birminghammail--2020-10-07--Man Utd chief brutally trolled over Jack Grealish transfer pursuit

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish was linked with Manchester United throughout the summer transfer window .
The 25-year-old was touted for a move to Old Trafford for several months having impressed on the Premier League stage last season .
Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens responded by placing an £80million price tag on their prize asset .
Speculation over a potential deal was put to bed when Grealish signed a new five-year contract with his boyhood club in September .
After putting pen to paper the midfielder admitted there had been interest in his services earlier in the window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last season , and there was interest in myself from other clubs , '' he told Sky Sports after scoring in the Carabao Cup win against Burton Albion on September 15 .
`` But I truly believe that everything happens for a reason , and I ’ ve just signed a new contract for Aston Villa and I ’ ve got the biggest smile on my face . ''
Now , betting firm Paddy Power have trolled United 's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward for failing to sign Grealish and a number of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side ended the window with the late signings of defender Alex Telles , striker Edinson Cavani and winger Facundo Pellestri on deadline day having landed Donny dan de Beek from Ajax earlier in the summer .
But interest in the likes of Grealish and Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho - a key target - came to nothing and Paddy Power unveiled a special shop front in honour of Woodward this week .
The company revealed their 'window shopper tribute to Ed Woodward ' on Clarence Street in Manchester city centre .
If included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and numbers of reported targets with the words 'look but do n't buy ' written above each one .
Among the models was Grealish 's number 10 on the back of a claret and blue shirt and Paddy Power 's website said : `` Made in Birmingham .
Staying in Birmingham to protect reputation . ''
They added : `` Jadon Sancho , Jack Grealish , Erling Haaland and Paulo Dybala all feature , as does Thiago Alcantara , who opted to move to Premier League champions Liverpool instead of United .
Next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Award-winning Spanish model .
Sold to more attractive buyer .
Third purchase opportunity unlikely.
’ '' Unfortunately for United fans , we ’ ve got no doubt the store will be ‘ busy ’ again come January . ''

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Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish was linked with Manchester United throughout the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old was touted for a move to Old Trafford for several months having impressed on the Premier League stage last season.
Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens responded by placing an £80million price tag on their prize asset.
Speculation over a potential deal was put to bed when Grealish signed a new five-year contract with his boyhood club in September.
After putting pen to paper the midfielder admitted there had been interest in his services earlier in the window.
"I had a good season last season, and there was interest in myself from other clubs," he told Sky Sports after scoring in the Carabao Cup win against Burton Albion on September 15.
"But I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and I’ve just signed a new contract for Aston Villa and I’ve got the biggest smile on my face."
Now, betting firm Paddy Power have trolled United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward for failing to sign Grealish and a number of other reported targets.
Ole Gunnar Solskajer's side ended the window with the late signings of defender Alex Telles, striker Edinson Cavani and winger Facundo Pellestri on deadline day having landed Donny dan de Beek from Ajax earlier in the summer.
But interest in the likes of Grealish and Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho - a key target - came to nothing and Paddy Power unveiled a special shop front in honour of Woodward this week.
The company revealed their 'window shopper tribute to Ed Woodward' on Clarence Street in Manchester city centre.
If included a window display featuring the shirt colours and numbers of reported targets with the words 'look but don't buy' written above each one.
Among the models was Grealish's number 10 on the back of a claret and blue shirt and Paddy Power's website said: "Made in Birmingham. Staying in Birmingham to protect reputation."
They added: "Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland and Paulo Dybala all feature, as does Thiago Alcantara, who opted to move to Premier League champions Liverpool instead of United. Next to the midfielder it says: ‘Award-winning Spanish model. Sold to more attractive buyer. Third purchase opportunity unlikely.’
"Unfortunately for United fans, we’ve got no doubt the store will be ‘busy’ again come January."


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Report into failings at West Midlands Trains after driver was killed

A report has found failings at a Tyseley depot where a train driver was killed in a freak incident .
The driver died from his injuries after two closely-spaced trains suddenly ‘ coupled together ’ as he moved between them .
An investigation heard another driver who was attempting to join the trains was unaware of anyone passing and did not sound a warning because procedures did not require it .
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch found the depot operator , West Midlands Trains ( WMT ) , had not adequately considered the risks faced by drivers on depots .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is operating at or beyond its capacity at night and that WMT had not promoted safe working practices .
The tragic incident happened around 8pm , last December 14 .
The RAIB issued two recommendations to West Midlands Trains .
Firstly to ensure that effective assessments are carried out of the risks to those walking and working in depots , yards and sidings and that suitable measures are in place to control these risks .
It has also asked WMT to identify unsafe working practices .
Simon French , Chief Inspector of Rail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the department within the train operating company responsible for managing train crew and the department responsible for the servicing and maintenance of trains were not working well together .
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets .
So it 's important to know what 's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system .
Large , highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports and court hearings .
You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts .
We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play Store and App Store “ This meant the company as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage the risks posed to drivers who were working or walking in depots .
“ The company was also not taking effective action to deal with unsafe actions in depots.
” He added : “ The death of any member of railway staff on duty is a tragedy .
“ This sad accident highlights how dangerous depots and sidings can be .
“ When I started on the railway in 1982 one of the first things that was drummed into me was to take care around vehicles , and to only go under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure they were not going to move .
“ That is as true now as it was then .
No matter how bad the weather , don ’ t be tempted to make a quick dash through a small gap .
It could prove fatal .
“ In a depot like Tyseley , trains are maintained and serviced in readiness for their next duty .
“ Train drivers are required as part of their normal work to take trains into depots for these activities to take place .
They will also carry out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them out of depots afterwards .
”

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A report has found failings at a Tyseley depot where a train driver was killed in a freak incident.
The driver died from his injuries after two closely-spaced trains suddenly ‘coupled together’ as he moved between them.
An investigation heard another driver who was attempting to join the trains was unaware of anyone passing and did not sound a warning because procedures did not require it.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch found the depot operator, West Midlands Trains (WMT), had not adequately considered the risks faced by drivers on depots.
The investigation also found that Tyseley depot is operating at or beyond its capacity at night and that WMT had not promoted safe working practices.
The tragic incident happened around 8pm, last December 14.
The RAIB issued two recommendations to West Midlands Trains. Firstly to ensure that effective assessments are carried out of the risks to those walking and working in depots, yards and sidings and that suitable measures are in place to control these risks.
It has also asked WMT to identify unsafe working practices.
Simon French, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents, said: “We found that the department within the train operating company responsible for managing train crew and the department responsible for the servicing and maintenance of trains were not working well together.
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets. So it's important to know what's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system. Large, highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings. You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter. Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article. It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts. We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region. Find it on Google Play Store and App Store
“This meant the company as a whole did not understand or sufficiently manage the risks posed to drivers who were working or walking in depots.
“The company was also not taking effective action to deal with unsafe actions in depots.”
He added: “The death of any member of railway staff on duty is a tragedy.
“This sad accident highlights how dangerous depots and sidings can be.
“When I started on the railway in 1982 one of the first things that was drummed into me was to take care around vehicles, and to only go under or between vehicles when you were quite sure they were not going to move.
“That is as true now as it was then. No matter how bad the weather, don’t be tempted to make a quick dash through a small gap. It could prove fatal.
“In a depot like Tyseley, trains are maintained and serviced in readiness for their next duty.
“Train drivers are required as part of their normal work to take trains into depots for these activities to take place. They will also carry out the final preparation of trains and take them out of depots afterwards.”


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Government says local lockdown in Birmingham is working

Local lockdown restrictions in Birmingham are working - even though coronavirus cases have risen since they were introduced , the Government has insisted .
Government Minister told Parliament that cases of Covid-19 have gone up in Birmingham , Sandwell and Solihull since local restrictions came into force on September 15 .
But she said they would probably be even higher without the rules .
Minister Joanna Penn , a member of the House of Lords , said : `` Since these measures were introduced , the numbers of positive cases in Birmingham , Sandwell and Solihull have , unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen in other parts of the country .
`` The incidence rates per 100,000 for the seven-day period from 25 September to 1 October were 145.5 for Birmingham , 113 in Sandwell and 108 in Solihull .
`` Our co-ordinated local and national effort , particularly on the part of people living in these local authority areas , is therefore likely to be reducing the rate of growth , as the incidence rates have not increased in recent weeks to the level seen in other parts of the country . ''
Lady Penn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a debate was held about the restrictions in Birmingham , Solihull and Sandwell .
The same restrictions were also extended to Wolverhampton .
Former Perry Barr MP Jeff Rooker said some areas had much higher infection rates than others , but it was still important to have restrictions across the whole of Birmingham .
He said : `` Looking at the coronavirus maps for the area , as I did recently , it is very clear that things are mixed across all three local authorities .
In some parts the virus hardly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high .
`` It is also obvious that in areas of high-density housing where multiple generations live , the rates are a lot higher .
It would be counterproductive , in my view , to separate areas within a local authority .
That would do worse than stigmatise the high areas . ''
Former Health Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath , a Birmingham resident , asked the Government not to impose new restrictions on pubs and restaurants in Birmingham .
He spoke amid fears that rules banning people from meeting in pubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended to the West Midlands .
He said : `` The Minister will be aware that , in Birmingham , 15 % of cases since the start of September have been in the five to 18 age range , so school transmission is now a significant driver .
Contact tracing data since the start of September shows that 83 % of contacts for confirmed cases were within households .
`` Hospitality accounts for only 2 % of contacts , yet we are threatened with further restrictions on the hospitality trade . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure that an evidence-based approach is taken if indeed further restrictions are to be made in that sector ?
As far as the West Midlands is concerned , it supports 135,000 jobs , contributing £12.6 billion a year to the West Midlands economy . ''
Here are the local restrictions .
The national rules , such as the `` rule of six '' banning meetings of more than six people , also still apply .
If you live in the affected local areas , you must not : • host people you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garden , unless they ’ re in your support or childcare bubble • meet people you do not live with in their home or garden , whether inside or outside the affected local areas , unless they ’ re in your support or childcare bubble Your household is defined as the people you live with and any support or childcare bubble .
A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household ( on an exclusive basis ) .
A childcare bubble is where a household joins with another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where one of the households includes at least one child aged 13 or under ( on an exclusive basis ) .
Households within a bubble can still visit each other , stay overnight and visit public places together .
People must only come inside your home or garden for specific purposes set out in law : • where everyone in the gathering lives together or is in the same support bubble • to attend a birth at the mother ’ s request • to visit a person who is dying ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives with , a close family member , friend or , if none of those is visiting , anyone else ) • for work purposes ( see guidance on working safely in other people ’ s homes ) , or for the provision of voluntary or charitable services • for the purposes of education or training • for the purposes of childcare provided by a registered provider and informal childcare as part of a childcare bubble • to enable one or more persons in the gathering to avoid injury or illness or to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person • to continue existing arrangements for access to , and contact between , parents and children where the children do not live in the same household as their parents , or one of their parents The police will be able to take action against those that break these rules , including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices starting at £200 for those who participate in illegal gatherings .
People aged 18 or over can be fined : • £200 for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within 14 days • £400 for the second offence , then doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400

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Local lockdown restrictions in Birmingham are working - even though coronavirus cases have risen since they were introduced, the Government has insisted.
Government Minister told Parliament that cases of Covid-19 have gone up in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull since local restrictions came into force on September 15.
But she said they would probably be even higher without the rules.
Minister Joanna Penn, a member of the House of Lords, said: "Since these measures were introduced, the numbers of positive cases in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull have, unfortunately, increased, although not at the rate seen in other parts of the country.
"The incidence rates per 100,000 for the seven-day period from 25 September to 1 October were 145.5 for Birmingham, 113 in Sandwell and 108 in Solihull.
"Our co-ordinated local and national effort, particularly on the part of people living in these local authority areas, is therefore likely to be reducing the rate of growth, as the incidence rates have not increased in recent weeks to the level seen in other parts of the country."
Lady Penn was speaking in the House of Lords were a debate was held about the restrictions in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell. The same restrictions were also extended to Wolverhampton.
Former Perry Barr MP Jeff Rooker said some areas had much higher infection rates than others, but it was still important to have restrictions across the whole of Birmingham.
He said: "Looking at the coronavirus maps for the area, as I did recently, it is very clear that things are mixed across all three local authorities. In some parts the virus hardly figures; in others it is very high.
"It is also obvious that in areas of high-density housing where multiple generations live, the rates are a lot higher. It would be counterproductive, in my view, to separate areas within a local authority. That would do worse than stigmatise the high areas."
Former Health Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, a Birmingham resident, asked the Government not to impose new restrictions on pubs and restaurants in Birmingham. He spoke amid fears that rules banning people from meeting in pubs in the North of England could be extended to the West Midlands.
He said: "The Minister will be aware that, in Birmingham, 15% of cases since the start of September have been in the five to 18 age range, so school transmission is now a significant driver. Contact tracing data since the start of September shows that 83% of contacts for confirmed cases were within households.
"Hospitality accounts for only 2% of contacts, yet we are threatened with further restrictions on the hospitality trade."
He asked Lady Penn: "Will she ensure that an evidence-based approach is taken if indeed further restrictions are to be made in that sector? As far as the West Midlands is concerned, it supports 135,000 jobs, contributing £12.6 billion a year to the West Midlands economy."
Local restrictions in Birmingham, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Solihull
Here are the local restrictions. The national rules, such as the "rule of six" banning meetings of more than six people, also still apply.
If you live in the affected local areas, you must not:
host people you do not live with in your home or garden, unless they’re in your support or childcare bubble
meet people you do not live with in their home or garden, whether inside or outside the affected local areas, unless they’re in your support or childcare bubble
Your household is defined as the people you live with and any support or childcare bubble.
A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household (on an exclusive basis).
A childcare bubble is where a household joins with another household in order to provide informal childcare, where one of the households includes at least one child aged 13 or under (on an exclusive basis).
Households within a bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight and visit public places together.
People must only come inside your home or garden for specific purposes set out in law:
where everyone in the gathering lives together or is in the same support bubble
to attend a birth at the mother’s request
to visit a person who is dying (the visitor can be someone the dying person lives with, a close family member, friend or, if none of those is visiting, anyone else)
to fulfil a legal obligation
for work purposes (see guidance on working safely in other people’s homes ), or for the provision of voluntary or charitable services
for the purposes of education or training
for the purposes of childcare provided by a registered provider and informal childcare as part of a childcare bubble
to provide emergency assistance
to enable one or more persons in the gathering to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm
to facilitate a house move
to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person
to continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children where the children do not live in the same household as their parents, or one of their parents
The police will be able to take action against those that break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices starting at £200 for those who participate in illegal gatherings.
People aged 18 or over can be fined:


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Rashica transfer latest with Werder Bremen stance on January move

The summer transfer window has come to an end but Milot Rashica is still being linked with Aston Villa .
Rashica was touted for a move to Villa Park throughout the window but it was reported by BirminghamLive in September that Dean Smith 's side had decided to end talks for the time being .
Villa had until 11pm on Monday night to complete any deals for players based abroad and that deadline passed with Rashica remaining a Werder Bremen player .
But could there be scope for a move in January ?
Here 's the current state of play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen appeared to be close to signing Rashica on Monday before the move fell through .
That settled the winger 's future until January but with the coronavirus pandemic continuing to pose financial challenges for football clubs , Werder 's chief executive Klaus Filbry has told German tabloid Bild that selling Rashica would provide a key cash injection .
`` Due to the situation , we have a shortfall in our income of around €30m over both seasons , '' Filbry is quoted as saying by Bild .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been important for us to get back in the right direction financially . ''
Smith all but ruled out a deadline-day move for Rashica after Sunday 's 7-2 victory against Liverpool .
Asked if the departure of attacking midfielder Jota opens the door for another player to come in , the head coach said : `` No , not really .
`` Jota was a player I 've worked with before and I could n't give him minutes here with the quality we 've got at the club at the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who came on and Anwar El Ghazi who 's on the bench as well .
I 'm not sure there will be any more coming in before the window closes . ''
Smith , pressed on players going out , added : `` I 've said before we ca n't stockpile players . ''
What was being reported ahead of deadline day ?
Reports in Germany last week claimed Villa were in 'advanced negotiations ' about a transfer for Rashica .
Sky Sports were reporting that a deal was likely ahead of Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign clubs .
German tabloid Bild also reported that Rashica , who has been linked with a move to Villa all summer , was ready to change his stance on a move to Villa Park after Smith 's side 's fine start to the Premier League season .
But the winger will now a Werder player until at least January when the window re-opens .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Leeds United and Southampton are reportedly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Kosovar journalist Arlind Sadiku , of Supersport and Digitalb , the two Premier League clubs are also keen .
Villa previously agreed to meet the £20.5 million release clause for the 24 year-old but it is believed wages were a stumbling block with Rashica wanting to double his reported €40,000 weekly wage at Bremen .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Richard Cusack)

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The summer transfer window has come to an end but Milot Rashica is still being linked with Aston Villa.
Rashica was touted for a move to Villa Park throughout the window but it was reported by BirminghamLive in September that Dean Smith's side had decided to end talks for the time being.
Villa had until 11pm on Monday night to complete any deals for players based abroad and that deadline passed with Rashica remaining a Werder Bremen player.
But could there be scope for a move in January?
Here's the current state of play with the Kosovo international...
Werder remain open to Rashica sale
Bremen's Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen appeared to be close to signing Rashica on Monday before the move fell through.
That settled the winger's future until January but with the coronavirus pandemic continuing to pose financial challenges for football clubs, Werder's chief executive Klaus Filbry has told German tabloid Bild that selling Rashica would provide a key cash injection.
"Due to the situation, we have a shortfall in our income of around €30m over both seasons," Filbry is quoted as saying by Bild.
"In this respect, a transfer for Milot would have been important for us to get back in the right direction financially."
Smith's response to Rashica question
Smith all but ruled out a deadline-day move for Rashica after Sunday's 7-2 victory against Liverpool.
Asked if the departure of attacking midfielder Jota opens the door for another player to come in, the head coach said: "No, not really.
"Jota was a player I've worked with before and I couldn't give him minutes here with the quality we've got at the club at the moment.
"I've got Bertrand Traore who came on and Anwar El Ghazi who's on the bench as well. I'm not sure there will be any more coming in before the window closes."
Smith, pressed on players going out, added: "I've said before we can't stockpile players."
What was being reported ahead of deadline day?
Reports in Germany last week claimed Villa were in 'advanced negotiations' about a transfer for Rashica.
Sky Sports were reporting that a deal was likely ahead of Monday night's 11pm deadline for transfers between foreign clubs.
German tabloid Bild also reported that Rashica, who has been linked with a move to Villa all summer, was ready to change his stance on a move to Villa Park after Smith's side's fine start to the Premier League season.
But the winger will now a Werder player until at least January when the window re-opens.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Premier League rivals also linked
Leeds United and Southampton are reportedly in the race for Villa target Rashica.
According to Kosovar journalist Arlind Sadiku, of Supersport and Digitalb, the two Premier League clubs are also keen.
Villa previously agreed to meet the £20.5 million release clause for the 24 year-old but it is believed wages were a stumbling block with Rashica wanting to double his reported €40,000 weekly wage at Bremen.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery visitors make an emotional return

In one sense it was as if we 'd never been away , in another a long-awaited , heartwarming reunion of the kind that lifts the spirits .
And so when the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery reopened its doors for the first time after being closed for more than six months in lockdown , there was a palpable sense of relief on both sides of the divide .
Staff were delighted to finally be able to put their passion for culture and the arts back to good use at the city centre 's most popular free attraction .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to engage their minds with something other than their four walls at home .
The change of scenery really did prove to be as good as a rest .
As Jayne Edmonds says in the above video : `` It 's quite emotional because I feel like I am having a real treat with something that we used to take for granted are just giving me goosebumps - it 's amazing .
`` The ( art works ) have been locked up but I am glad they are still here .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was all still here for when we were going to be able to get to it one day .
`` I am really smiling under the mask , just very happy to be here . ''
First in the queue was Rod Shelton , from Kings Heath , who told BirminghamLive : `` I had been trying to become a volunteer here before lockdown .
`` I know I 've got so much to learn that I prebooked to return as soon as I could .
`` It 's part of a general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff .
Now I just need to find out more about how I can become a volunteer . ''
Carl Ford from Sutton Coldfield used to teach special needs children in Kingstanding .
Once he was back at home and had had time to reflect , retired Carl , 65 , said : `` It was great to return to the museum to recharge my culture batteries .
`` My father , Dennis Ford , was just a couple of weeks short of his 95th birthday when we lost him two years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until a short illness .
`` We grew up in Lozells and there were five of us children .
`` He was a metallurgist who did n't have a car then , but he would walk us everywhere to galleries and museums and places like Aston Hall and Blakesley Hall .
`` It 's thanks to him that we are all readers and the reason why I 've got 3,000 books at home .
`` It was lovely to go back to the museum and art gallery which I think is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did a degree in pre-Raphaelite art and BMAG has one of the best collections .
`` Yes , Birmingham is an industrial city - albeit one that has changed a lot since the 1970s and 80s - but with attractions like this we really do have the best of both worlds . ''
Admission is still free , but Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery will only admit visitors who have pre-booked in order to ensure social distancing .
The opening hours are now 10am-5pm , Wednesday to Sunday .
The only entrance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Edmund Street .
Once inside , you have to wear a mask and follow the one-way system which actually helps to make sure you see more of the exhibits than you might otherwise .
But that does include the chance to walk through the Round Room , the Industrial Gallery and enjoy a coffee or more in the Edwardian Tea Rooms before leaving via the bookshop and the stairs ( for the able bodied ) down to the traditional entrance facing Chamberlain Square .
A two-metre wide Birmingham collage called Benny ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featured works by Twitter artist Cold War Steve .
There 's also a stunning portrait of girls ’ education activist Malala Yousafzai by Iranian-born artist and filmmaker Shirin Neshat which has never been on public display before and is on loan from the National Portrait Gallery .
The Thinktank science museum has still not reopened but special events are being held as and when at some other sites run by Birmingham Museums Trust including Aston Hall .
For full details of the relaunch of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery visit our report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 which includes the Birmingham Histories section , and an Anglo-Saxon helmet is currently the only exhibition on display from the Staffordshire Hoard .
It is hoped that if and when BMAG is successfully up and running - and without government guidelines changing in a more restrictive way in the meantime - that other parts of the centre can be reopened .
+ Ikon Gallery in Brindleyplace reopened on August 20 , 2020 and you can read our report from that day here MAC Birmingham , the city 's most popular free attraction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year while Birmingham Hippodrome has cancelled its giant Christmas panto with Jason Donovan The Birmingham German Market and Ice Skate Birmingham 's Ice Rink and Big Wheel in Centenary Square will also not take place this year .
And following last Friday night 's announcement that the new James Bond movie No Time To Die was being put back another five months to next April , Cineworld announced it was closing all of its cinemas from this week .

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In one sense it was as if we'd never been away, in another a long-awaited, heartwarming reunion of the kind that lifts the spirits.
And so when the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery reopened its doors for the first time after being closed for more than six months in lockdown, there was a palpable sense of relief on both sides of the divide.
Staff were delighted to finally be able to put their passion for culture and the arts back to good use at the city centre's most popular free attraction.
Meanwhile, visitors were thrilled to be able to engage their minds with something other than their four walls at home.
The change of scenery really did prove to be as good as a rest.
As Jayne Edmonds says in the above video: "It's quite emotional because I feel like I am having a real treat with something that we used to take for granted are just giving me goosebumps - it's amazing.
(Image: Darren Quinton / BirminghamLive)
"The (art works) have been locked up but I am glad they are still here.
"That's comforting to me, that it was all still here for when we were going to be able to get to it one day.
"I am really smiling under the mask, just very happy to be here."
First in the queue was Rod Shelton, from Kings Heath, who told BirminghamLive: "I had been trying to become a volunteer here before lockdown.
"I know I've got so much to learn that I prebooked to return as soon as I could.
(Image: Darren Quinton / BirminghamLive)
"It's part of a general plan to get out more and do stuff. Now I just need to find out more about how I can become a volunteer."
Carl Ford from Sutton Coldfield used to teach special needs children in Kingstanding.
Once he was back at home and had had time to reflect, retired Carl, 65, said: "It was great to return to the museum to recharge my culture batteries.
"My father, Dennis Ford, was just a couple of weeks short of his 95th birthday when we lost him two years ago but he had been very fit up until a short illness.
"We grew up in Lozells and there were five of us children.
(Image: Darren Quinton / BirminghamLive)
"He was a metallurgist who didn't have a car then, but he would walk us everywhere to galleries and museums and places like Aston Hall and Blakesley Hall.
"It's thanks to him that we are all readers and the reason why I've got 3,000 books at home.
"It was lovely to go back to the museum and art gallery which I think is one of the best in the world.
"I did a degree in pre-Raphaelite art and BMAG has one of the best collections.
"Yes, Birmingham is an industrial city - albeit one that has changed a lot since the 1970s and 80s - but with attractions like this we really do have the best of both worlds."
(Image: Darren Quinton / BirminghamLive)
How to return
Admission is still free, but Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery will only admit visitors who have pre-booked in order to ensure social distancing.
The opening hours are now 10am-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
The only entrance now is via the Gas Hall Entrance off Edmund Street.
Once inside, you have to wear a mask and follow the one-way system which actually helps to make sure you see more of the exhibits than you might otherwise.
But that does include the chance to walk through the Round Room, the Industrial Gallery and enjoy a coffee or more in the Edwardian Tea Rooms before leaving via the bookshop and the stairs (for the able bodied) down to the traditional entrance facing Chamberlain Square.
A two-metre wide Birmingham collage called Benny’s Babbies is one of three new featured works by Twitter artist Cold War Steve.
There's also a stunning portrait of girls’ education activist Malala Yousafzai by Iranian-born artist and filmmaker Shirin Neshat which has never been on public display before and is on loan from the National Portrait Gallery.
The Thinktank science museum has still not reopened but special events are being held as and when at some other sites run by Birmingham Museums Trust including Aston Hall.
For full details of the relaunch of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery visit our report here
+ Yet to reopen is Level 3 which includes the Birmingham Histories section, and an Anglo-Saxon helmet is currently the only exhibition on display from the Staffordshire Hoard.
It is hoped that if and when BMAG is successfully up and running - and without government guidelines changing in a more restrictive way in the meantime - that other parts of the centre can be reopened.
+ Ikon Gallery in Brindleyplace reopened on August 20, 2020 and you can read our report from that day here
MAC Birmingham, the city's most popular free attraction will remain closed for the rest of the year while Birmingham Hippodrome has cancelled its giant Christmas panto with Jason Donovan
The Birmingham German Market and Ice Skate Birmingham's Ice Rink and Big Wheel in Centenary Square will also not take place this year.
And following last Friday night's announcement that the new James Bond movie No Time To Die was being put back another five months to next April, Cineworld announced it was closing all of its cinemas from this week.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Showcase 'committed' to keeping its UK cinemas open with new Covid measures

Showcase Cinemas has announced that it is committed to keeping all its sites open in the UK .
The news comes hot on the heels of news that Cineworld is temporarily close all of its 102 sites across the country , while Odeon said some of its venues would now open at weekends only .
Cineworld said its closures were `` entirely the result '' of potential blockbusters being delayed , most notably the new Bond movie No Time To Die .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Brits to go to the flicks following the news .
But at Showcase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading .
Mark Barlow , UK General Manager for Showcase Cinemas said : “ We were delighted to start reopening our cinemas back in July , and are committed to keeping them open .
`` We are truly passionate about offering guests the best environment to watch a film – in the cinema .
`` We have introduced a number of new safety measures as part of our Be Showcase Safe programme , from socially distanced seating and staggered film times to sanitising stations throughout and every seat being sprayed after every show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help keep our guests and employees as safe as possible .
Find out what 's on in your area by typing your postcode in the box below : “ Having served local communities for over 30 years in the UK , we know how much the cinema experience means to families , friends and film lovers .
`` Whether it ’ s a thriller that puts you on the edge of your seat , or a comedy that has you in fits of laughter , seeing a film on the big screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Film has the unique power to transport and offers an escape from the outside world – something we all could do with at the moment .
`` So , as the days get shorter you can enjoy a range of classic films , recent favourites , new releases and our ever popular Event Cinema screenings at Showcase , with tickets from just £5 . ''
Showcase operates a number of cinemas in the Midlands , including Dudley , Walsall , Leicester , Coventry , Derby and Nottingham .
Find your nearest branch @ @

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Showcase Cinemas has announced that it is committed to keeping all its sites open in the UK.
The news comes hot on the heels of news that Cineworld is temporarily close all of its 102 sites across the country, while Odeon said some of its venues would now open at weekends only.
Cineworld said its closures were "entirely the result" of potential blockbusters being delayed, most notably the new Bond movie No Time To Die.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Brits to go to the flicks following the news.
But at Showcase, there is a determination to keep trading.
(Image: Showcase Cinemas)
Mark Barlow, UK General Manager for Showcase Cinemas said: “We were delighted to start reopening our cinemas back in July, and are committed to keeping them open.
"We are truly passionate about offering guests the best environment to watch a film – in the cinema.
"We have introduced a number of new safety measures as part of our Be Showcase Safe programme, from socially distanced seating and staggered film times to sanitising stations throughout and every seat being sprayed after every show with a non-chemical anti-viral spray – all to help keep our guests and employees as safe as possible.
Find out what's on in your area by typing your postcode in the box below:
“Having served local communities for over 30 years in the UK, we know how much the cinema experience means to families, friends and film lovers.
"Whether it’s a thriller that puts you on the edge of your seat, or a comedy that has you in fits of laughter, seeing a film on the big screen is an immersive experience like no other. Film has the unique power to transport and offers an escape from the outside world – something we all could do with at the moment.
"So, as the days get shorter you can enjoy a range of classic films, recent favourites, new releases and our ever popular Event Cinema screenings at Showcase, with tickets from just £5."
Showcase operates a number of cinemas in the Midlands, including Dudley, Walsall, Leicester, Coventry, Derby and Nottingham. Find your nearest branch here.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Brit who died with pals critical in Turkey 'weren't poisoned by teeth whitening'

An Irishman who tragically died in Turkey after flying out for teeth whitening treatment was not poisoned as a result of the procedure .
That is according to a hospital , which released a statement after the tragedy unfolded in the holiday hotspot .
Richard Molloy was found dead and pals Aaron Callaghan and Declan Carson were in a coma after they fell ill in Didim , Turkey .
But the pals who survived the trip have now spoken out to pay tribute to Mr Molloy after news of the tragedy emerged .
The hospital treating the tourists told Mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whitening as the cause .
A post-mortem was taking place at a different site to determine the cause of Mr Molloy 's death .
The results have not been released .
Reports in Turkey suggested the three men fell ill at their rented flat in Didim .
A spokesperson for Adnan Menderes University hospital said : `` There is no health condition associated with the tooth whitening process .
`` Detailed information about the illness and its conditions were given to the competent authorities . ''
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Molloy 's body home .
Mr Callaghan posted two photos of the pals during their trip and described the death of Mr Molloy , also known as Richie , as `` tragic '' .
Mr Callaghan wrote on Facebook : `` Thank you folks for all the well wishes and messages , too many to get back to individually but it ’ s means the world .
`` Thankfully me and Declan are safe and back up on our feet but thoughts and prayers are with the Molloy family on the tragic passing @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris Kitching, James Rodger)

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An Irishman who tragically died in Turkey after flying out for teeth whitening treatment was not poisoned as a result of the procedure.
That is according to a hospital, which released a statement after the tragedy unfolded in the holiday hotspot.
Richard Molloy was found dead and pals Aaron Callaghan and Declan Carson were in a coma after they fell ill in Didim, Turkey.
But the pals who survived the trip have now spoken out to pay tribute to Mr Molloy after news of the tragedy emerged.
The hospital treating the tourists told Mirror Online that it has ruled out teeth whitening as the cause.
A post-mortem was taking place at a different site to determine the cause of Mr Molloy's death. The results have not been released.
Reports in Turkey suggested the three men fell ill at their rented flat in Didim.
A spokesperson for Adnan Menderes University hospital said: "There is no health condition associated with the tooth whitening process.
"Detailed information about the illness and its conditions were given to the competent authorities."
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is helping Mr Molloy's family to bring Mr Molloy's body home.
Mr Callaghan posted two photos of the pals during their trip and described the death of Mr Molloy, also known as Richie, as "tragic".
Mr Callaghan wrote on Facebook: "Thank you folks for all the well wishes and messages, too many to get back to individually but it’s means the world.
"Thankfully me and Declan are safe and back up on our feet but thoughts and prayers are with the Molloy family on the tragic passing of big Richie.
"An absolute gentleman, I’m absolutely gutted."


birminghammail--2020-10-07--FIFA 21: Aston Villa stars Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins named in TOTW 2 squad

After playing major roles in Aston Villa 's phenomenal 7-2 victory against Premier League champions Liverpool , Villa duo Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins have been named in the FIFA 21 Ultimate Team TOTW 2 squad .
Grealish registered three assists and scored twice against the Reds at Villa Park , with Watkins scoring a hat-trick and registering an assist in the thrashing of Jurgen Klopp 's side .
Other Premier League players named in the FUT 21 TOTW 2 lineup include Chelsea 's ben Chiwell , Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane , Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin and Everton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robert Lewandowski , Erling Haaland , Thibaut Courtois , Joaquin , Theo Hernandez , Marcel Hastenberg and Renato Sanches were also included in the TOTW 2 first XI .
Click here to subscribe to Level up !
The Esports and Gaming Show on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts and Spreaker .
Check out the full FIFA 21 Ultimate Team TOTW 2 lineup below .
Villa striker Ollie Watkins is named among the FIFA 21 TOTW 2 substitutes and has been given an 81-rated in-form card on FUT 21 .
FIFA 21 has an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 9 , 2020 , but some editions will allow you to play FIFA 21 slightly earlier than this .
If you pre-order the FIFA 21 Ultimate Edition or Champions Edition on PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , and PC you ’ ll be able to play from October 6 , 2020 , with the Standard Edition allowing fans to play from the game 's official UK and worldwide release date of October 9 , 2020 .

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After playing major roles in Aston Villa's phenomenal 7-2 victory against Premier League champions Liverpool, Villa duo Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins have been named in the FIFA 21 Ultimate Team TOTW 2 squad.
Grealish registered three assists and scored twice against the Reds at Villa Park, with Watkins scoring a hat-trick and registering an assist in the thrashing of Jurgen Klopp's side. Other Premier League players named in the FUT 21 TOTW 2 lineup include Chelsea's ben Chiwell, Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin and Everton midfielder James Rodriguez.
The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, Thibaut Courtois, Joaquin, Theo Hernandez, Marcel Hastenberg and Renato Sanches were also included in the TOTW 2 first XI.
Click here to subscribe to Level up! The Esports and Gaming Show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spreaker.
Check out the full FIFA 21 Ultimate Team TOTW 2 lineup below.
FIFA 21 Ultimate Team TOTW 2 squad first XI
GK: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) - 90 OVR
CB: Marcel Hastenberg (RB Leipzig) - 84 OVR
LB: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea) - 84 OVR
LB: Theo Hernandez (AC Milan) - 83 OVR
LM: Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle United) - 83 OVR
RM: Joaquin (Real Betis) - 83 OVR
LM: Jack Grealish (Aston Villa) - 83 OVR
CM: Renato Sanches (LOSC Lille) - 82 OVR
ST: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) - 92 OVR
ST: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) - 89 OVR
ST: Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund) - 86 OVR
Villa striker Ollie Watkins is named among the FIFA 21 TOTW 2 substitutes and has been given an 81-rated in-form card on FUT 21.
FIFA 21 has an official UK and worldwide release date of October 9, 2020, but some editions will allow you to play FIFA 21 slightly earlier than this.
If you pre-order the FIFA 21 Ultimate Edition or Champions Edition on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC you’ll be able to play from October 6, 2020, with the Standard Edition allowing fans to play from the game's official UK and worldwide release date of October 9, 2020.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--This is replacing Handmade Burger Company at Bullring

A taste of Vietnam will soon be spicing life up at the Bullring .
Vietnamese Street Kitchen has applied to open in the venue formerly occupied by the Handmade Burger Company Described on its website as `` Vietnamese food done right '' , Vietnamese Street Kitchen also has sites at Brindleyplace as well as Resorts World near Solihull .
The Brindleyplace eatery has a 4.5 review on TripAdvisor and is rated as one of the top 50 places in the city out of 358 choices for a quick bite .
Dishes on the menu include the Saigon Street Platter - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belly pork , crispy fried chicken salad , rice and noodles .
There is also a selection of bahn xeo - savoury pancakes with bean sprouts , spring onions and pickles .
It also serves up chicken wings , spare ribs , rice noodle soups , bao buns and fried dumplings .
Casual dining chain Handmade Burger Company collapsed in January , closing all of its 18 restaurants across the UK .
Since then , several big name chains have been forced to close Birmingham restaurants including Carluccio 's and Cafe Rouge - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street Kitchen will join Chinese restaurant Haidilao - as new additions to the Bullring food offering .
Haidilao - which serves up Chinese Hot Pot dishes , will open in the massive space on the other side of the Bullring which was formerly occupied by Jamie 's Italian .
Other Vietnamese restaurants in Brum worth trying include Pho at Grand Central and Eat Vietnam on Pershore Road .

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A taste of Vietnam will soon be spicing life up at the Bullring.
Vietnamese Street Kitchen has applied for planning permission to open in the venue formerly occupied by the Handmade Burger Company.
The burger restaurant closed earlier this year.
Described on its website as "Vietnamese food done right", Vietnamese Street Kitchen will be moving from its current premises in Brindleyplace.
It also has branch at Resorts World near Solihull.
The Brindleyplace eatery has a 4.5 review on TripAdvisor and is rated as one of the top 50 places in the city out of 358 choices for a quick bite.
Dishes on the menu include the Saigon Street Platter - roast pork, grilled chicken, crispy belly pork, crispy fried chicken salad, rice and noodles.
There is also a selection of bahn xeo - savoury pancakes with bean sprouts, spring onions and pickles.
It also serves up chicken wings, spare ribs, rice noodle soups, bao buns and fried dumplings.
Casual dining chain Handmade Burger Company collapsed in January, closing all of its 18 restaurants across the UK.
Since then, several big name chains have been forced to close Birmingham restaurants including Carluccio's and Cafe Rouge - due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Vietnamese Street Kitchen will join Chinese restaurant Haidilao - as new additions to the Bullring food offering.
Haidilao - which serves up Chinese Hot Pot dishes, will open in the massive space on the other side of the Bullring which was formerly occupied by Jamie's Italian.
Other Vietnamese restaurants in Brum worth trying include Pho at Grand Central and Eat Vietnam on Pershore Road.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Man suspected of possessing firearm ‘with intent to endanger life’

A man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm ‘ with intent to endanger life ’ in Worcestershire .
A gamekeeper in Overbury in the southern tip of the county raised the alarm after seeing a man with an air rifle on Sunday , September 20 .
He is suspected of poaching .
That man , who was with two others , left the area at the time .
But now a 44-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of a firearms offence and burglary of a ‘ non-dwelling ’ .
A West Mercia Police spokeswoman said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reported to us that during the evening of 20 September a gamekeeper in Overbury , Worcestershire , had seen a man with what was believed to be an air rifle .
“ The man , along with two other individuals departed the area .
“ A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and burglary non-dwelling .
He is currently in police custody.
” Detective Inspector Dave Knight , from the force said : “ We take poaching crimes and burglary very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these crimes can have on our community .
”

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm ‘with intent to endanger life’ in Worcestershire.
A gamekeeper in Overbury in the southern tip of the county raised the alarm after seeing a man with an air rifle on Sunday, September 20. He is suspected of poaching. That man, who was with two others, left the area at the time.
But now a 44-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of a firearms offence and burglary of a ‘non-dwelling’.
A West Mercia Police spokeswoman said: “A police investigation was launched after it was reported to us that during the evening of 20 September a gamekeeper in Overbury, Worcestershire, had seen a man with what was believed to be an air rifle.
“The man, along with two other individuals departed the area.
“A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and burglary non-dwelling. He is currently in police custody.”
Detective Inspector Dave Knight, from the force said: “We take poaching crimes and burglary very seriously and know what a devastating effect these crimes can have on our community.”


birminghammail--2020-10-07--How Dean Smith will use the international break ahead of Leicester

It 's been three joyous days since Villa walloped Liverpool at Villa Park and , after a couple of days off , it 's back down to work for Dean Smith , his backroom staff and the remaining members of his squad .
Villa currently have eight first-team stars out on international duty and they are as follows : Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings with England ; Conor Hourihane with Ireland ; John McGinn with Scotland ; Douglas Luiz and Emi Martinez in South America , and Bertrand Traore and Marvelous Nakamba out in Africa for Burkino Faso and Zimbabwe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many as 17 first-team players back at their Bodymoor Heath base with that number likely to be bulked up for training sessions that will include the under-23 contingent that featured throughout the first-team pre-season training camp down in south Wales .
Here , we look at what Smith will be working through throughout the week ahead of his international stars returning ahead of Leicester City on Saturday , October 17 .
The head coach confirmed a behind-closed-doors match has been arranged with an unknown team to help get minutes into Villa 's fringe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training with us , '' Smith confirmed last week , `` we thought the Stoke game was a little bit too early for him .
We 've arranged a game for the international break for the lads like Bjorn who are playing catch-up a little bit . ''
A potential XI who need game-time for the booked-in friendly is as follows : Kalinic ; Guilbert , Engels , Hause , Taylor ; Lansbury , Barkley , J.Ramsey ; Elmohamady , Davis , El Ghazi .
Subs : Steer , Cash , Targett , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to take place some time this week .
In his last interview back in August Tom Heaton set out October 17 at Leicester as a return date from his ACL injury .
The 34-year-old was back training - albeit lightly - on the grass in pre-season in Wales .
Fast-forward two months and Smith has since gone out and paid an initial £16 million to sign new No.1 Martinez from Arsenal who 's slotted in really well .
Smith , of course , sanctioned the contract termination of Orjan Nyland on deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just in case of a freak goalkeeping injury crisis .
The Kalinic decision potentially hints at Heaton just not being right yet with his recovery taking a little longer than anticipated .
Staying with setbacks Smith has already confirmed that last season 's big signing Wesley will be out until the New Year .
The Brazilian , beer in hand , was amongst the celebratory dressing room on Monday night but he 's not expected to return this calendar year .
Given the 23-year-old sustained the same injury as Heaton then the striker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery knowing he 's not anywhere near making a Villa return just yet .
Smith also went big on his replacement by bringing in £28 million signing Ollie Watkins .
Now the only other known casualty as it stands is Kortney Hause after he pulled up with a groin issue 57 minutes in during Villa 's defeat to Stoke City last week .
Smith will also be in dialogue with the respective countries should injuries or slight knocks occur to his players on international duty .
Said Benrahma , Emi Buendia , Josh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players who are ready and waiting for moves to the Premier League .
The domestic transfer window still has another nine days to run yet it 's fully expected Villa will go with what they 've got .
The window will always be there should a freak injury occur , for example , while Smith could have a change of heart and address his potential shortage up front .
Smith , though , is fully expected to go with Watkins and Keinan Davis for the next three months at least and confirmed he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up front .
The Villa boss is , though , likely sit down with sporting director Johan Lange and pre-plan for the next few windows as well .
Failure to prepare is preparing to fail is the famous old saying and , knowing Elmohamady 's , Neil Taylor 's and Henri Lansbury 's contracts are all expiring in eight months then better replacements will be identified .
Villa will have a particular issue at left-back next season with Targett the only first-team left-back at the club come June 2021 .
Over at right-back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngster Kaine Kesler who 's highly-regarded .
Villa , meanwhile , will also have to rubber-stamp their 25-man 2020/21 Premier League squad by October 20 - three days after the Leicester fixture .
Without the injured Wesley , Villa currently have a first-team squad of 25 players .
Jacob Ramsey , 19 , does n't count towards that tally as he 's an under-21 player .
Staying with decisions , you can take a look at Villa 's squad in terms of respective contract lengths HERE .
Putting a lid on Liverpool & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the watching world will be on Villa next Saturday to see if they continue their form off the back of trouncing the champions 7-2 .
Many are still rubbing their eyes after such a result but , at Leicester , they face a team who slipped up just days after whacking Man City 5-2 in their own backyard .
The Foxes , of course , were humbled 3-0 at home by West Ham in a real coupon-buster and Smith mentioned that very point in his post-match interview after Liverpool .
`` Margins in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` You saw Leicester have a great result against Man City last week and then get beat 3-0 by West Ham .
This league 's a quality league and you have to be at it all of the time .
The problem for my players now is that I will be expecting performances like that all of the time . ''
Smith also just has to look at the last time Villa played Leicester at the King Power .
It was the final match with spectators pre-lockdown way back in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rain after a 4-0 hammering inspired by Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes .
He 'll no doubt pick apart that display during his analysis with the break giving the manager ample time to prepare for his big team briefing ahead of that fixture .

It's been three joyous days since Villa walloped Liverpool at Villa Park and, after a couple of days off, it's back down to work for Dean Smith, his backroom staff and the remaining members of his squad.
Villa currently have eight first-team stars out on international duty and they are as follows: Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings with England; Conor Hourihane with Ireland; John McGinn with Scotland; Douglas Luiz and Emi Martinez in South America, and Bertrand Traore and Marvelous Nakamba out in Africa for Burkino Faso and Zimbabwe respectively.
That means Villa have as many as 17 first-team players back at their Bodymoor Heath base with that number likely to be bulked up for training sessions that will include the under-23 contingent that featured throughout the first-team pre-season training camp down in south Wales.
Here, we look at what Smith will be working through throughout the week ahead of his international stars returning ahead of Leicester City on Saturday, October 17.
A friendly
The head coach confirmed a behind-closed-doors match has been arranged with an unknown team to help get minutes into Villa's fringe players. "Bjorn Engels is back training with us," Smith confirmed last week, "we thought the Stoke game was a little bit too early for him. We've arranged a game for the international break for the lads like Bjorn who are playing catch-up a little bit."
A potential XI who need game-time for the booked-in friendly is as follows: Kalinic; Guilbert, Engels, Hause, Taylor; Lansbury, Barkley, J.Ramsey; Elmohamady, Davis, El Ghazi. Subs: Steer, Cash, Targett, Konsa, Watkins.
The friendly is expected to take place some time this week.
Checking up on crocked trio
In his last interview back in August Tom Heaton set out October 17 at Leicester as a return date from his ACL injury. The 34-year-old was back training - albeit lightly - on the grass in pre-season in Wales. Fast-forward two months and Smith has since gone out and paid an initial £16 million to sign new No.1 Martinez from Arsenal who's slotted in really well. Smith, of course, sanctioned the contract termination of Orjan Nyland on deadline day but has kept Lovre Kalinic around just in case of a freak goalkeeping injury crisis. The Kalinic decision potentially hints at Heaton just not being right yet with his recovery taking a little longer than anticipated.
Staying with setbacks Smith has already confirmed that last season's big signing Wesley will be out until the New Year. The Brazilian, beer in hand, was amongst the celebratory dressing room on Monday night but he's not expected to return this calendar year. Given the 23-year-old sustained the same injury as Heaton then the striker must have suffered a setback in his recovery knowing he's not anywhere near making a Villa return just yet. Smith also went big on his replacement by bringing in £28 million signing Ollie Watkins.
Now the only other known casualty as it stands is Kortney Hause after he pulled up with a groin issue 57 minutes in during Villa's defeat to Stoke City last week. Smith will also be in dialogue with the respective countries should injuries or slight knocks occur to his players on international duty.
Talking transfers, contracts & confirming 25-man squad
Said Benrahma, Emi Buendia, Josh King and so on - highly-talented Championship players who are ready and waiting for moves to the Premier League. The domestic transfer window still has another nine days to run yet it's fully expected Villa will go with what they've got. The window will always be there should a freak injury occur, for example, while Smith could have a change of heart and address his potential shortage up front.
Smith, though, is fully expected to go with Watkins and Keinan Davis for the next three months at least and confirmed he sees Traore as an alternative No.9 option up front.
The Villa boss is, though, likely sit down with sporting director Johan Lange and pre-plan for the next few windows as well. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail is the famous old saying and, knowing Elmohamady's, Neil Taylor's and Henri Lansbury's contracts are all expiring in eight months then better replacements will be identified. Villa will have a particular issue at left-back next season with Targett the only first-team left-back at the club come June 2021. Over at right-back there's still Cash, Guilbert and youngster Kaine Kesler who's highly-regarded.
Villa, meanwhile, will also have to rubber-stamp their 25-man 2020/21 Premier League squad by October 20 - three days after the Leicester fixture. Without the injured Wesley, Villa currently have a first-team squad of 25 players. Jacob Ramsey, 19, doesn't count towards that tally as he's an under-21 player.
Staying with decisions, you can take a look at Villa's squad in terms of respective contract lengths HERE.
Putting a lid on Liverpool & looking ahead to Leicester
All eyes of the watching world will be on Villa next Saturday to see if they continue their form off the back of trouncing the champions 7-2. Many are still rubbing their eyes after such a result but, at Leicester, they face a team who slipped up just days after whacking Man City 5-2 in their own backyard. The Foxes, of course, were humbled 3-0 at home by West Ham in a real coupon-buster and Smith mentioned that very point in his post-match interview after Liverpool.
"Margins in football are very fine," he said. "You saw Leicester have a great result against Man City last week and then get beat 3-0 by West Ham. This league's a quality league and you have to be at it all of the time. The problem for my players now is that I will be expecting performances like that all of the time."
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Smith also just has to look at the last time Villa played Leicester at the King Power. It was the final match with spectators pre-lockdown way back in March and Smith's Villa were embarrassed in the rain after a 4-0 hammering inspired by Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes. He'll no doubt pick apart that display during his analysis with the break giving the manager ample time to prepare for his big team briefing ahead of that fixture.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--The number of pupils in the Black Country asked to self-isolate

The recent rise in positive coronavirus cases has had a drastic impact on schooling for thousands of children across the Black Country .
Following a six-month stint of home-learning , pupils returned to the classroom in September .
However , many students were then advised to stay home and self-isolate after a positive case of Covid-19 was reported within their year bubble .
Under current guidance , a single positive test triggers quarantine for every pupil or staff member deemed to have been in contact with them .
The impact - including the need for childcare arrangements for working parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolverhampton , Sandwell and Dudley councils have released the number of children in your town who were asked to self-isolate .
Across the six Sandwell towns , throughout September a total of 58 schools have had to close or partially close due to positive cases within their school community .
This has affected 9,256 children who were asked to self-isolate for a fortnight .
New restrictions were introduced in the borough from September 15 following a sharp rise in new coronavirus infections .
A Sandwell Council spokesperson said : `` We find our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 guidance .
They get in touch with us promptly when they find a positive case .
This is why we have seen a lot of single cases but no large outbreaks .
So far we have been able to stop things escalating .
`` A large outbreak in a school not only has the potential to affect hundreds of children , but also the health of their families and local community .
We can ’ t take chances. ''
Sandwell Council is working closely with all schools and academies to keep everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children and young people in education .
Parents and carers can be assured that schools have infection control measures in place and will contact them should they need to take any action . ''
In Wolverhampton , the number of children in self-isolation significantly dropped within a week .
At the end of September there were 3,000 pupils who had been asked to stay at home due to a positive case of coronavirus within their school .
The number has now dropped to 500 , on October 6 .
Across the city , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's homes and gardens from September 22 , to stem the spread of the virus .
Councillor Dr Mike Hardacre , the City of Wolverhampton Council 's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills , said : `` A total of 38 schools and other education settings have reported a confirmed case of Covid-19 , and there are currently around 500 pupils self-isolating because of a case within their school bubble .
`` This is considerably less than at the end of September when around 3,000 pupils were self-isolating .
This is thanks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council and Public Health England to cases as and when they are first reported , and the good work that is taking place to keep bubble sizes to a minimum so that fewer pupils and staff need to isolate in the event of a confirmed case . ''
Among the four towns and city within the Black Country , Dudley reported the lowest number of students affected by the most recent rise in Covid-19 infections .
At the end of September , the number of schools affected across the borough was 12 since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the numbers of children asked to self-isolate was 702 .
Currently Walsall Council has not released any data for the number of schools and pupils affected by the outbreak in September .
Stephen Gunther , Public Health Director at Walsall Council : '' The rates of positive Covid-19 cases over the past few months in Walsall have been relatively low compared to neighbouring areas .
`` However , in line with the recent regional and national data we are now starting to see an increase in the number of positive Covid cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this translated into positive cases in schools , but this is not unexpected. ''
Walsall council does not comment on individual educational settings or cases , however we currently have a number of schools and early years settings that have been affected and this continues to change on a daily basis . ''

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The recent rise in positive coronavirus cases has had a drastic impact on schooling for thousands of children across the Black Country.
Following a six-month stint of home-learning, pupils returned to the classroom in September.
However, many students were then advised to stay home and self-isolate after a positive case of Covid-19 was reported within their year bubble.
Under current guidance, a single positive test triggers quarantine for every pupil or staff member deemed to have been in contact with them.
(Image: Getty Images)
The impact - including the need for childcare arrangements for working parents - is falling hard on families.
Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Dudley councils have released the number of children in your town who were asked to self-isolate.
Sandwell - 9,256
Across the six Sandwell towns, throughout September a total of 58 schools have had to close or partially close due to positive cases within their school community.
This has affected 9,256 children who were asked to self-isolate for a fortnight.
New restrictions were introduced in the borough from September 15 following a sharp rise in new coronavirus infections.
A Sandwell Council spokesperson said: "We find our school staff have an excellent grasp of Covid-19 guidance. They get in touch with us promptly when they find a positive case. This is why we have seen a lot of single cases but no large outbreaks. So far we have been able to stop things escalating.
"A large outbreak in a school not only has the potential to affect hundreds of children, but also the health of their families and local community. We can’t take chances.
" Sandwell Council is working closely with all schools and academies to keep everyone safe during the pandemic and to keep children and young people in education. Parents and carers can be assured that schools have infection control measures in place and will contact them should they need to take any action."
Wolverhampton - 3,000
In Wolverhampton, the number of children in self-isolation significantly dropped within a week.
At the end of September there were 3,000 pupils who had been asked to stay at home due to a positive case of coronavirus within their school.
The number has now dropped to 500, on October 6.
Across the city, residents were banned from visiting each other's homes and gardens from September 22, to stem the spread of the virus.
Councillor Dr Mike Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "A total of 38 schools and other education settings have reported a confirmed case of Covid-19, and there are currently around 500 pupils self-isolating because of a case within their school bubble.
"This is considerably less than at the end of September when around 3,000 pupils were self-isolating. This is thanks to the quick response of schools, the council and Public Health England to cases as and when they are first reported, and the good work that is taking place to keep bubble sizes to a minimum so that fewer pupils and staff need to isolate in the event of a confirmed case."
Dudley - 702
Among the four towns and city within the Black Country, Dudley reported the lowest number of students affected by the most recent rise in Covid-19 infections.
At the end of September, the number of schools affected across the borough was 12 since the start of the month. The the numbers of children asked to self-isolate was 702.
Walsall – not released
Currently Walsall Council has not released any data for the number of schools and pupils affected by the outbreak in September.
Stephen Gunther, Public Health Director at Walsall Council:"The rates of positive Covid-19 cases over the past few months in Walsall have been relatively low compared to neighbouring areas.
"However, in line with the recent regional and national data we are now starting to see an increase in the number of positive Covid cases in our community. We are now seeing this translated into positive cases in schools, but this is not unexpected.
" Walsall council does not comment on individual educational settings or cases, however we currently have a number of schools and early years settings that have been affected and this continues to change on a daily basis."


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Arsenal fans aren't happy after Emiliano Martinez comments emerge

Emiliano Martinez has lifted the lid on the moment that convinced him to swap Arsenal for Aston Villa .
The goalkeeper completed a £20million move to Villa this summer to become Dean Smith 's number one after a decade at Arsenal .
Having been forced to wait patiently for his opportunities at the Emirates , an injury to the Gunners ' first-choice stopper Bernd Leno last season gave Martinez the chance to shine .
He grasped it , playing the final nine matches of the Premier League campaign and playing a vital role in the club 's FA Cup triumph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Google Play Store and App Store Martinez also helped Arsenal to a Community Shield triumph at the start of this season but was dropped for Leno for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I thought if I played well that game [ Community Shield win ] , I would be No 1 , but afterwards it still wasn ’ t clear who was going to start in the league , ” he told the Independent .
“ I was told that there was a 95 per cent chance I would start against Fulham [ on the first day of the season ] , but I just thought , ‘ why not 100 per cent ?
’ Something didn ’ t feel right .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s when I decided to go .
I wasn ’ t upset or emotional , I was proud I did it .
When I arrived at Arsenal [ in 2010 ] , there were nine goalkeepers in front of me .
Every year I had to prove myself , but I left as No 1 .
That was my story done there.
” Arsenal 's loss was Villa 's gain with the 28-year-old having hit the ground running for Smith 's side .
Martinez has kept two clean sheets during Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , conceding only twice to in three matches .
The Argentine 's comments attracted plenty of reaction from Arsenal fans on social media , with many suggesting the club were wrong to sell him .
@ ThatGuyAkshay : Arsenal will regret letting him leave and keeping Leno as number one .
Leno is suspect at times , Martinez never put a foot wrong for Arsenal .
@ __ghostmachine : Still kinda annoyed about it - Martinez seemed to have an assurance and winning mentality that I 'm not certain Leno possesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leno .
He can play out and he ’ s more dominant in the air .
Leno would have fetched more money and could have gone outside the Prem easily too .
Poor decision .
Leno is still a great keeper but not as good as Emi .
@ Gareth227 : Truth is he ’ s the better keeper .
Leno would have fetched similar money .
We still could have bought Iceland lad to replace Leno .
And Emi earned less than Leno as well .
Poor decision from Arsenal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the comments to Emi .
A keeper that was miles better than the bloke we have now .
@ Orential_piece : Top top man , human , and footballer .
So proud he wore the @ Arsenal shirt .
Really hope @ emimartinezz1 reaches the very top of sport -- club & country , plays for Argentina at the world cup & even come back to @ Arsenal as our No .
1 .
We miss you brother and love you for the memories .
@ TheTomJah : Emotional stuff .
Emi seems @ @ @ @ @ @

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Emiliano Martinez has lifted the lid on the moment that convinced him to swap Arsenal for Aston Villa.
The goalkeeper completed a £20million move to Villa this summer to become Dean Smith's number one after a decade at Arsenal.
Having been forced to wait patiently for his opportunities at the Emirates, an injury to the Gunners' first-choice stopper Bernd Leno last season gave Martinez the chance to shine.
He grasped it, playing the final nine matches of the Premier League campaign and playing a vital role in the club's FA Cup triumph.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Martinez also helped Arsenal to a Community Shield triumph at the start of this season but was dropped for Leno for the first league game against Fulham in September.
“I thought if I played well that game [Community Shield win], I would be No 1, but afterwards it still wasn’t clear who was going to start in the league,” he told the Independent.
“I was told that there was a 95 per cent chance I would start against Fulham [on the first day of the season], but I just thought, ‘why not 100 per cent?’ Something didn’t feel right.
“Everyone wanted me to stay, but that’s when I decided to go. I wasn’t upset or emotional, I was proud I did it. When I arrived at Arsenal [in 2010], there were nine goalkeepers in front of me. Every year I had to prove myself, but I left as No 1. That was my story done there.”
Arsenal's loss was Villa's gain with the 28-year-old having hit the ground running for Smith's side.
Martinez has kept two clean sheets during Villa's perfect start to the Premier League campaign, conceding only twice to in three matches.
The Argentine's comments attracted plenty of reaction from Arsenal fans on social media, with many suggesting the club were wrong to sell him.
Here's a selection of responses online:
@ThatGuyAkshay: Arsenal will regret letting him leave and keeping Leno as number one. Leno is suspect at times, Martinez never put a foot wrong for Arsenal.
@__ghostmachine: Still kinda annoyed about it - Martinez seemed to have an assurance and winning mentality that I'm not certain Leno possesses.
@Theaveragecoach: Emi is better than Leno. He can play out and he’s more dominant in the air. Leno would have fetched more money and could have gone outside the Prem easily too. Poor decision. Leno is still a great keeper but not as good as Emi.
@Gareth227: Truth is he’s the better keeper. Leno would have fetched similar money. We still could have bought Iceland lad to replace Leno. And Emi earned less than Leno as well. Poor decision from Arsenal.
@WilloSaliba: Look at the disrespect in the comments to Emi. A keeper that was miles better than the bloke we have now.
@Orential_piece: Top top man, human, and footballer. So proud he wore the @Arsenal shirt. Really hope @emimartinezz1 reaches the very top of sport-- club & country, plays for Argentina at the world cup & even come back to @Arsenal as our No. 1. We miss you brother and love you for the memories.
@TheTomJah: Emotional stuff. Emi seems like such a nice guy.