birminghammail--2020-06-11--Bellingham set to choose Dortmund over Man United - reports

Jude Bellingham is destined for a move to Borussia Dortmund over Manchester United in the future , according to the head of Sport Bild .
Christian Falk , who is in charge at the German news outlet , claims that Birmingham City teenage sensation Bellingham has decided that Bundesliga outfit Dortmund is the ideal move at this stage in his blossoming career .
Dortmund and United have been the two sides who have led the way in the chase for Bellingham , who has been a regular in Pep Clotet ’ s Blues side in the Championship this term .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather inevitably touted for some time , such have been the quality of Bellingham ’ s performances against players much older and more experienced in the second tier .
Ahead of his 17th birthday , Bellingham - who is in training and preparing for the remainder of the campaign with his boyhood club - is expected to follow in the footsteps of England international Jadon Sancho .
“ I think the Sancho way is a big advertisement for the Bundesliga for English talents , ” Falk told UtdReport .
“ Sancho wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester ] City as quickly .
Birmingham City ’ s Jude Bellingham is one of the most highly-regarded teenagers in the Europe .
Since breaking Trevor Francis ’ long-standing record as the club ’ s youngest ever player last August , the midfielder has been a revelation .
He followed up his debut at Portsmouth with a first goal in the victory over Stoke and has gone on to make 35 appearances , scoring four times .
He is regarded as a generational talent and Blues had to withstand interest from Manchester United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speculation remained with United , amongst others , continuing to pursue Blues ’ crown jewel .
His future is sure to be one of the longer-running sagas of the transfer window and Blues are holding out for a huge fee .
What 's been said about Jude 's future - READ “ Pep Guardiola apparently even spoke to the bosses of Bayern , saying that Sancho was difficult .
Nevertheless , Bayern still wanted Sancho .
“ Sancho decided against the top club Bayern , which has experienced stars similar to City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs in the Bundesliga , behind Bayern , offer talented English players a chance to play , even internationally .
“ Bellingham will therefore also go to Dortmund , not United .
You will see .
Our information is that he has chosen Borussia Dortmund .
”

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Jude Bellingham is destined for a move to Borussia Dortmund over Manchester United in the future, according to the head of Sport Bild.
Christian Falk, who is in charge at the German news outlet, claims that Birmingham City teenage sensation Bellingham has decided that Bundesliga outfit Dortmund is the ideal move at this stage in his blossoming career.
Dortmund and United have been the two sides who have led the way in the chase for Bellingham, who has been a regular in Pep Clotet’s Blues side in the Championship this term.
A move to bigger things has been rather inevitably touted for some time, such have been the quality of Bellingham’s performances against players much older and more experienced in the second tier.
Ahead of his 17th birthday, Bellingham - who is in training and preparing for the remainder of the campaign with his boyhood club - is expected to follow in the footsteps of England international Jadon Sancho.
“I think the Sancho way is a big advertisement for the Bundesliga for English talents,” Falk told UtdReport. “Sancho wouldn’t have got this chance at [Manchester] City as quickly.
Jude Bellingham transfer latest Birmingham City’s Jude Bellingham is one of the most highly-regarded teenagers in the Europe. Since breaking Trevor Francis’ long-standing record as the club’s youngest ever player last August, the midfielder has been a revelation. He followed up his debut at Portsmouth with a first goal in the victory over Stoke and has gone on to make 35 appearances, scoring four times. He is regarded as a generational talent and Blues had to withstand interest from Manchester United in the January transfer window. But the speculation remained with United, amongst others, continuing to pursue Blues’ crown jewel. His future is sure to be one of the longer-running sagas of the transfer window and Blues are holding out for a huge fee. What's been said about Jude's future - READ Jude pays brilliant tribute to Pep Clotet - READ
“Pep Guardiola apparently even spoke to the bosses of Bayern, saying that Sancho was difficult. Nevertheless, Bayern still wanted Sancho.
“Sancho decided against the top club Bayern, which has experienced stars similar to City and co in England. The strong clubs in the Bundesliga, behind Bayern, offer talented English players a chance to play, even internationally.
“Bellingham will therefore also go to Dortmund, not United. You will see. Our information is that he has chosen Borussia Dortmund.”


birminghammail--2020-06-11--Full list of Touchwood and Mell Square shops opening from Monday

Topshop and House of Fraser are among the retailers reopening in Solihull town centre from Monday , June 15 as the Government gives the go ahead for non-essential stores to start operating again .
The stores have been closed since the middle of March with only essential retailers including Superdrug in Touchwood and Marks & Spencer in Mell Square , still open for business during lockdown .
Solihull BID – the Business Improvement District for the town centre – is keen for returning shoppers to enjoy a ‘ stress-free return.
’ Visitors will see sweeping changes in both Touchwood 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduction of hand gel stations .
Touchwood shoppers will also see the introduction of a 'one way ' system with lane barriers in place and in Mell Square , those waiting to enter shops can sit on special benches .
Take a look at our guide to all the retailers reopening .
Brides of Solihull is opening June 16 and is asking customers to make an appointment online .
Appointments will be one bride , one special guest and one consultant .
Café Isabella is offering an afternoon tea delivery service only .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 Dunelm is already open with click & collect and deliver to car services also available .
The store is open 9am – 6pm ( Monday-Saturday ) and 10.30am-4.30pm ( Sunday ) F-Hinds is re-opening on June 16 from 10am til 4pm ( Monday – Saturday ) Farrow and Ball is re-opening June 15 from 10am – 4pm Green ’ s is offering bottled cocktails and grazing boards delivered to the door .
Visit greens-solihull.co.uk for more details .
House of Fraser is re-opening June 15 from 10am–5.30pm ( Monday-Saturday ) and 10.30am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is open 9am til 4pm ( Monday-Friday ) and from 10am until 4pm on Saturday Katherine Draisey is re-opening June 15 .
Appointments only and open seven days a week .
Lesley Ashworth Accessories is re-opening on June 15 from 10am – 3pm and is closed Wednesdays and Sundays Liv ’ s is open .
Check its website and social channels for updated opening hours Loaf is open and operating within normal business hours .
Orders can still be placed online and by phone by calling 0203 1418300 Madeline Ann is re-opening June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Appointments can be made on 0121 704 9454 or alternatively drop in Marks and Spencer is operating within normal business hours .
The second floor is closed with Home and Childrenswear located on the ground and first floor .
The M & S Café is closed until further notice .
M & S has now also partnered with Deliveroo Sainsburys is open between 8am-8pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday Savers is open from 9am until 5pm from Monday-Thursday and Saturday and then from 11am – 5pm on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ business from 10am til 4pm Sharps is offering a free in-home design visit .
A design consultant will bring samples of drawers , handles and fabrics to your home .
Specsavers Hear care is open for appointments only .
The Cake Artist is offering a limited range of cakes and collection slots .
The Delhi is offering a collection and delivery service .
New gourmet food outlet , Tastes of Britain , is opening its doors on Friday , June 12 from 10am until 5.30pm ( Monday – Saturday ) and on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Click and Collect and local delivery service is still operating .
Taste Collective – visit Taste Collective ’ s social channels for updates on which food vendors are offering a delivery and collection service .
TX MAXX says it will reopen either on June 15 or 16 .
Check its website for updated opening details WHSmith and Post Office is open 9am – 5pm ( Monday – Saturday ) but is closed on Sundays

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Topshop and House of Fraser are among the retailers reopening in Solihull town centre from Monday, June 15 as the Government gives the go ahead for non-essential stores to start operating again.
The stores have been closed since the middle of March with only essential retailers including Superdrug in Touchwood and Marks & Spencer in Mell Square, still open for business during lockdown.
Solihull BID – the Business Improvement District for the town centre – is keen for returning shoppers to enjoy a ‘stress-free return.’
Visitors will see sweeping changes in both Touchwood's mall and in Mell Square including the introduction of hand gel stations.
Touchwood shoppers will also see the introduction of a 'one way' system with lane barriers in place and in Mell Square, those waiting to enter shops can sit on special benches.
John Lewis will reopen on Thursday, June 15.
Take a look at our guide to all the retailers reopening.
Full list of Touchwood stores reopening from Monday June 15:
(Image: BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
Apple
Beaverbrooks
Cheshires
Coffee Lounge
Crystal Chain
Eaton Fine Art
The Entertainer
Five Guys
Fone World
Foot Asylum
Goldsmiths
H&M
H2O
Holland & Barrett
Hollister
Hotel Chocolat
JD Sports
Krispy Kreme
L'Occitane
Lovisa
Lush
Mr Simms
Nespresso
News 4 U
Pandora
River Island
Schuh
Specsavers
Starbucks
Superdrug
Sweets 4 U
Tablites
Tesla
The Fragrance Shop
Theobroma
Make-up Outlet
The Secret Boutique
Tiger
TopShop/TopMan
Typo
Vision Express
Zara
Mell Square stores
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Argos is offering a click and collect service
Barclays Bank is open 9am–2pm (Monday–Friday)
Boots has remained open throughout lockdown with these hours: 8.30am-6pm Monday - Wednesday, 8.30am-7pm Thursdays, 8.30am-6pm Fridays & Saturdays and 10.30am-4.30pm Sundays.
Boots Opticians is re-opening on June 15
Brides of Solihull is opening June 16 and is asking customers to make an appointment online. Appointments will be one bride, one special guest and one consultant.
Café Isabella is offering an afternoon tea delivery service only.
Cotton and Scissors is re-opening on June 16
Dunelm is already open with click & collect and deliver to car services also available. The store is open 9am – 6pm (Monday-Saturday) and 10.30am-4.30pm (Sunday)
F-Hinds is re-opening on June 16 from 10am til 4pm (Monday – Saturday)
Farrow and Ball is re-opening June 15 from 10am – 4pm
Game is re-opening on June 15
Gant will reopen on June 15
Grape Tree is open 9am-4.30pm (Monday-Saturday) and 10.30am-3pm (Sunday).
Green’s is offering bottled cocktails and grazing boards delivered to the door. Visit greens-solihull.co.uk for more details.
House of Fraser is re-opening June 15 from 10am–5.30pm (Monday-Saturday) and 10.30am til 4.30pm on Sunday
Ideal Dry Cleaning is open 9am til 4pm (Monday-Friday) and from 10am until 4pm on Saturday
Invovape is re-opening June 15
Katherine Draisey is re-opening June 15. Appointments only and open seven days a week.
Lesley Ashworth Accessories is re-opening on June 15 from 10am – 3pm and is closed Wednesdays and Sundays
Le Crueset is re-opening on June 15
Le Scarpe is set to reopen June 15
Liv’s is open. Check its website and social channels for updated opening hours
Loaf is open and operating within normal business hours. Orders can still be placed online and by phone by calling 0203 1418300
Madeline Ann is re-opening June 16 from 10am til 4pm (Tuesday-Saturday). Appointments can be made on 0121 704 9454 or alternatively drop in
Marks and Spencer is operating within normal business hours. The second floor is closed with Home and Childrenswear located on the ground and first floor. The M&S Café is closed until further notice. M&S has now also partnered with Deliveroo
MINI MINI is re-opening on June 15
Photo Zone will reopen on June 15
Rieker is re-opening on June 15
Roman will reopen on June 15
Sainsburys is open between 8am-8pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday
Savers is open from 9am until 5pm from Monday-Thursday and Saturday and then from 11am – 5pm on Friday. On Sunday it will be open for business from 10am til 4pm
Seven Oaks Hi-Fi is re-opening June 15.
Sharps is offering a free in-home design visit. A design consultant will bring samples of drawers, handles and fabrics to your home.
Specsavers Hear care is open for appointments only.
The Cake Artist is offering a limited range of cakes and collection slots.
The Delhi is offering a collection and delivery service.
The Merry Cobbler is re-opening June 15
New gourmet food outlet, Tastes of Britain, is opening its doors on Friday, June 12 from 10am until 5.30pm (Monday – Saturday) and on Sunday from 11am til 4pm (Sunday). Click and Collect and local delivery service is still operating.
Taste Collective – visit Taste Collective’s social channels for updates on which food vendors are offering a delivery and collection service.
The Vines - opening hours are 11-3 (Monday-Saturday).
TX MAXX says it will reopen either on June 15 or 16. Check its website for updated opening details
Trespass is re-opening June 15
Vita is offering coffee beans to buy online.
WHSmith and Post Office is open 9am – 5pm (Monday – Saturday) but is closed on Sundays
Wishes and Kisses is re-opening June 15


birminghammail--2020-06-11--EFL release statement after Birmingham City learn appeal outcome

The EFL have released a statement on Thursday evening after an Independent League Arbitration panel found Birmingham City guilty of misconduct .
Blues , who have been keeping to an EFL business plan after being in breach of the league ’ s Profitability and Sustainability rules last year - which resulted in a nine-point deduction - were found to be not guilty of veering away from that plan earlier this year .
Following an appeal by the EFL , that case has been upheld and Blues have been found guilty of misconduct .
There ’ ll be points deduction or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reprimanded the club following the outcome of the hearing .
A full EFL statement read : “ In March 2020 , an independent Disciplinary Commission dismissed a misconduct charge brought by the EFL against Birmingham City .
“ That charge alleged that the Club had failed to adhere to elements of a business plan , agreed with the Club and imposed by the EFL.
, following an earlier breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules .
“ The EFL subsequently appealed the decision and an Independent League Arbitration panel has today upheld the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misconduct “ The League Arbitration panel has determined that a reprimand is the appropriate sanction .
“ The written reasons are to follow and therefore EFL will be making no further comment at this time .
”

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The EFL have released a statement on Thursday evening after an Independent League Arbitration panel found Birmingham City guilty of misconduct.
Blues, who have been keeping to an EFL business plan after being in breach of the league’s Profitability and Sustainability rules last year - which resulted in a nine-point deduction - were found to be not guilty of veering away from that plan earlier this year.
Following an appeal by the EFL, that case has been upheld and Blues have been found guilty of misconduct.
There’ll be points deduction or fine this time, though the EFL have reprimanded the club following the outcome of the hearing.
A full EFL statement read: “In March 2020, an independent Disciplinary Commission dismissed a misconduct charge brought by the EFL against Birmingham City.
“That charge alleged that the Club had failed to adhere to elements of a business plan, agreed with the Club and imposed by the EFL., following an earlier breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
“The EFL subsequently appealed the decision and an Independent League Arbitration panel has today upheld the appeal and found the Club guilty of misconduct
“The League Arbitration panel has determined that a reprimand is the appropriate sanction.
“The written reasons are to follow and therefore EFL will be making no further comment at this time.”


birminghammail--2020-06-11--Birmingham City release statement after EFL decision

Birmingham City have been reprimanded by the English Football League for breaching the conditions of a business plan imposed by the organisation - with the club now issuing the statement following today 's verdict .
`` Blues have been reprimanded by an independent league arbitration panel in relation to a misconduct charge , '' started the statement .
`` There is , however , no sanction of a points deduction or fine .
`` It means the matter is finally closed .
`` In March , a case against Blues for an alleged breach of elements of a business plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The EFL appealed the verdict and the appeal was heard yesterday .
`` The Arbitration panel found in the EFL 's favour .
`` The business plan was implemented last season after Blues admitted a breach of Profitability and Sustainability rules , for which we were docked nine points in March 2019 . ''
The statement is the latest chapter in a long-running saga between the organising body and Blues .
BBC WM revealed earlier that the league had successfully appealed the not guilty verdict determined in March , with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s claim that Blues had not stuck to a business plan .
The point made by the EFL was that the plan centred around the January 2019 transfer window , and their insistence that Blues needed to raise money within that timeframe .
That verdict was appealed by the EFL and that specific hearing has now taken place - with the EFL winning the decision .
Last season , the team were hit with a massive nine-point deduction for breaking a limit of allowed losses , but that will not be the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctioned though , and no points will be taken from Pep Clotet 's side .

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Birmingham City have been reprimanded by the English Football League for breaching the conditions of a business plan imposed by the organisation - with the club now issuing the statement following today's verdict.
"Blues have been reprimanded by an independent league arbitration panel in relation to a misconduct charge," started the statement.
"There is, however, no sanction of a points deduction or fine.
"It means the matter is finally closed.
"In March, a case against Blues for an alleged breach of elements of a business plan was dismissed by an independent Disciplinary Commission.
"The EFL appealed the verdict and the appeal was heard yesterday.
"The Arbitration panel found in the EFL's favour.
"The business plan was implemented last season after Blues admitted a breach of Profitability and Sustainability rules, for which we were docked nine points in March 2019."
The statement is the latest chapter in a long-running saga between the organising body and Blues.
BBC WM revealed earlier that the league had successfully appealed the not guilty verdict determined in March, with an independent commission throwing out the EFL’s claim that Blues had not stuck to a business plan.
The point made by the EFL was that the plan centred around the January 2019 transfer window, and their insistence that Blues needed to raise money within that timeframe.
That verdict was appealed by the EFL and that specific hearing has now taken place - with the EFL winning the decision.
Last season, the team were hit with a massive nine-point deduction for breaking a limit of allowed losses, but that will not be the case this season.
Blues will not be sanctioned though, and no points will be taken from Pep Clotet's side.


birminghammail--2020-06-11--"Regret" - Jason Roberts opens up on his time at West Brom

Regret .
That 's the overriding feeling for former striker Jason Roberts when he looks back on his West Bromwich Albion career .
Roberts , nephew to Albion legend Cyrille Regis , had his fair share of memorable moments in the famous blue and white stripes .
He scored 27 goals in 101 appearances over a three-and-a-half-year stint at The Hawthorns and was part of Albion 's first-ever Premier League side under Gary Megson before leaving the club following a bust-up with the then Albion boss .
But he 'll forever be remembered for that goal against Walsall in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club mourned the loss of the King , Jeff Astle .
Roberts joined fellow former Baggies Darren Moore , Dean Kiely and Steven Reid for an online chat in aid of The Jason Roberts Foundation , hosted by Albion fan Adrian Chiles on Wednesday night .
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Google Play Store and App Store When asked for his overriding memory of his West brom career , Roberts ' answer was somewhat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ ll always feel regret when I think about West Bromwich Albion , from my perspective , '' he said .
“ West Brom as a club means so much to me and I ’ ll reiterate , the way they handled my family after my uncle Cyrille ’ s passing was just first class .
“ It said everything about that football club and that ’ s why my kids are West Bromwich Albion fans .
“ So for that , that ’ s what I remember the most , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my community , the impact it ’ s had on my family and the way that they ’ ve operated with us which has been first class .
“ But from a personal standpoint , it will always be a feeling of regret .
`` Regret that we didn ’ t go up in the play-off season when we lost to Bolton , regret that I was injured during that fantastic run , that game against Crystal Palace when we got promoted .
`` Regret that I wasn ’ t able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was capable of when we were in the Premier League and regret that I left , because I don ’ t think West Brom saw me at my best .
`` I have a lot of love for West Brom but I wish it had been different for me . ''
Despite his Albion career ending much sooner than planned , Jason Roberts remains the protagonist in one of the most iconic moments in Albion 's modern era .
Jeff Astle , King of the Brummie Road , tragically passed away on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing the following day in a televised clash with Walsall , with their sights set on promotion .
This was long before Twitter .
The devastating news broke on Sunday morning , and many fans had turned up to The Hawthorns unaware that their hero had passed .
Dave Bowler , Albion 's publications editor , heard the news before leaving his home and instinctively grabbed a shirt emblazoned with a picture of Astle before deciding that Roberts should wear it under his Albion strip for the game .
In an emotional twist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal in that game , following a six-game goal drought , as Albion won 1-0 , their first-ever league win over Walsall - in Roberts ' own words , `` it was just meant to be . ''
`` In the build-up to the game you realised how emotional it was going to be , that game against Walsall after The King , Jeff Astle had passed , '' Roberts said .
“ It was a really sombre experience , everything about the game was sombre , there were people crying and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hard to really understand what a player means , we ’ d all read about him , we ’ d seen his goals , we ’ d heard about him but you didn ’ t really realise what he meant to the club until that day where you had this outpouring of grief , and again , the way West Brom handled it was fantastic .
“ I got on really well with Dave Bowler who took care of the programme , I still speak to him today .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he said to me ‘ you ’ re going to wear this shirt , you ’ re going to score and you ’ re going to show it to the crowd.
’ “ I thought ‘ wow , okay , no pressure ’ but actually as soon as he said that to me I thought to myself , ‘ I ’ m going to score a goal , that ’ s what ’ s going to happen'.
” “ The ball came into Danny Dichio , he flicked it onto me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the defender ’ s shirt , as soon as I got a hold of the defender I knew I was in control and I managed to manufacture some space and get a shot away .
“ It went in and the crowd went crazy , I took the shirt off and I had the King ’ s face there and it was just meant to be , the fact I was there , the fact my uncle had played for the club , what he meant to the club , the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Actually what ’ s been really incredible about that from my perspective is still speaking to the Astle family , we ’ re still in touch on social media , it was just a moment for me , a moment for the club .
“ Honestly I felt privileged , first of all Dave believed in me enough to give me the shirt , I ’ m not sure how well I was playing at the time but it just seemed right and it worked out that way .
”

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Regret. That's the overriding feeling for former striker Jason Roberts when he looks back on his West Bromwich Albion career.
Roberts, nephew to Albion legend Cyrille Regis, had his fair share of memorable moments in the famous blue and white stripes.
He scored 27 goals in 101 appearances over a three-and-a-half-year stint at The Hawthorns and was part of Albion's first-ever Premier League side under Gary Megson before leaving the club following a bust-up with the then Albion boss.
But he'll forever be remembered for that goal against Walsall in front of the Smethwick End on the day the club mourned the loss of the King, Jeff Astle.
Roberts joined fellow former Baggies Darren Moore, Dean Kiely and Steven Reid for an online chat in aid of The Jason Roberts Foundation, hosted by Albion fan Adrian Chiles on Wednesday night.
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 .
When asked for his overriding memory of his West brom career, Roberts' answer was somewhat unexpected.
“It’s strange, I’ll always feel regret when I think about West Bromwich Albion, from my perspective," he said.
“West Brom as a club means so much to me and I’ll reiterate, the way they handled my family after my uncle Cyrille’s passing was just first class.
“It said everything about that football club and that’s why my kids are West Bromwich Albion fans.
“So for that, that’s what I remember the most, the impact that the club has had on my community, the impact it’s had on my family and the way that they’ve operated with us which has been first class.
“But from a personal standpoint, it will always be a feeling of regret.
"Regret that we didn’t go up in the play-off season when we lost to Bolton, regret that I was injured during that fantastic run, that game against Crystal Palace when we got promoted.
"Regret that I wasn’t able to play at the level I knew I was capable of when we were in the Premier League and regret that I left, because I don’t think West Brom saw me at my best.
"I have a lot of love for West Brom but I wish it had been different for me."
Despite his Albion career ending much sooner than planned, Jason Roberts remains the protagonist in one of the most iconic moments in Albion's modern era.
Jeff Astle, King of the Brummie Road, tragically passed away on Saturday January 19, 2002 - Albion were playing the following day in a televised clash with Walsall, with their sights set on promotion.
This was long before Twitter. The devastating news broke on Sunday morning, and many fans had turned up to The Hawthorns unaware that their hero had passed.
Dave Bowler, Albion's publications editor, heard the news before leaving his home and instinctively grabbed a shirt emblazoned with a picture of Astle before deciding that Roberts should wear it under his Albion strip for the game.
In an emotional twist of fate, Roberts scored the only goal in that game, following a six-game goal drought, as Albion won 1-0, their first-ever league win over Walsall - in Roberts' own words, "it was just meant to be."
"In the build-up to the game you realised how emotional it was going to be, that game against Walsall after The King, Jeff Astle had passed," Roberts said.
“It was a really sombre experience, everything about the game was sombre, there were people crying and you realised in that moment.
“It’s hard to really understand what a player means, we’d all read about him, we’d seen his goals, we’d heard about him but you didn’t really realise what he meant to the club until that day where you had this outpouring of grief, and again, the way West Brom handled it was fantastic.
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“I got on really well with Dave Bowler who took care of the programme, I still speak to him today.
“He came up to me before the game and he said to me ‘you’re going to wear this shirt, you’re going to score and you’re going to show it to the crowd.’
“I thought ‘wow, okay, no pressure’ but actually as soon as he said that to me I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to score a goal, that’s what’s going to happen'.”
“The ball came into Danny Dichio, he flicked it onto me and I managed to get a hold of the defender’s shirt, as soon as I got a hold of the defender I knew I was in control and I managed to manufacture some space and get a shot away.
“It went in and the crowd went crazy, I took the shirt off and I had the King’s face there and it was just meant to be, the fact I was there, the fact my uncle had played for the club, what he meant to the club, the fact that the King meant so much.
“Actually what’s been really incredible about that from my perspective is still speaking to the Astle family, we’re still in touch on social media, it was just a moment for me, a moment for the club.
“Honestly I felt privileged, first of all Dave believed in me enough to give me the shirt, I’m not sure how well I was playing at the time but it just seemed right and it worked out that way.”


birminghammail--2020-06-11--Black Lives Matter protest to take place in Solihull this weekend

A Black Lives Matter protest is set to be held in Solihull this weekend .
The demonstration comes after thousands of protesters have increased the momentum of a global movement against racial inequality and police brutality .
Marches were sparked after the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after pleading for air as a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis , USA , for nearly nine minutes .
The protest in Solihull will take place this Saturday at the terrace in front of ASDA on Stratford Road , Shirley .
Protesters are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not known how many people are expected to attend .
Organisers are aiming to keep strict social distancing measures in order to protect the public throughout the day .
However there are no details of what is currently in place to keep people apart .
The Solihull march will be part of a series of ongoing protests that have taken place across Birmingham and the Black Country in recent weeks .
Crowds in support of Black Lives Matter gathered at Tamworth ’ s Castle Grounds last weekend .
Elsewhere parts of the M6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near Junction 3 .
Up to 100 people were seen in the middle of the southbound carriageway .
An anonymous eyewitness said : “ I was going 70mph then they just walked out into the road in front of me .
`` They put traffic cones down and then sat down . ''
A recent peaceful protest in Birmingham saw a massive rally of 4,000 people descend on the city centre .
Despite a late initial move away from Victoria Square to Centenary Square due to social distancing fears , much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those attending battled rain as well as fears of COVID-19 in masks and gloves .
Duaine Carma Roberts ,25 , from Newtown found the protest both `` peaceful and powerful . ''
`` The chants went from George Floyd to UK police and wanting our children to have better futures , '' he said .
Amber Sandhu 22 , from Wolverhampton ventured to the city despite her family 's fears of the risks of COVID-19 .
`` When I told mom I was attending she was worried about me bringing it back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ younger siblings under the age of 18 , '' she said .
`` I did feel somewhat guilty but also this wasn ’ t going to stop me .
`` I prayed before I left for not just me but for everyone .
`` I said to a friend I would do it again if I had to . ''

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A Black Lives Matter protest is set to be held in Solihull this weekend.
The demonstration comes after thousands of protesters have increased the momentum of a global movement against racial inequality and police brutality.
Marches were sparked after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after pleading for air as a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis, USA, for nearly nine minutes.
(Image: Birmingham Live)
The protest in Solihull will take place this Saturday at the terrace in front of ASDA on Stratford Road, Shirley.
Protesters are expected to arrive from 1pm.
It is not known how many people are expected to attend.
Organisers are aiming to keep strict social distancing measures in order to protect the public throughout the day.
However there are no details of what is currently in place to keep people apart.
The Solihull march will be part of a series of ongoing protests that have taken place across Birmingham and the Black Country in recent weeks.
Crowds in support of Black Lives Matter gathered at Tamworth ’s Castle Grounds last weekend.
Elsewhere parts of the M6 were closed as protesters blocked a carriageway near Junction 3.
Up to 100 people were seen in the middle of the southbound carriageway.
An anonymous eyewitness said: “I was going 70mph then they just walked out into the road in front of me.
"They put traffic cones down and then sat down."
A recent peaceful protest in Birmingham saw a massive rally of 4,000 people descend on the city centre.
Despite a late initial move away from Victoria Square to Centenary Square due to social distancing fears, much of the crowd took to Birmingham's streets.
Traffic was brought to a complete standstill.
Follow Community Reporter Rakeem Omar Hyatt on social media Follow Rakeem Omar Hyatt on twitter here You can read more of his stories here You can email him on rakeem.hyatt@reachplc.com You can also keep up with his stories by liking his facebook page here Like the Birmingham Live Facebook page and follow @birmingham_live on Twitter
Those attending battled rain as well as fears of COVID-19 in masks and gloves.
Duaine Carma Roberts ,25, from Newtown found the protest both "peaceful and powerful."
"The chants went from George Floyd to UK police and wanting our children to have better futures," he said.
(Image: Trevaughn Omari)
Amber Sandhu 22, from Wolverhampton ventured to the city despite her family's fears of the risks of COVID-19.
"When I told mom I was attending she was worried about me bringing it back to the house especially because I live with younger siblings under the age of 18," she said.
"I did feel somewhat guilty but also this wasn’t going to stop me.
"I prayed before I left for not just me but for everyone.
"I said to a friend I would do it again if I had to."


birminghammail--2020-06-11--Matt Hancock insists councils can deal with coronavirus outbreaks

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has insisted councils are ready to deal with local outbreaks of coronavirus - despite concerns raised by leaders here in the West Midlands .
He was responding to a question from Birmingham Live , after we were invited to take part in the daily Downing Street press conference .
The Government is easing the lockdown by gradually lifting restrictions nationally , while asking local councils to contain potential outbreaks in places such as workplaces , housing estates , care homes and schools .
But Ian Ward , leader of Birmingham City Council , said this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government to explain exactly what is expected of it .
With shops due to re-open on Monday , we put these concerns to Mr Hancock , and pointed out that councils had warned they did not have powers to impose local lockdowns .
He said : `` We do have powers to do things locally if we need to take local ation to control the outbreak .
Those powers reside with me as Secretary of State .
`` And we have a system in place so that local leaders , if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to raise concerns if they need more action than they have in their powers locally . ''
Baroness Dido Harding , who is head of the Government 's test and trace programme , also responded .
She said : `` Local authorities across the country and health protection teams are doing this now .
So there are a whole host of people working really hard on the ground to support businesses and other organisations that have got small oubreaks .
And they are successfully containing them . ''
On Wednesday , Birmingham council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of what 's come out of government over the past 10 weeks , it 's come out at the last minute and local authorities have had little time to put plans into place .
`` Although we are developing our outbreak control plan , we do need more information from government about how these things are exactly going to work .
`` And we need some reassurance from them that what we are being asked to do will be covered by the amount of money they are putting on the table .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not clear to me under what powers we are going to be able to impose lockdowns if there are future spikes of the virus locally . ''
`` As I understand it , the government 's plan is to carefully reduce the lockdown nationally and to ask local councils to contain outbreaks in areas where there is a spike in cases .
`` But councils I have spoken to say they are n't currently in a position to do this .
`` They were asked to produce an outbreak control plan by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready yet .
They do n't have the legal power to impose lockdowns locally .
It seems the ogvernment is still looking at whether they need extra powers .
`` So with shops opening Monday , it seems that you are easing the national lockdown before the ability to control local outbreaks is in place .
And I wondered if you could explain the thinking behind that . ''
`` That 's not quite the case Jon , because we do have powers to do things locally if we need to take local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers reside with me as Secretary of State .
`` And we have a system in place so that local leaders , if they have an outbreak locally , are able to raise concerns if they need more action than they have in their powers locally . ''
`` This link between the local and the national is absolutely critical to getting this right . ''

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock has insisted councils are ready to deal with local outbreaks of coronavirus - despite concerns raised by leaders here in the West Midlands.
He was responding to a question from Birmingham Live, after we were invited to take part in the daily Downing Street press conference.
The Government is easing the lockdown by gradually lifting restrictions nationally, while asking local councils to contain potential outbreaks in places such as workplaces, housing estates, care homes and schools.
But Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said this week that the authority was still waiting for the Government to explain exactly what is expected of it.
With shops due to re-open on Monday, we put these concerns to Mr Hancock, and pointed out that councils had warned they did not have powers to impose local lockdowns.
He said: "We do have powers to do things locally if we need to take local ation to control the outbreak. Those powers reside with me as Secretary of State.
"And we have a system in place so that local leaders, if they have an oubtreak locally, are able to raise concerns if they need more action than they have in their powers locally."
Baroness Dido Harding, who is head of the Government's test and trace programme, also responded. She said: "Local authorities across the country and health protection teams are doing this now. So there are a whole host of people working really hard on the ground to support businesses and other organisations that have got small oubreaks. And they are successfully containing them."
(Image: Screengrab)
On Wednesday, Birmingham council leader Ian Ward said: "Like much of what's come out of government over the past 10 weeks, it's come out at the last minute and local authorities have had little time to put plans into place.
"Although we are developing our outbreak control plan, we do need more information from government about how these things are exactly going to work.
"And we need some reassurance from them that what we are being asked to do will be covered by the amount of money they are putting on the table."
And he added: "It's not clear to me under what powers we are going to be able to impose lockdowns if there are future spikes of the virus locally."
What BIrmingham Live asked Health Secretary Matt Hancock:
"As I understand it, the government's plan is to carefully reduce the lockdown nationally and to ask local councils to contain outbreaks in areas where there is a spike in cases.
"But councils I have spoken to say they aren't currently in a position to do this.
"They were asked to produce an outbreak control plan by June 30, so those aren't ready yet. They don't have the legal power to impose lockdowns locally. It seems the ogvernment is still looking at whether they need extra powers.
"So with shops opening Monday, it seems that you are easing the national lockdown before the ability to control local outbreaks is in place. And I wondered if you could explain the thinking behind that."
What the Health Secretary replied:
"That's not quite the case Jon, because we do have powers to do things locally if we need to take local action to control the outbreak. Those powers reside with me as Secretary of State.
"And we have a system in place so that local leaders, if they have an outbreak locally, are able to raise concerns if they need more action than they have in their powers locally."
"This link between the local and the national is absolutely critical to getting this right."


birminghammail--2020-06-11--Boss discusses what future holds for Albion keeper Alex Palmer

Plymouth Argyle boss Ryan Lowe says he ’ d jump at the chance of re-signing goalkeeper Alex Palmer if an opportunity to do so presented itself .
The West Brom loanee was a roaring success in League Two this term , playing 41 times for the Pilgrims in all competitions and earning 16 clean sheets in that time , as the club returned to League One .
Palmer , who will be 24 in August , has had previous loan spells with Kidderminster Harriers , Oldham Athletic and Notts County , but it ’ s been at Home Park where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken off .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the West Bromwich Albion news with our daily newsletter .
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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 He has been an unused substitute nine times in the Albion first-team , usually acting as a back-up to Ben Foster or Boaz Myhill .
His contract is up this summer , however , and Albion have a decision to make - as they do with Jonathan Bond and Ali Al-Habsi .
Lowe , though , has showered Palmer in praise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player - be that at Albion or elsewhere next term .
“ I had a brief chat with Alex , ” Lowe told PlymouthLive .
“ He has been different class and probably the best goalkeeper in League Two .
`` If I ’ m West Brom , he ain ’ t coming back and we have got to be aware of that .
We have got to respect that .
“ Alex could find himself in West Brom ’ s first team squad next season , whether that ’ s second choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I think he ’ s back training with them .
`` If he goes out on loan again , would he bypass Plymouth Argyle ?
Probably , yeah .
Could he go to the Championship ?
Yeah , 100 per cent .
So we are cautious of that .
“ If the option arose , and he wanted to come back and we wanted him , then we would certainly look at it .
But I think we have got a new Alex Palmer waiting in the wings in Michael Cooper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the best he can be .
”

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Plymouth Argyle boss Ryan Lowe says he’d jump at the chance of re-signing goalkeeper Alex Palmer if an opportunity to do so presented itself.
The West Brom loanee was a roaring success in League Two this term, playing 41 times for the Pilgrims in all competitions and earning 16 clean sheets in that time, as the club returned to League One.
Palmer, who will be 24 in August, has had previous loan spells with Kidderminster Harriers, Oldham Athletic and Notts County, but it’s been at Home Park where his senior career appears to have really taken off.
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 .
He has been an unused substitute nine times in the Albion first-team, usually acting as a back-up to Ben Foster or Boaz Myhill.
His contract is up this summer, however, and Albion have a decision to make - as they do with Jonathan Bond and Ali Al-Habsi.
Lowe, though, has showered Palmer in praise and believes he is already a Championship player - be that at Albion or elsewhere next term.
“I had a brief chat with Alex,” Lowe told PlymouthLive. “He has been different class and probably the best goalkeeper in League Two.
"If I’m West Brom, he ain’t coming back and we have got to be aware of that. We have got to respect that.
“Alex could find himself in West Brom’s first team squad next season, whether that’s second choice, third choice, being around it. I think he’s back training with them.
"If he goes out on loan again, would he bypass Plymouth Argyle? Probably, yeah. Could he go to the Championship? Yeah, 100 per cent. So we are cautious of that.
“If the option arose, and he wanted to come back and we wanted him, then we would certainly look at it. But I think we have got a new Alex Palmer waiting in the wings in Michael Cooper, who will get the opportunity next season to be the best he can be.”


birminghammail--2020-06-11--Smoke pours from city tower block as 30 firefighters battle 9th floor blaze

This is the moment smoke poured from an Edgbaston tower block as dozens of firefighters battled to put out a ninth floor blaze .
The fire sparked a huge emergency services response when it tore through a flat high in Montreal House , at around 3pm on Thursday , June 11 .
At the height of the blaze , six fire engines with 30 firefighters were on scene .
Video taken by a nearby resident shows the scale of the response , with fire crews , paramedics and a police cordon restricting access to the flats .
Watch the footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be seen billowing from the side of the flats .
West Midlands Fire Service confirmed they had been on scene within four minutes of the fire being reported .
One patient - a woman - was assessed and discharged without needing hospital treatment .
West Midlands Fire Service tweeted : `` Thirty firefighters and six fire engines have responded to a flat fire on the 9th floor of Montreal House , Benmore Avenue , Edgbaston .
`` The fire crews were on scene in four minutes .
The fire is now out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been injured . ''
Photographs taken by BirminghamLive showed a small number of firefighters still on scene at 6pm .
The cordon has since been removed and residents have been allowed back in to the tower block .
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said : `` We were called at 3.15pm to reports of a flat fire on Benmore Avenue in Edgbaston .
`` We sent one ambulance , two paramedic officers and our Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene .
`` On arrival we discovered one patient , a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene . ''

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This is the moment smoke poured from an Edgbaston tower block as dozens of firefighters battled to put out a ninth floor blaze.
The fire sparked a huge emergency services response when it tore through a flat high in Montreal House, at around 3pm on Thursday, June 11.
At the height of the blaze, six fire engines with 30 firefighters were on scene.
Video taken by a nearby resident shows the scale of the response, with fire crews, paramedics and a police cordon restricting access to the flats. Watch the footage above.
In the clip, smoke can be seen billowing from the side of the flats.
West Midlands Fire Service confirmed they had been on scene within four minutes of the fire being reported.
One patient - a woman - was assessed and discharged without needing hospital treatment.
West Midlands Fire Service tweeted: "Thirty firefighters and six fire engines have responded to a flat fire on the 9th floor of Montreal House, Benmore Avenue, Edgbaston.
"The fire crews were on scene in four minutes. The fire is now out and no one is believed to have been injured."
Photographs taken by BirminghamLive showed a small number of firefighters still on scene at 6pm.
The cordon has since been removed and residents have been allowed back in to the tower block.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called at 3.15pm to reports of a flat fire on Benmore Avenue in Edgbaston.
"We sent one ambulance, two paramedic officers and our Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.
"On arrival we discovered one patient, a woman, who was assessed and discharged at the scene."


birminghammail--2020-06-11--McLeish had one regret following Blues' Carling Cup triumph

Alex McLeish admits that his sole regret during Birmingham City ’ s Carling Cup triumph was the players not being given a celebratory tour of the city via an open-top bus .
Blues were victorious , against all the odds , over Arsenal at Wembley in February 2011 thanks to goals from Nikola Zigic and Obafemi Martins - their first major trophy since 1963 , which was also League Cup glory .
McLeish , who had led the club to its highest Premier League finish the season before , reflects so fondly on that success , but he concedes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squad weren ’ t given a real opportunity to celebrate properly with supporters - something , he believes , that was down to safety concerns held by the council .
It ’ s fair to say there were a few doubters when Scott Hogan arrived at Birmingham City on the January transfer window .
If moving across the city wasn ’ t bad enough , the fact his career seemed to be in a tailspin certainly was .
Hogan was coming off an unsuccessful loan spell with Stoke City , which the Potters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , a goal on his debut gave him the confidence to go on and silence the sceptics forming an effective partnership with Lukas Jutkiewicz and once again establishing himself as one of the most clinical marksmen in the Championship .
Blues fans would love to see his loan become a permanent move in the close season .
“ It was amazing .
We prepared so well for it .
It was extra special , because we weren ’ t given a prayer - Arsenal were clear favourites , ” McLeish told BeIn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre , we thought we would be able to do a bus celebration , and the players were deprived of that .
I won trophies at Aberdeen , but it was a one club city - there were safety fears in Birmingham .
“ I think , though , that it enriches the players and enhances their mentality when they do that kind of thing.
” Relationships between McLeish and the fanbase soured following that cup victory .
The Scot couldn ’ t keep Blues in the top flight , and that summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace Gerard Houllier at fierce rivals Aston Villa .
To this day , McLeish admits that he underestimated the backlash that such a move would prompt , but he explained that things changed behind the scenes following relegation .
The Scot revealed that transfers were being planned that he , as the manager , wasn ’ t giving the green light to .
“ I was at a bit of a crossroads with Birmingham , ” he added .
“ The owners wanted to bring in players I didn ’ t approve of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t work under those circumstances - they were being forced upon me , and I didn ’ t feel I could work like that .
“ I had to leave .
I had a great period with Birmingham ; I loved the people , I loved the staff - Julia Shelton was the club secretary .
It wasn ’ t just the guys on the field - we had a fantastic administration team .
“ It was one happy family , unfortunately we never quite did what we were supposed to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to last in the Premier League for a number of years .
It came to a halt .
”

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Alex McLeish admits that his sole regret during Birmingham City’s Carling Cup triumph was the players not being given a celebratory tour of the city via an open-top bus.
Blues were victorious, against all the odds, over Arsenal at Wembley in February 2011 thanks to goals from Nikola Zigic and Obafemi Martins - their first major trophy since 1963, which was also League Cup glory.
McLeish, who had led the club to its highest Premier League finish the season before, reflects so fondly on that success, but he concedes that it was a shame that that Blues squad weren’t given a real opportunity to celebrate properly with supporters - something, he believes, that was down to safety concerns held by the council.
Scott Hogan transfer latest It’s fair to say there were a few doubters when Scott Hogan arrived at Birmingham City on the January transfer window. If moving across the city wasn’t bad enough, the fact his career seemed to be in a tailspin certainly was. Hogan was coming off an unsuccessful loan spell with Stoke City, which the Potters were all too happy to end. However, a goal on his debut gave him the confidence to go on and silence the sceptics forming an effective partnership with Lukas Jutkiewicz and once again establishing himself as one of the most clinical marksmen in the Championship. Blues fans would love to see his loan become a permanent move in the close season. Birmingham City handed big Scott Hogan boost - READ Scott Hogan reveals his transfer wish - READ
“It was amazing. We prepared so well for it. It was extra special, because we weren’t given a prayer - Arsenal were clear favourites,” McLeish told BeIn Sports.
“Even in Birmingham City centre, we thought we would be able to do a bus celebration, and the players were deprived of that. I won trophies at Aberdeen, but it was a one club city - there were safety fears in Birmingham.
“I think, though, that it enriches the players and enhances their mentality when they do that kind of thing.”
Relationships between McLeish and the fanbase soured following that cup victory.
The Scot couldn’t keep Blues in the top flight, and that summer he crossed the Second City divide to replace Gerard Houllier at fierce rivals Aston Villa.
To this day, McLeish admits that he underestimated the backlash that such a move would prompt, but he explained that things changed behind the scenes following relegation.
The Scot revealed that transfers were being planned that he, as the manager, wasn’t giving the green light to.
“I was at a bit of a crossroads with Birmingham,” he added. “The owners wanted to bring in players I didn’t approve of.
“I felt that I couldn’t work under those circumstances - they were being forced upon me, and I didn’t feel I could work like that.
“I had to leave. I had a great period with Birmingham; I loved the people, I loved the staff - Julia Shelton was the club secretary. It wasn’t just the guys on the field - we had a fantastic administration team.
“It was one happy family, unfortunately we never quite did what we were supposed to do - we spoke of spending more money, and to last in the Premier League for a number of years. It came to a halt.”


birminghammail--2020-06-11--Prisoner issued death threats to Boris Johnson and Jess Phillips from cell

A Birmingham prisoner sent a letter threatening to kill Boris Johnson and his girlfriend - just days after he had been charged for sending vile threats to former Prime Minister Theresa May and two female MPs .
Muslim convert Rakeem Malik threatened to car-bomb Labour MP Rosie Cooper and her party colleague Jess Phillips , Birmingham Crown Court was told .
Extracts from the letters revealed he threatened to eat Mrs May 's corpse , kill Mr Johnson `` by Christmas '' and bomb Ms Cooper on behalf of `` Jihadis of England . ''
The 52-year-old , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats over a 15 month period against a background of the murder of MP Joe Cox and terror attacks in London which the court was told were `` trigger events . ''
Malik , whose former name was Paul Harrison , had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment for attempting to strangle a cell mate to death .
He had been sent to a high security hospital , before being transferred to the Tamarind centre and then returned to prison .
He was held at a medium secure psychiatric facility in Birmingham between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phillips , labour MP for Yardley , opened one of the letters at her constituency office in on November 23 last year .
It read : `` You are going to die you bitch .
I am going to put a bomb in your car and blow you up .
Jihadi 's of England are going to do this . ''
The letter also made a threat to her family .
In a statement the MP said : `` It made me feel shocked and upset .
Although I did not believe it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a threat to kill myself and my family .
`` If I had been at home I would have called 999 . ''
Birmingham Crown Court was told that on December 6 two further letters addressed to the MP were intercepted in the post room of HMP Birmingham and included the threat `` I am going to rape you and stab you to death '' .
A further intercepted letter was addressed to Boris Johnson which said `` I am going to kill you and your girlfriend .
I am going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to do it by Christmas . ''
Simon Davies , prosecuting , said Malik had also sent letters to Theresa May and that the trigger event for that had been a terrorist attack in London on September 14 2018 which was widely reported in the national media .
One of them was received at the cabinet office in London .
In one he said : `` I am going to murder you and use a RPG to kill you .
Jihadis of Britain have told me to do this . ''
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister , he said : `` I wish she was dead .
If she came through that door I would be on an attempted murder charge . ''
He said he had intended to scare her so that she feared for her life but denied being political himself .
Mr Davies said that Jack Renshaw had been sentenced to life imprisonment on May 17 2019 for a plot to kill Rosie Cooper , Labour MP for West Lancashire , and that three days later a letter sent by Malik was received at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar terms to letters sent to others with the defendant writing : `` I am going to kill you .
Jihadis of England are going to do this . ''
Another letter was sent five days later .
Miss Cooper had attended the court hearing on a Skype link .
In her victim impact statement she said she had been `` angered and disconcerted '' .
She continued : `` The threat to bomb my car made me feel extremely scared .
It made me believe the person responsible for writing the letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets .
So it 's important to know what 's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system .
Large , highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings .
You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fill in the box at the top of the article , which looks like this : It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts .
We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play Store and App Store When quizzed about those threats , Malik said he had also intended that she feared for her life and that he believed that women should not be in a position of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had previously admitted four charges of making a threat to kill and four of making a malicious communication .
Andrew Jackson , defending , said that the defendant was a `` physical wreck '' suffering from chronic , obstructive pulmonary disease and having had a bilateral leg amputation .
He said : `` As unpleasant and as terrifying as his activities have been he is incapable of delivering any actual violence . ''

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A Birmingham prisoner sent a letter threatening to kill Boris Johnson and his girlfriend - just days after he had been charged for sending vile threats to former Prime Minister Theresa May and two female MPs.
Muslim convert Rakeem Malik threatened to car-bomb Labour MP Rosie Cooper and her party colleague Jess Phillips, Birmingham Crown Court was told.
Extracts from the letters revealed he threatened to eat Mrs May's corpse, kill Mr Johnson "by Christmas" and bomb Ms Cooper on behalf of "Jihadis of England."
The 52-year-old, who is currently at HMP Birmingham, sent the threats over a 15 month period against a background of the murder of MP Joe Cox and terror attacks in London which the court was told were "trigger events."
Malik, whose former name was Paul Harrison, had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment for attempting to strangle a cell mate to death.
(Image: PA)
He had been sent to a high security hospital, before being transferred to the Tamarind centre and then returned to prison.
He was held at a medium secure psychiatric facility in Birmingham between July 2017 and October 2019.
Miss Phillips, labour MP for Yardley, opened one of the letters at her constituency office in on November 23 last year.
It read: "You are going to die you bitch. I am going to put a bomb in your car and blow you up. Jihadi's of England are going to do this."
The letter also made a threat to her family.
In a statement the MP said: "It made me feel shocked and upset. Although I did not believe it was an imminent threat I believed it was a threat to kill myself and my family.
"If I had been at home I would have called 999."
Birmingham Crown Court was told that on December 6 two further letters addressed to the MP were intercepted in the post room of HMP Birmingham and included the threat "I am going to rape you and stab you to death".
A further intercepted letter was addressed to Boris Johnson which said "I am going to kill you and your girlfriend. I am going to blow you both up. I am going to do it by Christmas."
(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Simon Davies, prosecuting, said Malik had also sent letters to Theresa May and that the trigger event for that had been a terrorist attack in London on September 14 2018 which was widely reported in the national media.
One of them was received at the cabinet office in London.
In one he said: "I am going to murder you and use a RPG to kill you. Jihadis of Britain have told me to do this."
When interviewed about the threats to the former Prime Minister, he said: "I wish she was dead. If she came through that door I would be on an attempted murder charge."
(Image: PA)
He said he had intended to scare her so that she feared for her life but denied being political himself.
Mr Davies said that Jack Renshaw had been sentenced to life imprisonment on May 17 2019 for a plot to kill Rosie Cooper, Labour MP for West Lancashire, and that three days later a letter sent by Malik was received at her constituency office.
It was in similar terms to letters sent to others with the defendant writing: "I am going to kill you. Jihadis of England are going to do this."
Another letter was sent five days later.
Miss Cooper had attended the court hearing on a Skype link.
In her victim impact statement she said she had been "angered and disconcerted".
She continued: "The threat to bomb my car made me feel extremely scared. It made me believe the person responsible for writing the letter would carry out this threat."
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When quizzed about those threats, Malik said he had also intended that she feared for her life and that he believed that women should not be in a position of power in England.
Malik, 53, had previously admitted four charges of making a threat to kill and four of making a malicious communication.
Andrew Jackson, defending, said that the defendant was a "physical wreck" suffering from chronic, obstructive pulmonary disease and having had a bilateral leg amputation.
He said: "As unpleasant and as terrifying as his activities have been he is incapable of delivering any actual violence."
Judge Samantha Crabb adjourned sentencing until June 18.


birminghammail--2020-06-11--Schools face deadline for sending GCSE and A Level grades to exam boards

Students this year faced the unprecedented situation that A Level , AS level and GCSE had been cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic .
An announcement had been made as the first coronavirus restrictions were outlined by the Government in mid-March .
The Government said : `` From Friday 20 March , all educational settings were closed to everyone except the children of critical workers and vulnerable children .
`` The coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) outbreak is expected to continue having a significant impact on the education system , and the country , for months to come .
`` Therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give pupils , parents , and teachers certainty , and enable schools and colleges to focus on supporting vulnerable children and the children of critical workers . ''
Exams would normally take place in May and June .
Here 's what 's happening instead and how it works .
What is happening instead ?
Exam boards will not be issuing papers for this summer 's GCSE , AS and A Levels so there will not be the opportunity to sit them at any centre .
Teacher assessments will instead be put forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grades this year .
Mock exams will also be taken into acount .
It will be reassuring for anxious students to know research suggests that teacher assessments are deemed to be as reliable as test scores .
The Government said : `` Students who were due to sit A Level , AS level or GCSE exams this summer will receive a calculated grade .
`` The calculated grade process will take into account a range of evidence including , for example , non-exam assessment and mock results .
`` To make sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , exam boards will put all centre assessment grades through a process of standardisation using a model developed with Ofqual , the independent qualifications regulator .
`` Ofqual is developing a fair and robust process that takes into account a broad range of evidence , including assessments by schools and colleges of the grades that students would have been likely to obtain if exams went ahead and their prior attainment .
`` Ofqual ’ s overriding aim is to make sure arrangements this summer are as fair as possible for all students .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished when we had to close ?
Schools and colleges do n't need to set additional mock exams or homework tasks for the purposes of determining a centre assessment grade .
And no student should be disadvantaged if they are unable to complete any work set after schools and colleges were closed .
It means they do n't have to worry about any unfinished non-exam assessment work for the purposes of grading .
Where additional work has been completed after schools and colleges were closed on March 20 , Ofqual is advising head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that evidence suggests a change in performance .
It says : `` In many cases this is likely to reflect the circumstances and context in which the work is done . ''
What about my university offer ?
All the calculated grades awarded this summer will be formal grades , with the same status as those given in any other year .
They will be accepted by all institutions for further and higher education .
University representatives have already confirmed that they will do all they can to support students and ensure they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anyone with an unconditional offer does n't have to worry at all as they have been accepted to university with no condition on what grades they need .
When do these centre assessment grades need to be sent in ?
Exam board AQA says schools and colleges will need to provide the following information to their exam board : • A rank order of students within each grade AQA says the centre assessment grade is `` the teacher 's professional judgment of the most likely grade a student would have achieved if exams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be based on a range of evidence including mock exams , non-exam assessment , homework assignments and any other record of student performance over the course of study .
For tiered subjects , the centre assessment grade should reflect each student ’ s tier of entry .
For example : 9 to 3 for higher tier and 5 to 1 , or U , for foundation tier .
AQA says schools also have to then create a rank order of all students within each grade , for every subject - for instance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GCSE Maths or at Grade B in A Level Biology .
Subject teachers and heads have to sign off the centre assessment grades and rank order before they are sent off to the exam board .
AQA states : `` The window for submitting grades and rank orders is Monday 1 June to Friday 12 June . ''
How are the results standardised ?
AQA explained that to make the process fair , exam board officials will standardise the centre assessment grades across all schools and colleges .
By using things such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and national level grade distributions , it will make sure final grades are aligned across all centres , and of equal value to previous years .
The aim is to make sure students are n't disadvantaged if some schools are more generous than others when sending in assessments .
It adds : `` Based on this , individual grades may be adjusted upwards or downwards .
This means that the final grade awarded to a student could be different from the one their school or college sends to us . ''
What if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Ofqual carried out a consultation with representatives of schools , colleges , students and teachers before deciding the final details of the system it would use .
It published its decisions towards the end of May .
But it 's worth noting that any predicted grades put on university applications are not being used in the process .
The Government has advised students that their final standardised result given by exam boards for any subject in 2020 may be different from the predicted grade used for university applications and from the 'centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boards by schools and colleges .
But there are things you can do if you 're not happy with the grade you 're given .
The Government states : `` If an A level , AS level or GCSE student does not believe the correct process has been followed in their case , they will have access to a right of appeal on that basis .
`` In addition , if a student does not feel their grade reflects their performance , they will have the opportunity to take an exam in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the option to take their exams in summer 2021 , in line with usual practice . ''
Any student intending to go to higher education but deciding to take autumn exams in an attempt to improve their results should speak to their university after getting their calculated grade .
Will everyone get a grade - what about external students ?
External students are those who have not been taught at a school or college but have instead been home educated , following distance-learning programmes or studying independently .
Usually , they would still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting at a local school or college .
But with exam boards this year relying on assessments by schools and colleges , it will be different this year for those who have n't attended .
The Government says not all external candidates will get a calculated grade this summer .
This is because some wo n't be able to provide all the evidence for their exam centre to include them in centre assessment grades and rankings .
Students in this position will need to sit exams to get their grades , either in @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Students this year faced the unprecedented situation that A Level, AS level and GCSE had been cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
An announcement had been made as the first coronavirus restrictions were outlined by the Government in mid-March.
The Government said: "From Friday 20 March, all educational settings were closed to everyone except the children of critical workers and vulnerable children.
"The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is expected to continue having a significant impact on the education system, and the country, for months to come.
"Therefore, exams and assessments have been cancelled to give pupils, parents, and teachers certainty, and enable schools and colleges to focus on supporting vulnerable children and the children of critical workers."
Exams would normally take place in May and June.
Here's what's happening instead and how it works.
What is happening instead?
Exam boards will not be issuing papers for this summer's GCSE, AS and A Levels so there will not be the opportunity to sit them at any centre.
Teacher assessments will instead be put forward to exam boards so they can calculate grades this year. Mock exams will also be taken into acount.
It will be reassuring for anxious students to know research suggests that teacher assessments are deemed to be as reliable as test scores.
The Government said: "Students who were due to sit A Level, AS level or GCSE exams this summer will receive a calculated grade.
"The calculated grade process will take into account a range of evidence including, for example, non-exam assessment and mock results.
"To make sure that grades are fair between schools and colleges, exam boards will put all centre assessment grades through a process of standardisation using a model developed with Ofqual, the independent qualifications regulator.
"Ofqual is developing a fair and robust process that takes into account a broad range of evidence, including assessments by schools and colleges of the grades that students would have been likely to obtain if exams went ahead and their prior attainment.
"Ofqual’s overriding aim is to make sure arrangements this summer are as fair as possible for all students."
What if my coursework wasn't finished when we had to close?
Schools and colleges don't need to set additional mock exams or homework tasks for the purposes of determining a centre assessment grade.
And no student should be disadvantaged if they are unable to complete any work set after schools and colleges were closed.
It means they don't have to worry about any unfinished non-exam assessment work for the purposes of grading.
Where additional work has been completed after schools and colleges were closed on March 20, Ofqual is advising head teachers and principals to be cautious if that evidence suggests a change in performance. It says: "In many cases this is likely to reflect the circumstances and context in which the work is done."
What about my university offer?
All the calculated grades awarded this summer will be formal grades, with the same status as those given in any other year.
They will be accepted by all institutions for further and higher education.
University representatives have already confirmed that they will do all they can to support students and ensure they can go on to higher education.
Anyone with an unconditional offer doesn't have to worry at all as they have been accepted to university with no condition on what grades they need.
When do these centre assessment grades need to be sent in?
Exam board AQA says schools and colleges will need to provide the following information to their exam board:
A 'centre assessment grade' for each student
A rank order of students within each grade
AQA says the centre assessment grade is "the teacher's professional judgment of the most likely grade a student would have achieved if exams had gone ahead."
It will be based on a range of evidence including mock exams, non-exam assessment, homework assignments and any other record of student performance over the course of study.
For tiered subjects, the centre assessment grade should reflect each student’s tier of entry. For example: 9 to 3 for higher tier and 5 to 1, or U, for foundation tier.
AQA says schools also have to then create a rank order of all students within each grade, for every subject - for instance, for all students at Grade 5 in GCSE Maths or at Grade B in A Level Biology.
Subject teachers and heads have to sign off the centre assessment grades and rank order before they are sent off to the exam board.
AQA states: "The window for submitting grades and rank orders is Monday 1 June to Friday 12 June."
How are the results standardised?
AQA explained that to make the process fair, exam board officials will standardise the centre assessment grades across all schools and colleges.
By using things such as previous performance at the school or college and national level grade distributions, it will make sure final grades are aligned across all centres, and of equal value to previous years.
The aim is to make sure students aren't disadvantaged if some schools are more generous than others when sending in assessments.
It adds: "Based on this, individual grades may be adjusted upwards or downwards. This means that the final grade awarded to a student could be different from the one their school or college sends to us."
What if I don't agree with my grade?
Ofqual carried out a consultation with representatives of schools, colleges, students and teachers before deciding the final details of the system it would use. It published its decisions towards the end of May.
But it's worth noting that any predicted grades put on university applications are not being used in the process.
The Government has advised students that their final standardised result given by exam boards for any subject in 2020 may be different from the predicted grade used for university applications and from the 'centre assessment grade' put forward to the boards by schools and colleges.
But there are things you can do if you're not happy with the grade you're given.
The Government states: "If an A level, AS level or GCSE student does not believe the correct process has been followed in their case, they will have access to a right of appeal on that basis.
"In addition, if a student does not feel their grade reflects their performance, they will have the opportunity to take an exam in the autumn.
"Students will also have the option to take their exams in summer 2021, in line with usual practice."
Any student intending to go to higher education but deciding to take autumn exams in an attempt to improve their results should speak to their university after getting their calculated grade.
Will everyone get a grade - what about external students?
External students are those who have not been taught at a school or college but have instead been home educated, following distance-learning programmes or studying independently.
Usually, they would still arrange to go along to an examination sitting at a local school or college.
But with exam boards this year relying on assessments by schools and colleges, it will be different this year for those who haven't attended.
The Government says not all external candidates will get a calculated grade this summer.
This is because some won't be able to provide all the evidence for their exam centre to include them in centre assessment grades and rankings.
Students in this position will need to sit exams to get their grades, either in the autumn or in summer 2021.


birminghammail--2020-06-11--Wolves table transfer bid to defy Arsenal in Axel Disasi hunt - report

According to reports , Wolves have made the first move to tempt a highly-rated defender to the Premier League .
Arsenal target Axel Disasi - a defender for Reims in Ligue 1 - is the subject of a €15m bid according to French outlet L'Equipe ( via Inside Futbol ) .
The Gunners ' interest in the player is known - with David Ornstein of the Athletic confirming Mikel Arteta 's desire to bring the defender to the Emirates Stadium .
`` We know central defence is an area that they ’ re looking to strengthen , '' Ornstein said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 '' In recent days , they ’ ve been linked with Axel Disasi at Reims .
The young French defender who ’ s only got a year left on his contract .
`` It is true that Arsenal have been tracking him over the last year or so – as have many other clubs . ''
However , Wolves ' interest is tangible - with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only current offer for the centre-back , who has started regularly .
Disasi has played in 96 % of Reims ' Ligue 1 minutes this season .
The impressive defender could attract a higher fee , but Wolves seem keen to start the moving the chains of negotiation to move ahead of Arsenal - a bold and positive move for the Molineux side who seem to be keen on sorting out transfer business sooner , rather than later .

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According to reports, Wolves have made the first move to tempt a highly-rated defender to the Premier League.
Arsenal target Axel Disasi - a defender for Reims in Ligue 1 - is the subject of a €15m bid according to French outlet L'Equipe ( via Inside Futbol).
The Gunners' interest in the player is known - with David Ornstein of the Athletic confirming Mikel Arteta's desire to bring the defender to the Emirates Stadium.
"We know central defence is an area that they’re looking to strengthen," Ornstein said on the Ornstein & Chapman podcast earlier this year.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on 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
"In recent days, they’ve been linked with Axel Disasi at Reims. The young French defender who’s only got a year left on his contract.
"It is true that Arsenal have been tracking him over the last year or so – as have many other clubs."
However, Wolves' interest is tangible - with reports stating that their bid is the only current offer for the centre-back, who has started regularly. Disasi has played in 96% of Reims' Ligue 1 minutes this season.
The impressive defender could attract a higher fee, but Wolves seem keen to start the moving the chains of negotiation to move ahead of Arsenal - a bold and positive move for the Molineux side who seem to be keen on sorting out transfer business sooner, rather than later.


birminghammail--2020-06-11--West Ham confirm Diangana is Albion's for remainder of season

West Ham United have confirmed that Grady Diangana is remaining with West Brom for the remaining games of the Championship season .
Winger Diangana is back in training with the first-team after suffering an injury set-back all the way back in January , against Stoke City .
Having edged ever closer to a return prior to the suspension of the campaign , the 22-year-old is back in contention ahead of the final games during which time the Baggies hope to name themselves among the Premier League elite once more .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Diangana , who has scored five goals and created six more , was a real fan favourite in the first half of the campaign , and boss Slaven Bilic is excited at the prospect of having him at his disposal once more .
The Hammers , in the meantime , have rubberstamped the agreement by publicly stating so , and have confirmed that he follows Jordan Hugill ( QPR ) and Josh Cullen ( Charlton ) in returning to his Championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently indicated that the arrangement was already in place ; speaking recently , he enthused about the reaction he received from Diangana and the other Albion loanees , who were all committed to the cause .
“ All the clubs we ’ ve spoken to have cleared them to play but of course you can ’ t do that without establishing whether the lads themselves are happy to stay on , ” Dowling explained .
“ They have got their careers to think about , don ’ t forget .
What was brilliant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke to them about it .
I was asking them if they were happy to stay and they looked at me completely ‘ gone out ’ – as if I was mad !
“ To a man they responded : “ Are you crazy ?
Of course we want to stay .
“ I ’ ve got to say that all the loan players have really brought into the club this season and been an absolute delight to have in the club .
“ They all love it here which is great for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it through , and if there is one ‘ upside ’ to this halt to the season it is that we have now got Grady back and available again which wasn ’ t the case before the stop .
”

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West Ham United have confirmed that Grady Diangana is remaining with West Brom for the remaining games of the Championship season.
Winger Diangana is back in training with the first-team after suffering an injury set-back all the way back in January, against Stoke City.
Having edged ever closer to a return prior to the suspension of the campaign, the 22-year-old is back in contention ahead of the final games during which time the Baggies hope to name themselves among the Premier League elite once more.
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 .
Diangana, who has scored five goals and created six more, was a real fan favourite in the first half of the campaign, and boss Slaven Bilic is excited at the prospect of having him at his disposal once more.
The Hammers, in the meantime, have rubberstamped the agreement by publicly stating so, and have confirmed that he follows Jordan Hugill (QPR) and Josh Cullen (Charlton) in returning to his Championship loan club.
Sporting and technical director recently indicated that the arrangement was already in place; speaking recently, he enthused about the reaction he received from Diangana and the other Albion loanees, who were all committed to the cause.
“All the clubs we’ve spoken to have cleared them to play but of course you can’t do that without establishing whether the lads themselves are happy to stay on,” Dowling explained.
“They have got their careers to think about, don’t forget. What was brilliant was the reaction I got when I spoke to them about it. I was asking them if they were happy to stay and they looked at me completely ‘gone out’ – as if I was mad!
“To a man they responded: “Are you crazy? Of course we want to stay.
“I’ve got to say that all the loan players have really brought into the club this season and been an absolute delight to have in the club.
“They all love it here which is great for us.
“They want to see it through, and if there is one ‘upside’ to this halt to the season it is that we have now got Grady back and available again which wasn’t the case before the stop.”