birminghammail--2020-03-05--'Bottom of the barrel' - Brighton fans look ahead to daunting Wolverhampton Wanderers clash

Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Brighton to Molineux on Saturday as they continue to close in on a place in the Premier League ’ s top four .
Nuno ’ s team are just three points behind the Champions League places and will be hopeful of continuing their good run against a Brighton side battling away at the wrong end of the table .
The Seagulls have a decent record against Wolves in recent years - and have only lost once in their last eight visits .
However , with nine places and 14 points between the teams Brighton fans posting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t seem particularly optimistic this time round .
Super Steve Earle : 2-2 .
Wolves have never beaten Albion in the top flight and I can ’ t see that changing on Saturday .
Eric Youngs Contact Lense : I think this will be the bottom of the barrel - we will lose 3-0 , find ourselves in the bottom 3 and it will spark a renaissance as unexpected as it will be beautiful !
I still believe we have a couple of big “ surprise ” results in us..
I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Arsenal , Leicester , Southampton more likely for me ) but would love this weekend to be one to give us , and the team a break !
oldboyroy : Fear for us in this 1 gone for a bit of a hiding 3 to nil hope I ’ m very wrong Hampster Gull : We ’ re going all Hughton , everyone behind the ball .
0-0 to the good guys withdeanwombat : We ’ re normally good against Wolves , but not this time I ’ m afraid .
4-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be deserved , not a fluke .
VAL1850 : We ’ ve done well at Wolves over the years so 1 - 1 Steve Foster : I think we will all settle for a draw & think it may be an open match - going for 2-2 Tim Over Whelmed : 3 - 0 there ’ s no way we ’ ll score one !
JC Footy Genius : Last season we parked the bus and got a gritty point but Wolves are currently full of confidence , have a settled team , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options ... opposite to our situation so it ’ s a 2-1 defeat Foul Play Rocks : Unfortunately I only see this going one way , 3 nil to wolves .
I really hope I ’ m wrong and we at least get a point .
jakarta : Workmanlike 2-0 to Wolves , can ’ t see another point , let alone a win the way we are performing at present .
Hey ho away days to sunny Brentford ...
This is me : Our overpaid mediocre players probably need to be thrashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their malaise .
I actually think Wolves will do it 4-0 .
It may actually have the desired effect

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Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Brighton to Molineux on Saturday as they continue to close in on a place in the Premier League’s top four.
Nuno’s team are just three points behind the Champions League places and will be hopeful of continuing their good run against a Brighton side battling away at the wrong end of the table.
The Seagulls have a decent record against Wolves in recent years - and have only lost once in their last eight visits.
However, with nine places and 14 points between the teams Brighton fans posting on their North Stand Chat messageboard don’t seem particularly optimistic this time round.
Here’s a selection of their predictions.
Super Steve Earle: 2-2. Wolves have never beaten Albion in the top flight and I can’t see that changing on Saturday.
Eric Youngs Contact Lense: I think this will be the bottom of the barrel - we will lose 3-0, find ourselves in the bottom 3 and it will spark a renaissance as unexpected as it will be beautiful!
I still believe we have a couple of big “surprise” results in us.. I don’t think this will be one, (Arsenal,Leicester, Southampton more likely for me) but would love this weekend to be one to give us, and the team a break!
oldboyroy: Fear for us in this 1 gone for a bit of a hiding 3 to nil hope I’m very wrong
swindonseagull: 0-2 walk In The park
One Teddy Maybank: 3-1 Wolves
Hampster Gull: We’re going all Hughton, everyone behind the ball. 0-0 to the good guys
withdeanwombat: We’re normally good against Wolves, but not this time I’m afraid. 4-0 Wanderers
*Gullsworth*: 2-2 The point will be deserved, not a fluke.
VAL1850: We’ve done well at Wolves over the years so 1 - 1
Steve Foster: I think we will all settle for a draw & think it may be an open match - going for 2-2
Tim Over Whelmed: 3 - 0 there’s no way we’ll score one!
JC Footy Genius: Last season we parked the bus and got a gritty point but Wolves are currently full of confidence, have a settled team, playing well and have numerous dangerous attacking options... opposite to our situation so it’s a 2-1 defeat
Foul Play Rocks: Unfortunately I only see this going one way, 3 nil to wolves. I really hope I’m wrong and we at least get a point.
jakarta: Workmanlike 2-0 to Wolves, can’t see another point, let alone a win the way we are performing at present. Hey ho away days to sunny Brentford...
This is me: Our overpaid mediocre players probably need to be thrashed by a side to get them out of their malaise. I actually think Wolves will do it 4-0. It may actually have the desired effect


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Martin Lewis gets new ITV show - and he needs you to take part

Martin Lewis is launching a brand new TV show and he wants people from Birmingham to take part .
He 's already well-known for his appearances on ITV 's Good Morning Britain , This Morning and the Martin Lewis Money Show and he 's saved people thousands of pounds over the years .
A post on Martin 's website MoneySavingExpert.com reads : `` I 'm working with ITV on a new show , where we meet the nation 's super-savers , those obsessed by saving money , and particularly those who have built up a real speciality in one area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is for those both thrifty and nifty .
We want to meet you and hear about what you do . ''
According to Manchester Evening News , Martin then confirmed he 's looking for participants who do the following kind of things to save their cash : • Never waste a drop of water - recycle the shower water into the loo cistern , then use what 's left to water the plants , and of course , only flush the loo for the brown stuff !
• Are an extreme traveller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , crossing the country to cut costs to the absolute minimum , splitting your tickets and more .
• Super-vinegar cleaners .
Do you never pay for cleaning products , and instead do it all with the best stuff , home-made ?
• Or you could be a comper , a stoozer , or anything else If you 'd like to be on the show , you can apply by emailing : savers @ multistory.tv and let the team know why your money-saving tips and tricks are a cut above the rest .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rachel Pugh, Katie Brooks)

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Martin Lewis is launching a brand new TV show and he wants people from Birmingham to take part.
He's already well-known for his appearances on ITV's Good Morning Britain, This Morning and the Martin Lewis Money Show and he's saved people thousands of pounds over the years.
A post on Martin's website MoneySavingExpert.com reads: "I'm working with ITV on a new show, where we meet the nation's super-savers, those obsessed by saving money, and particularly those who have built up a real speciality in one area, and can inspire others.
(Image: ITV)
"This is for those both thrifty and nifty. We want to meet you and hear about what you do."
According to Manchester Evening News , Martin then confirmed he's looking for participants who do the following kind of things to save their cash:
Never waste a drop of water - recycle the shower water into the loo cistern, then use what's left to water the plants, and of course, only flush the loo for the brown stuff!
Are an extreme traveller. You focus on price over convenience, crossing the country to cut costs to the absolute minimum, splitting your tickets and more.
Super-vinegar cleaners. Do you never pay for cleaning products, and instead do it all with the best stuff, home-made?
Or you could be a comper, a stoozer, or anything else
If you'd like to be on the show, you can apply by emailing: savers@multistory.tv and let the team know why your money-saving tips and tricks are a cut above the rest.


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Cinema giant Odeon confirmed for movie complex in Wolverhampton city centre

Cinema giants Odeon have been announced as the main movie complex partner for an ambitious £55 million regeneration project in Wolverhampton .
City of Wolverhampton Council leader Ian Brookfield announced the news at a full authority meeting on Wednesday ( March 4 ) and said the deal had been finalised in the hours prior .
Odeon will be part of the Westside development that will see new cafes , restaurants and shops , as well as event space created in the city .
The announcement of the new cinema was due to be made last year but was hit with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex will be open in 2022 .
Councillor Brookfield read out a statement from private development company Urban and Civic and declared it as excellent news for the city .
But counterpart , Conservative group leader Wendy Thompson slammed the delays the Westside development has taken .
The statement from Urban and Civic chief executive Nigel Hugill said : `` I 'm pleased to confirm that conditional agreements are now in place with all the parties including the Odeon .
`` Wolverhampton Council have been unstinting in their support for the scheme and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Urban and Civic .
`` The current programme is for opening in the Summer of 2022 .
`` It is a testament to the economic significance of the scheme and the extent of the collaboration that Westside will be one of only very few major city centre leisure projects to commence construction in the country this year . ''
Councillor Brookfield said : `` It is excellent news for the city and it will no longer be on the 'to do ' list .
It 's here .
`` We all know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a youngster and it looks like I 'll be going as someone who is a little bit older in the future .
Wendy Thompson : `` Westside has only taken seven years .
We are already spending £40,000 on legal advice .
`` You are going to have to hope the risks you are running there for the council are as minimal as possible .
We do n't want this coming back and biting us . ''

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Cinema giants Odeon have been announced as the main movie complex partner for an ambitious £55 million regeneration project in Wolverhampton.
City of Wolverhampton Council leader Ian Brookfield announced the news at a full authority meeting on Wednesday (March 4) and said the deal had been finalised in the hours prior.
Odeon will be part of the Westside development that will see new cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as event space created in the city.
The announcement of the new cinema was due to be made last year but was hit with delays. It is anticipated the multi-screen complex will be open in 2022.
Councillor Brookfield read out a statement from private development company Urban and Civic and declared it as excellent news for the city.
But counterpart, Conservative group leader Wendy Thompson slammed the delays the Westside development has taken.
(Image: Tamworth Herald)
The statement from Urban and Civic chief executive Nigel Hugill said: "I'm pleased to confirm that conditional agreements are now in place with all the parties including the Odeon.
"Wolverhampton Council have been unstinting in their support for the scheme and equally I can publicly reaffirm the commitment of Urban and Civic.
"The current programme is for opening in the Summer of 2022.
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"It is a testament to the economic significance of the scheme and the extent of the collaboration that Westside will be one of only very few major city centre leisure projects to commence construction in the country this year."
Councillor Brookfield said: "It is excellent news for the city and it will no longer be on the 'to do' list. It's here.
"We all know the Odeon, I remember going there as a youngster and it looks like I'll be going as someone who is a little bit older in the future.
Wendy Thompson: "Westside has only taken seven years. We are already spending £40,000 on legal advice.
"You are going to have to hope the risks you are running there for the council are as minimal as possible. We don't want this coming back and biting us."


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Anger over thousands 'wasted' printing council reports in Solihull

Thousands of pounds of public money is being wasted on printing weighty reports for council meetings in Solihull , it has been claimed .
A Freedom of Information ( FoI ) request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service ( LDRS ) revealed that the cost of running off agendas ran into five figures in 2018/19 .
The council said it did not have figures for the number of documents it had printed out or the overall amount of pages , although it put the total cost for the 12 month period at £21,800 .
At last week 's budget-setting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money spent on printing to be cut back .
Cllr James Burn , who leads the official opposition , said ahead of the meeting he was concerned that `` reams and reams '' of paper - much of it unread - was being printed out and described the expense as `` a complete waste of taxpayers ' money . ''
`` Sometimes for council and cabinet and some of the scrutiny boards [ the reports ] go on to 200 pages , '' he told the LDRS .
He pointed out councillors had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` one rule '' for elected members and another for officers .
This week , Solihull Council had encouraged residents to sign-up for an online council tax account and switch to paperless billing , after revealing it currently sends out around 320,000 sheets .
And public bodies have been under pressure more generally to reduce printing to both save money and help the environment .
Although when the issue was discussed during the budget session , Cllr Kathryn Thomas ( Lib Dem , Lyndon ) pointed out there were valid reasons for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a slight problem with my eyes which makes them very sensitive to light and it actually makes a great deal of reading on the iPads very , very difficult , '' she said .
`` And when I 've got large council papers I really do need the paper because it 's much easier on my eyes . ''
The Greens clarified that The Equalities Act would already require reasonable adjustments for people with medical conditions and they were n't backing a blanket policy which disregarded this .
Cllr Ian Courts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had no problem looking at the spending on the likes of stationery , but pointed out that given the squeeze on budgets for well over a decade many of these issues would already have been examined .
A Solihull Council spokesman said : `` We do not have a policy on printing papers for council committee meetings .
`` We encourage members to use digital resources to access meeting papers wherever possible , however if they request printed copies we will provide them . ''

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Thousands of pounds of public money is being wasted on printing weighty reports for council meetings in Solihull, it has been claimed.
A Freedom of Information (FoI) request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed that the cost of running off agendas ran into five figures in 2018/19.
The council said it did not have figures for the number of documents it had printed out or the overall amount of pages, although it put the total cost for the 12 month period at £21,800.
At last week's budget-setting the Green Party group had called for the money spent on printing to be cut back.
Cllr James Burn, who leads the official opposition, said ahead of the meeting he was concerned that "reams and reams" of paper - much of it unread - was being printed out and described the expense as "a complete waste of taxpayers' money."
"Sometimes for council and cabinet and some of the scrutiny boards [the reports] go on to 200 pages," he told the LDRS.
He pointed out councillors had been issued with iPads and suggested it was "one rule" for elected members and another for officers.
This week, Solihull Council had encouraged residents to sign-up for an online council tax account and switch to paperless billing, after revealing it currently sends out around 320,000 sheets.
And public bodies have been under pressure more generally to reduce printing to both save money and help the environment.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Although when the issue was discussed during the budget session, Cllr Kathryn Thomas (Lib Dem, Lyndon) pointed out there were valid reasons for having a hard copy.
"I have a slight problem with my eyes which makes them very sensitive to light and it actually makes a great deal of reading on the iPads very, very difficult," she said.
"And when I've got large council papers I really do need the paper because it's much easier on my eyes."
The Greens clarified that The Equalities Act would already require reasonable adjustments for people with medical conditions and they weren't backing a blanket policy which disregarded this.
Cllr Ian Courts, leader of the council, had said he had no problem looking at the spending on the likes of stationery, but pointed out that given the squeeze on budgets for well over a decade many of these issues would already have been examined.
A Solihull Council spokesman said: "We do not have a policy on printing papers for council committee meetings.
"We encourage members to use digital resources to access meeting papers wherever possible, however if they request printed copies we will provide them."


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Injury blow, a sweet moment and goals galore - how Aston Villa's January departures are faring

January was once again a busy month for Aston Villa as they looked to strengthen their squad in a bid to achieve Premier League survival .
Mbwana Samatta , Pepe Reina , Danny Drinkwater and Borja Baston were the men to come into the club as Dean Smith bolstered his side .
Some could be described as hits , while others as misses – but it is only a short time since arriving to judge their Villa careers just yet .
But what about the players who went out the door ?
We have taken a look at the six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanently and on loan – in the last transfer window .
The Ivorian completed his exit to Qatar club Al-Gharafa in the penultimate week of the January window .
It marked the end of a three-and-a-half year stay at Villa that saw him score 29 league goals .
He made the dream start to life in the Middle East , netting a hat-trick on his debut against Al Rayyan .
Kodjia hit a treble in the 4-2 victory .
The striker has made a further three appearances since that outing , without finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a defeat .
With Pepe Reina heading into Villa as a January addition , goalkeeper Kalinic was sent on loan to French strugglers Toulouse .
The Ligue 1 side have just 13 points from 27 games so far this season and are 14 points from safety .
Kalinic slotted straight into the team , making four starts – three defeats and one draw .
However the fourth of those games , a 1-0 loss to Marseille , ended prematurely for Kalinic as he was substituted with a thigh injury after 36 minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Green had joined Preston North End on loan in the summer , but made just six appearances , so that stint was cut short in January .
He was immediately sent out to fellow Championship club Charlton Athletic for the remainder of the season and has already made 10 appearances .
Six of those have been starts , and there would have been a sweet moment for him when he scored away to Preston .
That is one of two goals in his 10 games .
With his contract up at Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be desperate to impress at the Valley and earn a deal whether it be in B6 or elsewhere .
Similarly to Green , Hogan was initially loaned to one club , but a lack of action saw him go elsewhere .
Having spent the first half of the season with Stoke City , Hogan was then sent to city rivals Birmingham City in January for the season .
Hitting the ground running is perhaps an understatement for the striker , who has netted six goals in seven Championship games for Blues , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unbeaten run .
Having spent the first half of the season in League One with Tranmere Rovers , youngster Hepburn-Murphy made the move to Derby County .
He was signed to join the Rams ’ under-23 set up and made his debut just a few days later against Blackburn Rovers .
Hepburn-Murphy has featured in three Premier League 2 games so far for the young Rams .
Chester joined Championship side Stoke City on loan from Aston Villa in January and made a strong start to life at the Potters with a string @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence .
The centre-back has come in for some criticism from sections of the Stoke support in recent weeks , though , after a below-par showing against Queens Park Rangers and conceding an injury-time penalty in the draw with Luton Town .
He has made six appearances so far for the Potters .
31-year-old Chester is out of contract at Villa Park in the summer and is n't expected to be given a new deal .

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January was once again a busy month for Aston Villa as they looked to strengthen their squad in a bid to achieve Premier League survival.
Mbwana Samatta, Pepe Reina, Danny Drinkwater and Borja Baston were the men to come into the club as Dean Smith bolstered his side.
Some could be described as hits, while others as misses – but it is only a short time since arriving to judge their Villa careers just yet.
But what about the players who went out the door?
We have taken a look at the six players to leave the club – both permanently and on loan – in the last transfer window.
Jonathan Kodjia – Al-Gharafa
The Ivorian completed his exit to Qatar club Al-Gharafa in the penultimate week of the January window.
It marked the end of a three-and-a-half year stay at Villa that saw him score 29 league goals.
He made the dream start to life in the Middle East, netting a hat-trick on his debut against Al Rayyan. Kodjia hit a treble in the 4-2 victory.
The striker has made a further three appearances since that outing, without finding the net, with two draws and a defeat.
Lovre Kalinic – Toulouse
With Pepe Reina heading into Villa as a January addition, goalkeeper Kalinic was sent on loan to French strugglers Toulouse.
The Ligue 1 side have just 13 points from 27 games so far this season and are 14 points from safety.
Kalinic slotted straight into the team, making four starts – three defeats and one draw.
However the fourth of those games, a 1-0 loss to Marseille, ended prematurely for Kalinic as he was substituted with a thigh injury after 36 minutes.
He has missed the last three games.
Andre Green – Charlton Athletic
Green had joined Preston North End on loan in the summer, but made just six appearances, so that stint was cut short in January.
He was immediately sent out to fellow Championship club Charlton Athletic for the remainder of the season and has already made 10 appearances.
Six of those have been starts, and there would have been a sweet moment for him when he scored away to Preston. That is one of two goals in his 10 games.
With his contract up at Villa in the summer, the 21-year-old will be desperate to impress at the Valley and earn a deal whether it be in B6 or elsewhere.
Scott Hogan – Birmingham City
Goals. Goals. Goals.
(Image: Tim Harley-Easthope/BirminghamLive)
Similarly to Green, Hogan was initially loaned to one club, but a lack of action saw him go elsewhere.
Having spent the first half of the season with Stoke City, Hogan was then sent to city rivals Birmingham City in January for the season.
Hitting the ground running is perhaps an understatement for the striker, who has netted six goals in seven Championship games for Blues, and has been instrumental in their recent 13-game unbeaten run.
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy – Derby County
Having spent the first half of the season in League One with Tranmere Rovers, youngster Hepburn-Murphy made the move to Derby County.
He was signed to join the Rams’ under-23 set up and made his debut just a few days later against Blackburn Rovers.
Hepburn-Murphy has featured in three Premier League 2 games so far for the young Rams.
James Chester – Stoke City
Chester joined Championship side Stoke City on loan from Aston Villa in January and made a strong start to life at the Potters with a string of solid performances in the heart of defence.
(Image: Getty Images)
The centre-back has come in for some criticism from sections of the Stoke support in recent weeks, though, after a below-par showing against Queens Park Rangers and conceding an injury-time penalty in the draw with Luton Town.
He has made six appearances so far for the Potters.
31-year-old Chester is out of contract at Villa Park in the summer and isn't expected to be given a new deal.


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Liverpool pundit reveals Jude Bellingham doubt as Man Utd transfer rumour swirls

The Birmingham City wonderkid has been linked with a host of Europe ’ s top clubs , most recently Borussia Dortmund but repeatedly Manchester United , Chelsea and Arsenal .
Liverpool have also been credited with an interest but McManaman , who made 364 appearances for the Reds throughout the 1990s thinks they might not be willing to pay the kind of fee currently being attached to Bellingham .
“ I ’ ve heard a lot about him due to working in academy football myself .
His reputation is very good , ” McManaman told Horseracing.net .
“ He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be linked with everybody nowadays .
`` There was a story about Manchester United being interested in him and all it ’ s done for Birmingham City is that it ’ s increased Jude ’ s price tag .
“ I don ’ t know if Liverpool would be interested considering the figures that are being associated with him .
“ Three months ago I read that he was valued at £30 million and now I hear it ’ s £50 million .
“ Now when you ’ re thinking about buying a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money , Liverpool already have very good young players in the academy , the under 18s and the under 23s , so whether they will involve themselves in the chase for Jude with that sort of money being talked about is a different question.
” Bellingham has been a sensation for Blues this season , breaking records set by Trevor Francis and playing 34 times under Pep Clotet .

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Steve McManaman has questioned Liverpool’s reported interest in Jude Bellingham.
The Birmingham City wonderkid has been linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs, most recently Borussia Dortmund but repeatedly Manchester United , Chelsea and Arsenal.
Liverpool have also been credited with an interest but McManaman, who made 364 appearances for the Reds throughout the 1990s thinks they might not be willing to pay the kind of fee currently being attached to Bellingham.
“I’ve heard a lot about him due to working in academy football myself. His reputation is very good,” McManaman told Horseracing.net.
“He’s only 16 and he seems to be linked with everybody nowadays.
"There was a story about Manchester United being interested in him and all it’s done for Birmingham City is that it’s increased Jude’s price tag.
“I don’t know if Liverpool would be interested considering the figures that are being associated with him.
“Three months ago I read that he was valued at £30 million and now I hear it’s £50 million.
“Now when you’re thinking about buying a 16 year old for that kind of money, Liverpool already have very good young players in the academy, the under 18s and the under 23s, so whether they will involve themselves in the chase for Jude with that sort of money being talked about is a different question.”
Bellingham has been a sensation for Blues this season, breaking records set by Trevor Francis and playing 34 times under Pep Clotet.


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Thug paid friend £550 to take part in brutal 'execution' of much loved young man

A brutal thug paid a friend £550 to take part in the ‘ execution ’ of a well loved man aged just 20 - after a minor altercation he ‘ couldn ’ t let go ’ .
Sharn Miles , aged 20 , and 19-year-old Ty Blake shot their victim James Teer in the face at point-blank range with a shotgun on the evening of August 8 last year .
The killers were bent on revenge after a nightclub bust-up involving someone the victim knew - even though he had not been involved in any way himself .
Describing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Justice Martin Spencer sentenced both defendants to life with a minimum of 32 years today at Birmingham Crown Court .
Judge Spencer said : `` James Teer was a 20-year-old man at the start of his independent adult life .
“ He had a big heart and a great sense of humour .
He enjoyed life .
The grief and anguish of his family are made clear from the personal statements .
“ James was going on his first holiday with friends and had started to live a healthy lifestyle .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come to terms with his murder .
“ Four days earlier there was an altercation with a group of youths including Mr Teer .
You ( Miles ) could not let it go .
You recruited Blake.You ( Blake ) got £550 that is how cheaply you valued the life of James Teer .
The pair were convicted of murder after West Midlands Police traced them from a bloodied tissue found in their getaway car .
Mr Teer , who was just 20 , had been playing football in Goosemoor Lane , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died at the scene .
The judge said “ The only available sentence is life imprisonment .
I have to set a minimum term .
The minimum will be the same for you both.
” After the sentence was imposed a woman left the court sobbing .
In passing sentence Mr Justice Martin Spencer said : “ You drove to Goosemor Lane .
One thing is clear you were intent on murder.James Teer had been play fighting .
“ He was only two minutes from home .
He was in the wrong place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotted him by the side of the road .
You , Blake , disguised yourself with a mask .
“ You called over to him .
You Blake shot him dead without warning .
It was more like an execution .
” This was a cold blooded killing carried out mercilessly .
You Blake went to a house party as if you did not have a care in the world .
However you made a number of fatal errors in your planning .
“ Your only hope of escape was to blame each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through your lies .
I take into account your young ages.
” Ben Close .
prosecuting , said Blake also faced a charge of robbery but in light of the verdicts it was no longer in the public interest to prosecute that case and offered no evidence Statements are now being read from relatives of the victim .
Jacqueline Brown , Mr Teer ’ s mother , said : “ Our son was a grounded and well loved young man .
He was a handsome man adored by his family .
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of humour .
He enjoyed life .
” He was just starting to enjoy life as a young man .
He was going on his first holiday .
He had joined a gym .
His family and friends are devastated .
I could not believe that James was lying dead in the street .
“ Our son was dead murdered and we were unable to help him ” Jacqueline Brown added : “ The devastation we feel is second to none .
We would give our lives so he could have his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irreplaceable .
“ James ’ s dad has lost his job .
We can not come to terms with James not being there.
” He was a happy person and a people person .
Our life has spiralled out of control and everything looks black.
” I will never see his children or be a grand parent.
” His aunt Bernadette Brown said “ Our life changed on August 8 .
He had his whole life in front of him .
“ He was excited at the prospect of joining the fire service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s life had been taken from him in the most calculated and cowardly manner.
” Aaron Teer , one of his brothers , said “ I can not bring myself to go out any more .
I wish it was me who had been shot so James could lead a full life .
“ Since his murder I have had on going pain and suffer from depression .
” I can understand why anyone could have been so brutal .
Rest in peace James your legacy will go on forever.
” Nicholas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James was the true essence of life itself .
I was proud to call him my brother .
“ Now that James has been taken from us I blame myself .
” Going through my daily pain of what had happened is a struggle .
James ’ s murder has effected me greatly .
” As a result of this I have had time off work.
” Aidan Teer , a third brother , said “ Nothing can describe the pain of losing my half brother .
“ James and I would always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will always love you Until we meet again , ” he said Miles had a conviction for burglary and attempted theft and handling stolen cars .Blake had a conviction for attempted robbery for which he received a referral order .
Mr Close said the starting point for sentencing today was 30 years : ” There was a significant degree of planning and premeditation.
” It involves driving around searching for the victim .
“ The victim was engaged in play fighting with young people when he was shot .
The gun is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for Miles said “ The age of the defendant is a significant factor .
He became 20 just a few days before the trial started.
” Mr Duck said the defendant had been described as very immature .
” There is a lack of previous convictions for violence .
The character reference paints somewhat of a different picture.
” Michael Duck QC , for Blake , said “ He was 18 at the time .
In his case there was a limited amount of planning .
He had a potential career in @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ben Hurst, Ross McCarthy)

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A brutal thug paid a friend £550 to take part in the ‘execution’ of a well loved man aged just 20 - after a minor altercation he ‘couldn’t let go’.
Sharn Miles, aged 20, and 19-year-old Ty Blake shot their victim James Teer in the face at point-blank range with a shotgun on the evening of August 8 last year.
The killers were bent on revenge after a nightclub bust-up involving someone the victim knew - even though he had not been involved in any way himself.
Describing the brutal killing as an ‘execution’ Mr Justice Martin Spencer sentenced both defendants to life with a minimum of 32 years today at Birmingham Crown Court.
Judge Spencer said: "James Teer was a 20-year-old man at the start of his independent adult life.
“He had a big heart and a great sense of humour. He enjoyed life. The grief and anguish of his family are made clear from the personal statements.
“James was going on his first holiday with friends and had started to live a healthy lifestyle. His family and friends are devastated and unable to come to terms with his murder.
“Four days earlier there was an altercation with a group of youths including Mr Teer. You (Miles) could not let it go. You recruited Blake. You (Blake) got £550 that is how cheaply you valued the life of James Teer."
The pair were convicted of murder after West Midlands Police traced them from a bloodied tissue found in their getaway car.
Mr Teer, who was just 20, had been playing football in Goosemoor Lane, Erdington, with teenage friends. He died at the scene.
The judge said “The only available sentence is life imprisonment. I have to set a minimum term. The minimum will be the same for you both.”
After the sentence was imposed a woman left the court sobbing.
In passing sentence Mr Justice Martin Spencer said: “You drove to Goosemor Lane. One thing is clear you were intent on murder.James Teer had been play fighting.
“He was only two minutes from home. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“You spotted him by the side of the road. You, Blake, disguised yourself with a mask.
“You called over to him. You Blake shot him dead without warning. It was more like an execution.
”This was a cold blooded killing carried out mercilessly. You Blake went to a house party as if you did not have a care in the world. However you made a number of fatal errors in your planning.
“Your only hope of escape was to blame each other. However the jury have seen through your lies. I take into account your young ages.”
Ben Close. prosecuting, said Blake also faced a charge of robbery but in light of the verdicts it was no longer in the public interest to prosecute that case and offered no evidence
Statements are now being read from relatives of the victim. Jacqueline Brown, Mr Teer’s mother, said: “Our son was a grounded and well loved young man. He was a handsome man adored by his family.
”He had a big heart and a great sense of humour. He enjoyed life.
(Image: WMP)
“James’ death was a heartlessly planned murder.
”He was just starting to enjoy life as a young man. He was going on his first holiday. He had joined a gym. His family and friends are devastated. I could not believe that James was lying dead in the street.
“Our son was dead murdered and we were unable to help him”
Jacqueline Brown added: “The devastation we feel is second to none. We would give our lives so he could have his. Our unique and only son is irreplaceable.
“James’s dad has lost his job. We can not come to terms with James not being there.”
He was a happy person and a people person. Our life has spiralled out of control and everything looks black.”I will never see his children or be a grand parent.”
His aunt Bernadette Brown said “Our life changed on August 8. He had his whole life in front of him.
“He was excited at the prospect of joining the fire service. Our lives our ruined. James’s life had been taken from him in the most calculated and cowardly manner.”
Aaron Teer, one of his brothers, said “I cannot bring myself to go out any more. I wish it was me who had been shot so James could lead a full life.
(Image: WMP)
“Since his murder I have had on going pain and suffer from depression.
”I can understand why anyone could have been so brutal. Rest in peace James your legacy will go on forever.”
Nicholas Teer, another brother, said “James was the true essence of life itself. I was proud to call him my brother.
“Now that James has been taken from us I blame myself.
”Going through my daily pain of what had happened is a struggle. James’s murder has effected me greatly.
”As a result of this I have had time off work.”
Aidan Teer, a third brother, said “Nothing can describe the pain of losing my half brother.
“James and I would always be there for each other.
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“I will always love you Until we meet again,” he said
Miles had a conviction for burglary and attempted theft and handling stolen cars .Blake had a conviction for attempted robbery for which he received a referral order.
Mr Close said the starting point for sentencing today was 30 years: ”There was a significant degree of planning and premeditation.”It involves driving around searching for the victim.
“The victim was engaged in play fighting with young people when he was shot. The gun is still in circulation.”
Christopher Millington QC, for Miles said “The age of the defendant is a significant factor. He became 20 just a few days before the trial started.”
Mr Duck said the defendant had been described as very immature. ”There is a lack of previous convictions for violence. The character reference paints somewhat of a different picture.”
Michael Duck QC, for Blake, said “He was 18 at the time. In his case there was a limited amount of planning. He had a potential career in front of him.”


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Coronavirus hoarder who stockpiled 150 tins slammed by furious GMB viewers

Good Morning Britain viewers have been left raging over a woman who has hoarded well over 100 tins .
The woman , who is frantic with worry over the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus , has been blasted by GMB viewers .
She appeared on the ITV1 daytime favourite opposite GMB presenters Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard on Thursday , March 5 .
Her appearance coincided with the reveal that the number of Covid-19 cases in the UK has now hit 90 , after three tests confirmed positive in Scotland .
Journalist Angela Buttolph told the show : “ This whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stocking up .
I have a six-year-old daughter , I have asthma , so I am one of the vulnerable group .
In terms of being selfish and looking after your family is the best kind of selfishness.
” “ And if we ’ re going to talk about selfishness there is a lot of discussion now about how this is basically just flu , every year people die from flu .
Vulnerable people , people with compromised immunity , older people .
And they say that like it doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re one of those groups , when you hear this over and over again you think , great , nobody has got my back .
And actually , I think I am going to take care of myself.
” Viewers tuning in branded her `` selfish '' over her actions , with one writing : `` I have the same fears and concerns ... but obviously do not have the financial funds . ''
`` I think it ’ s extremely selfish to bulk buy , '' a second agreed .
In an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there was no need for members of the public to stockpile food or medicine .
The Chief Medical Officer for England told MPs : `` There is no need at this stage to be stocking up on anything .
`` This is going to be ... a marathon not a sprint . ''

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Good Morning Britain viewers have been left raging over a woman who has hoarded well over 100 tins.
The woman, who is frantic with worry over the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus, has been blasted by GMB viewers.
She appeared on the ITV1 daytime favourite opposite GMB presenters Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard on Thursday, March 5.
Her appearance coincided with the reveal that the number of Covid-19 cases in the UK has now hit 90, after three tests confirmed positive in Scotland.
(Image: ITV)
Journalist Angela Buttolph told the show: “This whole argument about it being selfish in terms of stocking up. I have a six-year-old daughter, I have asthma, so I am one of the vulnerable group. In terms of being selfish and looking after your family is the best kind of selfishness.”
“And if we’re going to talk about selfishness there is a lot of discussion now about how this is basically just flu, every year people die from flu. Vulnerable people, people with compromised immunity, older people. And they say that like it doesn’t matter.
“But when you’re one of those groups, when you hear this over and over again you think, great, nobody has got my back. And actually, I think I am going to take care of myself.”
Viewers tuning in branded her "selfish" over her actions, with one writing: "I have the same fears and concerns ... but obviously do not have the financial funds."
"I think it’s extremely selfish to bulk buy," a second agreed.
In an interview on Thursday, Professor Chris Whitty said there was no need for members of the public to stockpile food or medicine.
The Chief Medical Officer for England told MPs: "There is no need at this stage to be stocking up on anything.
"This is going to be ... a marathon not a sprint."


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Katy Perry reveals how she kept pregnancy with first child a secret

Katy Perry has revealed how she managed to keep her pregnancy a secret , after announcing the news this morning .
The singer is expecting her first child with fiancé Orlando Bloom and said it was the `` longest secret '' she 'd ever had to keep .
She broke the news to her fans in the music video for her latest single , Never Worn White and went on to explain just how she 'd managed to keep the news to themselves .
She wrote : `` Omg so glad I do n't have to suck it in anymore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she added : `` Or carry around a big purse lol . ''
Fans quickly checked back on her more recent photos and there for all the world to see was a little bump with a big purse covering it .
One fan wrote : `` SAW WHAT YOU DID THERE . ''
Another said : `` We see you . ''
On a live video after the video was released , Perry also revealed she is ready to release a new album , saying : `` Let 's call it a double-whammy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pirates Of The Caribbean star Bloom on Valentine 's Day last year .
She was married to British TV presenter Russell Brand for two years from 2010 , while the actor was previously married to Australian model Miranda Kerr , and they share a son , Flynn .

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Katy Perry has revealed how she managed to keep her pregnancy a secret, after announcing the news this morning.
The singer is expecting her first child with fiancé Orlando Bloom and said it was the "longest secret" she'd ever had to keep.
She broke the news to her fans in the music video for her latest single, Never Worn White and went on to explain just how she'd managed to keep the news to themselves.
She wrote: "Omg so glad I don't have to suck it in anymore."
(Image: Getty Images)
In a follow-up tweet, she added: "Or carry around a big purse lol."
Fans quickly checked back on her more recent photos and there for all the world to see was a little bump with a big purse covering it.
One fan wrote: "SAW WHAT YOU DID THERE."
Another said: "We see you."
On a live video after the video was released, Perry also revealed she is ready to release a new album, saying: "Let's call it a double-whammy".
California-born Perry got engaged to Pirates Of The Caribbean star Bloom on Valentine's Day last year.
She was married to British TV presenter Russell Brand for two years from 2010, while the actor was previously married to Australian model Miranda Kerr, and they share a son, Flynn.


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Giant Nestle box of 71 chocolate bars slammed by raging shoppers

A huge box of Nestle chocolate bars is on sale with Amazon - but shoppers are fuming over the content .
The Big Biscuit Box , which costs £12.99 , contains 71 chocolate bars , including well-known favourites like Toffee Crisp , Yorkie , Kit Kat , Blue Riband and Breakaway bars .
Even though it seems to be a great deal for chocolate lovers , customers are not happy - with one angry shopper labelling it a “ misleading rip off ” .
Another disgruntled shopper said : “ Good but I could buy all these for £10 at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This box was very disappointing and actually not good value for money ” .
A further social media post added : “ Rip off do not buy !
!
!
” while another said : “ Don ’ t bother ... quality appalling for the cost .
“ Could have just bought loads of full sized bars in a supermarket for a lot less money.
” Worryingly , some people commented their boxes had arrived opened or with chocolate bars missing .
One customer said : “ DO NOT BUY !
!
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with tape , the cardboard has almost collapsed !
This is supposed to be a present for someone !
Waste of my money !
” Another added : “ Nowhere near 71 bars inside I thought I ’ d give this product the benefit of doubt after the reviews I saw wish I had never bothered no Yorkie bars inside at all DO NOT BUY !
!
!
Absolute rip off.
” But other posters praised the Big Biscuit Box , labelling it a “ great gift idea ” and saying they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is a “ chocolate lovers dream ” .
The Big Biscuit Box is available on Amazon .

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A huge box of Nestle chocolate bars is on sale with Amazon - but shoppers are fuming over the content.
The Big Biscuit Box, which costs £12.99, contains 71 chocolate bars, including well-known favourites like Toffee Crisp, Yorkie, Kit Kat, Blue Riband and Breakaway bars.
Even though it seems to be a great deal for chocolate lovers, customers are not happy - with one angry shopper labelling it a “misleading rip off”.
Another disgruntled shopper said: “Good but I could buy all these for £10 at Poundland”, while one added: “This box was very disappointing and actually not good value for money”.
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A further social media post added: “Rip off do not buy!!!” while another said: “Don’t bother...quality appalling for the cost.
“Could have just bought loads of full sized bars in a supermarket for a lot less money.”
Worryingly, some people commented their boxes had arrived opened or with chocolate bars missing.
One customer said: “DO NOT BUY!! My box came battered and taped up with tape, the cardboard has almost collapsed! This is supposed to be a present for someone! Waste of my money!”
Another added: “Nowhere near 71 bars inside I thought I’d give this product the benefit of doubt after the reviews I saw wish I had never bothered no Yorkie bars inside at all DO NOT BUY!!! Absolute rip off.”
But other posters praised the Big Biscuit Box, labelling it a “great gift idea” and saying they would buy it again.
Someone also said it is a “chocolate lovers dream”.
The Big Biscuit Box is available on Amazon .


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Emaciated dog put down after being dumped by river in Great Barr

A heartless dog owner who left their emaciated pet to die alone by a river is being hunted by the RSPCA .
The female Japanese Akita-type dog was found in a collapsed state at the side of the River Tame in Great Barr by a horrified passer-by .
They rushed the dog to a nearby vets for emergency treatment , where a microchip revealed the her name was Mia .
Suspecting neglect , the vet reported the matter to the RSPCA and she was taken to the charity 's Birmingham Animal Hospital for treatment .
Mia was struggling to breath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe arthritis .
Even with pain medication , she found it difficult to walk so a vet decided the kindest thing to do was to end her suffering and put her to sleep .
Address details on the microchip were out-of-date so the RSPCA is now appealing for information to find the person responsible for leaving her in her hour of need .
Inspector Adam Bailey said : “ Poor Mia had clearly been neglected , her bones were protruding and she was in a collapsed state .
“ As she was so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get to the location where she was found on her own so I am appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area during the hours before she was found at 5pm on Sunday , February 9 .
“ I am also keen to hear from anyone who may know who owned Mia prior to her being found .
“ I suspect as she was in such poor condition someone callously decided to leave her in this isolated spot to die alone .
“ Mia must have been terrified - it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I would like to trace the person who did this . ''
Anyone who has any information about the incident should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018 .

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A heartless dog owner who left their emaciated pet to die alone by a river is being hunted by the RSPCA.
The female Japanese Akita-type dog was found in a collapsed state at the side of the River Tame in Great Barr by a horrified passer-by.
They rushed the dog to a nearby vets for emergency treatment, where a microchip revealed the her name was Mia.
Suspecting neglect, the vet reported the matter to the RSPCA and she was taken to the charity's Birmingham Animal Hospital for treatment.
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Mia was struggling to breath and refusing food and also suffered with severe arthritis. Even with pain medication, she found it difficult to walk so a vet decided the kindest thing to do was to end her suffering and put her to sleep.
Address details on the microchip were out-of-date so the RSPCA is now appealing for information to find the person responsible for leaving her in her hour of need.
Inspector Adam Bailey said: “Poor Mia had clearly been neglected, her bones were protruding and she was in a collapsed state.
“As she was so weak it is unlikely she was able to get to the location where she was found on her own so I am appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area during the hours before she was found at 5pm on Sunday, February 9.
“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may know who owned Mia prior to her being found.
“I suspect as she was in such poor condition someone callously decided to leave her in this isolated spot to die alone.
“Mia must have been terrified - it was a despicable thing to do - and I would like to trace the person who did this."
Anyone who has any information about the incident should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Charlton release statement as Casilla is found guilty of racially abusing Leko

Charlton Athletic have released their own statement in support of young winger Jonathan Leko after he called out the PFA and anti-racism bodies for their lack of action and contact in the wake of Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla ’ s charge for racial abuse .
West Brom winger Leko , who spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Championship rivals Charlton , was the subject of a racist comment from Spaniard Casilla , when Leeds visited The Valley in September .
He initially appealed against the charge , but it was upheld by an independent regulatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an eight-match ban , as well as having to pay a fine and attend an FA education programme .
The FA released a 62-page document on Tuesday , detailing in full the incident itself and the charge , while Leko then addressed the outcome himself on Wednesday when he put out a statement through Albion .
This is your round up of all things West Brom ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Baggies throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... • Chris Brunt speaks on his future after FA Cup exit - READ For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com In his own words , he was critical of the bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last few months , but Leko has since been the subject of further abuse on social media - the PFA have since responded with an apology .
Charlton addressed such comments when they put together a statement of their own .
“ The club is pleased there is finally a resolution following the news that Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla will be banned for an incident that took place when they played at The Valley in September , ” the statement read .
“ However , the club is disappointed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Macauley Bonne have received following the news .
`` Jonathan was a victim in this incident and the pair of them did not ask for this , the club is proud of both of them for standing up as football continues to fight racism .
“ Charlton Athletic ’ s priority in the process has been supporting the players involved .
Racist abuse is abhorrent and completely unacceptable , at no point should an individual have to experience racist abuse on the football pitch or in any walk of life .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last 12 months one of our players has been subjected to racist abuse ; last year the club twice reported racist abuse on social media directed towards Lyle Taylor to the police .
“ All of us in football still have so much work to do.
” You can read the statement in full , including Charlton ’ s own plans to celebrate diversity and tackle racism in football , here .
Matt Southall , Charlton ’ s new chairman who was placed in the role after the club ’ s takeover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Reading Jonathan Leko ’ s statement has left me deeply saddened .
To think a black player would consider not reporting racist abuse aimed at them is shocking .
“ Football has a duty of care to protect players who have been abused in this way .
But if the process is too demeaning , lengthy or damaging , what does that say about how far we ’ ve truly come ?
“ To hear Jonathan so angry and distraught in his statement makes me wonder whether football as a sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight against racism .
”

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Charlton Athletic have released their own statement in support of young winger Jonathan Leko after he called out the PFA and anti-racism bodies for their lack of action and contact in the wake of Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla’s charge for racial abuse.
West Brom winger Leko, who spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Championship rivals Charlton, was the subject of a racist comment from Spaniard Casilla, when Leeds visited The Valley in September.
He initially appealed against the charge, but it was upheld by an independent regulatory commission and the keeper is now serving an eight-match ban, as well as having to pay a fine and attend an FA education programme.
The FA released a 62-page document on Tuesday , detailing in full the incident itself and the charge, while Leko then addressed the outcome himself on Wednesday when he put out a statement through Albion.
In his own words, he was critical of the bodies from whom he expected more support in the last few months, but Leko has since been the subject of further abuse on social media - the PFA have since responded with an apology.
Charlton addressed such comments when they put together a statement of their own.
“The club is pleased there is finally a resolution following the news that Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla will be banned for an incident that took place when they played at The Valley in September,” the statement read.
“However, the club is disappointed with the abuse on social media that Jonathan Leko and Macauley Bonne have received following the news.
"Jonathan was a victim in this incident and the pair of them did not ask for this, the club is proud of both of them for standing up as football continues to fight racism.
“Charlton Athletic’s priority in the process has been supporting the players involved. Racist abuse is abhorrent and completely unacceptable, at no point should an individual have to experience racist abuse on the football pitch or in any walk of life.
“This is not the first time in the last 12 months one of our players has been subjected to racist abuse; last year the club twice reported racist abuse on social media directed towards Lyle Taylor to the police.
“All of us in football still have so much work to do.”
You can read the statement in full, including Charlton’s own plans to celebrate diversity and tackle racism in football, here.
Matt Southall, Charlton’s new chairman who was placed in the role after the club’s takeover earlier this season, added via Twitter: “Reading Jonathan Leko’s statement has left me deeply saddened. To think a black player would consider not reporting racist abuse aimed at them is shocking.
“Football has a duty of care to protect players who have been abused in this way. But if the process is too demeaning, lengthy or damaging, what does that say about how far we’ve truly come?
“To hear Jonathan so angry and distraught in his statement makes me wonder whether football as a sport is merely paying lip service to the fight against racism.”


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Band release tribute song in memory of their friend to raise funds for St Giles Hospice

A BURNTWOOD Indie band has released an emotional tribute song to raise funds for a local hospice in memory of a friend and fellow musician who died of cancer .
Talented duo Michael Clapham and Russ Phillips , who perform across the region as The Gorstey Lea Street Choir , hope that selling 300 copies of the vinyl record of their song “ Lions ” will raise £2,000 for St Giles Hospice , which cared for Paul “ Lenny ” Dennis in his final days .
The limited-edition hand-numbered 7 ” has already received airplay on Radio WM and Brum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airplay on BBC 6 Music with Chris Hawkins .
Michael said : “ When Paul died we decided we wanted to pay tribute to him and to help St Giles .
We could have just made a donation – but as we were all musicians a song just seemed the perfect way to do it and we thought ‘ why not release a record ?
’ “ We wanted to create something that his family and friends would have to remember him by and whenever we play “ Lions ” live it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always reminds us of him.
” He added that “ Lions ” was a song about courage and lifelong friendships and was inspired by the impact that music can have as a form of release from illness .
Michael met Paul when they were 14 and both pupils at Chasetown High School and Russ later played music with Paul for a year .
Paul died of cancer at St Giles Hospice in August 2018 , aged 48 .
Michael added : “ Paul was cared for by St Giles for a few months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him and say what a wonderful place the hospice was and how well he was being looked after .
His family and friends were all touched by the care he received .
“ Russ and I are both local Burntwood lads so we ’ ve always known about the great work that St Giles does .
We know that fundraising is vital so we wanted to do what we could to help and as a way to thank them for everything they did to support our friend .
“ Paul was a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a musician , a comic and a really great guy who always stood up for the underdog against the bullies .
“ We started writing the song around the time he died and the lyrics really resonated .
“ We were delighted when his family said it was OK to do something as a tribute to him.
” The band , which is named “ Gorstey Lea ” after the Burntwood road where Michael and Russ met and the Van Morrison album “ His Band And The Street Choir ” play Indie rock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dexy ’ s Midnight Runners , The Clash and The Jam .
Bethany Richardson , Regional Fundraiser at St Giles Hospice , said : “ It ’ s absolutely lovely to see Paul ’ s life being commemorated in this way , and we are glad we were able to provide support to Paul when it was needed .
“ The hard work , dedication , and money spent by The Gorstey Lea Street Choir on producing these limited 7 ” hand numbered vinyls for a donation to St Giles Hospice is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you would like to find out more , support the appeal or buy a copy of the record , visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thegorsteyleastreetchoir1 To hear the song and watch the music video visit www.youtube.com/watch ?
v=ioeFlw3bfAQ For more information about St Giles Hospice and the expert care it provides , please visit www.stgileshospice.com

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A BURNTWOOD Indie band has released an emotional tribute song to raise funds for a local hospice in memory of a friend and fellow musician who died of cancer.
Talented duo Michael Clapham and Russ Phillips, who perform across the region as The Gorstey Lea Street Choir, hope that selling 300 copies of the vinyl record of their song “Lions” will raise £2,000 for St Giles Hospice, which cared for Paul “Lenny” Dennis in his final days.
The limited-edition hand-numbered 7” has already received airplay on Radio WM and Brum Radio and the band has had national airplay on BBC 6 Music with Chris Hawkins.
Michael said: “When Paul died we decided we wanted to pay tribute to him and to help St Giles. We could have just made a donation – but as we were all musicians a song just seemed the perfect way to do it and we thought ‘why not release a record?’
“We wanted to create something that his family and friends would have to remember him by and whenever we play “Lions” live it’s quite emotional for us as it always reminds us of him.”
He added that “Lions” was a song about courage and lifelong friendships and was inspired by the impact that music can have as a form of release from illness.
Michael met Paul when they were 14 and both pupils at Chasetown High School and Russ later played music with Paul for a year. Paul died of cancer at St Giles Hospice in August 2018, aged 48.
Michael added: “Paul was cared for by St Giles for a few months and friends would go in and see him and say what a wonderful place the hospice was and how well he was being looked after. His family and friends were all touched by the care he received.
“Russ and I are both local Burntwood lads so we’ve always known about the great work that St Giles does. We know that fundraising is vital so we wanted to do what we could to help and as a way to thank them for everything they did to support our friend.
“Paul was a big character in the area. He was a musician, a comic and a really great guy who always stood up for the underdog against the bullies.
“We started writing the song around the time he died and the lyrics really resonated.
“We were delighted when his family said it was OK to do something as a tribute to him.”
The band, which is named “Gorstey Lea” after the Burntwood road where Michael and Russ met and the Van Morrison album “His Band And The Street Choir” play Indie rock music inspired by favourite bands like REM, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Clash and The Jam.
Bethany Richardson, Regional Fundraiser at St Giles Hospice, said: “It’s absolutely lovely to see Paul’s life being commemorated in this way, and we are glad we were able to provide support to Paul when it was needed.
“The hard work, dedication, and money spent by The Gorstey Lea Street Choir on producing these limited 7” hand numbered vinyls for a donation to St Giles Hospice is incredible and very much appreciated.”
If you would like to find out more, support the appeal or buy a copy of the record, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thegorsteyleastreetchoir1
To hear the song and watch the music video visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioeFlw3bfAQ
For more information about St Giles Hospice and the expert care it provides, please visit www.stgileshospice.com


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Wetherspoon pub closed after rodent found

A popular Willenhall pub was forced to close after a rodent was spotted inside .
The Malthouse in New Road had to shut early on Tuesday evening following the sighting .
It remained closed until the following lunchtime while pest control experts were called in .
Wetherspoon spokesman , Eddie Gershon , told Black Country Live : “ We can confirm that there was a rodent in the pub .
“ The rodent was removed , however , the pub remained closed while a pest contractor dealt with the situation .
“ The pub closed at 8pm on Tuesday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We apologise to customers for any inconvenience.
” This is the second time the Wetherspoon pub has closed due to rodent issues in the last few months .
Back in November , it closed temporarily following reports of a rat running through the pub .
The pub has an overall rating of 3.5 on TripAdvisor and has bagged the third spot in the area 's quick bites category .
It was awarded the top food hygiene rating of five following its most recent inspection on February 28 , 2018 , according to @ @ @ @ @ @

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A popular Willenhall pub was forced to close after a rodent was spotted inside.
The Malthouse in New Road had to shut early on Tuesday evening following the sighting.
It remained closed until the following lunchtime while pest control experts were called in.
Wetherspoon spokesman, Eddie Gershon, told Black Country Live: “We can confirm that there was a rodent in the pub.
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“The rodent was removed, however, the pub remained closed while a pest contractor dealt with the situation.
“The pub closed at 8pm on Tuesday and reopened at 12 noon on Wednesday.
“We apologise to customers for any inconvenience.”
This is the second time the Wetherspoon pub has closed due to rodent issues in the last few months.
Back in November, it closed temporarily following reports of a rat running through the pub.
The pub has an overall rating of 3.5 on TripAdvisor and has bagged the third spot in the area's quick bites category.
It was awarded the top food hygiene rating of five following its most recent inspection on February 28, 2018, according to the Food Standards Agency website.


birminghammail--2020-03-06--Congestion means Birmingham's buses are slower than ever and that's hurting the city's economy

Bus services in Birmingham have become slower over the past 10 years - and that 's bad for the city 's economy .
The warning comes in a report by think tank the Centre for Cities , which called on the Government to pay for transport improvements in the city .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is to deliver his first Budget statement next week , on March 11 .
This was originally expected to include announcements of funding for infrastructure projects , as part of the Government 's plan to `` level up '' the country , but the threat of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may force the Chancellor to scale back some of his plans .
A Centre for Cities report , called Getting Moving , states : `` Birmingham city centre attracted 30 per cent more jobs between 1998 and 2015 .
The demand to access these jobs has reduced the efficiency of the road network and slowed down buses . ''
It adds : `` Over 10 years , bus speeds have fallen by 10 per cent and pushed 216,000 residents beyond a 45-minute bus commute of the city centre .
`` Increasingly , commuters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the city reliant on buses for public transport face longer and less-reliable peak journey times by bus , putting city-centre jobs out of reach for some . ''
The think tank is calling on the Government to invest £31 billion over 20 years to improve public transport in major cities where congestion is worst , such as Birmingham .
According to the Centre for Cities research , London , Leeds , Manchester and Birmingham are the three cities most in need of investment .
This is partly because they have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of jobs in their city centres .
It said : `` In London , Manchester , Birmingham , Bristol and Leeds in particular , major new public transport infrastructure – from bus rapid transit to underground systems – is needed quickly to stop congestion and capacity constraints choking off growth . ''
Meanwhile , West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has set out his requests for the Chancellor - and put transport funding at the top of the list .
He highlighted a proposed new metro extension from central Birmingham to Solihull via St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old railway stations .
Writing for website ConservativeHome , Mr Street said : `` First of all , we must continue our mission to create a world-class transport system across the conurbation , to tackle congestion , improve air quality , and attract jobs and businesses . ''
BirminghamLive reported in January that the number of bus journeys has fallen significantly in the West Midlands , and researchers are trying to find out why .
Official figures showed that the number of journeys by bus has fallen significantly - although millions of bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands each year .
In 2009 there were 313.8 million bus journeys in the area served by the West Midlands Combined Authority .
That includes Birmingham , Walsall , Sandwell , Coventry , Wolverhampton , Solihull and Dudley .
But by 2019 , that had fallen to 267.1 million - a fall of 15 % .
The good news for bus services is that the number of journeys rose last year , compared to the year before .
But the long-term trend is for fewer people to take the bus .
Transport authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a concerted effort over the last three or four years to boost buses .
This includes the introduction of low-fare zones and a decision to extend half-price travel to all 16-18-year-olds , benefitting up to 105,000 apprentices , students , trainees and those in work .
The region ’ s largest bus operator , National Express West Midlands , announced a freeze on walk-on cash fares and many season tickets for the third year running in 2020 .

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Bus services in Birmingham have become slower over the past 10 years - and that's bad for the city's economy.
The warning comes in a report by think tank the Centre for Cities, which called on the Government to pay for transport improvements in the city.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is to deliver his first Budget statement next week, on March 11. This was originally expected to include announcements of funding for infrastructure projects, as part of the Government's plan to "level up" the country, but the threat of an economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus may force the Chancellor to scale back some of his plans.
A Centre for Cities report, called Getting Moving, states: "Birmingham city centre attracted 30 per cent more jobs between 1998 and 2015. The demand to access these jobs has reduced the efficiency of the road network and slowed down buses."
It adds: "Over 10 years, bus speeds have fallen by 10 per cent and pushed 216,000 residents beyond a 45-minute bus commute of the city centre.
"Increasingly, commuters are travelling by train. Residents of parts of the city reliant on buses for public transport face longer and less-reliable peak journey times by bus, putting city-centre jobs out of reach for some."
The think tank is calling on the Government to invest £31 billion over 20 years to improve public transport in major cities where congestion is worst, such as Birmingham.
According to the Centre for Cities research, London, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham are the cities most in need of investment. This is partly because they have all had a major increase in the number of jobs in their city centres.
It said: "In London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds in particular, major new public transport infrastructure – from bus rapid transit to underground systems – is needed quickly to stop congestion and capacity constraints choking off growth."
Meanwhile, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has set out his requests for the Chancellor - and put transport funding at the top of the list.
He highlighted a proposed new metro extension from central Birmingham to Solihull via St Andrew stadium, and plans to re-open old railway stations.
Writing for website ConservativeHome, Mr Street said: "First of all, we must continue our mission to create a world-class transport system across the conurbation, to tackle congestion, improve air quality, and attract jobs and businesses."
BirminghamLive reported in January that the number of bus journeys has fallen significantly in the West Midlands, and researchers are trying to find out why.
Official figures showed that the number of journeys by bus has fallen significantly - although millions of bus journeys still take place in the West Midlands each year.
In 2009 there were 313.8 million bus journeys in the area served by the West Midlands Combined Authority. That includes Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Solihull and Dudley. But by 2019, that had fallen to 267.1 million - a fall of 15%.
The good news for bus services is that the number of journeys rose last year, compared to the year before. But the long-term trend is for fewer people to take the bus.
Transport authority Transport for the West Midlands says there has been a concerted effort over the last three or four years to boost buses. This includes the introduction of low-fare zones and a decision to extend half-price travel to all 16-18-year-olds, benefitting up to 105,000 apprentices, students, trainees and those in work.
The region’s largest bus operator, National Express West Midlands, announced a freeze on walk-on cash fares and many season tickets for the third year running in 2020.


birminghammail--2020-03-06--ADVERTORIAL: Booming Brum celebrated in ‘The Asha’s Experience’

Birmingham ’ s best known Indian restaurant is celebrating the city ’ s booming economy and culture with a sensational new tasting menu .
Since opening on Newhall Street in 2006 , the multi-award-winning restaurant has been a favourite for Brummies , visitors from across the world and a whole host of celebrities including Sir Mick Jagger , who recently joined Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood for his birthday celebrations at the restaurant .
The Asha ’ s Experience is a mouth-watering six-course menu offering diners the opportunity to indulge in a journey through Asha ’ s finest dishes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culinary dining encounter .
This can also be accompanied by Asha ’ s Treasure Chest - a showstopping centre-piece that includes a choice of two cocktails , which have been specially designed to complement the new six-course menu and delivers the perfect opportunity for the all-important Instagram shot .
'The Asha ’ s Experience ' concept is the brainchild of group chairman Paul Bassi CBE , who jointly owns Asha ’ s and other Birmingham restaurants with his lifelong friend , Pawan Kenth .
Mr Bassi said : “ Everyone knows Asha ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of choice , whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just calling in for a midweek fix of the best Indian food in town .
What we wanted to do was pull together a tasting experience menu that provides you with a snapshot of the best that Asha ’ s has to offer .
“ When we launched the President ’ s Platter a few years back , nobody had heard of the concept , but it quickly became our best-selling favourite .
The same is true of The Asha ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requested meal option as diners appreciate what it offers and enjoy a leisurely stroll through all that is best in Indian cuisine .
`` Birmingham is currently booming , the crane count is up , businesses are doing well and with iconic figures like Carlos Acosta in charge of Birmingham Royal Ballet and Professor Julian Lloyd Webber , principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire , the city ’ s cultural scene is also at an all-time high .
And we look forward to Coventry being the UK City of Culture and the arrival of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will showcase Birmingham to the world .
“ To complement the burgeoning creativity that is now rampant in Birmingham , we are very excited to launch this brand-new dining experience to our customers.
`` Managing director , Pawan Kenth , added : `` As a team , we are always looking at new ways to enhance our offering .
The Asha ’ s Experience combines the theatre of fine dining with our signature flavours , exclusive new dishes and a few surprises to create an unforgettable evening .
The feedback we have received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The new menu is available at Asha ’ s Birmingham for a limited period throughout spring and summer 2020 and you can view the menu by visiting the website .
Make your reservation by visiting or by calling Asha ’ s on 0121 200 2767 .

Birmingham’s best known Indian restaurant is celebrating the city’s booming economy and culture with a sensational new tasting menu.
Since opening on Newhall Street in 2006, the multi-award-winning restaurant has been a favourite for Brummies, visitors from across the world and a whole host of celebrities including Sir Mick Jagger, who recently joined Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood for his birthday celebrations at the restaurant.
(Image: The Frame Photography Ltd)
The Asha’s Experience is a mouth-watering six-course menu offering diners the opportunity to indulge in a journey through Asha’s finest dishes and discover new recipes in the ultimate Indian culinary dining encounter.
This can also be accompanied by Asha’s Treasure Chest - a showstopping centre-piece that includes a choice of two cocktails, which have been specially designed to complement the new six-course menu and delivers the perfect opportunity for the all-important Instagram shot.
(Image: The Frame Photography Ltd)
'The Asha’s Experience' concept is the brainchild of group chairman Paul Bassi CBE, who jointly owns Asha’s and other Birmingham restaurants with his lifelong friend, Pawan Kenth.
Mr Bassi said: “Everyone knows Asha’s as the fine dining Indian restaurant of choice, whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just calling in for a midweek fix of the best Indian food in town. What we wanted to do was pull together a tasting experience menu that provides you with a snapshot of the best that Asha’s has to offer.
“When we launched the President’s Platter a few years back, nobody had heard of the concept, but it quickly became our best-selling favourite. The same is true of The Asha’s Experience which has rapidly become the most requested meal option as diners appreciate what it offers and enjoy a leisurely stroll through all that is best in Indian cuisine.
(Image: The Frame Photography Ltd)
"Birmingham is currently booming, the crane count is up, businesses are doing well and with iconic figures like Carlos Acosta in charge of Birmingham Royal Ballet and Professor Julian Lloyd Webber, principal of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, the city’s cultural scene is also at an all-time high. And we look forward to Coventry being the UK City of Culture and the arrival of the Commonwealth Games in 2022, which will showcase Birmingham to the world.
“To complement the burgeoning creativity that is now rampant in Birmingham, we are very excited to launch this brand-new dining experience to our customers. "
(Image: The Frame Photography Ltd)
Managing director, Pawan Kenth, added: "As a team, we are always looking at new ways to enhance our offering. The Asha’s Experience combines the theatre of fine dining with our signature flavours, exclusive new dishes and a few surprises to create an unforgettable evening. The feedback we have received from guests has been phenomenal!”
The new menu is available at Asha’s Birmingham for a limited period throughout spring and summer 2020 and you can view the menu by visiting the website.


birminghammail--2020-03-05--142 Brits stranded on Princess cruise ship off California coast as coronavirus tests carried out

More than 100 Britons are stranded on board another Princess Cruises vessel off the coast of California as tests are carried out for suspected cases of coronavirus .
The cruise operator said groups of guests and crew were being tested for Covid-19 , after a passenger on an earlier voyage died and at least one other became infected .
It confirmed that 142 UK nationals - made up of 121 passengers and 21 crew - were on board the Grand Princess , which was carrying a total of 3,533 people .
Princess added that there had so far been no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that fewer than 100 people had been identified for testing .
`` Public health officials have advised that no guests will be permitted to disembark until all results have been received , '' it said .
`` Out of an abundance of caution , all guests who have been identified for testing have been asked to remain in their staterooms . ''
Japanese authorities said last week that a British tourist who had been on board another of the company 's cruise ships , the Diamond Princess - which was quarantined in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Thursday , a patient with underlying health conditions became the first person in the UK to die after also testing positive for the virus

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More than 100 Britons are stranded on board another Princess Cruises vessel off the coast of California as tests are carried out for suspected cases of coronavirus.
The cruise operator said groups of guests and crew were being tested for Covid-19, after a passenger on an earlier voyage died and at least one other became infected.
It confirmed that 142 UK nationals - made up of 121 passengers and 21 crew - were on board the Grand Princess, which was carrying a total of 3,533 people.
Princess added that there had so far been no confirmed cases of Covid-19 on board, and that fewer than 100 people had been identified for testing.
"Public health officials have advised that no guests will be permitted to disembark until all results have been received," it said.
"Out of an abundance of caution, all guests who have been identified for testing have been asked to remain in their staterooms."
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Japanese authorities said last week that a British tourist who had been on board another of the company's cruise ships, the Diamond Princess - which was quarantined in Japan - had died after contracting coronavirus.
On Thursday, a patient with underlying health conditions became the first person in the UK to die after also testing positive for the virus


birminghammail--2020-03-05--Seven new coronavirus cases confirmed in Ireland

Seven new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Ireland .
Four are travel related from northern Italy , four males from the east of the country Two are associated with close contact with a confirmed case , two females in the west of the country .
The seventh is a male in the south of the country who had not been in northern Italy or any other infected region .
Ireland 's chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the country `` remains in containment phase with just one case of community transmission '' .
`` This is , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health doctors are working hard to ensure our containment measures are operating effectively , '' he said .
`` Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover , but it can be more severe for some .
`` However , this will need a national effort .
Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others .
`` The most important way they can do this is by following public health advice .
Central to this are the protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The HSE said it is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had , to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread .

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Seven new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Ireland.
Four are travel related from northern Italy, four males from the east of the country
Two are associated with close contact with a confirmed case, two females in the west of the country.
The seventh is a male in the south of the country who had not been in northern Italy or any other infected region.
Ireland's chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the country "remains in containment phase with just one case of community transmission".
"This is, however, a rapidly evolving situation. Public health doctors are working hard to ensure our containment measures are operating effectively," he said.
"Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some.
"However, this will need a national effort. Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others.
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"The most important way they can do this is by following public health advice. Central to this are the protective measures we can all take against Covid-19."
The HSE said it is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.