birminghammail--2020-06-27--Wolves fans blast Dean Smith comments after beating Aston Villa

Wolves fans have slammed post-match comments made by Dean Smith , with the Aston Villa boss citing their hectic schedule as the reason for their defeat .
Leander Dendoncker 's second half strike was enough to earn Wolves all three points , their third victory in a week .
The win sees Nuno Espirito Santo 's side leapfrog Manchester United in the race for Champions League football as their perfect return to Premier League football continues .
Villa however , made it four behind-closed-doors games without a win , with relegation fears heightening on B6 .
Smith 's men kicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vs Sheffield United , before games with Chelsea , Newcastle and now Wolves .
And Smith , speaking to BT Sport after the game , has suggested their workload meant that a below-par performance was inevitable .
“ We are disappointed .
It was a nothing game .
Defences on top , it looked like it was going to be a 0-0 , ” he said .
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Google Play Store and App Store “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you are asking teams to play 11 games in four days .
Injuries popped up and mistakes happened .
“ But I thought we matched a top-six team and was unfortunate to lose the game.
” But Wolves fans , who have watched their team play more fixtures than any other top-flight team , felt his excuse was n't really valid .
@ Marshbag : Villa were poor .
Wolves controlled the game .
And as for schedules he 's got nothing to cry sbout when Wolves had to face Man City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between .
@ GeorgeF0401 : We have played 50 or so games , excuses .
Typical @ JamesPK1 : Anyone know how many games villa played in 11 days ?
Don ’ t think dean smith mentioned it @ NeilMarlow4 : When you moan you give the players an excuse to down tools and act tired .
Nuno has said how lucky we are to be playing so many games as it ’ s a sign of success .
The difference between the clubs is enormous @ DaveWolves1979 : We ’ ve been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season @ Goughy123456 : We ’ re the only team in the premier league to play 50+ games what ’ s your point !
!
!
!
!
@ JonathanPilbea2 : That ’ s our 51st Game of the Season Dean which started last July.Just face it your out of your Depth your Tactics show us that need points for Survival and barely troubled our Goal .
@ Rawlinson1984 : They 've been poor all season , anyone want to tell him how many games we have played so far this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any time ?
Nope , there 's your difference .

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Wolves fans have slammed post-match comments made by Dean Smith, with the Aston Villa boss citing their hectic schedule as the reason for their defeat.
Leander Dendoncker's second half strike was enough to earn Wolves all three points, their third victory in a week.
The win sees Nuno Espirito Santo's side leapfrog Manchester United in the race for Champions League football as their perfect return to Premier League football continues.
Villa however, made it four behind-closed-doors games without a win, with relegation fears heightening on B6.
Smith's men kicked off the season's restart last week vs Sheffield United, before games with Chelsea, Newcastle and now Wolves.
And Smith, speaking to BT Sport after the game, has suggested their workload meant that a below-par performance was inevitable.
“We are disappointed. It was a nothing game. Defences on top, it looked like it was going to be a 0-0,” he said.
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“The sort of game you would expect if you are asking teams to play 11 games in four days. Injuries popped up and mistakes happened.
“But I thought we matched a top-six team and was unfortunate to lose the game.”
But Wolves fans, who have watched their team play more fixtures than any other top-flight team, felt his excuse wasn't really valid.
@Marshbag: Villa were poor. Wolves controlled the game. And as for schedules he's got nothing to cry sbout when Wolves had to face Man City and Liverpool with just a single day between.
@blackcountrykid: Deluded and desperate
@GeorgeF0401: We have played 50 or so games, excuses. Typical
@JamesPK1: Anyone know how many games villa played in 11 days ? Don’t think dean smith mentioned it
@NeilMarlow4: When you moan you give the players an excuse to down tools and act tired. Nuno has said how lucky we are to be playing so many games as it’s a sign of success. The difference between the clubs is enormous
@DaveWolves1979: We’ve been playing 3 games a week most of the season
@Goughy123456: We’re the only team in the premier league to play 50+ games what’s your point!!!!!
@JonathanPilbea2: That’s our 51st Game of the Season Dean which started last July.Just face it your out of your Depth your Tactics show us that need points for Survival and barely troubled our Goal.
@Rawlinson1984: They've been poor all season, anyone want to tell him how many games we have played so far this season? You hear Nuno moan about it any time? Nope, there's your difference.
@SimonJamesKing: Salty much??


birminghammail--2020-06-27--'No heart, no desire' - Aston Villa fans fume after Wolves disappointment

Aston Villa continued their Premier League campaign with a disheartening loss against local rivals Wolves earlier today .
A Leander Dendocker goal was enough to separate the two Midlands teams - while a shocking error by Orjan Nyland saw Diogo Jota presented with the best chance of the game .
`` A spirited display but we come away empty-handed from Villa Park , '' tweeted Villa 's club account upon the final whistle .
Villa did n't look much of a threat , and while Dean Smith may be fairy pleased - once more - with the defensive organisation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dynamism in attack is surely a cause of frustration .
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Google Play Store and App Store Smith will now look ahead to clashes with Liverpool and Manchester United , hoping that results in the meantime go the way of his side , winless since the return .
Here 's how Villa fans reacted to today 's 1-0 loss to Wolves ... '' We 're not good enough defensively to commit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that spirited !
?
After 20 minutes we just rolled over for them .
Can ’ t see where the goals will come from .
This will go down to the West Ham game imo . ''
`` Roll on Coventry away next season . ''
`` Most of the players know they ’ ll just leave if we go down so there ’ s 0 passion and no heart . ''
`` No urgency in the last 10 mins .
Should have pushed forward and thrown the kitchen sink at them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and never looked like scoring a goal . ''
`` No tactics .
No heart .
No desire . ''
`` I think it 's super cool to see the Villa play with so much creativity and passion , and not trying the same thing all game as if anything different is going to happen . ''
`` Why were we running the clock down with a 1-0 deficit ? ''

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Aston Villa continued their Premier League campaign with a disheartening loss against local rivals Wolves earlier today.
A Leander Dendocker goal was enough to separate the two Midlands teams - while a shocking error by Orjan Nyland saw Diogo Jota presented with the best chance of the game.
"A spirited display but we come away empty-handed from Villa Park," tweeted Villa's club account upon the final whistle.
Villa didn't look much of a threat, and while Dean Smith may be fairy pleased - once more - with the defensive organisation of the team, the Villans' lack of dynamism in attack is surely a cause of frustration.
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Smith will now look ahead to clashes with Liverpool and Manchester United, hoping that results in the meantime go the way of his side, winless since the return.
Here's how Villa fans reacted to today's 1-0 loss to Wolves...
"We're not good enough defensively to commit numbers forward."
"You call that spirited!? After 20 minutes we just rolled over for them. Can’t see where the goals will come from. This will go down to the West Ham game imo."
"Roll on Coventry away next season."
"Most of the players know they’ll just leave if we go down so there’s 0 passion and no heart."
"No urgency in the last 10 mins. Should have pushed forward and thrown the kitchen sink at them."
"No idea how to create and never looked like scoring a goal."
"No tactics. No heart. No desire."
"I think it's super cool to see the Villa play with so much creativity and passion, and not trying the same thing all game as if anything different is going to happen."
"Why were we running the clock down with a 1-0 deficit?"


birminghammail--2020-06-27--Pundit's blunt one word verdict will annoy Wolves fans

Wolves fans ’ won ’ t be happy with Joe Cole ’ s assessment of their Champions League hopes for next season .
Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s side further boosted their ambitions to secure a place at Europe ’ s top table as they beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park .
Leander Dendoncker ’ s second half strike was enough to earn the visitors their third straight win since the Premier League ’ s return , and continue their hunt for Champions League qualification .
Wolves now sit fifth in the table after their latest victory , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester United , although both those side have a game in hand .
Nevertheless , they remain on course for their best ever finish to a Premier League campaign , and Cole was once again impressed by their latest showing .
“ They look so solid , so organised , they soaked up so much of Villa ’ s possession , and then on the counter-attack they ’ ve got the goal .
“ What more can you say ?
Again , similar to Liverpool , obviously there ’ s improvements to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know where , because every one of those players is pulling in the right direction.
” Cole ’ s verdict on whether Nuno ’ s side will qualify for the Champions League won ’ t pleas Wolves fans though .
Asked whether he thought they would make it , Cole simply replied : “ No.
” Wolves have six games left in the season in which to try and prove Cole wrong , with games against Arsenal , Sheffield United , Everton , Burnley , Crystal Palace and – perhaps crucially – Chelsea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table could prove to be enough for them to qualify for the Champions League , with Manchester City ’ s appeal against their two-year European ban ongoing .

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Wolves fans’ won’t be happy with Joe Cole’s assessment of their Champions League hopes for next season.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side further boosted their ambitions to secure a place at Europe’s top table as they beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park.
Leander Dendoncker’s second half strike was enough to earn the visitors their third straight win since the Premier League’s return, and continue their hunt for Champions League qualification.
Wolves now sit fifth in the table after their latest victory, two points behind Chelsea and three ahead of Manchester United, although both those side have a game in hand.
Nevertheless, they remain on course for their best ever finish to a Premier League campaign, and Cole was once again impressed by their latest showing.
“That was a typical Wolves performance,” Cole told BT Sport.
“They look so solid, so organised, they soaked up so much of Villa’s possession, and then on the counter-attack they’ve got the goal.
“What more can you say? Again, similar to Liverpool, obviously there’s improvements to make, but it’s hard to know where, because every one of those players is pulling in the right direction.”
Cole’s verdict on whether Nuno’s side will qualify for the Champions League won’t pleas Wolves fans though.
Asked whether he thought they would make it, Cole simply replied: “No.”
Wolves have six games left in the season in which to try and prove Cole wrong, with games against Arsenal, Sheffield United, Everton, Burnley, Crystal Palace and – perhaps crucially – Chelsea to come.
Fifth place in the table could prove to be enough for them to qualify for the Champions League, with Manchester City’s appeal against their two-year European ban ongoing.


birminghammail--2020-06-28--'Stuck in a rut & look lost' - Aston Villa's relegation fears grow after Wolves

The reason why Aston Villa are mired in the Premier League relegation zone is due to their porous defence .
Going into this weekend ’ s round of fixtures , Dean Smith ’ s side had shipped 59 goals this campaign - more than any other side in the division .
It was partly organisational and partly due to personnel , but when a team is conceding just shy of two goals per game then there is a significant amount of pressure on the attacking players to regularly deliver for any positive results to be gained .
In comparison to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacking numbers offered more encouragement .
With 36 goals in their opening 31 matches , they had netted more than 10 of their Premier League rivals , including high-flying Sheffield United and Crystal Palace .
Yet in recent games , the goals have dried up for Villa .
The LCL knee ligament injury sustained by striker Wesley on New Year ’ s Day exposed a lack of quality strikers in their ranks ; Mbwana Samatta was signed from Genk in a £8.5 million deal and despite showing early signs of promise , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league games .
Keinan Davis , meanwhile , has struck just four goals in 61 appearances and none of them came against a top-flight club .
Villa had netted just twice in five games going into the weekend ; their strikers often isolated in their 4-3-3 formation .
It was a thankless task for the forwards who were cut off from their team-mates and any form of individual pressing made no impact on the opposition defences , who could mark them out of the encounters with ease .
On Saturday Villa faced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheets in their previous six Premier League outings with Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s side based on excellent organisation and defensive discipline .
Villa needed to change things up for the meeting if they were to breach their opponent 's defence and they did , shifting to a 4-3-1-2 formation with both Samatta and Davis starting upfront with Jack Grealish playing in the No.10 role .
As highlighted by the website , the majority ( 15 ) of Grealish ’ s starts this term have come on the left side of a front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start in the playmaker role behind the striker ( s ) .
Unsurprisingly , Grealish was the home side ’ s standout player in an underwhelming display where the change of formation did nothing to change Villa ’ s fortunes .
Their attacks were typically static and unimaginative and Smith 's side were unable to disrupt the defensive shape of the visitors who - despite winning by just a one-goal margin - were in control of the game , particularly in the second period .
Villa 's change in set-up appeared to surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , with the hosts enjoying the lion ’ s share of possession and having some attacking impetus , but this quickly fizzled out and their early energy dissipated .
Unsurprisingly , the game was hugely congested in the middle of the pitch and Villa had no width whatsoever - with central midfielders having to drift wide to provide crosses into the box .
It was another flat , tired performance from Villa whose players were clearly unfamiliar and somewhat uncomfortable with the new shape .
Again , the onus was on Grealish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity out of nothing .
Davis and Samatta were both feeding off scraps , with no meaningful service being delivered into the box , with the confidence of both players clearly not at the level it should be .
As the game wore on with Wolves leading and looking comfortable , Smith threw on Trezeguet and Anwar El-Ghazi to restore their attacking width , but again there was no impact with Villa once again restricted to aimless deliveries into a crowded penalty area .
Having played four games in less than a week-and-a-half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Villans and they do not appear to have had sufficient time to work on a new and untested shape .
Saturday ’ s result will have hurt local pride but , more importantly , ensures Smith 's side continue to be stuck in a rut and look lost in terms of plotting an escape from their relegation troubles .

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The reason why Aston Villa are mired in the Premier League relegation zone is due to their porous defence.
Going into this weekend’s round of fixtures, Dean Smith’s side had shipped 59 goals this campaign - more than any other side in the division.
It was partly organisational and partly due to personnel, but when a team is conceding just shy of two goals per game then there is a significant amount of pressure on the attacking players to regularly deliver for any positive results to be gained.
In comparison to their defensive stats, Villa’s attacking numbers offered more encouragement.
With 36 goals in their opening 31 matches, they had netted more than 10 of their Premier League rivals, including high-flying Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.
Yet in recent games, the goals have dried up for Villa.
The LCL knee ligament injury sustained by striker Wesley on New Year’s Day exposed a lack of quality strikers in their ranks; Mbwana Samatta was signed from Genk in a reported £8.5 million deal and despite showing early signs of promise, he netted just once in his first eight league games.
Keinan Davis, meanwhile, has struck just four goals in 61 appearances and none of them came against a top-flight club.
Villa had netted just twice in five games going into the weekend; their strikers often isolated in their 4-3-3 formation.
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It was a thankless task for the forwards who were cut off from their team-mates and any form of individual pressing made no impact on the opposition defences, who could mark them out of the encounters with ease.
On Saturday Villa faced a Wolves side who had kept five clean sheets in their previous six Premier League outings with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side based on excellent organisation and defensive discipline.
Villa needed to change things up for the meeting if they were to breach their opponent's defence and they did, shifting to a 4-3-1-2 formation with both Samatta and Davis starting upfront with Jack Grealish playing in the No.10 role.
As highlighted by the website Whoscored.com , the majority (15) of Grealish’s starts this term have come on the left side of a front three. Saturday was just his fourth start in the playmaker role behind the striker(s).
Unsurprisingly, Grealish was the home side’s standout player in an underwhelming display where the change of formation did nothing to change Villa’s fortunes.
Their attacks were typically static and unimaginative and Smith's side were unable to disrupt the defensive shape of the visitors who - despite winning by just a one-goal margin - were in control of the game, particularly in the second period.
Villa's change in set-up appeared to surprise Wolves in the opening stages of the game, with the hosts enjoying the lion’s share of possession and having some attacking impetus, but this quickly fizzled out and their early energy dissipated.
Unsurprisingly, the game was hugely congested in the middle of the pitch and Villa had no width whatsoever - with central midfielders having to drift wide to provide crosses into the box.
It was another flat, tired performance from Villa whose players were clearly unfamiliar and somewhat uncomfortable with the new shape.
Again, the onus was on Grealish to weave his magic and create an opportunity out of nothing.
Davis and Samatta were both feeding off scraps, with no meaningful service being delivered into the box, with the confidence of both players clearly not at the level it should be.
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
As the game wore on with Wolves leading and looking comfortable, Smith threw on Trezeguet and Anwar El-Ghazi to restore their attacking width, but again there was no impact with Villa once again restricted to aimless deliveries into a crowded penalty area.
Having played four games in less than a week-and-a-half, the schedule has been gruelling for the Villans and they do not appear to have had sufficient time to work on a new and untested shape.
Saturday’s result will have hurt local pride but, more importantly, ensures Smith's side continue to be stuck in a rut and look lost in terms of plotting an escape from their relegation troubles.


birminghammail--2020-06-28--Worcestershire pubs reveal if they will be reopening on July 4

We do n't have long to wait now until we can go for a pie and a pint in our favourite local pub .
And here in Worcestershire we 're spoilt for choice - with thousands of cosy pubs serving up delicious food and our top tipples .
There was great rejoicing amongst foodies and drinkers on Tuesday ( June 23 ) when the Prime Minister announced that pubs , bars and restaurants can reopen from Saturday July 4 .
All of the venues will have to put in measures that ensure social distancing can be maintained .
Here are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't wait to see reopened .
Nestling in the shadow of Worcester Cathedral , this city centre pub is hugely popular amongst locals and tourists because of its close proximity to the cathedral and the shops .
It serves a wide range of food for breakfast , brunch , lunch and dinner and is perfect for a pit stop when out shopping or sightseeing .
There is a wide cocktail list and also outdoor seating for days when the sun comes out .
Staff there say a date has n't yet been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be `` very soon '' and they are already taking bookings .
The Drum and Monkey - Upton upon Severn This pretty black and white timbered traditional pub sits in the middle of the riverside village .
It serves up traditional pub grub and is renowned for its Sunday lunches .
Because it has its own campsite , it is also extremely popular with campers as well as locals and those looking for a meal out in a country pub .
It 's also a handy fuelling stop for any walkers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of the management team told WorcestershireLive how they 'd be reopening at 12 noon on Saturday July 4 and that it was `` very good news '' .
This pub and bar is slap bang in the middle of Evesham town centre and is popular with locals as well as visitors .
It serves up breakfast , brunch , lunch and dinner - and is dog friendly .
On the menu is everything from a traditional fry-up , muffins and avocado , steak and chips , veggie options and delicious puddings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what date it will reopen .
Standing in the shadow of Kidderminster train station and the historic Severn Valley Railway station , this is about a traditional British boozer as you 'll get .
Inside it looks like time stood still , with wooden furnishings , old-style beer pumps and benches .
But it serves up tasty food and has a wide range of beers .
It was named Wyre Forest Pub of the Year in 2019 and has a loyal following amongst locals and visitors to the steam railway .
To celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pub will be serving up street food made by Michelin-starred chef Richard Stuart .
This comes highly recommended by locals with one customer declaring it the `` best pub in Redditch !
`` , while it also earns a 4 star rating from Tripadvisor .
Regulars say it is a `` proper pub '' with a wide selection of drinks , including four real ales .
Others say although basic , it is cosy and welcoming with a real fire .
Food is in the form of snacks and curries .
The pub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 , saying it is putting together a seating plan so it can serve customers both inside and outside .
This came under new management in January of this year , but the pub itself is a firm favourite in the town .
With a 3.5 star rating from Tripadvisor , this serves up traditional pub grub and is also a popular drinking hole for locals .
Its Sunday lunches are particularly popular , and it has outdoor tables as well .
The pub is scheduled to reopen , with the new owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been deep cleaning and implementing new safety measures , we 've also been working on new services to make sure you can enjoy your pub , your way . ''
Nestling in the picturesque village , The Crown is a picture-perfect pub serving up traditional food and drink .
It is gearing up to reopen on July 4 with management saying they have stringent measures in place to protect customers and staff .
These include daily health screening for staff , more spaces between tables , hand sanitisers dotted around and ordering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's best known and most popular gastro pubs .
As well as having an extensive bar , it also has a highly acclaimed restaurant serving breakfast , brunch , lunch and dinner .
It is already well equipped to serve diners at a social distance , with a big beer garden including several 'beach huts ' .
No date yet has been given for the reopening , but management say : `` We are working very hard behind the scenes to get everything ready for when we are given the go ahead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it has a huge beer garden and one of the biggest pub children 's play areas in the county .
It also serves delicious lunches and dinners .
Situated in the hamlet of Drayton - halfway between Belbroughton and Chaddesley Corbett - The Robin Hood is popular with Brummies , due to it only being a short drive from the city .
Because of its large beer garden , it is well equipped to serve customers safely .
It has announced it is reopening on July 4 and taking bookings for lunch @ @ @

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We don't have long to wait now until we can go for a pie and a pint in our favourite local pub.
And here in Worcestershire we're spoilt for choice - with thousands of cosy pubs serving up delicious food and our top tipples.
There was great rejoicing amongst foodies and drinkers on Tuesday (June 23) when the Prime Minister announced that pubs, bars and restaurants can reopen from Saturday July 4.
All of the venues will have to put in measures that ensure social distancing can be maintained.
Here are nine of our favourite Worcestershire pubs we can't wait to see reopened.
The Cosy Club - Worcester
Nestling in the shadow of Worcester Cathedral, this city centre pub is hugely popular amongst locals and tourists because of its close proximity to the cathedral and the shops.
It serves a wide range of food for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and is perfect for a pit stop when out shopping or sightseeing.
There is a wide cocktail list and also outdoor seating for days when the sun comes out.
Staff there say a date hasn't yet been set for reopening - only that it will be "very soon" and they are already taking bookings.
Cathedral Square, High Street, WR1 2BY.
The Drum and Monkey - Upton upon Severn
This pretty black and white timbered traditional pub sits in the middle of the riverside village.
It serves up traditional pub grub and is renowned for its Sunday lunches. Because it has its own campsite, it is also extremely popular with campers as well as locals and those looking for a meal out in a country pub. It's also a handy fuelling stop for any walkers, tourists or cycling in the area.
One of the management team told WorcestershireLive how they'd be reopening at 12 noon on Saturday July 4 and that it was "very good news".
Newbridge Green, Upton upon Severn, WR8 0qp
The Outside Inn & Courtyard - Evesham
This pub and bar is slap bang in the middle of Evesham town centre and is popular with locals as well as visitors.
It serves up breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner - and is dog friendly.
(Image: Google)
On the menu is everything from a traditional fry-up, muffins and avocado, steak and chips, veggie options and delicious puddings.
No details have been given yet on what date it will reopen.
15 Market Place, Evesham, WR11 4RW
The King & Castle - Kidderminster
Standing in the shadow of Kidderminster train station and the historic Severn Valley Railway station, this is about a traditional British boozer as you'll get.
Inside it looks like time stood still, with wooden furnishings, old-style beer pumps and benches. But it serves up tasty food and has a wide range of beers.
It was named Wyre Forest Pub of the Year in 2019 and has a loyal following amongst locals and visitors to the steam railway.
To celebrate the reopening on July 4, the pub will be serving up street food made by Michelin-starred chef Richard Stuart.
Station Drive, DY10 1QX.
The Black Tap Brewery Pub - Redditch
This comes highly recommended by locals with one customer declaring it the "best pub in Redditch!", while it also earns a 4 star rating from Tripadvisor.
Regulars say it is a "proper pub" with a wide selection of drinks, including four real ales. Others say although basic, it is cosy and welcoming with a real fire.
Food is in the form of snacks and curries.
The pub is all ready to reopen on July 4, saying it is putting together a seating plan so it can serve customers both inside and outside.
Beech Street, Church Green East, B98 8DB
Loom & Shuttle - Kidderminster
This came under new management in January of this year, but the pub itself is a firm favourite in the town.
With a 3.5 star rating from Tripadvisor, this serves up traditional pub grub and is also a popular drinking hole for locals.
Its Sunday lunches are particularly popular, and it has outdoor tables as well.
The pub is scheduled to reopen, with the new owners saying: "We haven't just been deep cleaning and implementing new safety measures, we've also been working on new services to make sure you can enjoy your pub, your way."
Stourport Road, DY11 7BW
The Crown at Powick
Nestling in the picturesque village, The Crown is a picture-perfect pub serving up traditional food and drink.
It is gearing up to reopen on July 4 with management saying they have stringent measures in place to protect customers and staff.
These include daily health screening for staff, more spaces between tables, hand sanitisers dotted around and ordering and paying contactlessly.
Malvern Road, Powick, WR2 4SF
Chequers at Cutnall Green - Droitwich
One of the county's best known and most popular gastro pubs.
As well as having an extensive bar, it also has a highly acclaimed restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
It is already well equipped to serve diners at a social distance, with a big beer garden including several 'beach huts'.
No date yet has been given for the reopening, but management say: "We are working very hard behind the scenes to get everything ready for when we are given the go ahead to re-open".
Kidderminster Road, Cutnall Green, WR9 0PJ
The Robin Hood - Drayton, Chaddesley Corbett
Very popular with families because it has a huge beer garden and one of the biggest pub children's play areas in the county. It also serves delicious lunches and dinners .
Situated in the hamlet of Drayton - halfway between Belbroughton and Chaddesley Corbett - The Robin Hood is popular with Brummies, due to it only being a short drive from the city.
Because of its large beer garden, it is well equipped to serve customers safely. It has announced it is reopening on July 4 and taking bookings for lunch and dinner.
Drayton Road, Drayton, DY9 0BW


birminghammail--2020-06-28--Police appeal to find missing Charlotte Mahmood

A desperate search is under way to find a woman who has gone missing from her Walsall home .
Charlotte Mahmood disappeared from her home , sparking concerns about her safety .
The 33-year-old is described as white , 5ft 3ins tall and has shoulder length brown hair .
She was last seen wearing a black rain coat , blue leggings and a small back pack .
Police are urging anyone with any information on Charlotte 's whereabouts to come forward .
In an appeal on social media , the force said : `` We need your help to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing from her home in Walsall and we ’ re concerned for her safety .
`` Charlotte is described as white , 5ft 3ins tall and has shoulder length brown hair .
She was last seen wearing a black rain coat , blue leggings and a small back pack .
`` If you ’ ve seen her please call the Western Locate Team on 101 . ''
How do you define if someone is missing ?
According to the West Midlands Police Website , a person is defined as missing if their whereabouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances are out of character or the person may be subject of crime or at risk of harm to themselves or someone else .
A person may also be classed as absent if they are not at a place where they are expected or required to be and there is no apparent risk .

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A woman who had gone missing from her Walsall home has been found safe and well.
Charlotte Mahmood disappeared from her home, sparking concerns about her safety.
Police shared an image of the 33-year-old on social media in a bid to track her down. Thankfully, Charlotte has been found safe and well.
The force shared the good news to Twitter and thanked the public for sharing the appeal.
In an appeal on social media, the force said: "We need your help to find Charlotte Mahmood.
"The 33-year-old is missing from her home in Walsall and we’re concerned for her safety.
"Charlotte is described as white, 5ft 3ins tall and has shoulder length brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black rain coat, blue leggings and a small back pack.
"If you’ve seen her please call the Western Locate Team on 101."
How do you define if someone is missing?
According to the West Midlands Police Website, a person is defined as missing if their whereabouts cannot be established and where the circumstances are out of character or the person may be subject of crime or at risk of harm to themselves or someone else.
A person may also be classed as absent if they are not at a place where they are expected or required to be and there is no apparent risk.


birminghammail--2020-06-28--Blues next manager odds: Lee Carsley the new favourite

There ’ s a new front-runner in the race to replace Pep Clotet at Birmingham City , according to bookmakers .
Blues ’ search for a new boss will enter its third week tomorrow with a host of names being linked with the post .
Mark Robins ’ is the latest to be refloated this weekend , with reports in the national media saying Blues are interest in speaking to the Coventry City manager .
FC Groningen head coach Danny Buijs has also been linked - and the connections with Slavisa Jokanovic and Chris Hughton refuse to go away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay on top of all the Birmingham City news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Blues news , views , gossip and opinion .
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You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Lee Bowyer also remains a definite contender for the post which has seen five predecessors in less than four years .
But the bookies don ’ t have any of those more established names as their favourite - that goes to Lee Carsley .
The former Everton man has both played for and coached Blues - most recently as part of Steve Cotterill ’ s back room team and as caretaker before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club when Cotterill was replaced in March 2018 .
He has worked extensively in Manchester City ’ s academy and with England Under 21s .
The current betting looks like this , via BetVictor .

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There’s a new front-runner in the race to replace Pep Clotet at Birmingham City, according to bookmakers.
Blues’ search for a new boss will enter its third week tomorrow with a host of names being linked with the post.
Mark Robins’ is the latest to be refloated this weekend, with reports in the national media saying Blues are interest in speaking to the Coventry City manager.
FC Groningen head coach Danny Buijs has also been linked - and the connections with Slavisa Jokanovic and Chris Hughton refuse to go away.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City 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
Lee Bowyer also remains a definite contender for the post which has seen five predecessors in less than four years.
But the bookies don’t have any of those more established names as their favourite - that goes to Lee Carsley.
The former Everton man has both played for and coached Blues - most recently as part of Steve Cotterill’s back room team and as caretaker before Cotterill took over.
He left the club when Cotterill was replaced in March 2018.
He has worked extensively in Manchester City’s academy and with England Under 21s.
The current betting looks like this, via BetVictor.
Latest next manager odds:
Lee Carsley 2/1
Chris Hughton 6/1
Lee Bowyer 8/1
Nigel Clough 8/1
Danny Buijs 12/1
Gareth Ainsworth 14/1
Quique Sanchez Flores 16/1
Craig Gardner 16/1
Mark Robins 20/1
Slavisa Jokanovic 20/1
Robbie Fowler 20/1
Michael Laudrup 20/1


birminghammail--2020-06-28--'Blown a gasket' - Leeds United fans are all making the same West Brom point

Leeds United fans have had a big weight lifted off their shoulders after yesterday 's thumping win over Fulham .
Marcelo Bielsa 's side ran out 3-0 winners at Elland Road and as well as putting themselves eight points clear of third , they dealt fourth-placed Fulham a promotion blow of their own .
Now , West Bromwich Albion are looking over their shoulders in second , with only five points separating them with Brentford in third place following Friday night 's defeat at Griffin Park .
Albion have picked up just one point from their two matches back after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elite football .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the West Bromwich Albion news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Albion news , views , gossip and opinion .
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You can also get all the latest updates by following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Leeds fans , meanwhile , have been discussing Albion 's plight .
It has looked all season like the pair would be going up but now Brentford have entered the race .
`` Where will West Brom finish ? ''
asked one Leeds fan .
`` The way it 's going for them will automatic be there 's or will Brentford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
I know I have n't mentioned Leeds but I can honestly say I can see the boys lifting the title . ''
`` Nice to see a three-point gap and a better goal difference to West Brom , '' said another .
A third added : `` Th pressure is now firmly on West Brom for the next two games .
One step closer , well done lads . ''
`` This is really nice viewing , '' said another .
`` Leed need to finish ahead of one of West Brom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` We did our job , but West Brom 's form has made it a three-horse race for automatic promotion , '' another fan said .
A sixth Leeds fan said : `` Eight points clear of third , only fourteen points needed from the remaining seven games and West Brom are looking like they may have blown a gasket . ''
`` Fulham are finished and Brentford are circling around West Brom , '' another said .
West Brom play Sheffield Wednesday in midweek and then take on Hull City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battlers Luton Town on Tuesday and then travel to Blackburn Rovers at the weekend .

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Leeds United fans have had a big weight lifted off their shoulders after yesterday's thumping win over Fulham.
Marcelo Bielsa's side ran out 3-0 winners at Elland Road and as well as putting themselves eight points clear of third, they dealt fourth-placed Fulham a promotion blow of their own.
Now, West Bromwich Albion are looking over their shoulders in second, with only five points separating them with Brentford in third place following Friday night's defeat at Griffin Park.
Albion have picked up just one point from their two matches back after the coronavirus lockdown forced the suspension of elite football.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just 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 by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Leeds fans, meanwhile, have been discussing Albion's plight.
It has looked all season like the pair would be going up but now Brentford have entered the race.
"Where will West Brom finish?" asked one Leeds fan. "The way it's going for them will automatic be there's or will Brentford or Fulham take them to the play-offs? I know I haven't mentioned Leeds but I can honestly say I can see the boys lifting the title."
"Nice to see a three-point gap and a better goal difference to West Brom," said another.
A third added: "Th pressure is now firmly on West Brom for the next two games. One step closer, well done lads."
"This is really nice viewing," said another. "Leed need to finish ahead of one of West Brom and Brentford. We should do it."
"We did our job, but West Brom's form has made it a three-horse race for automatic promotion," another fan said.
A sixth Leeds fan said: "Eight points clear of third, only fourteen points needed from the remaining seven games and West Brom are looking like they may have blown a gasket."
(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
"Fulham are finished and Brentford are circling around West Brom," another said.
West Brom play Sheffield Wednesday in midweek and then take on Hull City a week today.
Leeds host relegation battlers Luton Town on Tuesday and then travel to Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.


birminghammail--2020-06-28--Travel firms report record sales ahead of lifted restrictions

Travel firms recorded record Saturday sales as holidaymakers booked trips abroad ahead of coronavirus restrictions being lifted .
The Foreign Office is set to change its advice against `` all but essential travel '' to allow holidays to low or medium-risk destinations , meaning trips to France , Greece and Spain look like they could be an option .
Under the new scheme , UK holidaymakers will be able to return home without having to quarantine for 14 days .
Following the news , Eurotunnel ’ s website crashed due to thousands of people booking trips simultaneously , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one day than they have had all year .
TUI said it had seen a 50 % spike in bookings this week compared to the previous one , with holidays to Spain and Greece proving popular .
Managing director Andrew Flintham said : “ We ’ re pleased the Government has finally confirmed that holidays overseas will be able to go ahead , and the full list of green and amber destinations will be released on Wednesday .
“ It ’ s a hugely positive step forward for the travel industry and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their summer is saved.
” And Lastminute.com said it saw an 80 % rise on holiday sales compared to the week before , largely attributed to the announcement of Spain lifting the quarantine for Brits .
In place of the quarantine measures , countries will be graded under a traffic light system , based on the prevalence of coronavirus within each nation ’ s borders .
The list of countries is due to be published on Wednesday , with restrictions lifted as soon as July 6 .
It is expected to include France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy , the Netherlands , and Turkey - but possibly not Portugal .
In a boost for domestic tourism , only passengers arriving in the UK from countries in the red category will be told to self-isolate for two weeks .
All travellers coming back to the UK will also have to provide contact details - in case an outbreak is later traced to their plane or boat .
Ministers have also warned that countries could be moved into the unsafe category if there is a sudden outbreak , meaning holidaymakers could face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Government spokeswoman said : “ Our new risk-assessment system will enable us to carefully open a number of safe travel routes around the world – giving people the opportunity for a summer holiday abroad and boosting the UK economy through tourism and business .
“ But we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if any risks re-emerge , and this system will enable us to take swift action to reintroduce self-isolation measures if new outbreaks occur overseas.
” Jonathan Smith , a spokesman for the Association of British Travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisation welcomed the “ risk-based approach ” taken by the Government , but told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme that while the industry expected “ a surge in bookings ” more travel companies were likely to go bust before a full recovery was felt .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rosaleen Fenton, Andy Richardson)

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Travel firms recorded record Saturday sales as holidaymakers booked trips abroad ahead of coronavirus restrictions being lifted.
Spain-holiday.com reported a record-breaking morning yesterday (Saturday) as confidence grows amongst British sunseekers.
The Foreign Office is set to change its advice against "all but essential travel" to allow holidays to low or medium-risk destinations, meaning trips to France, Greece and Spain look like they could be an option.
Under the new scheme, UK holidaymakers will be able to return home without having to quarantine for 14 days.
Following the news, Eurotunnel’s website crashed due to thousands of people booking trips simultaneously, and a spokesman confirmed they had more bookings in one day than they have had all year.
(Image: Getty)
TUI said it had seen a 50% spike in bookings this week compared to the previous one, with holidays to Spain and Greece proving popular.
Managing director Andrew Flintham said: “We’re pleased the Government has finally confirmed that holidays overseas will be able to go ahead, and the full list of green and amber destinations will be released on Wednesday.
“It’s a hugely positive step forward for the travel industry and I know our customers will be ecstatic that their summer is saved.”
And Lastminute.com said it saw an 80% rise on holiday sales compared to the week before, largely attributed to the announcement of Spain lifting the quarantine for Brits.
In place of the quarantine measures, countries will be graded under a traffic light system, based on the prevalence of coronavirus within each nation’s borders.
The list of countries is due to be published on Wednesday, with restrictions lifted as soon as July 6.
It is expected to include France, Greece, Spain, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey - but possibly not Portugal.
In a boost for domestic tourism, only passengers arriving in the UK from countries in the red category will be told to self-isolate for two weeks.
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All travellers coming back to the UK will also have to provide contact details - in case an outbreak is later traced to their plane or boat.
Ministers have also warned that countries could be moved into the unsafe category if there is a sudden outbreak, meaning holidaymakers could face having to isolate upon return after all.
A Government spokeswoman said: “Our new risk-assessment system will enable us to carefully open a number of safe travel routes around the world – giving people the opportunity for a summer holiday abroad and boosting the UK economy through tourism and business.
“But we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if any risks re-emerge, and this system will enable us to take swift action to reintroduce self-isolation measures if new outbreaks occur overseas.”
Jonathan Smith, a spokesman for the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), said the organisation welcomed the “risk-based approach” taken by the Government, but told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that while the industry expected “a surge in bookings” more travel companies were likely to go bust before a full recovery was felt.


birminghammail--2020-06-28--How Aston Villa ended up with the worst defence in the Premier League

The problem , for Aston Villa , is not scoring goals .
Only two teams in the bottom half of the Premier League have found the net more than the Villans .
They are not prolific , of course , ( 36 goals in 32 games is passable , though hardly spectacular ) but a better defensive record would probably have seen the club comfortably clear of the bottom three .
Villa have conceded the most goals in the Premier League .
The total climbed to 60 - at a rate of almost two a game - after Saturday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been porous and ill disciplined at the back , plagued by individual errors and an inability to keep the ball out of the net .
That may come as a surprise to those with only a passing interest in the club .
From the outside looking in , it would appear Villa are ideally set up to be an accomplished defensive side .
Dean Smith was a tenacious defender in his playing days , and his No.2 John Terry needs no introduction .
There has , though , been an emphasis on attacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little naive given the nature of the Premier League .
The errors that went unpunished in the Championship last season ( and even then Villa still conceded 61 goals ) have been ruthlessly jumped on by the quality attacking players in the top flight .
Former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor made some interesting observations in the buildup to the Wolves game on Saturday .
“ I actually feel sorry for the defence , ” .
“ It seems to me whenever they are defending well , clearing the ball , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than they need to be in any other team.
” Jack Grealish is , of course , the focal point of Villa ’ s play in attack .
In terms of out-and-out strikers , though , there is a problem .
Wesley has yet to make a significant impact and young Keinan Davis is being trusted as the leading front man at the moment .
Villa have a tendency to drop off and invite pressure for long periods , and more often than not they are made to pay for that .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith ’ s side took the lead against the run of play .
In the second half , they retreated deeper and deeper , surrendered more and more of the ball , and eventually conceded twice in a couple of minutes .
But there has clearly been an effort to improve defensively over the enforced break .
A clean sheet in the first game back against Sheffield United was promising , and against Newcastle and Wolves things were kept relatively tight throughout .
Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause appear to be forming a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Aston Villa news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Villa news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 It will have been a priority over lockdown for Smith and Terry .
Conceding goals at an alarming rate has been the obvious weak point throughout the season : Villa ’ s final game before the season was postponed was a 4-0 defeat at Leicester .
Things are gradually improving in that regard , but Smith will need to be careful that focusing more on defence doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other end of the pitch .
When Wolves went in front through Leander Dendoncker just after the hour mark , it felt very much like an uphill task for the hosts .
And clean sheets are still a rarity ( only Bournemouth have fewer than Villa ’ s five ) .
With games running out , and relegation still a very real possibility , the Villans need to pick up a couple of wins soon .
Going some way to addressing the glaring defensive issues is a step forward .
It remains to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be enough to avoid relegation back to the Championship .

The problem, for Aston Villa, is not scoring goals. Only two teams in the bottom half of the Premier League have found the net more than the Villans. They are not prolific, of course, (36 goals in 32 games is passable, though hardly spectacular) but a better defensive record would probably have seen the club comfortably clear of the bottom three.
Villa have conceded the most goals in the Premier League. The total climbed to 60 - at a rate of almost two a game - after Saturday’s game against Wolves. They have been porous and ill disciplined at the back, plagued by individual errors and an inability to keep the ball out of the net.
That may come as a surprise to those with only a passing interest in the club. From the outside looking in, it would appear Villa are ideally set up to be an accomplished defensive side. Dean Smith was a tenacious defender in his playing days, and his No.2 John Terry needs no introduction.
There has, though, been an emphasis on attacking football, which is commendable but perhaps a little naive given the nature of the Premier League. The errors that went unpunished in the Championship last season (and even then Villa still conceded 61 goals) have been ruthlessly jumped on by the quality attacking players in the top flight.
Former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor made some interesting observations in the buildup to the Wolves game on Saturday.
“I actually feel sorry for the defence,” he told BT Sport . “It seems to me whenever they are defending well, clearing the ball, there is no outlet and they are defending more than they need to be in any other team.”
Jack Grealish is, of course, the focal point of Villa’s play in attack. In terms of out-and-out strikers, though, there is a problem. Wesley has yet to make a significant impact and young Keinan Davis is being trusted as the leading front man at the moment.
Villa have a tendency to drop off and invite pressure for long periods, and more often than not they are made to pay for that. It was in evidence against Chelsea, when Smith’s side took the lead against the run of play. In the second half, they retreated deeper and deeper, surrendered more and more of the ball, and eventually conceded twice in a couple of minutes.
But there has clearly been an effort to improve defensively over the enforced break. A clean sheet in the first game back against Sheffield United was promising, and against Newcastle and Wolves things were kept relatively tight throughout. Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause appear to be forming a reasonable partnership, too.
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
It will have been a priority over lockdown for Smith and Terry. Conceding goals at an alarming rate has been the obvious weak point throughout the season: Villa’s final game before the season was postponed was a 4-0 defeat at Leicester.
Things are gradually improving in that regard, but Smith will need to be careful that focusing more on defence doesn’t nullify his side at the other end of the pitch. When Wolves went in front through Leander Dendoncker just after the hour mark, it felt very much like an uphill task for the hosts.
And clean sheets are still a rarity (only Bournemouth have fewer than Villa’s five). With games running out, and relegation still a very real possibility, the Villans need to pick up a couple of wins soon. Going some way to addressing the glaring defensive issues is a step forward. It remains to be seen, though, if it will be enough to avoid relegation back to the Championship.


birminghammail--2020-06-28--Midlands city could be 'locked down in days' due to coronavirus spike

A Midlands city could be the first to see the UK 's first local lockdown .
A wave of coronavirus infections in Leicester could see it locked down within days .
The city reported 658 new cases in the fortnight to June 16 , the Sunday Times reports .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is said to be `` examining '' the legislation needed for a shutdown .
A source has told the paper Mr Hancock is considering `` all options '' to bring the flare-up under control .
It comes after food manufacturer Samworth Brothers confirmed that a `` handful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factory had contracted the deadly bug , while five schools have also closed .
Andrew Bridgen , the Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire , said it was `` unavoidable '' for the government to look at ways to slow the spread of the virus in Leicester .
He said : `` Unfortunately the fact that the government is having to contemplate specific measures to control the spread of the virus in Leicester is now unavoidable in order to protect the rest of the country . ''
Leicester ’ s elected City Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current reports of where the outbreak might be were “ far too vague to be of any real use.
” He added : “ There are many different communities and neighbourhoods in that local government ward , and we have no way of knowing which if any of them are being adversely affected by the virus .
“ We ’ re getting that data now , we ’ re beginning to crunch that information , and hopefully within the next few days , we ’ ll be able to know what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if we need to , intervene in the right neighbourhood with the right communities.
” It comes as the number of deaths from coronavirus in the UK increased by 100 yesterday - the lowest Saturday increase in lockdown .
It brought the total number of UK deaths by Covid-19 reported by the Department of Health and Social Care to 43 , 514 .
On July 4 , Boris Johnson is gearing up to re-open the hospitality industry , with pubs , restaurants , and bars among businesses which will re-open their doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
It is thought that a decision to implement a local lockdown will be made by Public Health England , the bio-security centre and local public health directors .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Anna MacSwan, Andy Richardson)

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A Midlands city could be the first to see the UK's first local lockdown.
A wave of coronavirus infections in Leicester could see it locked down within days.
The city reported 658 new cases in the fortnight to June 16, the Sunday Times reports.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock is said to be "examining" the legislation needed for a shutdown.
A source has told the paper Mr Hancock is considering "all options" to bring the flare-up under control.
It comes after food manufacturer Samworth Brothers confirmed that a "handful" of staff at its Leicester sandwich factory had contracted the deadly bug, while five schools have also closed.
Andrew Bridgen, the Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire, said it was "unavoidable" for the government to look at ways to slow the spread of the virus in Leicester.
He said: "Unfortunately the fact that the government is having to contemplate specific measures to control the spread of the virus in Leicester is now unavoidable in order to protect the rest of the country."
Leicester’s elected City Mayor, Peter Soulsby, said yesterday the current reports of where the outbreak might be were “far too vague to be of any real use.”
He added: “There are many different communities and neighbourhoods in that local government ward, and we have no way of knowing which if any of them are being adversely affected by the virus.
“We’re getting that data now, we’re beginning to crunch that information, and hopefully within the next few days, we’ll be able to know what’s going on there - if anything - and if we need to, intervene in the right neighbourhood with the right communities.”
It comes as the number of deaths from coronavirus in the UK increased by 100 yesterday - the lowest Saturday increase in lockdown.
It brought the total number of UK deaths by Covid-19 reported by the Department of Health and Social Care to 43, 514.
On July 4, Boris Johnson is gearing up to re-open the hospitality industry, with pubs, restaurants, and bars among businesses which will re-open their doors for the first time in nearly four months.
It is thought that a decision to implement a local lockdown will be made by Public Health England, the bio-security centre and local public health directors.


birminghammail--2020-06-28--Wolves receive huge boost as Villa ‘excuses’ are called out

Wolverhampton Wanderers continued their assault on the top four with a third straight win at Aston Villa on Saturday .
Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s men followed up successes over West Ham and Bournemouth by putting another relegation contender to the sword at Villa Park .
Leander Dendoncker grabbed the only goal and Wolves now have a week before next Saturday ’ s meeting with Arsenal at Molineux .
Here are our findings from Wolves ’ latest win : Wolves collected eight points from a possible 24 against the Premier League ’ s bottom four last season .
They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season ’ s current bottom four in a remarkable turnaround .
Nuno has turned Wolves into a ruthless machine capable of winning games without getting out of second gear , which is exactly what ’ s happened in their last three victories .
Wolves need six points from their remaining six matches to better their points tally from last year .
There must have been a part of Nuno fearing the worst with Romain Saiss on nine bookings one game before the yellow card amnesty .
After all , this is a player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the referee ’ s bad books .
This is the new and improved Saiss though and the fact that he ’ s only been booked twice in his last 14 Premier League games proves that .
Saiss is now free to line up against Arsenal next weekend and , unless he reverts to his old ways , there ’ s little chance he ’ ll face another suspension this season .
In a week where football is acclimatising to its new normal , Wolves wing-back Jonny has put in three very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Jonny ’ s normal is actually very good which is possibly why he often goes unnoticed in a team of stars .
Jonny was right in the thick of it against Villa and orchestrated the move which led to Dendoncker ’ s winner .
He sent Villa substitute John McGinn back to the home dugout with a ridiculous Cruyff turn before setting Raul Jimenez away down the left and continuing his run .
Jonny was found in the middle and teed up Dendoncker perfectly to seal the three points .
The Spaniard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially the one-v-one situations that defenders usually dread , but he ’ s made a huge impact going forward this season as well .
Wolves Twitter accused Dean Smith of making 'excuses ' in his post-match interview with Sky Sports .
The Villa boss has a habit of riling Wolves supporters and managed to do so once more with the following comments .
“ We were unfortunate in losing the game , ” he said .
“ We probably had as many attempts as they had , we more than matched Wolves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ played 4 games in 11 days , so thank you very much for that . ''
The only save Rui Patricio had to make during the game was a speculative daisy-cutter from Jack Grealish which he caught comfortably .
Wolves , meanwhile , had three very good chances to score , one of which Dendoncker took .
The others saw Orjan Nyland deny Jimenez from close range and Diogo Jota balloon an effort over the bar after the Villa keeper messed up a simple throw out .
As for Villa having to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played 51 games this season and they haven ’ t once bemoaned their schedule .
In truth , Wolves were incredibly comfortable , just as they were against West Ham and Bournemouth in their previous two games .
Wolves toppled Manchester United yesterday with the battle for the top four set to go to the wire .
Chelsea aren ’ t in action again in the Premier League until Wednesday due to FA Cup duty and Wolves still have to face Frank Lampard ’ s side on the final day .
But while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong , Leicester City are dropping like a stone .
Brendan Rodgers ’ side were in the title race at one stage this season but they ’ re now clinging onto a top four place .
Wolves are just three points behind the Foxes now and have a more favourable run-in .
Leicester ’ s schedule includes games against Everton , Arsenal , Tottenham and Man United .
Wolves are top of the Premier League form table , with Leicester down in 12th .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers continued their assault on the top four with a third straight win at Aston Villa on Saturday.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men followed up successes over West Ham and Bournemouth by putting another relegation contender to the sword at Villa Park.
Leander Dendoncker grabbed the only goal and Wolves now have a week before next Saturday’s meeting with Arsenal at Molineux.
Here are our findings from Wolves’ latest win:
Job done
Wolves collected eight points from a possible 24 against the Premier League’s bottom four last season. They have taken all 24 on offer against this season’s current bottom four in a remarkable turnaround.
Nuno has turned Wolves into a ruthless machine capable of winning games without getting out of second gear, which is exactly what’s happened in their last three victories.
Wolves need six points from their remaining six matches to better their points tally from last year.
(Image: PA)
A welcome boost
There must have been a part of Nuno fearing the worst with Romain Saiss on nine bookings one game before the yellow card amnesty.
After all, this is a player who has previously been unable to stay out of the referee’s bad books. This is the new and improved Saiss though and the fact that he’s only been booked twice in his last 14 Premier League games proves that.
Saiss is now free to line up against Arsenal next weekend and, unless he reverts to his old ways, there’s little chance he’ll face another suspension this season.
Jonny’s ‘normal’
In a week where football is acclimatising to its new normal, Wolves wing-back Jonny has put in three very normal performances.
It just so happens that Jonny’s normal is actually very good which is possibly why he often goes unnoticed in a team of stars.
Jonny was right in the thick of it against Villa and orchestrated the move which led to Dendoncker’s winner.
He sent Villa substitute John McGinn back to the home dugout with a ridiculous Cruyff turn before setting Raul Jimenez away down the left and continuing his run. Jonny was found in the middle and teed up Dendoncker perfectly to seal the three points.
The Spaniard has always made defending look effortless, especially the one-v-one situations that defenders usually dread, but he’s made a huge impact going forward this season as well.
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Smith angers Wolves fans
Wolves Twitter accused Dean Smith of making 'excuses' in his post-match interview with Sky Sports.
The Villa boss has a habit of riling Wolves supporters and managed to do so once more with the following comments.
“We were unfortunate in losing the game,” he said. “We probably had as many attempts as they had, we more than matched Wolves. We're the only team who's played 4 games in 11 days, so thank you very much for that."
(Image: PA)
The only save Rui Patricio had to make during the game was a speculative daisy-cutter from Jack Grealish which he caught comfortably.
Wolves, meanwhile, had three very good chances to score, one of which Dendoncker took. The others saw Orjan Nyland deny Jimenez from close range and Diogo Jota balloon an effort over the bar after the Villa keeper messed up a simple throw out.
As for Villa having to play four times in 11 days… Wolves have played 51 games this season and they haven’t once bemoaned their schedule.
In truth, Wolves were incredibly comfortable, just as they were against West Ham and Bournemouth in their previous two games.
Leicester beware
Wolves toppled Manchester United yesterday with the battle for the top four set to go to the wire.
Chelsea aren’t in action again in the Premier League until Wednesday due to FA Cup duty and Wolves still have to face Frank Lampard’s side on the final day.
But while Wolves, United and Chelsea are going strong, Leicester City are dropping like a stone.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were in the title race at one stage this season but they’re now clinging onto a top four place.
Wolves are just three points behind the Foxes now and have a more favourable run-in. Leicester’s schedule includes games against Everton, Arsenal, Tottenham and Man United.
Wolves are top of the Premier League form table, with Leicester down in 12th.


birminghammail--2020-06-28--EFL mess, Crowley's impact and Jude's contract as Blues draw

Birmingham City were back at St Andrew ’ s , first with a whimper and then with a wallop in their 3-3 draw with Hull City .
Two goals down before the cardboard cut-outs had barely taken their seats , they scored three in the second half to cruelly deny the Tigers .
Jeremie Bela ’ s match-changing brilliance was the main takeaway from a topsy turvy afternoon in which the Frenchman provided one assist with his left foot and another with his right .
Here ’ s what else stood out .
Blues hoped to have Odin Bailey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the EFL reassessed regulations about loan players .
However , the trio of welcome returnees were not available and Pep Clotet was forced to fill his bench with teenagers once more .
On Thursday it was claimed that players who had been out on loan - including Bailey at Forest Green , Lakin at Stevenage and Dacres-Cogley at Crawley , would be eligible to rejoin their parent club ’ s squads .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Birmingham City news with our daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Blues news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Store However , it turns out there are restrictions and that priority must be given to its Under 23 players , scholars and other academy players who have made at least one first-team appearance in a league match .
The wording is woolly and has been interpreted in different ways by different clubs - Blues think they have a right to call on the three youngsters - but a lack of clarity kept them out of the match day 20 .
It ’ s all a bit of a mess - which needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points penalty for fielding an ineligible player .
Over to you EFL .
Dan Crowley has been Birmingham City ’ s most pleasant surprise since football has returned .
The play-maker had a good game against West Brom - and a very good one here - with Hull vulnerable to his quick feet , intelligent passing and ability to find space .
With Bela on one wing - adding authentic width - and Crowley on the other , creeping inside to pull strings , Blues will have two high calibre creators in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imperative that the 22-year-old keeps himself fit - and a truncated pre-season before the 2020/2021 campaign won ’ t help on that front - but in the last couple of matches the signs have been very promising .
Crowley is impacting games and providing that all important end product .
His distribution and link-up play was reminiscent of the Dan and Fran Show earlier this season - his headed goal from four yards was something extraordinary .
Jude Bellingham has played his last game as a 16-year-old .
He ’ ll celebrate his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add his signature to whatever contract means Blues are going to receive full value for his generational talent , banishing the words ‘ training ’ and ‘ fee ’ to the bin marked ‘ Unwarranted fears ’ .
On Saturday the system didn ’ t particularly suit him in the first half when he showed plenty of willing - and turned Matt Pennington inside out before delivering a cross from the left - but often he was crowded out .
However , when Bela was introduced and the Hull midfield was strung out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 minutes as a Championship calibre central midfielder .
Thirty-seven appearances before he ’ s even old enough to drive is an historic achievement although it really does feel like those appearances are numbered .
It looks like Blues are going to crawl their way to safety .
When the season resumed they were eight points from the bottom three , that was cut to seven last weekend and remains at seven after Saturday 's draw .
To be fair the pressure to win and leap forward in denominations of three is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eight teams below them and with seven games to go the chasing pack are likely to run out of runway .
Three more points probably seals the deal for Blues - hopefully against Huddersfield on Wednesday night .
The Terriers will arrive at St Andrew ’ s in the final relegation place - just as Hull City did .
Let that be where the similarity ends .
Clotet and his men need to preserve clear blue water between themselves and the bottom-feeders .

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Birmingham City were back at St Andrew’s, first with a whimper and then with a wallop in their 3-3 draw with Hull City.
Two goals down before the cardboard cut-outs had barely taken their seats, they scored three in the second half to cruelly deny the Tigers.
Jeremie Bela’s match-changing brilliance was the main takeaway from a topsy turvy afternoon in which the Frenchman provided one assist with his left foot and another with his right.
Here’s what else stood out.
As clear as mud
Blues hoped to have Odin Bailey, Charlie Lakin and Josh Dacres-Cogley available again after the EFL reassessed regulations about loan players.
However, the trio of welcome returnees were not available and Pep Clotet was forced to fill his bench with teenagers once more.
On Thursday it was claimed that players who had been out on loan - including Bailey at Forest Green, Lakin at Stevenage and Dacres-Cogley at Crawley, would be eligible to rejoin their parent club’s squads.
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However, it turns out there are restrictions and that priority must be given to its Under 23 players, scholars and other academy players who have made at least one first-team appearance in a league match.
The wording is woolly and has been interpreted in different ways by different clubs - Blues think they have a right to call on the three youngsters - but a lack of clarity kept them out of the match day 20.
It’s all a bit of a mess - which needs sorting before someone is landed with a points penalty for fielding an ineligible player. Over to you EFL.
Dan is the man
Dan Crowley has been Birmingham City’s most pleasant surprise since football has returned.
The play-maker had a good game against West Brom - and a very good one here - with Hull vulnerable to his quick feet, intelligent passing and ability to find space.
With Bela on one wing - adding authentic width - and Crowley on the other, creeping inside to pull strings, Blues will have two high calibre creators in the attacking third next season.
It is imperative that the 22-year-old keeps himself fit - and a truncated pre-season before the 2020/2021 campaign won’t help on that front - but in the last couple of matches the signs have been very promising.
Crowley is impacting games and providing that all important end product. His distribution and link-up play was reminiscent of the Dan and Fran Show earlier this season - his headed goal from four yards was something extraordinary.
Sands of time
Jude Bellingham has played his last game as a 16-year-old. He’ll celebrate his 17th birthday on Monday and will hopefully add his signature to whatever contract means Blues are going to receive full value for his generational talent, banishing the words ‘training’ and ‘fee’ to the bin marked ‘Unwarranted fears’.
On Saturday the system didn’t particularly suit him in the first half when he showed plenty of willing - and turned Matt Pennington inside out before delivering a cross from the left - but often he was crowded out.
However, when Bela was introduced and the Hull midfield was strung out more, he turned in another proficient 45 minutes as a Championship calibre central midfielder.
Thirty-seven appearances before he’s even old enough to drive is an historic achievement although it really does feel like those appearances are numbered.
Point made
It looks like Blues are going to crawl their way to safety. When the season resumed they were eight points from the bottom three, that was cut to seven last weekend and remains at seven after Saturday's draw.
To be fair the pressure to win and leap forward in denominations of three is not on them - it’s on the eight teams below them and with seven games to go the chasing pack are likely to run out of runway.
Three more points probably seals the deal for Blues - hopefully against Huddersfield on Wednesday night. The Terriers will arrive at St Andrew’s in the final relegation place - just as Hull City did. Let that be where the similarity ends.
Clotet and his men need to preserve clear blue water between themselves and the bottom-feeders.


birminghammail--2020-06-28--Car bursts into flames after smashing into house wall

A car erupted into flames after it smashed into a garden wall of a Coseley home .
Emergency services were called to Bond Street , at 5am this morning ( Sunday , June 28 ) , following a 999 call reporting the crash and blaze .
Crews from four stations raced to the scene within five minutes of the report .
Pictures from the scene - posted by the fire service - show the wreckage left behind .
The frontage of the red car is completely destroyed from the impact and charred .
A garden wall , which took the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wiped out .
A male driver received precautionary checks , but it is not clear if he was injured or taken to hospital .
Black Country Live has contacted West Midlands Police for more information .
In a post on social media , Dudley Fire Station said : `` Road traffic collision 999 received by @ SWMFireControl at 5am to car in to house and on fire “ persons reported ” Bond Street , Coseley .
Our highest level of response @ WMFSDudley @ BilstonFire @ tiptonfire all mobilised and on scene within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ male driver . ''

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A car erupted into flames after it smashed into a garden wall of a Coseley home.
Emergency services were called to Bond Street, at 5am this morning (Sunday, June 28), following a 999 call reporting the crash and blaze.
Crews from four stations raced to the scene within five minutes of the report. Pictures from the scene - posted by the fire service - show the wreckage left behind.
The frontage of the red car is completely destroyed from the impact and charred. A garden wall, which took the brunt of the force, was also wiped out.
A 56-year-old man received precautionary checks and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
In a post on social media, Dudley Fire Station said: "Road traffic collision 999 received by @SWMFireControl at 5am to car in to house and on fire “persons reported” Bond Street, Coseley.
"Our highest level of response @WMFSDudley @BilstonFire @tiptonfire all mobilised and on scene within five minutes. Precautionary checks for one male driver."
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: "We were called to reports of a car hitting a wall on Bond Street in Coseley at around 5.10am this morning (28 June).
"The 56-year-old driver was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition."
Anyone with information can contact the police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quoting log number 728 of 28/6.


birminghammail--2020-06-28--West Brom fans pile in as Joe Hart and Celtic rumours swirl

West Bromwich Albion have been linked with ex-England man Joe Hart .
The Sun on Sunday are claiming the Baggies will move for the goalkeeper if they make it back to the Premier League .
They add Albion want a legitimiate challenger to current incumbent Sam Johnstone , who is backed up by Jonathan Bond .
Hart has also played for Man City , with whom he has won every domestic honour , Birmingham City and Torino .
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We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karl Neary : No way , Johnstone isn ’ t very good but better than him David Bisseker : Johnstone is Head and Shoulders above Hart .
Reiss Potter : Still a very good keeper and would be perfect to push Johnstone .
Matthew David Groves Phil Mace : Hoping Watford get relegated and we can have Fozzy back .
Ray Hill : No worries we can ’ t afford his wages especially if we don ’ t get up Brad Wroe : yes everyday of the week to people saying johnstone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wooldridge : Better than Johnstone but still a no Alistair Rodgers : I ’ ve said for a while we should go for him Steven Parton : No better than Johnstone Samuel Roberts : Why we have a quality GK in Johnstone Gary Föster : Sorry , he ’ s better than Johnstone .

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West Bromwich Albion have been linked with ex-England man Joe Hart.
The Sun on Sunday are claiming the Baggies will move for the goalkeeper if they make it back to the Premier League.
They add Albion want a legitimiate challenger to current incumbent Sam Johnstone, who is backed up by Jonathan Bond.
Hart has also played for Man City, with whom he has won every domestic honour, Birmingham City and Torino.
Baggies fans have been reacting.
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Karl Neary: No way , Johnstone isn’t very good but better than him
David Bisseker: Johnstone is Head and Shoulders above Hart .
Reiss Potter: Still a very good keeper and would be perfect to push Johnstone. Matthew David Groves
Phil Mace: Hoping Watford get relegated and we can have Fozzy back.
Ian Golcher: Nailed on for villa
Ray Hill: No worries we can’t afford his wages especially if we don’t get up
Brad Wroe: yes everyday of the week to people saying johnstone is better is a load of c**p.
Adam Wooldridge: Better than Johnstone but still a no
Alistair Rodgers: I’ve said for a while we should go for him
Alan Williams: Errrrrrr.........No
Daniel Armstrong: Can’t be worse than Johnstone
Steven Parton: No better than Johnstone
Andy Jones: No way
Julie Ann Wood: No !!!!
Samuel Roberts: Why we have a quality GK in Johnstone
John Wayne: Omg no way
Lesley Evans: Nnnooo
Gary Föster: Sorry, he’s better than Johnstone.