per cent of drivers were within the limit and recognising the importance of keeping our roads safe.
"Unfortunately, concerns that some were speeding along traffic-free routes were found to be justified, with examples of reckless and irresponsible behaviour.
"An empty stretch of road can be tempting but speeding is not only illegal, but it greatly increases the risk of causing a serious collision. Don't be in the minority who are risking lives and our NHS."
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson said: “Quiet roads are no excuse to use them as a racetrack.
"Speed remains one of the biggest killers on our roads and the utterly reckless and irresponsible drivers breaking the speed limit are putting the lives of themselves, pedestrians and other road users at serious risk.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
“Just because the roads are quieter at the moment due to coronavirus does not mean that the speed limits no longer apply, speeding is much more obvious on quieter roads.
"There are more officers out on patrol looking out for speeding drivers and taking swift action. It is a minority of road users that do not obey the speed limit and put everyone’s lives at risk.”


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Euromillions results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Friday

The EuroMillions draw takes place twice a week - on Tuesday evenings , and Friday nights , respectively .
Each draw , BirminghamLive brings you coverage of the draw - and the numbers you need to match .
If you win , you could be winning big tonight , because on March 6 , there 's a jackpot worth a staggering £26million .
That eye-watering amount could prove utterly life-changing for you - meaning you can finally afford that dream home , car or holiday , right ?
Or , alternatively , if you 're sick of the 9 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your job come Monday morning - and do something you love .
Tonight , the winning numbers from the National Lottery EuroMillions draw are : 28 , 05 , 01 , 21 , 19 .
The Lucky Stars , meanwhile , have also been confirmed by the National Lottery .
On Friday night , these are are : 07 , 04 .
If you fancy that staggering amount , you 'll need to have matched the numbers above .
If not there 's always the Millionaire Maker Selection , and tonight one UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonight is the number 14 .

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Tonight's National Lottery EuroMillions winning numbers have been confirmed.
The EuroMillions draw takes place twice a week - on Tuesday evenings, and Friday nights, respectively.
Each draw, BirminghamLive brings you coverage of the draw - and the numbers you need to match.
If you win, you could be winning big tonight, because on March 6, there's a jackpot worth a staggering £26million.
That eye-watering amount could prove utterly life-changing for you - meaning you can finally afford that dream home, car or holiday, right?
Or, alternatively, if you're sick of the 9 to 5 grind, you can jack in your job come Monday morning - and do something you love.
(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Tonight, the winning numbers from the National Lottery EuroMillions draw are: 28, 05, 01, 21, 19.
The Lucky Stars, meanwhile, have also been confirmed by the National Lottery.
On Friday night, these are are: 07, 04.
Tonight's estimated jackpot, as aforementioned, is £22 million.
If you fancy that staggering amount, you'll need to have matched the numbers above.
If not there's always the Millionaire Maker Selection, and tonight one UK millionaire has been created.
The winning code is ZSPD46681
The Thunderball winning numbers are: 16, 19, 32, 34, 39.
The Thunderball tonight is the number 14.


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Paul Merson hits back at Aston Villa boo-boys doubting Drinkwater

Aston Villa favourite Paul Merson believes Danny Drinkwater can resurrect his career , saying : `` He just needs to find the right home . ''
The on-loan Aston Villa midfielder endured a difficult spell after arriving on an initial five-month deal from Chelsea .
Drinkwater , 30 , made four starts including being handed his debut in the 6-1 hammering against Manchester City at Villa Park .
The Premier League winner was signed to replace the injured John McGinn - but his impact was minimal as he struggled for match-fitness .
Prior to the pandemic break , Drinkwater was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team-mate Jota , resulting in head coach Dean Smith ordering the player home .
Drinkwater 's Villa Park career appears to be in tatters and , regarding the midfielder , ex-Villa man Merson had the following to say .
`` There 's a real player to be had if someone has the time and patience to put Danny Drinkwater 's career back on track , '' Merson told the Daily Star .
`` Among the rescue dogs trudging around in the Premier League 's lonely streets there 's a true pedigree who just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And before Chelsea , Burnley and Aston Villa fans start questioning my judgement , I 'll tell you exactly why Danny could be a really good punt for someone .
`` I 'm not disputing his career looks like the wheels have come off right now but it would be a real shame if he just slipped off the scene with people questioning just how good he was .
`` It 's not even three years ago that Chelsea forked out £35m for him on the basis that he was one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's only 30 now but through a collection of circumstances – and , make no mistake , some of them of his own doing – everything seems to have gone a bit pear-shaped .
`` Hindsight is a wonderful thing but Chelsea was probably the wrong move for him because he ended up not playing and then tried to get things back on track with a loan move to Burnley .
`` That did n't work out for him and just before the season ground to a halt he was having a really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aston Villa .
`` I saw him playing for Villa in the 6-1 home drubbing by Manchester City and he was having a nightmare , but there was something I noticed which is the mark of a player for me .
`` He kept going and he kept asking for the ball .
He did n't hide even though his fitness levels clearly were n't there .
He kept asking for the ball .
He 's what I call a brave footballer .
`` Obviously there 's no telling where his head is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will just be frustration .
He might just have taken his eye off the ball too , but that can happen to the best of them when you are training but not getting a game .
`` There 's no worse feeling in the world as a footballer when you are training knowing you wo n't be playing .
`` He went to Burnley to try and re-establish himself and that 's not an easy place either simply because Sean Dyche is a very loyal man .
It 's harder to get in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's the way Sean goes about his business .
`` Next stop Villa Park - a big crowd with very passionate supporters .
If they get on your back , you 're in trouble .
They can ruin you .
`` Listen , it 's not all everybody else 's fault and Danny has to take a big share of the responsibility for where he finds himself on his own shoulders .
`` But , there 's a player there for absolute sure .
His confidence has taken a dent but he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope that with a bit of love and understanding we can once again see him splaying those 40-yard passes that earned him an England call-up . ''

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Aston Villa favourite Paul Merson believes Danny Drinkwater can resurrect his career, saying: "He just needs to find the right home."
The on-loan Aston Villa midfielder endured a difficult spell after arriving on an initial five-month deal from Chelsea.
Drinkwater, 30, made four starts including being handed his debut in the 6-1 hammering against Manchester City at Villa Park.
The Premier League winner was signed to replace the injured John McGinn - but his impact was minimal as he struggled for match-fitness.
Prior to the pandemic break, Drinkwater was involved in a training ground bust-up with team-mate Jota, resulting in head coach Dean Smith ordering the player home.
Drinkwater's Villa Park career appears to be in tatters and, regarding the midfielder, ex-Villa man Merson had the following to say.
"There's a real player to be had if someone has the time and patience to put Danny Drinkwater's career back on track," Merson told the Daily Star.
"Among the rescue dogs trudging around in the Premier League's lonely streets there's a true pedigree who just needs to find the right home.
"And before Chelsea, Burnley and Aston Villa fans start questioning my judgement, I'll tell you exactly why Danny could be a really good punt for someone.
"I'm not disputing his career looks like the wheels have come off right now but it would be a real shame if he just slipped off the scene with people questioning just how good he was.
"It's not even three years ago that Chelsea forked out £35m for him on the basis that he was one of the very best midfielders around. He's only 30 now but through a collection of circumstances – and, make no mistake, some of them of his own doing – everything seems to have gone a bit pear-shaped.
"Hindsight is a wonderful thing but Chelsea was probably the wrong move for him because he ended up not playing and then tried to get things back on track with a loan move to Burnley.
"That didn't work out for him and just before the season ground to a halt he was having a really tough time of things on loan at Aston Villa.
"I saw him playing for Villa in the 6-1 home drubbing by Manchester City and he was having a nightmare, but there was something I noticed which is the mark of a player for me.
"He kept going and he kept asking for the ball. He didn't hide even though his fitness levels clearly weren't there. He kept asking for the ball. He's what I call a brave footballer.
"Obviously there's no telling where his head is right now but a lot of that will just be frustration. He might just have taken his eye off the ball too, but that can happen to the best of them when you are training but not getting a game.
"There's no worse feeling in the world as a footballer when you are training knowing you won't be playing.
"He went to Burnley to try and re-establish himself and that's not an easy place either simply because Sean Dyche is a very loyal man. It's harder to get in at Burnley than stay in because that's the way Sean goes about his business.
"Next stop Villa Park - a big crowd with very passionate supporters. If they get on your back, you're in trouble. They can ruin you.
"Listen, it's not all everybody else's fault and Danny has to take a big share of the responsibility for where he finds himself on his own shoulders.
"But, there's a player there for absolute sure. His confidence has taken a dent but he's not a lost cause and let's hope that with a bit of love and understanding we can once again see him splaying those 40-yard passes that earned him an England call-up."


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Wolves given Adama Traore boost after Liverpool transfer claim

Liverpool could be set for a quiet transfer window , despite links suggesting Jurgen Klopp could sanction a £70m for Adama Traore .
The Spaniard has emerged as a shock target for the Reds after a stunning second season for Wolverhampton Wanderers .
Under Nuno Espirito Santo , Traore has developed into one of the most dangerous forward players in the league and reports have suggested that he was earmarked as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane or Mohammed Salah , should they leave the club .
Traore 's agent has also added fuel to the fire in recent days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a move for his client , with the hope that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic would n't negatively affect him .
Rodri Baster said : “ I can ’ t talk about contractual situations because it ’ s a private matter , but Adama was having a good season , and with his age , conditions and the fact he ’ s a very appealing player , there would have been a market for him , no doubt about it .
“ We have to hope for the situation to normalise itself and hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this summer . ''
However , according to Sky Sports , Liverpool would n't be a viable destination for the former Barcelona star as it is understood they will focus on keeping their assets , rather than bringing players in .
It was claimed that Liverpool `` will not be signing anyone in the upcoming window '' .
This is down to how the pandemic has affected the financial climate , with Klopp instead focusing on keeping his richly talented squad in tact .

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Liverpool could be set for a quiet transfer window, despite links suggesting Jurgen Klopp could sanction a £70m for Adama Traore.
The Spaniard has emerged as a shock target for the Reds after a stunning second season for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Traore has developed into one of the most dangerous forward players in the league and reports have suggested that he was earmarked as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane or Mohammed Salah, should they leave the club.
(Image: Sam Bagnall - AMA/Getty Images)
Traore's agent has also added fuel to the fire in recent days, when he refused to rule out a move for his client, with the hope that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic wouldn't negatively affect him.
Rodri Baster said: “I can’t talk about contractual situations because it’s a private matter, but Adama was having a good season, and with his age, conditions and the fact he’s a very appealing player, there would have been a market for him, no doubt about it.
“We have to hope for the situation to normalise itself and hope that it won’t affect him this summer."
However, according to Sky Sports, Liverpool wouldn't be a viable destination for the former Barcelona star as it is understood they will focus on keeping their assets, rather than bringing players in.
It was claimed that Liverpool "will not be signing anyone in the upcoming window". This is down to how the pandemic has affected the financial climate, with Klopp instead focusing on keeping his richly talented squad in tact.


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Brummies urged to stay home despite 19C heat as glorious sun hits city

The public has been urged to stay at home during the UK 's fifth weekend under lockdown , as temperatures are expected to remain high .
Forecasters have predicted warm conditions for most of the country over the weekend , prompting concerns about the `` danger '' that people may defy the lockdown which began on March 23 .
The temperature will hit 19C in Birmingham this weekend .
During Friday 's Downing Street press conference , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged people to stay at home despite apparent improvements in the crisis .
Mr Shapps said : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to social distancing and there is a danger as we go into yet another warm sunny weekend that people think that perhaps these graphs are showing that the peak is over .
`` It is n't over , we 're riding perhaps , we hope , a downward trend but it is by no means , no means established yet . ''
According to the Met Office , most of the UK will have a sunny weekend , with some cloud and a risk of showers on Sunday .
Temperatures are expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , before moving closer to average figures next week .
Meteorologist Marco Petagna said that while eastern parts of the UK may see low cloud in the morning , Saturday will be bright and sunny for most people .
He told the PA news agency : `` There 's a lot of sunshine around , a bit of a chilly start to the day with a potential touch of frost in one or two spots but then plenty of sunshine .
`` It wo n't be as warm as it has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 , 24 range in recent days but we 're still looking at highs of 20 and 21 towards the South East on Saturday , and highs of 20 on Sunday . ''
Friday 's highest recorded temperature was 23.2C , in Porthmadog , Wales , compared to an average of between 12 and 14 degrees .
Mr Petagna said Saturday may bring one or two light showers in Wales and the South West , before an increased risk of showers for the whole country on Sunday .
He added : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more unsettled weather as we go through Sunday and into next week , becoming a little bit cooler .
`` On Sunday there 's a greater risk of showers breaking out almost anywhere really .
It might be welcome rain for some , after it 's been so dry .
`` There 'll still be some sunshine , even when things are unsettled . ''
Questions have repeatedly been raised about when the country will move out of lockdown , as well as raising concerns about the method when the time comes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask me when will the measures , the social distancing , the stay at home measures , be altered , my answer in some ways is that some of this lies in your own hands .
`` The more we adhere to it and are strict about the social distancing that is required , the faster that decision will be able to be made . ''

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The public has been urged to stay at home during the UK's fifth weekend under lockdown, as temperatures are expected to remain high.
Forecasters have predicted warm conditions for most of the country over the weekend, prompting concerns about the "danger" that people may defy the lockdown which began on March 23.
The temperature will hit 19C in Birmingham this weekend.
During Friday's Downing Street press conference, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged people to stay at home despite apparent improvements in the crisis.
Mr Shapps said: "The country has done incredibly well in adhering to social distancing and there is a danger as we go into yet another warm sunny weekend that people think that perhaps these graphs are showing that the peak is over.
"It isn't over, we're riding perhaps, we hope, a downward trend but it is by no means, no means established yet."
According to the Met Office, most of the UK will have a sunny weekend, with some cloud and a risk of showers on Sunday.
Temperatures are expected to remain significantly higher than average over both days, before moving closer to average figures next week.
Meteorologist Marco Petagna said that while eastern parts of the UK may see low cloud in the morning, Saturday will be bright and sunny for most people.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
He told the PA news agency: "There's a lot of sunshine around, a bit of a chilly start to the day with a potential touch of frost in one or two spots but then plenty of sunshine.
"It won't be as warm as it has been recently, temperatures have been in the 23, 24 range in recent days but we're still looking at highs of 20 and 21 towards the South East on Saturday, and highs of 20 on Sunday."
Friday's highest recorded temperature was 23.2C, in Porthmadog, Wales, compared to an average of between 12 and 14 degrees.
Mr Petagna said Saturday may bring one or two light showers in Wales and the South West, before an increased risk of showers for the whole country on Sunday.
He added: "We start then to see a change towards more unsettled weather as we go through Sunday and into next week, becoming a little bit cooler.
"On Sunday there's a greater risk of showers breaking out almost anywhere really. It might be welcome rain for some, after it's been so dry.
"There'll still be some sunshine, even when things are unsettled."
Questions have repeatedly been raised about when the country will move out of lockdown, as well as raising concerns about the method when the time comes.
Mr Shapps said: "When people ask me when will the measures, the social distancing, the stay at home measures, be altered, my answer in some ways is that some of this lies in your own hands.
"The more we adhere to it and are strict about the social distancing that is required, the faster that decision will be able to be made."


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Twin nurse sisters die from coronavirus within days of each other

Twin sisters who had both worked as nurses have died within three days of each other after both testing positive for Covid-19 .
Children 's nurse Katy Davis , 37 , died at Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday while her identical twin , Emma , a former surgery nurse , died early on Friday .
The two sisters , who both suffered from an underlying health condition , have been praised for their excellent work in the nursing profession .
Their sister Zoe Davis told the BBC : `` They always said they had come into the world together and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There are no words to describe how special they were . ''
Zoe said the `` amazing '' pair , who lived together , had other health conditions and had been unwell for some time .
A spokesman for University Hospital Southampton ( UHS ) said that Katy had worked as risk and patient safety lead in child health but had been unwell for a period prior to her admittance to hospital when she tested positive for Covid-19 .
He added that Emma had also worked for UHS for nine years as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit until 2013 .
The spokesman said : `` She had the same underlying health condition as Katy and had been unwell prior to her admission when she tested positive for Covid-19 .
`` She sadly also passed away last night and it goes without saying just how devastating and tragic this is for the family and all who knew them .
`` Emma has been described as an excellent nurse who was calm and cheerful and a good leader .
`` She was well liked by all and was a valuable member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
`` We are supporting Katy and Emma 's family as much as we can through this difficult and distressing period . ''
Paula Head , chief executive at UHS , said : `` I want to pay tribute to Katy who sadly passed away on Tuesday .
`` Katy has been described by her colleagues where she worked in child health as a nurse people would aspire to be like and that nursing was more than just a job to her .
`` On behalf of everyone here at UHS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve , I would like to offer our sincere condolences to her family . ''

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Twin sisters who had both worked as nurses have died within three days of each other after both testing positive for Covid-19.
Children's nurse Katy Davis, 37, died at Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday while her identical twin, Emma, a former surgery nurse, died early on Friday.
The two sisters, who both suffered from an underlying health condition, have been praised for their excellent work in the nursing profession.
Their sister Zoe Davis told the BBC: "They always said they had come into the world together and would go out together as well.
"There are no words to describe how special they were."
Zoe said the "amazing" pair, who lived together, had other health conditions and had been unwell for some time.
A spokesman for University Hospital Southampton (UHS) said that Katy had worked as risk and patient safety lead in child health but had been unwell for a period prior to her admittance to hospital when she tested positive for Covid-19.
He added that Emma had also worked for UHS for nine years as a nurse in surgery in the colorectal unit until 2013.
The spokesman said: "She had the same underlying health condition as Katy and had been unwell prior to her admission when she tested positive for Covid-19.
"She sadly also passed away last night and it goes without saying just how devastating and tragic this is for the family and all who knew them.
(Image: PA)
"Emma has been described as an excellent nurse who was calm and cheerful and a good leader.
"She was well liked by all and was a valuable member of the team during her time with us.
"We are supporting Katy and Emma's family as much as we can through this difficult and distressing period."
Paula Head, chief executive at UHS, said: "I want to pay tribute to Katy who sadly passed away on Tuesday.
(Image: PA)
"Katy has been described by her colleagues where she worked in child health as a nurse people would aspire to be like and that nursing was more than just a job to her.
"On behalf of everyone here at UHS, including our patients and the communities we serve, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to her family."


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Aston Villa linked with shock move for Liverpool transfer flop

Aston Villa are eyeing a surprising move for Liverpool flop Fabio Borini , an Italian newspaper has claimed .
The 29-year-old is , according to L'Arena , being monitored by Villa and Crystal Palace ahead of a free transfer in the summer .
Reports suggest Villa have had officials enquiring about the forward who only signed a six-month contract at Hellas Verona in January .
The 29-year-old was previously at AC Milan who paid Sunderland £5million for him back in July 2018 .
Borini was once a £10.5million signing for Liverpool , too , but failed to cut it before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , the Italian has made eight appearances scoring twice including a goal in Verona 's shock victory over Juventus on February 8 .
Borini , though , will be a free agent when his contract expires and , according to reports , Villa and Palace face transfer competition from Fiorentina .
As for Villa and Palace , the Premier League is currently suspended indefinitely with a crucial meeting set to take place on Friday , May 1 .
Elsewhere today , the Dutch FA have decided to cancel all promotions and relegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leagues in Europe .
The decision comes just days after UEFA urged its association members to complete seasons where possible and decide those that can ’ t on ‘ sporting merit ’ .
However , the Dutch Football Association have now revealed that all promotions , relegations and titles will not be awarded this season .

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Aston Villa are eyeing a surprising move for Liverpool flop Fabio Borini, an Italian newspaper has claimed.
The 29-year-old is, according to L'Arena, being monitored by Villa and Crystal Palace ahead of a free transfer in the summer.
Reports suggest Villa have had officials enquiring about the forward who only signed a six-month contract at Hellas Verona in January.
The 29-year-old was previously at AC Milan who paid Sunderland £5million for him back in July 2018.
(Image: Getty Images)
Borini was once a £10.5million signing for Liverpool, too, but failed to cut it before moving to the Black Cats.
This season, the Italian has made eight appearances scoring twice including a goal in Verona's shock victory over Juventus on February 8.
Borini, though, will be a free agent when his contract expires and, according to reports, Villa and Palace face transfer competition from Fiorentina.
As for Villa and Palace, the Premier League is currently suspended indefinitely with a crucial meeting set to take place on Friday, May 1.
Elsewhere today, the Dutch FA have decided to cancel all promotions and relegations, setting a stunning precedent for major leagues in Europe.
The decision comes just days after UEFA urged its association members to complete seasons where possible and decide those that can’t on ‘sporting merit’.
However, the Dutch Football Association have now revealed that all promotions, relegations and titles will not be awarded this season.


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Fire service rocked by 150 lockdown arson attacks at beauty spots

Firefighters rocked by a spate of 150 arson attacks during the coronavirus crisis have urged the public to avoid beauty spots and parks .
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service warned people to 'stay away ' from country parks including Cannock Chase and the Roaches after a string of deliberate fires .
Since the Covid-19 lockdown on March 23 , under-pressure firefighters in the county have had to deal with 156 blazes which were started on purpose .
The crews have been forced to deal with the incidents with a reduced workforce due to the virus - and on top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the warmer weather .
But the deliberate incidents are causing firefighters to be taken away from what could potentially be life-threatening emergencies , the service said .
As a result of the arson attacks , the fire service is now repeating calls for members of the public to stay at home and away from country parks during the current government lockdown .
His warning comes as the Cannock Chase district has been the target of 19 deliberate fires during the lockdown .
He said : “ These deliberate incidents are causing firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially be real life-threatening emergencies .
“ Although the number of fires in this period is comparable with previous years this is much more serious during a lockdown .
“ The message is for people to stay at home or exercise locally staying two metres apart .
“ While most people are staying away , no one except those living in the immediate area should be travelling to these areas as it is vital we all follow the government ’ s guidelines and stay safe.
” He added : “ Fires that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can have devastating effects on the environment , but importantly endanger people ’ s lives and homes .
Please help us to reduce demand at this time and ensure we are not over-stretched .
`` Firefighters are working hard and we ’ re in the frontline with colleagues fighting against Covid-19 , still responding to emergencies and helping to look after the vulnerable in our society.
” The service urged anyone who has information on suspected deliberate fires to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
If you see a fire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call 999 immediately .

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Firefighters rocked by a spate of 150 arson attacks during the coronavirus crisis have urged the public to avoid beauty spots and parks.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service warned people to 'stay away' from country parks including Cannock Chase and the Roaches after a string of deliberate fires.
Since the Covid-19 lockdown on March 23, under-pressure firefighters in the county have had to deal with 156 blazes which were started on purpose.
The crews have been forced to deal with the incidents with a reduced workforce due to the virus - and on top of a large number of accidental fires sparked by the warmer weather.
(Image: Staffs fire)
But the deliberate incidents are causing firefighters to be taken away from what could potentially be life-threatening emergencies, the service said.
As a result of the arson attacks, the fire service is now repeating calls for members of the public to stay at home and away from country parks during the current government lockdown.
His warning comes as the Cannock Chase district has been the target of 19 deliberate fires during the lockdown.
He said: “These deliberate incidents are causing firefighters to be taken away from what could potentially be real life-threatening emergencies.
“Although the number of fires in this period is comparable with previous years this is much more serious during a lockdown.
“The message is for people to stay at home or exercise locally staying two metres apart.
(Image: Staffordshire Fire)
“While most people are staying away, no one except those living in the immediate area should be travelling to these areas as it is vital we all follow the government’s guidelines and stay safe.”
He added: “Fires that are caused deliberately or carelessly in the open can have devastating effects on the environment, but importantly endanger people’s lives and homes. Please help us to reduce demand at this time and ensure we are not over-stretched.
"Firefighters are working hard and we’re in the frontline with colleagues fighting against Covid-19, still responding to emergencies and helping to look after the vulnerable in our society.”
The service urged anyone who has information on suspected deliberate fires to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you see a fire, or anyone starting a fire, please call 999 immediately.


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Pub 'busted for secretly serving booze despite UK lockdown'

Police have shut down a pub in Wolverhampton which was allegedly secretly opening and serving booze .
Officers say they acted on intelligence and found evidence of The Pendulum in Pendeford flouting the lockdown .
A Coronavirus Restrictions Prohibition Notice was issued on the premises supervisor for the breach .
The city council 's licensing committee has now suspended the licence of the pub in Blaydon Road ahead of a full review in a month .
Anyone who ignores a licence suspension can face criminal prosecution .
Sergeant Steph Reynolds , from Wolverhampton Police licensing team , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very clear , pubs are not to trade for consumption of food or drink on the premises .
`` There may be a false belief that it 's worth the risk to secretly trade ... that you will only be asked to close like everyone else already is if caught .
`` But if you do breach the rules you face losing your licence completely and be unable to trade when lockdown restrictions are lifted .
`` A breach of the rules can also lead to being taken to court and even a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chair of Licensing Committee , said : “ I am very disappointed that the premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor has appeared to place members of the public at risk , when everyone should be adhering to the restrictions put in place to protect people .
`` The decision taken was to support the Police in their application to suspend the licensable activities at the Pendulum , Blaydon Road , Pendeford , Wolverhampton .
A full review of the premises licence will now take place . ''
A date for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Police have shut down a pub in Wolverhampton which was allegedly secretly opening and serving booze.
Officers say they acted on intelligence and found evidence of The Pendulum in Pendeford flouting the lockdown.
A Coronavirus Restrictions Prohibition Notice was issued on the premises supervisor for the breach.
The city council's licensing committee has now suspended the licence of the pub in Blaydon Road ahead of a full review in a month.
Anyone who ignores a licence suspension can face criminal prosecution.
Sergeant Steph Reynolds, from Wolverhampton Police licensing team, said: "The rules imposed by the government were very clear, pubs are not to trade for consumption of food or drink on the premises.
"There may be a false belief that it's worth the risk to secretly trade... that you will only be asked to close like everyone else already is if caught.
"But if you do breach the rules you face losing your licence completely and be unable to trade when lockdown restrictions are lifted.
"A breach of the rules can also lead to being taken to court and even a prison sentence."
Councillor Alan Bolshaw, Chair of Licensing Committee, said: “I am very disappointed that the premises licence holder and designated premises supervisor has appeared to place members of the public at risk, when everyone should be adhering to the restrictions put in place to protect people.
"The decision taken was to support the Police in their application to suspend the licensable activities at the Pendulum, Blaydon Road, Pendeford, Wolverhampton. A full review of the premises licence will now take place."
A date for the full hearing has yet to be set.


birminghammail--2020-04-24--City cocktail bar reopens with a queue in St Paul's Square

Award-winning city gin bar 40 St Paul 's has been doing brisk business after reopening in the Jewellery Quarter .
Owner Amanjot Singh Johal was today serving elderflower gin and tonic slushies for £7 each .
He put a sign up outside saying `` For home consumption ONLY .
One person at at time .
Please wait 2 metres apart . ''
The notice did n't stop one couple from kissing at the head of the queue as you can see in the picture further below .
Mr Johal said he had agonised for three weeks but felt he just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flow to stay afloat .
The bar 's windows remain boarded up because Mr Johal said : `` The area is so quiet - I have moved our expensive , rare gins to a different location for safe storage . ''
The tiny 24 seat venue won the World Gin Bar of the Year in Gin magazine 's annual Icons of Gin Awards in 2019 Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered bars , pubs and restaurants to close on Friday , March 20 , before ordering an even more widespread lockdown when he addressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , March 23 .
The bar 's opening came just as the government was announcing that the coronavirus death toll in England had risen to 17,373 after a further 587 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours .
The total recorded deaths in the UK reached 19,506 but the true toll will be far higher when deaths in care homes , privates homes and hospices - for which there is no official running total - are included .
Mr Johal used his pages on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 7pm today and tomorrow - Saturday , April 25 .
He claimed that lawyers and two police officers he knew personally had said that he could open if he stuck to a one-person-at-once service and maintained social distancing at all times .
What happened when the bar reopened Within the first 25 minutes our BirminghamLive photographer at the scene estimated that 20 people had been served .
The longest queue at any one time was of seven people .
One man told us : `` It is nice to have proper drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am tying this up with my daily exercise . ''
Both said they were taking the drinks back to their flat .
Our photographer added : `` There seemed to be a steady flow of people arriving at the bar and being quickly served one by one .
`` Most of the them seemed to be playing by the rules - and heading straight back to wherever they had come from .
`` They all told me they had first heard about the opening on social media . ''
Then , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five people were turned away from the bar .
Our photographer asked them why they had been turned away .
`` The slush machine has been turned off to cool down for a rest , '' they said .
`` It could be 20 minutes or half an hour . ''
Other people were seen in the grounds of St Paul 's Church and a van arrived with police officers who moved these people on .
At this point there was no queue outside of 40 St Paul 's which has an anonymous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Johal said : `` We want people to be safe , but also to enjoy themselves .
`` I would only do something if I knew a ) it was legal and b ) completely in line with instructions from the government .
`` Doing this is not without thought .
It 's a serious thing .
People are dying .
I 've got asthma myself .
`` I 've had three weeks to think about how to do this and have not taken the decision lightly .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I appreciate that some people might think differently .
`` I do n't want to put anyone 's lives at risk , I 'm a conscientious man .
I think the only thing you can do in this world is to be kind and to be good . ''
What the government guidelines say Do not meet others , even friends or family .
You can spread the virus even if you don ’ t have symptoms .
• Only go outside for food , health reasons or work ( but only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) • If you go out , stay 2 metres ( 6ft ) away from other people at all times • Wash your hands as soon as you get home Businesses and venues that must remain closed Restaurants and public houses , wine bars or other food and drink establishments including within hotels and members ’ clubs .
Exceptions : `` Food delivery and takeaway can remain operational and can be a new activity supported by the new permitted development right .
`` This covers the provision of hot or cold food that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or delivery to be consumed , reheated or cooked by consumers off the premises . ''

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Award-winning city gin bar 40 St Paul's has been doing brisk business after reopening in the Jewellery Quarter.
Owner Amanjot Singh Johal was today serving elderflower gin and tonic slushies for £7 each.
He put a sign up outside saying "For home consumption ONLY. One person at at time. Please wait 2 metres apart."
Mr Johal said he had agonised for three weeks but felt he just had to reopen to generate some cash flow to stay afloat.
The bar's windows remain boarded up because Mr Johal said: "The area is so quiet - I have moved our expensive, rare gins to a different location for safe storage."
The tiny 24 seat venue won the World Gin Bar of the Year in Gin magazine's annual Icons of Gin Awards in 2019
(Image: BirminghamLive)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered bars, pubs and restaurants to close on Friday, March 20, before ordering an even more widespread lockdown when he addressed the nation a month ago at 8.30pm on Monday, March 23.
The bar's opening came just as the government was announcing that the coronavirus death toll in England had risen to 17,373 after a further 587 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.
The total recorded deaths in the UK reached 19,506 but the true toll will be far higher when deaths in care homes, privates homes and hospices - for which there is no official running total - are included.
Mr Johal used his pages on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to announce that he was opening from 4pm to 7pm today and tomorrow - Saturday, April 25.
He claimed that lawyers and two police officers he knew personally had said that he could open if he stuck to a one-person-at-once service and maintained social distancing at all times.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
What happened when the bar reopened
Within the first 25 minutes our BirminghamLive photographer at the scene estimated that 20 people had been served.
The longest queue at any one time was of seven people.
One man told us: "It is nice to have proper drink again."
A lady said: "I am tying this up with my daily exercise."
Both said they were taking the drinks back to their flat.
Our photographer added: "There seemed to be a steady flow of people arriving at the bar and being quickly served one by one.
"Most of the them seemed to be playing by the rules - and heading straight back to wherever they had come from.
"They all told me they had first heard about the opening on social media."
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Then, at around 4.30pm, a group of five people were turned away from the bar.
Our photographer asked them why they had been turned away.
"The slush machine has been turned off to cool down for a rest," they said. "It could be 20 minutes or half an hour."
Other people were seen in the grounds of St Paul's Church and a van arrived with police officers who moved these people on.
At this point there was no queue outside of 40 St Paul's which has an anonymous door entrance to a small room inside.
(Image: BirminghamLive)
The owner's view
Mr Johal said: "We want people to be safe, but also to enjoy themselves.
"I would only do something if I knew a) it was legal and b) completely in line with instructions from the government.
"Doing this is not without thought. It's a serious thing. People are dying. I've got asthma myself.
"I've had three weeks to think about how to do this and have not taken the decision lightly.
"We've taken so many actions to mitigate risk but I appreciate that some people might think differently.
"I don't want to put anyone's lives at risk, I'm a conscientious man. I think the only thing you can do in this world is to be kind and to be good."
What the government guidelines say
Stay at home.
Do not meet others, even friends or family. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
Wash your hands as soon as you get home
Businesses and venues that must remain closed
Restaurants and public houses, wine bars or other food and drink establishments including within hotels and members’ clubs.
Exceptions: "Food delivery and takeaway can remain operational and can be a new activity supported by the new permitted development right.
"This covers the provision of hot or cold food that has been prepared for consumers for collection or delivery to be consumed, reheated or cooked by consumers off the premises."


birminghammail--2020-04-24--When government's coronavirus test website re-opens for bookings

Some 46,000 people tried to book a coronavirus test on the Government 's new website on Friday , but tests ran out soon after it went live .
Over 10 million key workers and their households are now eligible for Covid-19 tests as the Government races to hit its 100,000-a-day testing target by next Thursday .
Under the expansion , NHS and social care staff , police officers , teachers , social workers , undertakers , journalists and those who work in supermarkets and food production are among those now eligible .
But within two minutes of the website going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 tests for people to do at home had been booked .
Meanwhile , more than 15,000 appointments for tests at drive-through centres were also taken quickly , forcing the Department of Health to apologise on Twitter `` for any inconvenience '' .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the website will reopen for bookings later , after it was closed due to `` significant demand '' .
Speaking at Downing Street 's daily briefing , Mr Shapps insisted the site closed after `` the slots for today were taken up '' .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more bookings on Friday evening .
Test booking slots or home testing kits will become available from 8am each day , the Department of Health has said , with their release staggered throughout the day .
Mr Shapps dismissed suggestions the website had crashed on Friday .
He said : `` There were reports that the website had crashed , which it had n't , it was simply that the slots for today were taken up . ''
He said the site had `` actually been brought back up around now for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will then close off again , more tests will become available tomorrow and so on '' .
Earlier , the PM 's spokesman said : `` Within two minutes of the portal opening this morning , 5,000 testing kits had been ordered .
`` And that 's the available capacity for today . ''
The spokesman said up to 18,000 home testing kits per day will be available by the end of next week .
It came as the Department of Health announced a total of 19,506 patients have died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK as of 5pm on Thursday , up by 768 from 18,738 the day before .
Number 10 said the Government is trusting that those applying for tests are key workers , with no eligibility checks in place for online bookings .
The official spokesman said : `` As with many other aspects of the coronavirus response , we would expect the public to respond in good faith .
`` That is what they have done with other aspects of the scheme , I think we 'd expect it to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government was confident people would be able to test themselves accurately with a kit sent to their homes , the spokesman added : `` There are videos available to show people how to do this and people will be given clear instructions . ''
Under the scheme , test results from the drive-through sites will be sent out by text within 48 hours , and within 72 hours of collection of the home delivery tests .
Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries stressed the test on offer to key workers via the website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now ? ''
test .
She said it would be a `` wasted test '' if it was used by people who did not have symptoms , or people in their households .
Asked about a potential failure rate , she said it was difficult to put a figure on it but studies showed there were `` remarkably '' similar results where a person took the test themselves or if it was administered by a health professional .
Dr Harries was also asked about airport screening for tracking Covid-19 during the press briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad becomes `` less effective '' once the prevalence of the disease balances across the world .
But she added : `` What may well become an opportunity is when our rates are very tightly controlled and individuals are coming into the country .
`` Even then it may not be quite as simple . ''

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Some 46,000 people tried to book a coronavirus test on the Government's new website on Friday, but tests ran out soon after it went live.
Over 10 million key workers and their households are now eligible for Covid-19 tests as the Government races to hit its 100,000-a-day testing target by next Thursday.
Under the expansion, NHS and social care staff, police officers, teachers, social workers, undertakers, journalists and those who work in supermarkets and food production are among those now eligible.
But within two minutes of the website going live at 6am on Friday, all 5,000 tests for people to do at home had been booked.
Meanwhile, more than 15,000 appointments for tests at drive-through centres were also taken quickly, forcing the Department of Health to apologise on Twitter "for any inconvenience".
(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the website will reopen for bookings later, after it was closed due to "significant demand".
Speaking at Downing Street's daily briefing, Mr Shapps insisted the site closed after "the slots for today were taken up".
But he said it would come back online for more bookings on Friday evening.
Test booking slots or home testing kits will become available from 8am each day, the Department of Health has said, with their release staggered throughout the day.
Mr Shapps dismissed suggestions the website had crashed on Friday.
He said: "There were reports that the website had crashed, which it hadn't, it was simply that the slots for today were taken up."
He said the site had "actually been brought back up around now for more people to go and book sites, it will then close off again, more tests will become available tomorrow and so on".
Earlier, the PM's spokesman said: "Within two minutes of the portal opening this morning, 5,000 testing kits had been ordered.
"And that's the available capacity for today."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The spokesman said up to 18,000 home testing kits per day will be available by the end of next week.
It came as the Department of Health announced a total of 19,506 patients have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Thursday, up by 768 from 18,738 the day before.
Number 10 said the Government is trusting that those applying for tests are key workers, with no eligibility checks in place for online bookings.
The official spokesman said: "As with many other aspects of the coronavirus response, we would expect the public to respond in good faith.
"That is what they have done with other aspects of the scheme, I think we'd expect it to be the same here."
Asked whether the Government was confident people would be able to test themselves accurately with a kit sent to their homes, the spokesman added: "There are videos available to show people how to do this and people will be given clear instructions."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Under the scheme, test results from the drive-through sites will be sent out by text within 48 hours, and within 72 hours of collection of the home delivery tests.
Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries stressed the test on offer to key workers via the website was the "Have you got it now?" test.
She said it would be a "wasted test" if it was used by people who did not have symptoms, or people in their households.
Asked about a potential failure rate, she said it was difficult to put a figure on it but studies showed there were "remarkably" similar results where a person took the test themselves or if it was administered by a health professional.
Dr Harries was also asked about airport screening for tracking Covid-19 during the press briefing.
She said quarantining people returning from abroad becomes "less effective" once the prevalence of the disease balances across the world.
But she added: "What may well become an opportunity is when our rates are very tightly controlled and individuals are coming into the country.
"Even then it may not be quite as simple."


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Blues and Leeds fans hit back at 'embarrassing' transfer ban claim

Birmingham City and Leeds United supporters have angrily responded to Alex Neil 's claims that teams who have deferred wages during the coronavirus suspension , should be banned from making transfers .
Blues were the first team in the second tier to agree to wage deferrals , with all players earning over £6,000 agreeing to a four month , 50 % cut .
Teams including Leeds United , Brentford and Bristol City have also slashed players ’ wages amid the suspension of football due to COVID-19 .
The measures were taken by the Blues players in order to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
But Neil , whose Preston side are still paying staff and players in full , believes those that can ’ t , should be banned from making transfers .
`` If people are taking wage cuts or deferrals then people are putting cases forward that they should n't be allowed to sign any other players , '' Neil told LancsLive .
`` Because if they ca n't currently pay the players they have got then why should they then be allowed to use the money they have deferred from wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring better or more players in ?
`` I do n't think that clubs who have run their finances in an organised and good manner should then be hampered and hamstrung when other teams are maybe slashing wages and then the window opens and we get out-bid for a player that they have brought with money that they have deferred from another player . ''
Here 's how Blues and Leeds fans had to say about the Preston manager 's controversial claim : @ RichardOsborn13 : Quite stupid really ...
I fully agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the players volunteered this cut led by the captain to protect staff and the club , that should be applauded not seen as a negative .
@ TinyWo2717 : : Why are people so against us @ DoughtBCFC : Tell him to mind his own business .
If you want to follow all things Birmingham City via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest Blues news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Brian Dick on Twitter , and his email address is Brian.Dick @ reachplc.com @ Motleeds1 : Poor alex neil hes been pulling his hair out over # lufc again @ Pauliepoo83 : Why ?
Because we deferred wages to help non @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day revenue that also helps pay for this .
Damned for doing the right thing !
11078 avg attendance to 35197 for @ LUFC .
Not done for any gain or trying to breach ffp !
@ CraigAllanLUFC : Some people need to have a hard look at what great clubs are doing to make sure all staff are paid and that their families have income during these hard times .
The ones who need punishing are those who are furloughing or sacking their staff .
@ OooahhBerardi : This is embarrassing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great reasoning there Alex .
Punish Leeds for keeping honest hard working people in a job .
What a stupid outlook .

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Birmingham City and Leeds United supporters have angrily responded to Alex Neil's claims that teams who have deferred wages during the coronavirus suspension, should be banned from making transfers.
Blues were the first team in the second tier to agree to wage deferrals, with all players earning over £6,000 agreeing to a four month, 50% cut.
Teams including Leeds United, Brentford and Bristol City have also slashed players’ wages amid the suspension of football due to COVID-19.
(Image: Getty Images)
The measures were taken by the Blues players in order to ensure that all non-playing staff would be unaffected during the pandemic.
But Neil, whose Preston side are still paying staff and players in full, believes those that can’t, should be banned from making transfers.
"If people are taking wage cuts or deferrals then people are putting cases forward that they shouldn't be allowed to sign any other players," Neil told LancsLive.
"Because if they can't currently pay the players they have got then why should they then be allowed to use the money they have deferred from wages to then invest in their squad to bring better or more players in?
"I don't think that clubs who have run their finances in an organised and good manner should then be hampered and hamstrung when other teams are maybe slashing wages and then the window opens and we get out-bid for a player that they have brought with money that they have deferred from another player."
Here's how Blues and Leeds fans had to say about the Preston manager's controversial claim:
Blues fans
@RichardOsborn13: Quite stupid really... I fully agree on the furlough side of things but the players volunteered this cut led by the captain to protect staff and the club, that should be applauded not seen as a negative.
@TinyWo2717:: Why are people so against us
@DoughtBCFC: Tell him to mind his own business.
@macblue65: What a complete load of rubbish !
Leeds fans
@Motleeds1: Poor alex neil hes been pulling his hair out over #lufc again
@Pauliepoo83: Why? Because we deferred wages to help non playing staff. We have massive match day revenue that also helps pay for this. Damned for doing the right thing! 11078 avg attendance to 35197 for @LUFC. Not done for any gain or trying to breach ffp!
@CraigAllanLUFC: Some people need to have a hard look at what great clubs are doing to make sure all staff are paid and that their families have income during these hard times. The ones who need punishing are those who are furloughing or sacking their staff.
@OooahhBerardi: This is embarrassing for him.
@TheRealPaulMoz: Yeah, great reasoning there Alex. Punish Leeds for keeping honest hard working people in a job. What a stupid outlook.


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Piers Morgan issues unprecedented apology to Ofcom over GMB 'bullying' row

Piers Morgan has issued an apology in an unprecedented climb down to regulator Ofcom .
The Good Morning Britain host was forced to say sorry to Ofcom after his supporters bombarded the regulator with furious Twitter comments .
The GMB presenter , who hosts the show each Monday and Thursday , asked for help from his supporters after an Ofcom probe was launched .
The broadcasting watchdog announced it would investigate whether Piers , a controversial TV personality , went too far in an interview with a Tory minister .
Many complaints were registered after Piers was accused of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tense exchange on the ITV1 daytime favourite .
As a result , Piers called for his fans to get in touch with Ofcom and support him , after 600 complaints moaned about his behaviour .
Piers was accused of going too far when he took the minister to task over the government 's approach to the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
Amid the pandemic , Piers slammed the government 's failures over PPE as NHS heroes treat Covid-19 patients on the frontline amid claims of a lack of protective kit .
Now , Ofcom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received .
The broadcasting watchdog wrote : `` Dear Piers , We 're usually happy with you keeping us busy .
But right now we ’ re struggling to keep up after you asked your followers to contact us .
`` This means we may fail to help the people that need us most – such as the vulnerable or elderly .
`` So could you please help us out and go easy on the mentions ?
Any help appreciated . ''
Piers duly responded : `` My apologies ...
I underestimated the @ @ @ @ @ @

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Piers Morgan has issued an apology in an unprecedented climb down to regulator Ofcom.
The Good Morning Britain host was forced to say sorry to Ofcom after his supporters bombarded the regulator with furious Twitter comments.
The GMB presenter, who hosts the show each Monday and Thursday, asked for help from his supporters after an Ofcom probe was launched.
The broadcasting watchdog announced it would investigate whether Piers, a controversial TV personality, went too far in an interview with a Tory minister.
Many complaints were registered after Piers was accused of "bullying" Helen Whately during a particularly tense exchange on the ITV1 daytime favourite.
As a result, Piers called for his fans to get in touch with Ofcom and support him, after 600 complaints moaned about his behaviour.
Piers was accused of going too far when he took the minister to task over the government's approach to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Amid the pandemic, Piers slammed the government's failures over PPE as NHS heroes treat Covid-19 patients on the frontline amid claims of a lack of protective kit.
Now, Ofcom has reacted to the support Piers has received.
The broadcasting watchdog wrote: "Dear Piers, We're usually happy with you keeping us busy. But right now we’re struggling to keep up after you asked your followers to contact us.
"This means we may fail to help the people that need us most – such as the vulnerable or elderly.
"So could you please help us out and go easy on the mentions? Any help appreciated."
Piers duly responded: "My apologies... I underestimated the scale of public support."


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Jon Venables prison release case referred to Parole Board

A case has been referred to the Parole Board to consider whether one of James Bulger 's killers should be released from jail .
The two-year-old was tortured and killed by the man formerly known as Jon Venables , and Robert Thompson - who were both aged 10 - after they snatched him from a shopping centre in Bootle , Merseyside , in February 1993 .
Venables and Thompson were jailed for life , but released on licence with new identities in 2001 .
Venables , 36 , was sent back to prison in 2010 and 2017 for possessing indecent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving a 40-month sentence and passed the half-way mark in October .
On Friday , the Parole Board confirmed a review of his case had been referred and it would now determine whether a hearing needed to take place to decide if he should be released .
There is a suspected monthly backlog of more than 1,000 cases waiting to be heard by the Board due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Efforts are being made to conduct remote hearings or decide cases `` on paper '' by considering documents where possible and appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine certain cases - like those involving murderers , violent and sex offenders and terrorists - without a face-to-face hearing so these will most likely be delayed .
If there is no doubt that Venables should remain in jail , the case will be decided on paper .
But if there is any uncertainty , a hearing will need to take place to consider the risk he presents to the public and whether he can be released , the PA news agency understands .
The decision on how to proceed is likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murdered child 's mother Denise Fergus urged the board to deny Venables early release and `` finally admit this man is a threat and danger to society '' , claiming he had shown `` no remorse or any signs of being rehabilitated . ''
A Parole Board spokesman said : `` We can confirm the parole review of Jon Venables has been referred to the Parole Board and is following standard processes .
`` The job of the Parole Board is to determine if someone would represent a significant risk to the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully look at a range of evidence , including details of the original case , and any evidence of behaviour change .
`` A parole review takes place with extreme care and public safety is our number one priority . ''
Since the beginning of March , the Board has directed the release of 321 prisoners while refusing the requests of 1,771 others .
So far it has cancelled 39 hearings since the country went into lockdown on March 23 and 1,700 are being reviewed to determine whether a decision can be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It has made 2,393 decisions on paper and carried out more than 200 telephone or video hearings .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (PA, James Rodger)

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A case has been referred to the Parole Board to consider whether one of James Bulger's killers should be released from jail.
The two-year-old was tortured and killed by the man formerly known as Jon Venables, and Robert Thompson - who were both aged 10 - after they snatched him from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in February 1993.
Venables and Thompson were jailed for life, but released on licence with new identities in 2001.
Venables, 36, was sent back to prison in 2010 and 2017 for possessing indecent images of children.
He is currently serving a 40-month sentence and passed the half-way mark in October.
On Friday, the Parole Board confirmed a review of his case had been referred and it would now determine whether a hearing needed to take place to decide if he should be released.
There is a suspected monthly backlog of more than 1,000 cases waiting to be heard by the Board due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Efforts are being made to conduct remote hearings or decide cases "on paper" by considering documents where possible and appropriate.
But the board is reluctant to determine certain cases - like those involving murderers, violent and sex offenders and terrorists - without a face-to-face hearing so these will most likely be delayed.
If there is no doubt that Venables should remain in jail, the case will be decided on paper.
But if there is any uncertainty, a hearing will need to take place to consider the risk he presents to the public and whether he can be released, the PA news agency understands.
The decision on how to proceed is likely to take several weeks
In August, the murdered child's mother Denise Fergus urged the board to deny Venables early release and "finally admit this man is a threat and danger to society", claiming he had shown "no remorse or any signs of being rehabilitated."
A Parole Board spokesman said: "We can confirm the parole review of Jon Venables has been referred to the Parole Board and is following standard processes.
"The job of the Parole Board is to determine if someone would represent a significant risk to the public after release.
"The panel will carefully look at a range of evidence, including details of the original case, and any evidence of behaviour change.
"A parole review takes place with extreme care and public safety is our number one priority."
Since the beginning of March, the Board has directed the release of 321 prisoners while refusing the requests of 1,771 others.
So far it has cancelled 39 hearings since the country went into lockdown on March 23 and 1,700 are being reviewed to determine whether a decision can be made on paper or with a virtual meeting.
It has made 2,393 decisions on paper and carried out more than 200 telephone or video hearings.


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Government were 'warned to prepare for impending pandemic last year'

Ministers were warned last year that the Government needed robust plans in place to deal with a potential pandemic virus , according to a leaked Cabinet Office briefing .
The National Security Risk Assessment ( NSRA ) - running to more than 600 pages - highlighted the devastating social and economic costs of a major disease outbreak , according to the Guardian .
The document was said to have warned that even a relatively mild pandemic could lead to tens of thousands of deaths while the costs could run to trillions of pounds .
`` A novel pandemic virus could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' it said .
`` Therefore , pandemics significantly more serious than the reasonable worst case ... are possible . ''
It was signed off by the Government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and a senior national security adviser to Prime Minister whom the Guardian said it had been asked not to name .
The Cabinet Office declined to comment on the report .
A spokesman said : `` We do not comment on leaks . ''
However the disclosure will add to the pressure on ministers , amid criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistently been too slow to respond to the coronavirus outbreak .
According to the Guardian , the NSRA recommendations included stockpiling personal protective equipment , setting up advance purchase agreements for other essential kit , establishing procedures for disease surveillance and contract-tracing , and drawing up plans to manage a surge in deaths .
The need for plans to help British nationals abroad and repatriate them to the UK was also said to have been raised as a priority .
The NSRA looked at both the the risk of a viral flu pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sars and Mers were coronaviruses - although this was considered less damaging .
The document included a series of `` reasonable worst case scenarios '' for the spread of a flu-like viral pandemic .
It suggested it would play out in three waves - each expected to last 15 weeks and with the peak occurring in weeks six and seven of each wave .
Half of the population would be infected and experience symptoms of the disease during one or move of the waves .
However , the actual numbers infected would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The NSRA said a pandemic of `` moderate virulence '' could lead to 65,600 deaths , while the cost to the UK could run to £2.35 trillion .
Even after the pandemic was over , it said that it could take months or even years for health and social care services to recover .

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Ministers were warned last year that the Government needed robust plans in place to deal with a potential pandemic virus, according to a leaked Cabinet Office briefing.
The National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA) - running to more than 600 pages - highlighted the devastating social and economic costs of a major disease outbreak, according to the Guardian.
The document was said to have warned that even a relatively mild pandemic could lead to tens of thousands of deaths while the costs could run to trillions of pounds.
"A novel pandemic virus could be both highly transmissible and highly virulent," it said.
"Therefore, pandemics significantly more serious than the reasonable worst case ... are possible."
(Image: Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street/Crown Copyright/PA)
It was signed off by the Government's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and a senior national security adviser to Prime Minister whom the Guardian said it had been asked not to name.
The Cabinet Office declined to comment on the report. A spokesman said: "We do not comment on leaks."
However the disclosure will add to the pressure on ministers, amid criticism from opposition parties that the Government has consistently been too slow to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.
According to the Guardian, the NSRA recommendations included stockpiling personal protective equipment, setting up advance purchase agreements for other essential kit, establishing procedures for disease surveillance and contract-tracing, and drawing up plans to manage a surge in deaths.
The need for plans to help British nationals abroad and repatriate them to the UK was also said to have been raised as a priority.
The NSRA looked at both the the risk of a viral flu pandemic and also a coronavirus outbreak - both Sars and Mers were coronaviruses - although this was considered less damaging.
The document included a series of "reasonable worst case scenarios" for the spread of a flu-like viral pandemic.
It suggested it would play out in three waves - each expected to last 15 weeks and with the peak occurring in weeks six and seven of each wave.
Half of the population would be infected and experience symptoms of the disease during one or move of the waves.
However, the actual numbers infected would be higher as some cases would be asymptomatic.
The NSRA said a pandemic of "moderate virulence" could lead to 65,600 deaths, while the cost to the UK could run to £2.35 trillion.
Even after the pandemic was over, it said that it could take months or even years for health and social care services to recover.


birminghammail--2020-04-24--Deputy headteacher found dead after going missing from home

The husband of a deputy head teacher has paid tribute to his wife who was found dead after going missing from her home .
She was reported missing from her home in Higham , Lancashire , on Tuesday .
Following a search by police and family members her body was found later the same day in the Sabden Fold area .
Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been passed to the coroner , Lancashire Police said .
In a tribute released through police , Mr Gadd said : `` My gorgeous wife and Ellie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sadly passed away on Tuesday after a long struggle against depression .
`` We love her so much and we know she loves us too .
She is now at peace with God .
We will cherish all the memories we have of us being together .
`` Donna lived for her family , friends , neighbours and the children she taught at Wellfield School in Burnley , and previously at Park Primary School in Colne .
She loves us all very much .
`` Thank you for the lovely messages we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though we can not be together .
Please share happy memories of Donna with us .
`` God bless you Donna , for all the joy you brought into the world .
Love , Richard , Claudia , Maddie and Ellie Gadd xxxxx . ''
Maria Ellel , head teacher at Wellfield Methodist and Anglican Church School , said : `` We are so saddened to hear this terrible news .
We are a very close school community and this is a tremendous shock to us all .
`` Donna was well-loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents .
She had many close friends in school , and also maintained relationships with past members of staff .
`` She was passionate and committed to the pupils and to ensuring that they had a good future .
`` We are working closely with the county council to ensure we offer our pupils and staff support to help them to come to terms with this .
`` Our thoughts , sympathies and prayers are with Donna 's family and friends at this very sad and difficult time . ''
If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org .

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The husband of a deputy head teacher has paid tribute to his wife who was found dead after going missing from her home.
Mother-of-three Donna Gadd, 51, had battled depression, husband Richard said.
She was reported missing from her home in Higham, Lancashire, on Tuesday.
Following a search by police and family members her body was found later the same day in the Sabden Fold area.
Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been passed to the coroner, Lancashire Police said.
In a tribute released through police, Mr Gadd said: "My gorgeous wife and Ellie, Maddie and Claudia's beautiful mum sadly passed away on Tuesday after a long struggle against depression.
"We love her so much and we know she loves us too. She is now at peace with God. We will cherish all the memories we have of us being together.
"Donna lived for her family, friends, neighbours and the children she taught at Wellfield School in Burnley, and previously at Park Primary School in Colne. She loves us all very much.
"Thank you for the lovely messages we have received over the last few days, even though we cannot be together. Please share happy memories of Donna with us.
"God bless you Donna, for all the joy you brought into the world. Love, Richard, Claudia, Maddie and Ellie Gadd xxxxx."
Maria Ellel, head teacher at Wellfield Methodist and Anglican Church School, said: "We are so saddened to hear this terrible news. We are a very close school community and this is a tremendous shock to us all.
"Donna was well-loved and respected by staff, pupils and parents. She had many close friends in school, and also maintained relationships with past members of staff.
"She was passionate and committed to the pupils and to ensuring that they had a good future.
"We are working closely with the county council to ensure we offer our pupils and staff support to help them to come to terms with this.
"Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with Donna's family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."
If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.