birminghammail--2020-03-04--Police ticketing blitz as parents abandon cars in middle of road during Bordesley Green school run

School-run parents were publicly shamed by police after cars were left abandoned in the middle of the road outside a city primary .
Around ten cars were left unattended in the road outside Bordesley Green Primary School on Tuesday ( March 3 ) - sparking fury from officers .
Pictures tweeted by Bordesley Green Police , who had been patrolling the area , showed a number of cars double parked forcing other drivers to manoeuvre around them .
Cops said the cars had been dumped on Drummond Road at school pick up time .
They added the situation was 'unacceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving a fine and points for their 'inconsiderate parking ' .
The tweet by Bordesley Green Police read : `` Shocked is an understatement for the way we felt when we saw a line of about ten cars left unattended in the middle of the road at school pick up time , on Drummond Road yesterday .
Unacceptable behaviour !
They 'll be receiving a fine and points for this level of inconsiderate parking . ''
It is not the first time police have slammed drivers parking inconsiderately outside Birmingham schools .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a clear 'no stopping zone ' to drop their kids at school was photographed and shamed by police .
The VW Touran was pictured directly outside Summerfield Primary School in Winson Green - where it appeared the motorist had opted for minimal walking by stationing the vehicle in front of the school gates .
And in October , a Mercedes A class driver was one of 14 motorists slapped with a ticket - carrying three points and a hefty fine - after parking in a keep-clear zone outside Heathlands Primary Academy , @ @ @

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School-run parents were publicly shamed by police after cars were left abandoned in the middle of the road outside a city primary.
Around ten cars were left unattended in the road outside Bordesley Green Primary School on Tuesday (March 3) - sparking fury from officers.
Pictures tweeted by Bordesley Green Police , who had been patrolling the area, showed a number of cars double parked forcing other drivers to manoeuvre around them.
Cops said the cars had been dumped on Drummond Road at school pick up time. They added the situation was 'unacceptable' and the offending drivers would be receiving a fine and points for their 'inconsiderate parking'.
The tweet by Bordesley Green Police read: "Shocked is an understatement for the way we felt when we saw a line of about ten cars left unattended in the middle of the road at school pick up time, on Drummond Road yesterday. Unacceptable behaviour! They'll be receiving a fine and points for this level of inconsiderate parking."
It is not the first time police have slammed drivers parking inconsiderately outside Birmingham schools.
In November, a parent who parked up in a clear 'no stopping zone' to drop their kids at school was photographed and shamed by police.
The VW Touran was pictured directly outside Summerfield Primary School in Winson Green - where it appeared the motorist had opted for minimal walking by stationing the vehicle in front of the school gates.
And in October, a Mercedes A class driver was one of 14 motorists slapped with a ticket - carrying three points and a hefty fine - after parking in a keep-clear zone outside Heathlands Primary Academy, Castle Bromwich.


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Teen charged after Dudley Port stabbing left man seriously injured

A man has been charged after a 25-year-old was seriously wounded in a knife attack in Tipton .
Tahmid Naqib , 19 , is due to appear in court today ( March 4 ) after being charged with wounding and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place .
A man was rushed to hospital in a serious condition after he was found collapsed on the street outside a block of flats in Dudley Port .
He had suffered serious injuries after he was stabbed in the stomach just before 5pm on Sunday March 1 .
Forensic teams sealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown for a number of hours , shortly after the attack .
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community , join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group .
West Midlands Police has confirmed the victim remains in a stable condition .
A spokesman for the force said : `` Unemployed Tahmid Naqib , aged 19 of Park Lane West , Tipton , was arrested yesterday and charged with wounding and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and remanded to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court today ( March 4 @ @ @

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A man has been charged after a 25-year-old was seriously wounded in a knife attack in Tipton.
Tahmid Naqib, 19, is due to appear in court today (March 4) after being charged with wounding and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
A man was rushed to hospital in a serious condition after he was found collapsed on the street outside a block of flats in Dudley Port .
He had suffered serious injuries after he was stabbed in the stomach just before 5pm on Sunday March 1.
Forensic teams sealed off the street, which remained on lockdown for a number of hours, shortly after the attack.
To keep up-to-date with crime in your community, join the Black Country Crime Watch Facebook group.
West Midlands Police has confirmed the victim remains in a stable condition.
A spokesman for the force said: "Unemployed Tahmid Naqib, aged 19 of Park Lane West, Tipton, was arrested yesterday and charged with wounding and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and remanded to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court today (March 4)."


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Boots suspends Advantage Card payments after cyber attack on 150,000 customers

Boots has suspended payments using loyalty points after a cyber attack on almost 150,000 customers ' accounts .
The suspension comes after the company 's IT security team spotted `` unusual '' activity on a number of Boots Advantage Card accounts with the aim of accessing and spending the points .
The chain told the PA news agency the issue affected less than 1 % of the company 's 14.4 million active Advantage Card users - around 150,000 people .
But Boots insisted no credit card information had been accessed .
In a statement , Boots said : `` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very important to us .
`` We can confirm we are writing to a small number of our customers to tell them that we have seen fraudulent attempts to access boots.com accounts .
`` These attempts can be successful if people use the same email and password details on multiple accounts .
`` We would like to reassure our customers that these details were not obtained from Boots .
We are aware that other organisations may be impacted too . ''
The statement added : `` As an extra precaution we have temporarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on boots.com or in store .
`` This removes the ability for people to attempt to access any Boots accounts , but means that customers will not be able to use Boots Advantage Card points to pay for products in store and online for a short period of time .
`` We are writing to customers if we believe that their account has been affected , and if their Boots Advantage Card points have been used fraudulently we will , of course , replace them .
`` We currently believe that this will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we would like to reassure customers that credit card information can not be accessed .
To help protect online accounts we strongly recommend using different passwords for each site used . ''
The news comes after Tesco reported itself to the Information Commissioner 's Office after scammers targeted its online shoppers .
The retail giant believed fraudsters accessed the accounts of users using lists of stolen username and password combinations from other sites and tried to redeem vouchers amassed by shoppers .

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Boots has suspended payments using loyalty points after a cyber attack on almost 150,000 customers' accounts.
The suspension comes after the company's IT security team spotted "unusual" activity on a number of Boots Advantage Card accounts with the aim of accessing and spending the points.
The chain told the PA news agency the issue affected less than 1% of the company's 14.4 million active Advantage Card users - around 150,000 people.
But Boots insisted no credit card information had been accessed.
In a statement, Boots said: "Our customers' safety and security online is very important to us.
"We can confirm we are writing to a small number of our customers to tell them that we have seen fraudulent attempts to access boots.com accounts.
(Image: Getty Images)
"These attempts can be successful if people use the same email and password details on multiple accounts.
"We would like to reassure our customers that these details were not obtained from Boots. We are aware that other organisations may be impacted too."
The statement added: "As an extra precaution we have temporarily stopped payment by Boots Advantage Card points on boots.com or in store.
"This removes the ability for people to attempt to access any Boots accounts, but means that customers will not be able to use Boots Advantage Card points to pay for products in store and online for a short period of time.
"We are writing to customers if we believe that their account has been affected, and if their Boots Advantage Card points have been used fraudulently we will, of course, replace them.
"We currently believe that this will only affect a tiny percentage of cardholders and we would like to reassure customers that credit card information cannot be accessed. To help protect online accounts we strongly recommend using different passwords for each site used."
The news comes after Tesco reported itself to the Information Commissioner's Office after scammers targeted its online shoppers.
The retail giant believed fraudsters accessed the accounts of users using lists of stolen username and password combinations from other sites and tried to redeem vouchers amassed by shoppers.


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Flybe set to collapse - passengers' rights and what customers need to know

Fears are growing about the future of airline Flybe .
But what will it mean for travellers if the firm collapses ?
Flybe is facing fresh doubts over its future after failing to secure a £100 million loan .
The struggling airline was saved from collapse earlier this year but has been unable to obtain the finance from the Government .
- How many people would be affected if it collapses ?
Flybe carries about eight million passengers a year between 71 airports across the UK and Europe .
If it collapsed , it could potentially leave thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company also has around 2,000 staff who would lose their jobs .
- What would happen to customers already on holiday ?
When previous airlines such as Monarch Airlines and Thomas Cook collapsed , the Civil Aviation Authority was ordered by the Department for Transport to launch a major repatriation operation to fly them home .
It is not yet clear whether the Government would order a widespread repatriation of stranded passengers .
- Who would pay for this ?
When Monarch Airlines went bust in October 2017 , the Government spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home while bringing back Thomas Cook passengers has been estimated to have cost even more .
Some travel insurance companies will cover cancelled flights if they are the result of an airline collapse , but not all policies provide this coverage .
Holidaymakers can apply to their credit or debit card provider to be reimbursed .
Flights bought directly from airlines such as Flybe are not generally Atol protected but those bought through a separate travel company may be covered .
- What is the Atol scheme ?
Atol provides protection to holidaymakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of bookings are protected ?
The scheme protects most trips booked as a package , such as flights and accommodation , or flights and car hire .
It also applies to some flight-only bookings , particularly when the tickets are not received immediately .
- What protection does it offer ?
If a business collapses while you are on holiday , the scheme will make sure you can finish your holiday and return home .
Customers who have not yet left home will be given a refund or replacement holiday .

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Fears are growing about the future of airline Flybe.
But what will it mean for travellers if the firm collapses?
Flybe is facing fresh doubts over its future after failing to secure a £100 million loan.
The struggling airline was saved from collapse earlier this year but has been unable to obtain the finance from the Government.
- How many people would be affected if it collapses?
Flybe carries about eight million passengers a year between 71 airports across the UK and Europe.
If it collapsed, it could potentially leave thousands of people stranded across the UK and Europe.
The company also has around 2,000 staff who would lose their jobs.
- What would happen to customers already on holiday?
When previous airlines such as Monarch Airlines and Thomas Cook collapsed, the Civil Aviation Authority was ordered by the Department for Transport to launch a major repatriation operation to fly them home.
It is not yet clear whether the Government would order a widespread repatriation of stranded passengers.
- Who would pay for this?
When Monarch Airlines went bust in October 2017, the Government spent £60 million hiring planes to get passengers home while bringing back Thomas Cook passengers has been estimated to have cost even more.
- Will travellers get a refund?
Some travel insurance companies will cover cancelled flights if they are the result of an airline collapse, but not all policies provide this coverage.
Holidaymakers can apply to their credit or debit card provider to be reimbursed.
Flights bought directly from airlines such as Flybe are not generally Atol protected but those bought through a separate travel company may be covered.
- What is the Atol scheme?
Atol provides protection to holidaymakers when travel firms collapse.
- What type of bookings are protected?
The scheme protects most trips booked as a package, such as flights and accommodation, or flights and car hire. It also applies to some flight-only bookings, particularly when the tickets are not received immediately.
- What protection does it offer?
If a business collapses while you are on holiday, the scheme will make sure you can finish your holiday and return home.
Customers who have not yet left home will be given a refund or replacement holiday.


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Lotto results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Wednesday March 4

Tonight 's winning National Lottery numbers have been revealed - and the draw means you could be winning BIG .
Camelot , the operator of the National Lottery , conducted the Lotto and Thunderball draws this evening .
Birmingham residents looking for a life-changing sum of money can also play the EuroMillions , with draws twice a week taking place on Tuesday evenings and Friday nights .
The main UK Lotto draw will take place at 8pm .
There will also be the Thunderball draw at 8.15pm where could win £500,000 .
To play , you simply select five numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lucky Star numbers from 1-12 .
If you really can ’ t choose and you ’ re finding the pressure too much , you can always select a Lucky Dip and let the machine choose a random selection for you .
Lotto draws take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from approximately 8.30pm .
Ticket sales for both Tuesday and Friday EuroMillions draws close at 7.30pm on the evening of the draw .
If you ’ ve missed out , you can buy your ticket for the next draw almost straight away - @ @ @ @ @

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Tonight's winning National Lottery numbers have been revealed - and the draw means you could be winning BIG.
Camelot, the operator of the National Lottery, conducted the Lotto and Thunderball draws this evening.
Birmingham residents looking for a life-changing sum of money can also play the EuroMillions, with draws twice a week taking place on Tuesday evenings and Friday nights.
The main UK Lotto draw will take place at 8pm. There will also be the Thunderball draw at 8.15pm where could win £500,000.
Lottery Tickets cost £2 per line, and include a raffle Millionaire Maker entry code. Thunderball Tickets cost £1.
To play, you simply select five numbers between 1 and 50, plus two Lucky Star numbers from 1-12.
If you really can’t choose and you’re finding the pressure too much, you can always select a Lucky Dip and let the machine choose a random selection for you.
Lotto draws take place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from approximately 8.30pm.
EuroMillions draws happen on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Ticket sales for both Tuesday and Friday EuroMillions draws close at 7.30pm on the evening of the draw.
If you’ve missed out, you can buy your ticket for the next draw almost straight away - sales re-open at 9pm.
Tonight's National Lottery Lotto winning numbers are: 04, 07, 14, 19, 50, 56.
The Bonus Ball is 08.
Tonight's estimated jackpot is £9 million.
Tonight's National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 01, 14, 19, 21, 24.
The Thunderball is 13.


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Aston Villa news and transfer rumours: Man Utd in Grealish 'discussions' as Purslow makes FFP claim

Hello and welcome to Wednesday 's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you up @ @ @ @ @ latest news and views from Villa Park as the dust settles on Sunday 's defeat @ @ @ @ @ .
Dean Smith 's side were beaten 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final by Manchester @ @ @ @ @ 's involvement in cup competitions this season .
Goals from Sergio Aguero and Rodri had @ @ @ @ @ , but Mbwana Samatta scored four minutes before half-time to set up a tense second @ @ @ @ @ all eyes on the League for Villa with 11 games left to raise themselves from @ @ @ @ @ us for all today 's action on the blog ...

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Ben Husband, Chris Watson)

Hello and welcome to Wednesday 's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you up to date with all the latest news and views from Villa Park as the dust settles on Sunday's defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.
Dean Smith's side were beaten 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final by Manchester City yesterday, ending Villa's involvement in cup competitions this season.
Goals from Sergio Aguero and Rodri had City in control after half-an-hour, but Mbwana Samatta scored four minutes before half-time to set up a tense second half.
Now it's all eyes on the League for Villa with 11 games left to raise themselves from 19th place.
Stick with us for all today's action on the blog...


birminghammail--2020-03-04--FA Cup quarter-final draw in full as Birmingham exit competition

Greetings and welcome to our LIVE coverage of this evening ’ s FA Cup quarter final draw .
Birmingham City @ @ @ @ @ the draw , after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Leicester City in their fifth round @ @ @ @ @ Stadium .
Blues held off the Premier League side for the majority of the contest @ @ @ @ @ the scoring for the Foxes in the 82nd minute .
Pep Clotet ’ s side @ @ @ @ @ their Sky Bet Championship campaign this weekend , as they welcome Reading to St Andrew @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal , Chelsea , Sheffield United , Newcastle United and Manchester City are already through @ @ @ @ @ four other places still up for grabs .
Elsewhere , Derby County host Manchester United @ @ @ @ @ night , while Tottenham Hotspur face a home clash against Norwich City .
Join us @ @ @ @ @ LIVE updates from tonight ’ s quarter final draw , which is due to take @ @ @ @ @ s match with Manchester City .

Greetings and welcome to our LIVE coverage of this evening’s FA Cup quarter final draw.
Birmingham City will not be involved in the draw, after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Leicester City in their fifth round clash at the King Power Stadium.
Blues held off the Premier League side for the majority of the contest, before Ricardo Pereira opened the scoring for the Foxes in the 82nd minute.
Pep Clotet’s side will now prepare to resume their Sky Bet Championship campaign this weekend, as they welcome Reading to St Andrew’s on Saturday.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Sheffield United, Newcastle United and Manchester City are already through to the quarter-finals, with four other places still up for grabs.
Elsewhere, Derby County host Manchester United at Pride Park on Thursday night, while Tottenham Hotspur face a home clash against Norwich City.
Join us as we provide you with LIVE updates from tonight’s quarter final draw, which is due to take place following Sheffield Wednesday’s match with Manchester City.


birminghammail--2020-03-04--'Would be foolish' - Pep Clotet's verdict on Birmingham City's FA Cup defeat to Leicester

Pep Clotet expressed his pride in his Birmingham City players – and the 5,000 supporters who helped them so much at the King Power Stadium .
In the end Blues ’ FA Cup run was brought to an end by Ricardo Pereira ’ s 82nd minute winner , and Blues now move forward to face Reading at the weekend .
They do so having put in 90 minutes of hard graft in which they were put under huge amounts of pressure – particularly in the second half – and almost held out .
“ We should all be proud of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Day we lost to Wigan at home , today we lost for the first time against Leicester third in the Premier League and we still feel we should have pushed it to extra time and kept that hope going , ” Clotet said .
“ But I am not going to be hard on the players because they are giving everything for the club and after a performance like that , when they were so focused , so intense and mentality on top of the work you just know we have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you compare that to our first games of the season .
“ Now it ’ s about going to Reading , going back to our league and trying to secure those three points .
“ Our idea was to try and be in the game as long as possible and we knew to do that we would have to be organised and co-ordinated defensively .
“ We knew we could not come to the third best team in the country and play an open game – that would be foolish for us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The team was well organised , worked very hard for each other and in the first half as well we had a few chances .
In the end when they scored with only eight minutes left we tried to make a push but you could see it was not easy .
“ We do not like the result but I am proud of the effort of the players and I am very proud of the support , there were 5,000 there helping the team to the end .
”

Pep Clotet expressed his pride in his Birmingham City players – and the 5,000 supporters who helped them so much at the King Power Stadium.
In the end Blues’ FA Cup run was brought to an end by Ricardo Pereira’s 82nd minute winner, and Blues now move forward to face Reading at the weekend.
They do so having put in 90 minutes of hard graft in which they were put under huge amounts of pressure – particularly in the second half – and almost held out.
“We should all be proud of the players because on New Year’s Day we lost to Wigan at home, today we lost for the first time against Leicester third in the Premier League and we still feel we should have pushed it to extra time and kept that hope going,” Clotet said.
“But I am not going to be hard on the players because they are giving everything for the club and after a performance like that, when they were so focused, so intense and mentality on top of the work you just know we have come a long way as a club if you compare that to our first games of the season.
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“Now it’s about going to Reading, going back to our league and trying to secure those three points.
“Our idea was to try and be in the game as long as possible and we knew to do that we would have to be organised and co-ordinated defensively.
“We knew we could not come to the third best team in the country and play an open game – that would be foolish for us, we needed to play to our strengths.
“The team was well organised, worked very hard for each other and in the first half as well we had a few chances. In the end when they scored with only eight minutes left we tried to make a push but you could see it was not easy.
“We do not like the result but I am proud of the effort of the players and I am very proud of the support, there were 5,000 there helping the team to the end.”


birminghammail--2020-03-04--'No shame' - Birmingham City fans express pride despite FA Cup defeat to Leicester

Birmingham City fans have been reacting to their side ’ s defeat to Leicester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup .
Blues held off the Premier League side for the majority of the contest , before Ricardo Pereira opened the scoring for the Foxes in the 82nd minute .
Pep Clotet ’ s side will now prepare to resume their Sky Bet Championship campaign this weekend , as they welcome Reading to St Andrew ’ s on Saturday .
Blues fans took to social media to express their thoughts and emotions on their side ’ s performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what they had to say .
Geoff Tomlinson : “ Well played Lads , gave as much as you could , never outclassed & done the Badge proud .
Kro.
” Marc Aspery : “ Way too negative second half .
A top championship team would have beaten Leicester tonight.
” Paul Atkin : “ Well done lads , given your all .
No disgrace going out to Leicester .
Quality side , back to winning ways Saturday against Reading .
KRO.
” Kyle Andrews : “ Couldn ’ t be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KRO onto Reading.
” Ray Hopper : “ I thought we gave a good account of ourselves but with better team selection and usage we could have taken it !
Wrong not to start GG I think ?
” Paul White : “ Proud of what ?
Losing ?
Not having a go second half ?
Yeah cheers.
” Andrew Clark : “ No shame in that performance or result .
Well done boys .
On to the next .
”

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Birmingham City fans have been reacting to their side’s defeat to Leicester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Blues held off the Premier League side for the majority of the contest, before Ricardo Pereira opened the scoring for the Foxes in the 82nd minute.
Pep Clotet’s side will now prepare to resume their Sky Bet Championship campaign this weekend, as they welcome Reading to St Andrew’s on Saturday.
Blues fans took to social media to express their thoughts and emotions on their side’s performance and result.
Here is a selection of what they had to say.
Geoff Tomlinson: “Well played Lads, gave as much as you could, never outclassed & done the Badge proud. Kro.”
Marc Aspery: “Way too negative second half. A top championship team would have beaten Leicester tonight.”
Paul Atkin: “Well done lads, given your all. No disgrace going out to Leicester. Quality side, back to winning ways Saturday against Reading. KRO.”
Kyle Andrews: “Couldn’t be more proud of blues, good performance overall KRO onto Reading.”
Ray Hopper: “I thought we gave a good account of ourselves but with better team selection and usage we could have taken it ! Wrong not to start GG I think?”
Paul White: “Proud of what? Losing? Not having a go second half? Yeah cheers.”
Andrew Clark: “No shame in that performance or result. Well done boys. On to the next.”


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Flybe to collapse 'within hours' as passengers told 'no more flights'

Speculation is growing that Flybe has collapsed tonight after passengers were turned away and told there would be no more flights .
This evening , passengers said they were unable to board their flights , with planes instead impounded at the airport .
Peter Smith , an ITV journalist , tweeted : `` Has FlyBe just ceased operating in front of my eyes ?
`` Waiting to board a FlyBe flight to Birmingham and all of their flights have just been cancelled .
`` Advice from staff is FlyBe 'definitely will not be flying out tomorrow either . ''
Flybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the disruption of two flights from Glasgow to Birmingham .
A spokeswoman said : `` Flybe can confirm that , following a miscommunication regarding re-fuelling this evening , two flights were delayed and that due to the crew now being out of hours , have been cancelled .
Normal operations have now resumed .
`` We sincerely apologise to those passengers inconvenienced by the disruption to their travel plans . ''
However , it is claimed that Flybe is set to collapse within hours , putting 2,000 jobs at risk after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Its final airborne flights are expected to touch down at airports across the UK late on Wednesday evening , the BBC reported ITV 's business and economics editor Joel Hills tweeted : `` I ’ m told that Flybe is waiting for the last scheduled flight to land tonight before putting the business into administration .
The airline is expected to then cease operating .
A formal announcement is likely to be made in the early hours of tomorrow morning . ''
The struggling airline was saved from collapse earlier this year but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million loan from the Government .
It has been hit by a slump in bookings since the outbreak of the coronavirus .
As part of the January rescue deal , it agreed an arrangement to defer tax payments of `` less than £10 million '' with HM Revenue and Customs .
Ministers also agreed to hold a review into Air Passenger Duty ( APD ) .
The structure of APD - which adds £26 to the price of most return domestic flights such as those operated by Flybe - could be altered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 170 destinations and has a major presence at UK airports such as Aberdeen , Belfast City , Manchester and Southampton .
It flies the most UK domestic routes between airports outside London .
A series of issues have affected the airline 's finances , including rising fuel costs , falling demand , competition from road , rail and other airlines , plus a weakening of the pound .
It was bought by a consortium comprising Virgin Atlantic , Stobart Group and Cyrus Capital in February 2019 , but has continued to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop in demand for flights due to the coronavirus will result in some European airlines failing in the coming weeks .
A Flybe spokesman would not comment on its financial situation .
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said : `` We wo n't comment on speculation . ''
At the time of Flybe 's rescue , rival airlines complained that they should not be penalised for their own success and should also be given a tax holiday .
Garry Graham , deputy general secretary of the Prospect union , said : `` Flybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the UK where other viable options often do n't exist .
A number of regional airports are highly reliant on Flybe for most or all of their scheduled services .
`` Reports that the Government may fail to provide the loan that is required as part of a package of rescue measures is very worrying .
This risks the Government turning its back on these areas of the country and the workers at those airports .
`` The Government needs to come forward with concrete proposals on how it will support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial test of its commitment to every region of the UK . ''
Brian Strutton , general secretary of the British Airline Pilots Association , said : `` The Government made unequivocal promises to keep Flybe flying and loyal staff and passengers rightly expect this Government to keep its word .
`` The delay in ratifying the promised deal is unacceptable because Flybe needs to get on with its business plan for 2020 to secure regional connectivity that the Government places so much emphasis on . ''
Downing Street would not comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's commitment to regional connectivity .
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : `` We do n't comment on commercially sensitive matters .
`` We are firmly committed to promoting and safeguarding regional growth and connections . ''
Unite assistant general secretary Diana Holland said : `` The Government needs to step in to keep Flybe flying .
`` Many of Flybe 's routes are unique , the passengers who use those routes and the communities that Flybe serves must not be abandoned .
`` The Government would be wholly negligent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than demonstrating it has learned the lessons from Monarch and Thomas Cook and implementing the airline insolvency review '' Unite is seeking an urgent meeting with Department for Transport ministers to discuss Flybe 's future . ''
Nigel Frith , a senior market analyst at www.asktraders.com , said tonight : `` After narrowly avoiding collapse in January , rumours are rife that Flybe won ’ t last the evening .
`` The downturn in bookings from to the coronavirus outbreak looks to be the final nail in the coffin for the budget airline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been worse for Flybe as it waited for the Government to commit to a £100 million loan .
`` The collapse will be a blow for Boris Johnson and his plan to improve communications in a post Brexit Britain .
`` However , with coronavirus just ramping up in the UK , Flybe could be the first of many businesses which struggle to pull through the expected demand shock over the coming weeks or possibly months as coronavirus spreads . ''

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Speculation is growing that Flybe has collapsed tonight after passengers were turned away and told there would be no more flights.
This evening, passengers said they were unable to board their flights, with planes instead impounded at the airport.
Peter Smith, an ITV journalist, tweeted: "Has FlyBe just ceased operating in front of my eyes?
"Waiting to board a FlyBe flight to Birmingham and all of their flights have just been cancelled.
"Advice from staff is FlyBe 'definitely will not be flying out tomorrow either."
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Flybe has since blamed a "miscommunication" for the disruption of two flights from Glasgow to Birmingham.
A spokeswoman said: "Flybe can confirm that, following a miscommunication regarding re-fuelling this evening, two flights were delayed and that due to the crew now being out of hours, have been cancelled. Normal operations have now resumed.
"We sincerely apologise to those passengers inconvenienced by the disruption to their travel plans."
However, it is claimed that Flybe is set to collapse within hours, putting 2,000 jobs at risk after a bid for fresh financial support failed.
Its final airborne flights are expected to touch down at airports across the UK late on Wednesday evening, the BBC reported
ITV's business and economics editor Joel Hills tweeted: "I’m told that Flybe is waiting for the last scheduled flight to land tonight before putting the business into administration. The airline is expected to then cease operating. A formal announcement is likely to be made in the early hours of tomorrow morning."
(Image: PA)
The struggling airline was saved from collapse earlier this year but has been unable to obtain a £100 million loan from the Government.
It has been hit by a slump in bookings since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
As part of the January rescue deal, it agreed an arrangement to defer tax payments of "less than £10 million" with HM Revenue and Customs.
Ministers also agreed to hold a review into Air Passenger Duty (APD).
The structure of APD - which adds £26 to the price of most return domestic flights such as those operated by Flybe - could be altered in next week's Budget.
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Flybe serves around 170 destinations and has a major presence at UK airports such as Aberdeen, Belfast City, Manchester and Southampton. It flies the most UK domestic routes between airports outside London.
A series of issues have affected the airline's finances, including rising fuel costs, falling demand, competition from road, rail and other airlines, plus a weakening of the pound.
It was bought by a consortium comprising Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Group and Cyrus Capital in February 2019, but has continued to make losses.
Rival Ryanair has predicted the drop in demand for flights due to the coronavirus will result in some European airlines failing in the coming weeks.
A Flybe spokesman would not comment on its financial situation.
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "We won't comment on speculation."
At the time of Flybe's rescue, rival airlines complained that they should not be penalised for their own success and should also be given a tax holiday.
British Airways owner International Airlines Group claimed the arrangements breached state aid rules.
Garry Graham, deputy general secretary of the Prospect union, said: "Flybe provides important transport connections to and from parts of the UK where other viable options often don't exist. A number of regional airports are highly reliant on Flybe for most or all of their scheduled services.
"Reports that the Government may fail to provide the loan that is required as part of a package of rescue measures is very worrying. This risks the Government turning its back on these areas of the country and the workers at those airports.
"The Government needs to come forward with concrete proposals on how it will support the services Flybe provides and is a crucial test of its commitment to every region of the UK."
Brian Strutton, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots Association, said: "The Government made unequivocal promises to keep Flybe flying and loyal staff and passengers rightly expect this Government to keep its word.
"The delay in ratifying the promised deal is unacceptable because Flybe needs to get on with its business plan for 2020 to secure regional connectivity that the Government places so much emphasis on."
Downing Street would not comment on Flybe's situation but stressed the Government's commitment to regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "We don't comment on commercially sensitive matters.
"We are firmly committed to promoting and safeguarding regional growth and connections."
Unite assistant general secretary Diana Holland said: "The Government needs to step in to keep Flybe flying.
"Many of Flybe's routes are unique, the passengers who use those routes and the communities that Flybe serves must not be abandoned.
"The Government would be wholly negligent to allow Flybe to fall into administration rather than demonstrating it has learned the lessons from Monarch and Thomas Cook and implementing the airline insolvency review
"Unite is seeking an urgent meeting with Department for Transport ministers to discuss Flybe's future."
Nigel Frith, a senior market analyst at www.asktraders.com, said tonight: "After narrowly avoiding collapse in January, rumours are rife that Flybe won’t last the evening.
"The downturn in bookings from to the coronavirus outbreak looks to be the final nail in the coffin for the budget airline. The timing couldn’t have been worse for Flybe as it waited for the Government to commit to a £100 million loan.
"The collapse will be a blow for Boris Johnson and his plan to improve communications in a post Brexit Britain.
"However, with coronavirus just ramping up in the UK, Flybe could be the first of many businesses which struggle to pull through the expected demand shock over the coming weeks or possibly months as coronavirus spreads."


birminghammail--2020-03-04--'Insane' - Aston Villa fans rate Mbwana Samatta impact

Aston Villa fans seem to have been largely impressed by Mbwana Samatta since his arrival at the club .
The Tanzania international joined Villa from Genk for £8.5million during the January transfer window .
The striker has scored twice in five appearances so far - most recently at Wembley in Sunday 's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City .
Now he will be hoping to help his new team stay in the Premier League this season .
Villa asked fans on Twitter if they had been impressed by Samatta up to now .
Here 's what some of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Imagine if we had him from the start of the season .
SZ : Yes , I said after his first game that I thought he 'd do well - if he gets the service he will be banging them in .
Leon CLL : Looking a very good signing for the money .
Works so hard for the team and has some nice link up play .
Improvement on Wesley for half the price .
Ty Bracey : Heading accuracy is insane .
Can ’ t wait to see more of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but this guy by the looks of it should have arrived in the summer .
Rich Rossi : Really was a great goal , he looks a very good player .
Antwilkes : If only we signed him in the summer would we be fighting relagtion ?
probably not .
KING SAMA : Great potential to be a legend for us .
SAMAGOAL Justin Murphy : Definitely !
Very impressed so far !
Uses his strengths well and is willing to run his a** off for the team !
Great addition and great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player as a striker can be anyway ) .

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Aston Villa fans seem to have been largely impressed by Mbwana Samatta since his arrival at the club.
The Tanzania international joined Villa from Genk for £8.5million during the January transfer window.
The striker has scored twice in five appearances so far - most recently at Wembley in Sunday's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City .
Now he will be hoping to help his new team stay in the Premier League this season.
Villa asked fans on Twitter if they had been impressed by Samatta up to now. Here's what some of them had to say...
Daniel Mack: Imagine if we had him from the start of the season.
SZ: Yes, I said after his first game that I thought he'd do well - if he gets the service he will be banging them in.
Leon CLL: Looking a very good signing for the money. Works so hard for the team and has some nice link up play. Improvement on Wesley for half the price.
Ty Bracey: Heading accuracy is insane. Can’t wait to see more of it.
Amir Mir: Love Wesley, but this guy by the looks of it should have arrived in the summer.
Rich Rossi: Really was a great goal, he looks a very good player.
Antwilkes: If only we signed him in the summer would we be fighting relagtion? probably not.
KING SAMA: Great potential to be a legend for us. SAMAGOAL
Justin Murphy: Definitely! Very impressed so far! Uses his strengths well and is willing to run his a** off for the team! Great addition and great team player (as much a team player as a striker can be anyway).
Nigel B6: The kid can head.


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Birmingham City player ratings: Pedersen and Dean star as Blues suffer FA Cup defeat to Leicester

Birmingham City were dumped out of the FA Cup by Ricardo Pereira ’ s late headed goal .
Pep Clotet ’ s men put in a determined and organised display and might have taken the game to extra time but in truth the hosts had by far the better of the second half chances .
Had to push away Maddison ’ s cross shot just before half time – and had one nervy moment when he came 15 yards from goal and dropped a corner .
Lots of crosses into his box but he was well protected .
Had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a determined Demarai Gray and totally subdued him in the opening 45 minutes .
Blocked shots from both Gray and Maddison .
Only had one or two chances to get forward and couldn ’ t find a team-mate but a very solid defensive display .
Imperious in the first half winning headers , snuffing out danger , even spraying one ball forward to set Hogan away .
Just as good in the second too , further confirmation that he is getting back to his best .
Looked so composed throughout , working out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the foot down when absolutely necessary .
The only blot on his night was being beaten to the ball by Pereira .
Seemed to win absolutely everything .
On the ground or in the air Pedersen was first to it .
Kept Albrighton under wraps in the first half but couldn ’ t prevent the cross that to the goal .
Let ’ s not be too harsh though , this was an indomitable display .
The Leicester lad playing out of position with the role of stunting Chilwell ’ s forays forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself enormous credit .
He was replaced with 20 to go and rightly applauded off .
A brave , battling display .
With Leicester having so much possession you could hear the cogs working in Sunjic ’ s brain , cutting off angles and closing down danger .
One horror pass almost set Leicester away in the second half but overall his covering was very good .
A first start in 11 months and you wouldn ’ t have known it .
His distribution was a little erratic but it was like he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to breaking up play .
A really bright first half when he set up and nearly finished Blues ’ best chance only for his shot to be deflected wide .
Faded in the second but that ’ s understandable .
A very positive return to the team .
No real chance to impact the game in the opening stanza but did try to hold the ball and link up play .
Barely in the game in the second half but still made his runs and threatened to break clear –if only Blues had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing or two about Championship physicality , bumping opponents off the ball .
Had one first half free kick which he frustratingly sliced low and wide .
Dropped deep out of possession to block up the spaces but no service in the second half .

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Birmingham City were dumped out of the FA Cup by Ricardo Pereira’s late headed goal.
Pep Clotet’s men put in a determined and organised display and might have taken the game to extra time but in truth the hosts had by far the better of the second half chances.
Here’s how they rated.
CAMP 7
Had to push away Maddison’s cross shot just before half time – and had one nervy moment when he came 15 yards from goal and dropped a corner. Lots of crosses into his box but he was well protected. Had no chance with the goal.
COLIN 8
Up against a determined Demarai Gray and totally subdued him in the opening 45 minutes. Blocked shots from both Gray and Maddison. Only had one or two chances to get forward and couldn’t find a team-mate but a very solid defensive display.
DEAN 8.5
Imperious in the first half winning headers, snuffing out danger, even spraying one ball forward to set Hogan away. Just as good in the second too, further confirmation that he is getting back to his best.
CLARKE-SALTER 8
(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Looked so composed throughout, working out his angles, picking pockets and putting the foot down when absolutely necessary. The only blot on his night was being beaten to the ball by Pereira.
PEDERSEN 8.5
Seemed to win absolutely everything. On the ground or in the air Pedersen was first to it. Kept Albrighton under wraps in the first half but couldn’t prevent the cross that to the goal. Let’s not be too harsh though, this was an indomitable display.
HARDING 7.5
The Leicester lad playing out of position with the role of stunting Chilwell’s forays forward. He applied himself studiously and did himself enormous credit. He was replaced with 20 to go and rightly applauded off. A brave, battling display.
SUNJIC 7.5
With Leicester having so much possession you could hear the cogs working in Sunjic’s brain, cutting off angles and closing down danger. One horror pass almost set Leicester away in the second half but overall his covering was very good.
KIEFTENBELD 7.5
A first start in 11 months and you wouldn’t have known it. His distribution was a little erratic but it was like he had never been away when it came to breaking up play.
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MRABTI 6.5
A really bright first half when he set up and nearly finished Blues’ best chance only for his shot to be deflected wide. Faded in the second but that’s understandable. A very positive return to the team.
HOGAN 6
No real chance to impact the game in the opening stanza but did try to hold the ball and link up play. Barely in the game in the second half but still made his runs and threatened to break clear –if only Blues had possession.
JUTKIEWICZ 6
Showed Premier League players a thing or two about Championship physicality, bumping opponents off the ball. Had one first half free kick which he frustratingly sliced low and wide. Dropped deep out of possession to block up the spaces but no service in the second half.
SUBSTITUTES
GARDNER (for Harding, 71) 6
CROWLEY (for Mrabti, 83) N/A
MONTERO (for Kieftenbeld, 83) N/A
Not used: Trueman, Roberts, Boyd-Munce, Burke
OPPOSITION
LEICESTER (4-1-4-1): Schmeichel; Pereira, Evans, Soyuncu, Chilwell; Ndidi (Tielemans 60); Gray (Barnes 66), Maddison, Praet, Albrighton; Iheanacho. Subs: Justin, Morgan, Ward, Perez, Choudhury
GOALS
LEICESTER: Pereira (82)
THE REF: Jonathon Moss
ATTENDANCE: 27,181 (5,129 away)
NEXT UP: Reading (h), Saturday, March 7, 3pm kick-off


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Leicester 1-0 Birmingham City - report and reaction as Ricardo Pereira goal knocks Blues out of FA C

Leicester 1-0 Birmingham City - report and reaction as Ricardo Pereira goal knocks Blues out of FA Cup

Ricardo Pereira ’ s late body-blow dumped brave Birmingham City out of the FA Cup at the King Power Stadium .
The Portuguese defender struck eight minutes from time to deny Blues their first quarter final in eight years .
In truth the Premier League side had totally dominated the second half and will feel they deserve their spot in the last eight .
But it was scant reward for a determined and organised display from Pep Clotet ’ s men .
Maikel Kieftenbeld made his first start in 11 months , one of four changes to the team which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues looked solid and well-organised in a first half of few chances .
Indeed by the time they went in at the break it was goalless , Leicester having had 76 per cent of the possession but the visitors had produced six shots to the Foxes four .
The hosts ’ first came after ten minutes when they moved the ball well , right to left creating space for the switch to Ben Chilwell who advanced into the area and aimed for the far post .
Thankfully for Blues Maxime Colin got a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picked up possession on half-way and spread to his right .
Lukas Jutkiewicz found Scott Hogan in the box who laid back for Mrabti to fire in a low shot which was deflected wide .
Jutkiewicz was wide with a free kick from the right soon after and six minutes before the break James Maddison picked up a weak headed clearance by Wes Harding .
The midfielder danced his way into the area , checked back on to his right foot where he lashed a cross-shot that Lee Camp pushed away .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the second period and pressed Blues right back .
Five minutes in Maddison laid a corner back to Marc Albrighton on the right edge of the area and he lifted a pass into the middle for the unmarked Jonny Evans who got under the ball and headed over .
Seconds later Albrighton found space again on the right and picked out Ben Chilwell racing up to the back stick where he side-footed a volley just wide .
With 20 minutes to go Maddison was given time and space to hit the bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harlee Dean .
And soon after that Kelechi Iheanacho broke clear from Maddison ’ s through ball and beat Lee Camp but the offside flag had gone up and VAR confirmed as much .
Just when it looked like Blues had earned extra time Albrighton wriggled away from Pedersen and from tight on the touchline stood up a cross to which Pereira beat Jake Clarke-Salter .

Ricardo Pereira’s late body-blow dumped brave Birmingham City out of the FA Cup at the King Power Stadium.
The Portuguese defender struck eight minutes from time to deny Blues their first quarter final in eight years.
In truth the Premier League side had totally dominated the second half and will feel they deserve their spot in the last eight.
But it was scant reward for a determined and organised display from Pep Clotet’s men.
Maikel Kieftenbeld made his first start in 11 months, one of four changes to the team which drew at QPR.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
Despite the rejig Blues looked solid and well-organised in a first half of few chances.
Indeed by the time they went in at the break it was goalless, Leicester having had 76 per cent of the possession but the visitors had produced six shots to the Foxes four.
The hosts’ first came after ten minutes when they moved the ball well, right to left creating space for the switch to Ben Chilwell who advanced into the area and aimed for the far post. Thankfully for Blues Maxime Colin got a touch.
Two minutes later Kerim Mrabti picked up possession on half-way and spread to his right.
Lukas Jutkiewicz found Scott Hogan in the box who laid back for Mrabti to fire in a low shot which was deflected wide.
Jutkiewicz was wide with a free kick from the right soon after and six minutes before the break James Maddison picked up a weak headed clearance by Wes Harding.
The midfielder danced his way into the area, checked back on to his right foot where he lashed a cross-shot that Lee Camp pushed away.
The Foxes upped the tempo at the start of the second period and pressed Blues right back.
Five minutes in Maddison laid a corner back to Marc Albrighton on the right edge of the area and he lifted a pass into the middle for the unmarked Jonny Evans who got under the ball and headed over.
Seconds later Albrighton found space again on the right and picked out Ben Chilwell racing up to the back stick where he side-footed a volley just wide.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
With 20 minutes to go Maddison was given time and space to hit the bar with a shot which flicked up off Harlee Dean.
And soon after that Kelechi Iheanacho broke clear from Maddison’s through ball and beat Lee Camp but the offside flag had gone up and VAR confirmed as much.
Just when it looked like Blues had earned extra time Albrighton wriggled away from Pedersen and from tight on the touchline stood up a cross to which Pereira beat Jake Clarke-Salter.


birminghammail--2020-03-04--'Disappear' - Man United fans drop cheeky Jack Grealish transfer hint following Aston Villa news

Manchester United fans were quick to react to news of Aston Villa 's latest financial results .
Villa announced total losses of £68.3million for the year ending May 31 , 2019 .
United supporters have suggested one way of balancing the books - by selling Jack Grealish to the Red Devils !
Grealish has been heavily linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford this summer .
The latest reports suggest that United have `` touched base '' with Villa over a possible swoop for the playmaker .
Here 's what some United fans had to say on Twitter in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zlatanlindelof : Sell Grealish to United to get some ( money ) back .
@ Harpree49863604 : Sell Grealish to us and you can cover your losses .
@ AxAs30 : Grealish sale will make up for a lot of that .
@ blurt2kc : Sell Grealish to United and balance your books Villa .
@ Breezy_Be_Boss : Yeah they 'll really struggle to hold on to Grealish of United comes calling..
Almost impossible .
We should just go and do the deal now already .
@ Jake19180072 : I mean Grealish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower that quite a bit .
@ kevlynch1983 : Utd can make half of that disappear # grealish @ TheNickBurdett : Looking like somebody is looking to sell .
@ ZukhanyeTimla : Sell Grealish , McGinn and Trezeguet or Mings to United # mufc

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Manchester United fans were quick to react to news of Aston Villa's latest financial results.
Villa announced total losses of £68.3million for the year ending May 31, 2019.
United supporters have suggested one way of balancing the books - by selling Jack Grealish to the Red Devils!
Grealish has been heavily linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford this summer.
The latest reports suggest that United have "touched base" with Villa over a possible swoop for the playmaker.
Here's what some United fans had to say on Twitter in response to Villa's financial figures...
@zlatanlindelof: Sell Grealish to United to get some (money) back.
@Harpree49863604: Sell Grealish to us and you can cover your losses.
@AxAs30: Grealish sale will make up for a lot of that.
@blurt2kc: Sell Grealish to United and balance your books Villa.
@Breezy_Be_Boss: Yeah they'll really struggle to hold on to Grealish of United comes calling.. Almost impossible. We should just go and do the deal now already.
@Jake19180072: I mean Grealish to Man Utd for like 40-50mil would lower that quite a bit.
@kevlynch1983: Utd can make half of that disappear #grealish
@Mardzenit: Quick 20 mil for Grealish.
@TheNickBurdett: Looking like somebody is looking to sell.
@Haining18270029: That's good for Utd...
@ZukhanyeTimla: Sell Grealish, McGinn and Trezeguet or Mings to United #mufc


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Coronavirus precautions at Crufts 2020 as NEC set to host 3,000 overseas dogs

Organisers of Crufts 2020 have unveiled a series of precautions to try to halt the spread of coronavirus .
Birmingham Live earlier reported the latest statement from the Kennel Club announcing that the dog show would go ahead as normal .
The club said Public Health England advised it not to cancel the event , which is held at the NEC Birmingham every year .
It has since emerged that major sponsors have pulled out of Crufts telling their staff not to attend .
Concerns over coronavirus risks have been growing because the show is set to host more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number coming from Italy , the worst affected country in Europe .
Bill Lambert , the Senior Health and Welfare Manager at the Kennel Club , said there would be measures put in place at the event to try to control coronavirus .
He told ITV there would be 3,000 additional hand sanitisers across the venue and added that people in areas of the world quarantined by coronavirus had been told not to travel to the show .
The Kennel Club revealed the full extent of the precautions in its latest statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced measures to help protect our visitors , exhibitors , clients and staff at Crufts .
`` Everyone should note that the main message from Public Health England is on personal hygiene , therefore staff , exhibitors and visitors are also being encouraged to maintain good hand , respiratory and personal hygiene by employing the Catch It , Bin It , Kill It ethos .
`` Additional signage and bottles of hand sanitiser will be introduced in toilets and the in-hall catering areas , to make it easier for everyone to clean their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be supplying a hand sanitiser station at each public and dog exhibitor entrance . ''
It went on : `` We are ensuring all exhibitors are aware of current travel restrictions and guidelines , and adhere to these .
`` All individuals without exception are expected to abide by the advice of their relevant governments and national and international laws with regard to self-isolation and restrictions on travel .
`` However , it is advised that everyone should familiarise themselves with the UK government advice and make individual decisions based on their circumstances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek the advice of their doctor . ''
In its show guide , the club says : `` The Kennel Club is proud to welcome visitors from all over the world at Crufts and have arranged a lounge especially for overseas visitors .
It is located in Piazza Suite 5 and opens at 10.30am each day . ''

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Organisers of Crufts 2020 have unveiled a series of precautions to try to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Birmingham Live earlier reported the latest statement from the Kennel Club announcing that the dog show would go ahead as normal.
The club said Public Health England advised it not to cancel the event, which is held at the NEC Birmingham every year.
It has since emerged that major sponsors have pulled out of Crufts telling their staff not to attend.
Concerns over coronavirus risks have been growing because the show is set to host more than 3,000 dogs from overseas - the largest number coming from Italy, the worst affected country in Europe.
Bill Lambert, the Senior Health and Welfare Manager at the Kennel Club, said there would be measures put in place at the event to try to control coronavirus.
He told ITV there would be 3,000 additional hand sanitisers across the venue and added that people in areas of the world quarantined by coronavirus had been told not to travel to the show.
The Kennel Club revealed the full extent of the precautions in its latest statement.
It said: "There will be enhanced measures to help protect our visitors, exhibitors, clients and staff at Crufts.
"Everyone should note that the main message from Public Health England is on personal hygiene, therefore staff, exhibitors and visitors are also being encouraged to maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene by employing the Catch It, Bin It, Kill It ethos.
"Additional signage and bottles of hand sanitiser will be introduced in toilets and the in-hall catering areas, to make it easier for everyone to clean their hands.
"In addition Crufts will be supplying a hand sanitiser station at each public and dog exhibitor entrance."
It went on: "We are ensuring all exhibitors are aware of current travel restrictions and guidelines, and adhere to these.
"All individuals without exception are expected to abide by the advice of their relevant governments and national and international laws with regard to self-isolation and restrictions on travel.
"However, it is advised that everyone should familiarise themselves with the UK government advice and make individual decisions based on their circumstances and if they have any concerns to seek the advice of their doctor."
In its show guide, the club says: "The Kennel Club is proud to welcome visitors from all over the world at Crufts and have arranged a lounge especially for overseas visitors. It is located in Piazza Suite 5 and opens at 10.30am each day."


birminghammail--2020-03-04--'Wrongly assumed' - PFA issues Jonathan Leko apology over racial abuse case

West Bromwich Albion 's Jonathan Leko has received an apology from the Professional Footballers ' Association ( PFA ) .
Leko issued a statement after Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was banned for eight matches for racially abusing him during a Championship match in September .
The 20-year-old forward , who was playing for loan club Charlton Athletic at the time , said he was `` disappointed '' with the disciplinary process that followed and the level of support and guidance he received along the way .
The PFA has now responded with an apology and say they have set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take place tomorrow ( Thursday ) .
`` Today , Jonathan Leko has released a statement following the announcement of Kiko Casilla ’ s eight-game ban for racially abusing Leko during a Championship match in September , '' said a PFA statement .
`` Within his statement , Leko expressed his disappointment with the process and the support he received .
`` We ’ d like to apologise to Jonathan .
We do not want any player to feel unsupported when going through something as difficult as this .
`` At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to the club to advise them that we have a dedicated Equalties team in place that can support and guide Jonathan through the investigation and hearing process .
This is usual procedure following a racist incident .
`` Unfortunately , on this occasion , we did not hear back and wrongly assumed that Jonathan did not require our support .
`` We ’ re grateful for Jonathan ’ s feedback and will review our procedures to ensure we learn from this moving forward .
`` Following the hearing we reached out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting - which is due to take place tomorrow . ''
Here is what Leko said in his statement ... “ I am naturally relieved that the process is now complete and the FA have upheld what I have always known to be true – that I was racially abused by Kiko Casilla in a manner which shocked me and still angers and upsets me to this day .
“ I have been disappointed with the amount of time it has taken to reach this point .
Knowing what occurred in the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch Kiko Casilla continue to play for such a lengthy period as if nothing had happened .
“ I would urge the game ’ s governing bodies to look into their own processes when such incidents are reported .
It was 22 weeks between the incident and the hearing during which I had minimal contact from the PFA , of which I am a member , and no contact in the way of support from leading anti-racism bodies such as ‘ Kick It Out ’ and ‘ Show Racism The Red Card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been very welcome .
“ By bringing the incident to the referee ’ s attention immediately , I was only doing what I have been educated to do throughout my career .
But I found the hearing , at which I was made to feel I had done something wrong , extremely stressful .
“ It made me question whether I would be prepared to go through it all again were I on the receiving end of similar abuse in the future .
I certainly would think twice about how to advise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ From the outset , all I have done is report something that had to be challenged and exposed for what it is – racial abuse .
I now want to put the episode behind me and concentrate on recovering from my injury to be ready for next season .
”

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West Bromwich Albion's Jonathan Leko has received an apology from the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).
Leko issued a statement after Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was banned for eight matches for racially abusing him during a Championship match in September.
The 20-year-old forward, who was playing for loan club Charlton Athletic at the time, said he was "disappointed" with the disciplinary process that followed and the level of support and guidance he received along the way.
The PFA has now responded with an apology and say they have set up a meeting with Leko, due to take place tomorrow (Thursday).
"Today, Jonathan Leko has released a statement following the announcement of Kiko Casilla’s eight-game ban for racially abusing Leko during a Championship match in September," said a PFA statement .
"Within his statement, Leko expressed his disappointment with the process and the support he received.
"We’d like to apologise to Jonathan. We do not want any player to feel unsupported when going through something as difficult as this.
"At the time of the incident, we reached out to the club to advise them that we have a dedicated Equalties team in place that can support and guide Jonathan through the investigation and hearing process. This is usual procedure following a racist incident.
"Unfortunately, on this occasion, we did not hear back and wrongly assumed that Jonathan did not require our support.
"We’re grateful for Jonathan’s feedback and will review our procedures to ensure we learn from this moving forward.
"Following the hearing we reached out to Jonathan directly and have subsequently arranged a meeting - which is due to take place tomorrow."
Here is what Leko said in his statement...
“I am naturally relieved that the process is now complete and the FA have upheld what I have always known to be true – that I was racially abused by Kiko Casilla in a manner which shocked me and still angers and upsets me to this day.
“I have been disappointed with the amount of time it has taken to reach this point. Knowing what occurred in the game that day, it has been difficult to watch Kiko Casilla continue to play for such a lengthy period as if nothing had happened.
“I would urge the game’s governing bodies to look into their own processes when such incidents are reported. It was 22 weeks between the incident and the hearing during which I had minimal contact from the PFA, of which I am a member, and no contact in the way of support from leading anti-racism bodies such as ‘Kick It Out’ and ‘Show Racism The Red Card’. Some support or guidance would have been very welcome.
“By bringing the incident to the referee’s attention immediately, I was only doing what I have been educated to do throughout my career. But I found the hearing, at which I was made to feel I had done something wrong, extremely stressful.
“It made me question whether I would be prepared to go through it all again were I on the receiving end of similar abuse in the future. I certainly would think twice about how to advise another player placed in the same situation.
“From the outset, all I have done is report something that had to be challenged and exposed for what it is – racial abuse. I now want to put the episode behind me and concentrate on recovering from my injury to be ready for next season.”


birminghammail--2020-03-04--'Biggest fear' - Aston Villa transfer target suffers major injury blow

The Aberdeen defender is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring tendon injury which could keep him out for up to four months .
The news is a blow to the Dons ' hopes of finishing third in the Scottish Premiership and progressing past Celtic in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals .
McKenna 's injury came hours after a season-ending Achilles blow to another Scotland defender , John Souttar , ahead of the Euro 2020 play-offs this month .
`` The result of the scan was our biggest fear , '' said Dons boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would be available for the semi-final .
`` We anticipated him missing the next four games and the Scotland games but the news we got was the worst possible news really .
`` It 's more the tendon coming off the bone , which is almost exactly like Funso Ojo 's one against St Johnstone .
Both got a nudge in the back as they were running full pelt and I think that break in the running pattern has caused that distress on the hamstring .
`` Unfortunately for us the timescale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be back playing for us this season again .
`` It 's not ruled out because everybody reacts differently to the rehabilitation .
`` But that type of injury would normally keep you out for the best part of three to four months . ''
Ojo missed exactly three months , which would take McKenna almost up to the scheduled start of Euro 2020 .
The 23-year-old could also be approaching a major point in his career - he handed in a transfer request in August last year after previously being the subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the likes of Hull City , Celtic , Queens Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest .
`` Scott has been a good healer in the past so you never know but it is a real blow for him particularly in terms of his aspirations wanting to finish the season strongly , his performances have been good , and missing out on Scotland as well , '' McInnes added .
`` But , selfishly , for us as well , losing such a key player . ''
McInnes , whose team travel to Kilmarnock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just need to deal with it .
It 's been a season with significant injuries to key players for periods of time .
`` But the season is too important for us .
We want to get into Europe , we want to get that third spot , we want to get another Scottish Cup final .
We have to deal with it .
We have to do it without Scott 's help , which makes it that bit tougher for us . ''

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Long-standing Aston Villa transfer target Scott McKenna has been dealt a major injury blow.
The Aberdeen defender is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring tendon injury which could keep him out for up to four months.
The news is a blow to the Dons' hopes of finishing third in the Scottish Premiership and progressing past Celtic in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals.
McKenna 's injury came hours after a season-ending Achilles blow to another Scotland defender, John Souttar, ahead of the Euro 2020 play-offs this month.
"The result of the scan was our biggest fear," said Dons boss Derek McInnes. "We were hoping he would be available for the semi-final.
"We anticipated him missing the next four games and the Scotland games but the news we got was the worst possible news really.
"It's more the tendon coming off the bone, which is almost exactly like Funso Ojo's one against St Johnstone. Both got a nudge in the back as they were running full pelt and I think that break in the running pattern has caused that distress on the hamstring.
"Unfortunately for us the timescale makes it very tight for him to be back playing for us this season again.
"It's not ruled out because everybody reacts differently to the rehabilitation.
"But that type of injury would normally keep you out for the best part of three to four months."
Ojo missed exactly three months, which would take McKenna almost up to the scheduled start of Euro 2020.
The 23-year-old could also be approaching a major point in his career - he handed in a transfer request in August last year after previously being the subject of bids from Villa , as well as the likes of Hull City, Celtic, Queens Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest.
"Scott has been a good healer in the past so you never know but it is a real blow for him particularly in terms of his aspirations wanting to finish the season strongly, his performances have been good, and missing out on Scotland as well," McInnes added.
"But, selfishly, for us as well, losing such a key player."
McInnes, whose team travel to Kilmarnock on Wednesday, added: "We just need to deal with it. It's been a season with significant injuries to key players for periods of time.
"But the season is too important for us. We want to get into Europe, we want to get that third spot, we want to get another Scottish Cup final. We have to deal with it. We have to do it without Scott's help, which makes it that bit tougher for us."


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Military obsessive carried out explosions in back garden after watching film The Hurt Locker

A military obsessive carried out explosions in his back garden with a volatile explosive substance after watching the film The Hurt Locker .
A bomb squad had to be called to his address in Coventry to dispose of the material after Chez Copeland had ordered the ingredients to make the explosive HMTD on line .
Copeland , 22 , of Brookside Avenue , Whoberley , had previously faced terrorism related offences but the prosecution offered no evidence on them .
However he admitted having explosives without a valid certificate and possessing a stun gun disguised as a torch .
Copeland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told by Judge Mark Wall QC , at Birmingham Crown Court , that because he had already spent 21 months on remand in custody that that sentence had already been served .
Police executed a search warrant at his home on August 24 2018 where Copeland lived with his mother and an army explosives unit were then called to make sure the premises was safe .
Tom Walking , prosecuting , said : `` It transpired the defendant had been making an explosive substance called HMTD which is extremely sensitive and detonated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The defendant bought the ingredients online .
It was a result of that red flag that that the police executed a search warrant at his house . ''
When Copeland was quizzed it became clear that he had `` an obsession with the military and bomb disposal units in particular '' .
`` He wanted to know how things were made , '' Mr Walking said .
He told the court Copeland had been making the explosives in a garden shed and had also filmed experiments he had carried out his garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` HMTD is a very dangerous chemical and can be used to make other explosives which can then be employed in acts of aggression by terrorists and others . ''
However the judge accepted Copeland had only made a small amount of the explosives and had only created `` small explosions . ''
He said he also accepted his obsession with the military was a result of him suffering from Asperger 's syndrome and that the explosives had not caused any physical damage .
Paul Bogan QC , defending , said `` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military from an early age .
He had an ambition to join the army but that ambition has been thwarted by his condition .
`` His interest began as a result of watching the film Hurt Locker about the US bomb disposal unit in Iraq , having seen that many times . ''
Mr Bogan said `` Having manufactured that substance he wished to see whether the recipes would work and carried out small explosions in his back garden which he filmed with his mobile phone .
`` He had no idea it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The explosive substances were of very small quantity and the impact was similar in effect to lighting a firework .
`` There was no real risk of injury to anyone possibly with the exception of himself standing near by . ''
Mr Bogan said the stun gun had been left at the property by someone else and that the defendant had only recently found it .

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A military obsessive carried out explosions in his back garden with a volatile explosive substance after watching the film The Hurt Locker.
A bomb squad had to be called to his address in Coventry to dispose of the material after Chez Copeland had ordered the ingredients to make the explosive HMTD on line.
Copeland, 22, of Brookside Avenue, Whoberley, had previously faced terrorism related offences but the prosecution offered no evidence on them.
However he admitted having explosives without a valid certificate and possessing a stun gun disguised as a torch.
Copeland was jailed for 22 months but was told by Judge Mark Wall QC, at Birmingham Crown Court, that because he had already spent 21 months on remand in custody that that sentence had already been served.
Police executed a search warrant at his home on August 24 2018 where Copeland lived with his mother and an army explosives unit were then called to make sure the premises was safe.
Tom Walking, prosecuting, said: "It transpired the defendant had been making an explosive substance called HMTD which is extremely sensitive and detonated by a spark or flame or friction.
"The defendant bought the ingredients online. It was a result of that red flag that that the police executed a search warrant at his house."
When Copeland was quizzed it became clear that he had "an obsession with the military and bomb disposal units in particular".
"He wanted to know how things were made," Mr Walking said.
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He told the court Copeland had been making the explosives in a garden shed and had also filmed experiments he had carried out his garden.
In passing sentence Judge Wall said "HMTD is a very dangerous chemical and can be used to make other explosives which can then be employed in acts of aggression by terrorists and others."
However the judge accepted Copeland had only made a small amount of the explosives and had only created "small explosions."
He said he also accepted his obsession with the military was a result of him suffering from Asperger's syndrome and that the explosives had not caused any physical damage.
Paul Bogan QC, defending, said "He has had an interest in all things military from an early age. He had an ambition to join the army but that ambition has been thwarted by his condition.
"His interest began as a result of watching the film Hurt Locker about the US bomb disposal unit in Iraq, having seen that many times."
Why BirminghamLive covers court cases Courts in the West Midlands serve a population of five million - and BirminghamLive brings you coverage from them each and every week. Magistrates Courts deal with offences where the maximum permitted sentence for each offence does not exceed six months imprisonment or one year if two or more offences are to be considered. Crown Courts deal with the more serious cases including murder, rape, robberies, serious assaults. BirminghamLive's team of journalists report on proceedings, but it can regularly surprise people, and sometimes anger them, when details are published. So we have come up with some frequently asked questions and answers to hopefully help people understand our role better.
Mr Bogan said "Having manufactured that substance he wished to see whether the recipes would work and carried out small explosions in his back garden which he filmed with his mobile phone.
"He had no idea it was necessary to obtain a certificate.
"The explosive substances were of very small quantity and the impact was similar in effect to lighting a firework.
"There was no real risk of injury to anyone possibly with the exception of himself standing near by."
Mr Bogan said the stun gun had been left at the property by someone else and that the defendant had only recently found it.


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Leicester City vs Birmingham City team news: Clotet and Rodgers name their starting line-ups

Maikel Kieftenbeld makes his first Birmingham City start 11 months in tonight ’ s FA Cup 5th Round tie with @ @ @ @ @ midfielder starts in a much-changed XI at the King Power stadium as Pep Clotet looks @ @ @ @ @ front-line players .
Jake Clarke-Salter comes in for the rested Marc Roberts , the only @ @ @ @ @ four .
With Jeremie Bela injured and Jude Bellingham given a few more days off @ @ @ @ @ the right of midfield and Kerim Mrabti on the left .
Kieftenbeld is partnered with @ @ @ @ @ .
Scott Hogan and Lukas Jutkiewicz continue their burgeoning relationship up front .

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Maikel Kieftenbeld makes his first Birmingham City start 11 months in tonight’s FA Cup 5th Round tie with Leicester City.
The Dutch midfielder starts in a much-changed XI at the King Power stadium as Pep Clotet looks to rest some of his front-line players.
Jake Clarke-Salter comes in for the rested Marc Roberts, the only change to the regular back four.
With Jeremie Bela injured and Jude Bellingham given a few more days off, Wes Harding starts on the right of midfield and Kerim Mrabti on the left. Kieftenbeld is partnered with Ivan Sunjic in the middle.
Scott Hogan and Lukas Jutkiewicz continue their burgeoning relationship up front.
BLUES (4-4-2): Camp; Colin, Dean, Clarke-Salter, Pedersen; Harding, Sunjic, Kieftenbeld, Mrabti; Hogan, Jutkiewicz. Subs: Trueman, Roberts, Montero, Burke, Gardner, Boyd-Munce, Crowley


birminghammail--2020-03-04--Huge Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua update issued by Eddie Hearn

Eddie Hearn has revealed he is “ ready to conclude a deal ” for a December showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to determine the undisputed world heavyweight champion .
Fury wrenching the WBC title from Deontay Wilder in a spectacular display last month means he and fellow Briton Joshua , the WBA , IBF and WBO champion , hold all four of the major belts in boxing ’ s blue riband division .
Clamour for a bout between the pair has been building but Joshua will first take on IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev on June 20 while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligation to rematch Wilder the following month .
However , Hearn , Joshua ’ s promoter , has divulged that talks with Fury ’ s handlers are progressing smoothly for a blockbuster fight this winter – provided both combatants come through their summer tests .
Hearn told the PA news agency : “ Myself and Bob Arum ( Fury ’ s promoter ) have been talking to a point where we ’ re ready to conclude a deal and try to move forward to get that deal done for December .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t put that deal in place now for the winner of those two fights .
“ We ’ re going to fight on June 20 , they ’ re going to fight , I believe , on July 18 .
That leaves plenty of time for a December fight .
“ We ’ ve just got to iron out some basic things like broadcasters and where the fight is going to take place .
But I believe there ’ s a real desire from both sides to get that fight done now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To have two British heavyweight champions is unbelievable but to have them fighting for the undisputed championship is something that will never , ever happen in our lifetime again .
“ So we ’ ve got to make it happen , let ’ s get the deal made now and let ’ s let those guys concentrate on their big fights in the summer.
” The Principality Stadium in Cardiff as well as Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia remain the front-runners to stage the fight .
But Hearn is optimistic of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident that they will cross paths in the United Kingdom at some point .
He said : “ This fight is probably going to happen two , maybe three times .
We ’ re going to get it in the UK , it ’ s just whether one , two or three .
“ December limits us in the UK , it just really leaves us with the ( Principality Stadium ) , so we ’ re going to look at all options but first thing ’ s first , let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we stand.
” Joshua got his career back on track last December when he outpointed Andy Ruiz in their rematch , having been savagely stopped by the Mexican-American in their original outing six months earlier .
He eschewed his usual aggressive style by adopting a more cautious game-plan in the return bout , comfortably keeping his foe at bay by boxing on the back foot , but his tactics earned as much criticism as they did praise .
Hearn believes Joshua may revert to his more dynamic style when he next steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stadium but insists his only focus should be on winning against Pulev , who has won his last eight fights since being knocked out by Wladimir Klitschko in November 2014 – the only blemish in his professional career .
“ With everything that ’ s on the line with the Fury fight , the win will do , ” Hearn said .
“ But I think he will want to go in there and make a statement against Kubrat Pulev .
I think Pulev will be looking to take chances .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kubrat Pulev but I think you ’ re going to see a different performance than the Andy Ruiz II fight where he obviously had his entire career on the line .
“ Pulev is a good fighter ; big , tall strong , good puncher .
He ’ s a stand-up heavyweight like Joshua and you ’ re going to see a really good , technical fight early on but I think you ’ re going to see the old Joshua come out and you ’ ll see a great knockout .
”

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Eddie Hearn has revealed he is “ready to conclude a deal” for a December showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to determine the undisputed world heavyweight champion.
Fury wrenching the WBC title from Deontay Wilder in a spectacular display last month means he and fellow Briton Joshua, the WBA, IBF and WBO champion, hold all four of the major belts in boxing’s blue riband division.
Clamour for a bout between the pair has been building but Joshua will first take on IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev on June 20 while Fury is likely to settle a contractual obligation to rematch Wilder the following month.
However, Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, has divulged that talks with Fury’s handlers are progressing smoothly for a blockbuster fight this winter – provided both combatants come through their summer tests.
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Hearn told the PA news agency: “Myself and Bob Arum (Fury’s promoter) have been talking to a point where we’re ready to conclude a deal and try to move forward to get that deal done for December.
“There’s no reason why we can’t put that deal in place now for the winner of those two fights.
“We’re going to fight on June 20, they’re going to fight, I believe, on July 18. That leaves plenty of time for a December fight.
“We’ve just got to iron out some basic things like broadcasters and where the fight is going to take place. But I believe there’s a real desire from both sides to get that fight done now. December would be perfect.
“To have two British heavyweight champions is unbelievable but to have them fighting for the undisputed championship is something that will never, ever happen in our lifetime again.
“So we’ve got to make it happen, let’s get the deal made now and let’s let those guys concentrate on their big fights in the summer.”
The Principality Stadium in Cardiff as well as Las Vegas and Saudi Arabia remain the front-runners to stage the fight.
But Hearn is optimistic of more than one meeting between the pair and is confident that they will cross paths in the United Kingdom at some point.
He said: “This fight is probably going to happen two, maybe three times. We’re going to get it in the UK, it’s just whether one, two or three.
“December limits us in the UK, it just really leaves us with the (Principality Stadium), so we’re going to look at all options but first thing’s first, let’s get the deal papered and know exactly where we stand.”
Joshua got his career back on track last December when he outpointed Andy Ruiz in their rematch, having been savagely stopped by the Mexican-American in their original outing six months earlier.
(Image: PA)
He eschewed his usual aggressive style by adopting a more cautious game-plan in the return bout, comfortably keeping his foe at bay by boxing on the back foot, but his tactics earned as much criticism as they did praise.
Hearn believes Joshua may revert to his more dynamic style when he next steps into the ring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but insists his only focus should be on winning against Pulev, who has won his last eight fights since being knocked out by Wladimir Klitschko in November 2014 – the only blemish in his professional career.
“With everything that’s on the line with the Fury fight, the win will do,” Hearn said. “But I think he will want to go in there and make a statement against Kubrat Pulev. I think Pulev will be looking to take chances.
“He’s got to be disciplined against Kubrat Pulev but I think you’re going to see a different performance than the Andy Ruiz II fight where he obviously had his entire career on the line.
“Pulev is a good fighter; big, tall strong, good puncher. He’s a stand-up heavyweight like Joshua and you’re going to see a really good, technical fight early on but I think you’re going to see the old Joshua come out and you’ll see a great knockout.”