birminghammail--2020-04-25--EFL under pressure to scrap financial rules after Blues charge

A number of Championship clubs have thrown their support behind the idea of the EFL making amendments to their controversial Profitability and Sustainability regulations , or to get rid of that particular set of rules entirely .
Birmingham City are one of a number of clubs who have been penalised for being found of breaching the regulations ; last season , they were dealt a nine-point deduction , causing them to look over their shoulder in the Championship table where previously they ’ d been comfortable in mid-table .
That was because of the club being found guilty of breaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules , which involved the club making more of a financial loss than is permitted over the course of three years .
A business plan was imposed on the club by the League , something they told they must adhere to in order to stay within the financial rules - but they allegedly failed to and were asked to state their case in front of the disciplinary commission in February .
Blues , at risk of suffering a second successive points deduction , were found not guilty at the time , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now will be asked to present their case to another independent commission in the near future .
Blues were understandably furious by the EFL ’ s decision to contest the original verdict , particularly in the current climate where football has come to a standstill because of the coronavirus .
The truth is , though , that Blues aren ’ t the only club under scrutiny on the financial front .
If you want to follow all things Birmingham City via social media then this is the place to find out how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest Blues news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Brian Dick on Twitter , and his email address is Brian.Dick @ reachplc.com Both Sheffield Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of EFL charges this term , relating to the sales of Hillsborough and Pride Park respectively .
The cases of the Owls and the Rams will be heard in July .
More clubs , the Telegraph reports , are expected to face similar sanctions in the coming months , and because of the pandemic which has football into hibernation , the futures of clubs and their finances are now being spotlighted more than ever .
That ’ s led to calls for the EFL to considering amending the P & S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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A number of Championship clubs have thrown their support behind the idea of the EFL making amendments to their controversial Profitability and Sustainability regulations, or to get rid of that particular set of rules entirely.
Birmingham City are one of a number of clubs who have been penalised for being found of breaching the regulations; last season, they were dealt a nine-point deduction, causing them to look over their shoulder in the Championship table where previously they’d been comfortable in mid-table.
That was because of the club being found guilty of breaching the EFL’s profitability and sustainability rules, which involved the club making more of a financial loss than is permitted over the course of three years.
A business plan was imposed on the club by the League, something they told they must adhere to in order to stay within the financial rules - but they allegedly failed to and were asked to state their case in front of the disciplinary commission in February.
Blues, at risk of suffering a second successive points deduction, were found not guilty at the time, but the EFL have decided to contest that verdict and now will be asked to present their case to another independent commission in the near future.
Blues were understandably furious by the EFL’s decision to contest the original verdict, particularly in the current climate where football has come to a standstill because of the coronavirus.
The truth is, though, that Blues aren’t the only club under scrutiny on the financial front.
Both Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County have both been on the end of EFL charges this term, relating to the sales of Hillsborough and Pride Park respectively.
The cases of the Owls and the Rams will be heard in July.
More clubs, the Telegraph reports, are expected to face similar sanctions in the coming months, and because of the pandemic which has football into hibernation, the futures of clubs and their finances are now being spotlighted more than ever.
That’s led to calls for the EFL to considering amending the P&S rules, or scratching them off entirely.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Benteke discusses links with an Aston Villa return in January

Christian Benteke has addressed the speculation linking him to what would ’ ve been a sensational return to Aston Villa .
The Belgian became a hit at Villa Park under Paul Lambert after signing in the summer of 2012 , but he ’ d make a £32.5m move to Liverpool in 2015 after his goals ensured Villa survived their relegation battle under Tim Sherwood .
The jaunt north to Anfield didn ’ t work out , and he made his way to the capital and Crystal Palace , where he has been ever since .
Having struggled for goals under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked with a sensational return to Villa in the January transfer window .
Dean Smith had just lost marksman Wesley Moraes to a season ending injury , and the Lions were looking for reinforcements .
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Hodgson , though , was insistent that Benteke wouldn ’ t be going anywhere and he remained at Selhurst Park .
Villa , meanwhile , managed to pull a late deal for Swansea striker Borja Baston over the line , while they also added Mbwana Samatta in the winter .
Benteke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid his struggles in front of goal - he ’ s managed just five goals in his last 72 appearances for Palace - and why he decided to remain at Selhurst Park .
“ I take the interest of both those clubs as recognition , ” Benteke said , via Sport Witness .
“ Here , people are decent : they know you ’ re a good player , that you can bring something extra .
“ Everyone goes through complicated moments without it putting their value in doubt .
“ In England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration , which goes beyond the number of goals scored .
The number of aerial duels won is where I ’ m quite good .
“ The pressure I put on the opposition defence , playing with my back to goal , the player ’ s professionalism , how he fits in a system : all that comes into play , starting from the principle that a player ’ s quality doesn ’ t evaporate.
” On the links with Villa , and also with Tottenham Hotspur , Benteke reasoned that he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added : “ Because I needed stability , especially with the kids .
Plus , I ’ m really happy at Crystal Palace .
”

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Christian Benteke has addressed the speculation linking him to what would’ve been a sensational return to Aston Villa.
The Belgian became a hit at Villa Park under Paul Lambert after signing in the summer of 2012, but he’d make a £32.5m move to Liverpool in 2015 after his goals ensured Villa survived their relegation battle under Tim Sherwood.
The jaunt north to Anfield didn’t work out, and he made his way to the capital and Crystal Palace, where he has been ever since.
Having struggled for goals under Roy Hodgson, towering forward Benteke was linked with a sensational return to Villa in the January transfer window.
Dean Smith had just lost marksman Wesley Moraes to a season ending injury, and the Lions were looking for reinforcements.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
Hodgson, though, was insistent that Benteke wouldn’t be going anywhere and he remained at Selhurst Park.
Villa, meanwhile, managed to pull a late deal for Swansea striker Borja Baston over the line, while they also added Mbwana Samatta in the winter.
Benteke has now discussed that interest mid-season, amid his struggles in front of goal - he’s managed just five goals in his last 72 appearances for Palace - and why he decided to remain at Selhurst Park.
“I take the interest of both those clubs as recognition,” Benteke said, via Sport Witness. “Here, people are decent: they know you’re a good player, that you can bring something extra.
“Everyone goes through complicated moments without it putting their value in doubt.
“In England, all the parameters are taken into consideration, which goes beyond the number of goals scored. The number of aerial duels won is where I’m quite good.
“The pressure I put on the opposition defence, playing with my back to goal, the player’s professionalism, how he fits in a system: all that comes into play, starting from the principle that a player’s quality doesn’t evaporate.”
On the links with Villa, and also with Tottenham Hotspur, Benteke reasoned that he had no need to depart south east London.
He added: “Because I needed stability, especially with the kids. Plus, I’m really happy at Crystal Palace.”


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Stan Collymore has a West Brom message for the Premier League

Stan Collymore believes clubs must still be promoted and relegated as normal - even if the full 38-game Premier League season is n't completed .
West Bromwich Albion sit comfortably in second place in the Championship , requiring one final push to realise their ambition of returning to the top-flight when the campaign resumes .
Slaven Bilic 's side are battling Leeds United for the title and sit a single point behind the Elland Road club with nine matches left to play .
Brighton owner Tony Bloom said over that weekend that promotion and relegation should be scrapped because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com But Collymore thinks it is fair for the system to operate as usual as long as Premier League clubs have all played the same amount of matches , with three Championship sides going up .
Writing in his Mirror column , the former Aston Villa forward said : `` Brighton owner Tony Bloom ’ s suggestion that no clubs should be relegated from the Premier League this season is noble .
`` And regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived on these shores I was thinking along the same lines .
`` That we could promote Leeds and West Brom from the Championship , and get back to normal numbers by relegating five teams at the end of next season .
`` But I ’ ve changed my mind and , if we do reach a stage where a line has to be drawn through the season , then I see no option but for the three teams at the bottom to go down .
`` I say that with a heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Aston Villa , being relegated with Norwich and Bournemouth .
`` Although the caveat is we ’ d have to level the playing field by making sure all top-flight clubs had played 29 matches .
`` That would mean Sheffield United versus Villa and Manchester City-Arsenal being played behind closed doors .
And if Villa win , great , they stay up .
But if they lose , they ’ re down – tough luck and lump it .
`` I know people will argue the clubs signed up to a 38-game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be relegated if the season isn ’ t fulfilled , but we ’ re never going to get a perfect solution .
`` I ’ d argue teams shouldn ’ t be in that position after 29 games , so they only have themselves to blame . ''
The EFL is thought to be considering a return date of June 8 but there is significant uncertainty about what could happen between now and then .
Collymore added : `` The best-case scenario , of course , is for this campaign to be finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still get to do that in June and July , even if the June 8 date the Premier League is mooting seems too early .
`` But the trouble is , if the Government extends the lockdown for even one more three-week cycle after this one then it will take us to May 28 and players will need at least a couple of weeks to get fit .
`` If things take a turn for the worse and we need a few further lockdowns , though , we can ’ t keep going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ d need to call the season where it is , as they ’ ve done in Scotland , rather than void it , which would mean handing Liverpool the title , with Europe and relegation sorted as well .
`` To cushion the blow of going down , the Premier League could give the relegated trio a slice of next season ’ s money – say , 75 per cent of what they ’ d have earned had they stayed a top-flight club .
It ’ s difficult to see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Stan Collymore believes clubs must still be promoted and relegated as normal - even if the full 38-game Premier League season isn't completed.
West Bromwich Albion sit comfortably in second place in the Championship, requiring one final push to realise their ambition of returning to the top-flight when the campaign resumes.
Slaven Bilic's side are battling Leeds United for the title and sit a single point behind the Elland Road club with nine matches left to play.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom said over that weekend that promotion and relegation should be scrapped because of the unprecedented nature of the public health crisis.
But Collymore thinks it is fair for the system to operate as usual as long as Premier League clubs have all played the same amount of matches, with three Championship sides going up.
Writing in his Mirror column, the former Aston Villa forward said: "Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s suggestion that no clubs should be relegated from the Premier League this season is noble.
"And regular readers will know that when Covid-19 first arrived on these shores I was thinking along the same lines.
"That we could promote Leeds and West Brom from the Championship, and get back to normal numbers by relegating five teams at the end of next season.
"But I’ve changed my mind and, if we do reach a stage where a line has to be drawn through the season, then I see no option but for the three teams at the bottom to go down.
"I say that with a heavy heart because it would mean my club, Aston Villa, being relegated with Norwich and Bournemouth.
"Although the caveat is we’d have to level the playing field by making sure all top-flight clubs had played 29 matches.
"That would mean Sheffield United versus Villa and Manchester City-Arsenal being played behind closed doors. And if Villa win, great, they stay up. But if they lose, they’re down – tough luck and lump it.
"I know people will argue the clubs signed up to a 38-game competition and that they shouldn’t be relegated if the season isn’t fulfilled, but we’re never going to get a perfect solution.
"I’d argue teams shouldn’t be in that position after 29 games, so they only have themselves to blame."
The EFL is thought to be considering a return date of June 8 but there is significant uncertainty about what could happen between now and then.
Collymore added: "The best-case scenario, of course, is for this campaign to be finished and, fingers crossed, we can still get to do that in June and July, even if the June 8 date the Premier League is mooting seems too early.
"But the trouble is, if the Government extends the lockdown for even one more three-week cycle after this one then it will take us to May 28 and players will need at least a couple of weeks to get fit.
"If things take a turn for the worse and we need a few further lockdowns, though, we can’t keep going indefinitely.
"That’s when you’d need to call the season where it is, as they’ve done in Scotland, rather than void it, which would mean handing Liverpool the title, with Europe and relegation sorted as well.
"To cushion the blow of going down, the Premier League could give the relegated trio a slice of next season’s money – say, 75 per cent of what they’d have earned had they stayed a top-flight club. It’s difficult to see a better way out of it."


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Joe Lycett hits out at Pot Noodle for lying over portion sizes

Joe Lycett has used his Get Your Own Back show to call out Pot Noodle for LYING about their portions .
The Birmingham comedian teamed up with an audience member to hit out at the snack food giant .
On Friday 's instalment , Joe Craig , from Gloucester , was in the audience and told the comedian : `` I 'm disappointed in Pot Noodle .
`` You 've got a regular Pot Noodle and a King Size Pot Noodle .
But you get the same size sachet of soy sauce . ''
Joe said : `` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've looked into this for you . ''
Joe proceeded to show the audience two different size pots - and it proved Craig was right .
The comedian then got in touch with Pot Noodle , sending its creators , Unilever , an e-mail .
The comedian , who lives in Birmingham , fumed : `` According to maths , without 26 % more soy the King Chicken and Mushroom Pot Noodle is actually 97 % 'Noodle Mix ' to 3 % 'Sauce sachet ' .
`` Therefore , the information on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misleading and distressing . ''
The e-mail , on behalf of Craig 's fight for justice , added : `` Ratios are important .
When you make a larger version of something all the elements need to be increased equally . ''
The comic then requested Pot Noodle either label their packages correctly , or `` better still , increase the size of the soy sachet by 6 per cent '' in the King Size versions .
Within three hours , Pot Noodle replied : `` Thanks for flagging , we 're working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually confirmed : `` Just to show that we 're not all talk and no noodles , we wanted to let you know what we 're doing to answer your query .
`` We have had our top mathematicians from across the country review the packaging and understand why there is this discrepancy in the first place .
`` Essentially , it is because the numbers have been rounded .
However , to remove any room for misinterpretation , we 're going to make some changes to the percentages we share on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

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Joe Lycett has used his Get Your Own Back show to call out Pot Noodle for LYING about their portions.
The Birmingham comedian teamed up with an audience member to hit out at the snack food giant.
On Friday's instalment, Joe Craig, from Gloucester, was in the audience and told the comedian: "I'm disappointed in Pot Noodle.
"You've got a regular Pot Noodle and a King Size Pot Noodle. But you get the same size sachet of soy sauce."
Joe said: "I'm so glad you e-mailed in. We've looked into this for you."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Joe proceeded to show the audience two different size pots - and it proved Craig was right.
The comedian then got in touch with Pot Noodle, sending its creators, Unilever, an e-mail.
The comedian, who lives in Birmingham, fumed: "According to maths, without 26% more soy the King Chicken and Mushroom Pot Noodle is actually 97% 'Noodle Mix' to 3% 'Sauce sachet'.
"Therefore, the information on the side of the packet is false, misleading and distressing."
The e-mail, on behalf of Craig's fight for justice, added: "Ratios are important. When you make a larger version of something all the elements need to be increased equally."
The comic then requested Pot Noodle either label their packages correctly, or "better still, increase the size of the soy sachet by 6 per cent" in the King Size versions.
Within three hours, Pot Noodle replied: "Thanks for flagging, we're working on a solution."
They then eventually confirmed: "Just to show that we're not all talk and no noodles, we wanted to let you know what we're doing to answer your query.
"We have had our top mathematicians from across the country review the packaging and understand why there is this discrepancy in the first place.
"Essentially, it is because the numbers have been rounded. However, to remove any room for misinterpretation, we're going to make some changes to the percentages we share on the packets when we next update our packaging."


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Wolves strike transfer agreement with Liverpool  - reports

The latest rumour in the bizarre transfer triangle that is developing involving Wolves has linked them with Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius .
In the last week or so , Wolves have been regularly mentioned in the same sentence as Besiktas , when their goalkeeping situation has been discussed .
The Turkish Super Lig side are on the look out for a new permanent keeper ahead of next season , and had initially hoped to keep Reds loanee Karius on a long-term deal .
That likely won ’ t happen , though , because the German has no intention of remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made for global governing body FIFA demanding that he be permitted a release from his loan due to unpaid wages .
Besiktas board member Erdal Torunogullari has confirmed Karius wishes to leave the club in the coming weeks , while reports coming out of Turkey now claim that the club are set to pay Karius almost £500k in unpaid salary and bonuses .
“ Karius has gone to FIFA over his unpaid wages and termination of his contract , ” Torunogullari wrote .
“ He wants us to pay him for the months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He wants to leave and that ’ s his decision .
We don ’ t want to make an undeserved payment.
” That ’ s led to some rather bizarre speculation emerging that Karius , out of contract at Anfield in 2021 and with no future under Jurgen Klopp , is set to return to England and spend next term - whenever that may be - on loan at Molineux , acting as number two to first choice Rui Patricio .
Indeed Fanatik claim that Wolves have already struck a deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Current deputy John Ruddy as already been linked with a move to Besiktas in return ; Ruddy is out of contract at Wolves this summer , with Patricio now the undisputed number one at Molineux .
Speaking earlier this year , Ruddy admitted that he was frustrated at his lack of playing time and would save any discussions over a new deal until later in the year .

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The latest rumour in the bizarre transfer triangle that is developing involving Wolves has linked them with Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.
In the last week or so, Wolves have been regularly mentioned in the same sentence as Besiktas, when their goalkeeping situation has been discussed.
The Turkish Super Lig side are on the look out for a new permanent keeper ahead of next season, and had initially hoped to keep Reds loanee Karius on a long-term deal.
That likely won’t happen, though, because the German has no intention of remaining in the Turkish capital and has already made for global governing body FIFA demanding that he be permitted a release from his loan due to unpaid wages.
Besiktas board member Erdal Torunogullari has confirmed Karius wishes to leave the club in the coming weeks, while reports coming out of Turkey now claim that the club are set to pay Karius almost £500k in unpaid salary and bonuses.
“Karius has gone to FIFA over his unpaid wages and termination of his contract,” Torunogullari wrote. “He wants us to pay him for the months he hasn’t played.
“He wants to leave and that’s his decision. We don’t want to make an undeserved payment.”
That’s led to some rather bizarre speculation emerging that Karius, out of contract at Anfield in 2021 and with no future under Jurgen Klopp, is set to return to England and spend next term - whenever that may be - on loan at Molineux, acting as number two to first choice Rui Patricio.
Indeed Fanatik claim that Wolves have already struck a deal with the Reds as regards to a move.
Current deputy John Ruddy as already been linked with a move to Besiktas in return; Ruddy is out of contract at Wolves this summer, with Patricio now the undisputed number one at Molineux.
Speaking earlier this year, Ruddy admitted that he was frustrated at his lack of playing time and would save any discussions over a new deal until later in the year.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--'It's very reasonable' - Wes Edens outlines incredible Aston Villa plan

Wes Edens has outlined his plan for Aston Villa to become one of the biggest teams in the world - and when he hopes to achieve it by .
Edens along with Nassef Sawiris , bought the club from Dr Tony Xia in the summer of 2018 , helping Villa stave off the imminent threat of administration .
After winning promotion in May of last year , the two billionaires bankrolled a transfer window spree of almost £150m to give Dean Smith a side capable of competing in the Premier League .
However , before the top-flight was halted last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottom three , firmly entrenched in the relegation scrap .
In a revealing interview filmed last month , Edens reaffirmed his commitment to make Villa a world leader , but emphasised the need to retain their Premier League status .
“ The ambition is obviously to stay up , it ’ s a competitive league , that first step up is a big one , ” Edens told Bloomberg .
“ Villa has a very long and proud tradition , it ’ s been a very successful club .
Our goal is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , play in all the major competitions , do all those things .
“ The first step is to stay up .
We ’ ve got a tough run-in , but then so do a lot of other teams .
We ’ ve got a lot of talent on the team , so we feel good about that.
” It isn ’ t Edens ’ first foray into the world of sports ownership , with his NBA franchise Milwaukee Bucks enjoying a period of sustained success before coronavirus suspended the league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the parallels between what we ’ ve done with the Bucks and this , it is that nothing happens by accident and nothing happens overnight , ” he added .
“ Hire the right people , empower them , give them the right resources , hope they make the right decisions and then let the players play.
” Asked if he could replicate the successes of the Bucks and have Villa in the top-four within five years , he replied : “ I think it ’ s very reasonable .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want it all to happen tomorrow .
But if there is one thing I take away from the Bucks experience is that style of play really matters and once you commit to a style of play , everything takes care of itself .
“ In soccer it lends itself to getting away from that because you want a result tomorrow or you ’ ve got a game to win .
But I think it ’ s the same thing .
”

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Wes Edens has outlined his plan for Aston Villa to become one of the biggest teams in the world - and when he hopes to achieve it by.
Edens along with Nassef Sawiris, bought the club from Dr Tony Xia in the summer of 2018, helping Villa stave off the imminent threat of administration.
After winning promotion in May of last year, the two billionaires bankrolled a transfer window spree of almost £150m to give Dean Smith a side capable of competing in the Premier League.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
However, before the top-flight was halted last month, Villa found themselves in the bottom three, firmly entrenched in the relegation scrap.
In a revealing interview filmed last month, Edens reaffirmed his commitment to make Villa a world leader, but emphasised the need to retain their Premier League status.
“The ambition is obviously to stay up, it’s a competitive league, that first step up is a big one,” Edens told Bloomberg.
“Villa has a very long and proud tradition, it’s been a very successful club. Our goal is to be one of the top clubs in the world, play in all the major competitions, do all those things.
“The first step is to stay up. We’ve got a tough run-in, but then so do a lot of other teams. We’ve got a lot of talent on the team, so we feel good about that.”
It isn’t Edens’ first foray into the world of sports ownership, with his NBA franchise Milwaukee Bucks enjoying a period of sustained success before coronavirus suspended the league.
“I think when you look at the parallels between what we’ve done with the Bucks and this, it is that nothing happens by accident and nothing happens overnight,” he added.
“Hire the right people, empower them, give them the right resources, hope they make the right decisions and then let the players play.”
Asked if he could replicate the successes of the Bucks and have Villa in the top-four within five years, he replied: “I think it’s very reasonable. I’m an impatient man, so we want it all to happen tomorrow. But if there is one thing I take away from the Bucks experience is that style of play really matters and once you commit to a style of play, everything takes care of itself.
“In soccer it lends itself to getting away from that because you want a result tomorrow or you’ve got a game to win. But I think it’s the same thing.”


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Government told to lift lockdown NOW as economy 'can't wait until vaccine'

Former chancellor Philip Hammond has called on the Government to begin easing the coronavirus lockdown .
Mr Hammond has spoken out and urged the government to consider lifting restrictions in a bid to restart the flailing economy .
The former chancellor said the country could not afford to wait until a vaccine had become available before resuming more normal economic activity .
`` The reality is that we have to start reopening the economy .
But we have to do it living with Covid , '' he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Saturday .
`` We ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , produced in sufficient quantity and rolled out across the population .
The economy wo n't survive that long .
`` But we are going to have to do it alongside the measures that are in place to protect the population from Covid . ''
Mr Hammond added : `` That 's going to be a much more complex phase of this crisis than the initial acute phase .
`` Locking everything down and keeping everything locked down is relatively straightforward . ''
He continued : `` The challenge of how to carefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and jobs is much , much more challenging and calls for a really skilful political leadership . ''
His comments come after Health Secretary Matt Hancock used his press briefing on Thursday at Downing Street to confirm the lockdown would not yet be lifted .
Mr Hancock said the country could not risk a second wave of deaths , with a second Covid-19 peak the primary concern for the government as they debate how to lift the lockdown .

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Former chancellor Philip Hammond has called on the Government to begin easing the coronavirus lockdown.
Mr Hammond has spoken out and urged the government to consider lifting restrictions in a bid to restart the flailing economy.
The former chancellor said the country could not afford to wait until a vaccine had become available before resuming more normal economic activity.
"The reality is that we have to start reopening the economy. But we have to do it living with Covid," he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Saturday.
(Image: PA)
"We can't wait until a vaccine is developed, produced in sufficient quantity and rolled out across the population. The economy won't survive that long.
"But we are going to have to do it alongside the measures that are in place to protect the population from Covid."
Mr Hammond added: "That's going to be a much more complex phase of this crisis than the initial acute phase.
"Locking everything down and keeping everything locked down is relatively straightforward."
He continued: "The challenge of how to carefully, progressively, methodically reopen protecting both health and jobs is much, much more challenging and calls for a really skilful political leadership."
His comments come after Health Secretary Matt Hancock used his press briefing on Thursday at Downing Street to confirm the lockdown would not yet be lifted.
Mr Hancock said the country could not risk a second wave of deaths, with a second Covid-19 peak the primary concern for the government as they debate how to lift the lockdown.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Villa linked with shock move to replace Dean Smith - reports

Aston Villa have been linked with a shock interest in Burnley manager Sean Dyche .
Like the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ currently on lockdown and waiting to learn when their season will resume .
Dean Smith @ @ @ @ @ huge task awaiting them though with 10 games to save themselves from an instant return @ @ @ @ @ to the Premier League 's suspension Villa were struggling badly and lost four games on @ @ @ @ @ 19th in the table .
Smith 's position has inevitably come under scrutiny and , @ @ @ @ @ Villa 's bosses are monitoring Dyche 's situation at Burnley .
Burnley 's chairman Mike @ @ @ @ @ own concerns about the effect the coronavirus pandemic will have on his club 's finances @ @ @ @ @ such talk has 'sparked chatter ' with Villa and Crystal Palace reportedly keeping an eye @ @ @ @ @ Moor in the hope that Dyche could be tempted away .
Smith signed a new @ @ @ @ @ December after guiding the club to promotion last term .

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Aston Villa have been linked with a shock interest in Burnley manager Sean Dyche.
Like the rest of the Premier League, Villa are currently on lockdown and waiting to learn when their season will resume.
Dean Smith and his players have a huge task awaiting them though with 10 games to save themselves from an instant return to the Championship.
Prior to the Premier League's suspension Villa were struggling badly and lost four games on the trot to slip to 19th in the table.
Smith's position has inevitably come under scrutiny and, according to The Sun, Villa's bosses are monitoring Dyche's situation at Burnley.
Burnley's chairman Mike Garlick has already aired his own concerns about the effect the coronavirus pandemic will have on his club's finances.
The Sun reports that such talk has 'sparked chatter' with Villa and Crystal Palace reportedly keeping an eye on goings on at Turf Moor in the hope that Dyche could be tempted away.
Smith signed a new long-term contract with Villa in December after guiding the club to promotion last term.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Alan Pardew picks up astonishing bonus - despite terrible record

Alan Pardew will receive a £100,000 bonus from ADO den Haag after successfully keeping the Dutch club in the Eredivisie .
The Eredivisie was cancelled on Friday meaning former West Bromwich Albion boss Pardew completed his mission .
He will therefore be rewarded financially - despite the fact he only won one of his nine games in charge , reports The Mirror .
ADO den Haag finished 17th and could well have been relegated had the season been completed .
Pardew ’ s wretched run in Holland follows on from his struggles at The Hawthorns where he guided Albion to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April 2018 .
If you throw Pardew ’ s final months at Crystal Palace in , he ’ s won just three of his last 34 games in management .
Speaking about his Albion exit recently , Pardew said : “ There is no departure that is exactly the same , I found .
“ But certainly , I still carry no bitterness toward anybody in terms of the decisions that were made .
They ’ re made , and you have to get on with it .
“ I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They carry it , and you can ’ t do that .
It ’ s a bit like a bad defeat : You have to bury it pretty quickly and move on to the next game .
“ Sometimes the board were hasty and should have been more patient , and other times it was the right decision for all involved .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com “ Nine times out of 10 , after leaving a job you need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure .
It ’ s difficult to have a nice time , you know , if results are bad or you ’ re feeling the heat .
So yeah , that ’ s the first phase after a job .
“ The first sort of five weeks [ after being sacked ] , you really take very little interest in football .
The second phase is you start analysing what you did that either went well or went wrong and trying to make sense of what happened , if you want to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is OK , rebuild .
Let ’ s start thinking about how we ’ re going to go back in and , you know , what we ’ d change , staff and ideas and stuff like that .
And then you get your motivation .
You get approached , and you think , you know what ?
Let ’ s have a go at this .
”

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Alan Pardew will receive a £100,000 bonus from ADO den Haag after successfully keeping the Dutch club in the Eredivisie.
The Eredivisie was cancelled on Friday meaning former West Bromwich Albion boss Pardew completed his mission.
He will therefore be rewarded financially - despite the fact he only won one of his nine games in charge, reports The Mirror.
ADO den Haag finished 17th and could well have been relegated had the season been completed.
Pardew’s wretched run in Holland follows on from his struggles at The Hawthorns where he guided Albion to the brink of relegation before being sacked in April 2018.
If you throw Pardew’s final months at Crystal Palace in, he’s won just three of his last 34 games in management.
Speaking about his Albion exit recently, Pardew said: “There is no departure that is exactly the same, I found.
“But certainly, I still carry no bitterness toward anybody in terms of the decisions that were made. They’re made, and you have to get on with it.
“I think that’s where some managers fall down. They carry it, and you can’t do that. It’s a bit like a bad defeat: You have to bury it pretty quickly and move on to the next game.
“Sometimes the board were hasty and should have been more patient, and other times it was the right decision for all involved.
“Nine times out of 10, after leaving a job you need a break. We are constantly under pressure. It’s difficult to have a nice time, you know, if results are bad or you’re feeling the heat. So yeah, that’s the first phase after a job.
“The first sort of five weeks [after being sacked], you really take very little interest in football. The second phase is you start analysing what you did that either went well or went wrong and trying to make sense of what happened, if you want to call it that.
“The third phase is OK, rebuild. Let’s start thinking about how we’re going to go back in and, you know, what we’d change, staff and ideas and stuff like that. And then you get your motivation. You get approached, and you think, you know what? Let’s have a go at this.”


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Leeds could sign another Wolves star if they’re promoted - reports

Leeds United will be offered Wolves goalkeeper John Ruddy ahead of their potential Premier League return , according to reports @ @ @ @ @ to seal promotion from the Championship once the football season resumes , with ex-Wolves stars @ @ @ @ @ playing key roles under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road .
And they could be joined @ @ @ @ @ Insider claim is set to leave Wolves at the end of his contract this summer @ @ @ @ @ fiddle to Rui Patricio over the past two seasons and could move on in pursuit @ @ @ @ @ Kiko Casilla hasn ’ t been entirely convincing since joining Leeds in January 2019 and @ @ @ @ @ him once promotion is secured .
They could face a fight for Ruddy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Besiktas also reportedly interested .

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Leeds United will be offered Wolves goalkeeper John Ruddy ahead of their potential Premier League return, according to reports.
Leeds are in line to seal promotion from the Championship once the football season resumes, with ex-Wolves stars Barry Douglas and Helder Costa playing key roles under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road.
And they could be joined by Ruddy, who Football Insider claim is set to leave Wolves at the end of his contract this summer.
Ruddy has played second fiddle to Rui Patricio over the past two seasons and could move on in pursuit of first team football.
Kiko Casilla hasn’t been entirely convincing since joining Leeds in January 2019 and Bielsa could look to replace him once promotion is secured.
They could face a fight for Ruddy’s signature though with Turkish club Besiktas also reportedly interested.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Aston Villa players deferring wages - What it actually means

Aston Villa have been applauded for making such a strong stand by deferring 25 per cent of their wages for an initial period of four months .
`` Our club '' , `` That 's how to run a football club '' and `` classy as ever '' are just some of the messages that have been fired Villa 's way today .
The generous move by the likes of Jack Grealish , Dean Smith and co will help the club continue to run smoothly on a day-to-day basis .
The kind act has allowed every member of Villa 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the lockdown .
Here is today 's ground-breaking news dissected , including what it all actually means ... What does a wage deferral actually mean ?
What Villa 's senior staff are all doing is taking a temporary 25 per cent cut in wages for four months up until August .
It means their September salaries should be , in effect , double their usual pay-days .
A deferral is essentially a proportion of an employee 's income paid out at a later date .
In a nutshell , those deferring their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , with Villa doing this for a period of four consecutive months .
The club are n't gaining any significant income due to the Premier League suspension and , in order to keep jobs , players , coaching staff and highest-earners have all come together to support those at the lower-end of the pay scale .
Villa 's players and staff who have deferred their pay will be due to get it all back - but at a later date .
Why have Aston Villa done this ?
As Christian Purslow put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our precious staff and their families . ''
It will enable all of Villa 's non-football staff - full and part time - to be retained and paid in full throughout the lockdown .
There will be no furloughing of staff .
What Villa are doing is protecting their own .
Another poignant point in today 's statement is Villa 's players and staff feeling a great sense of need to show `` solidarity with the many clubs in the football pyramid who have financial problems '' .
The statement adds : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proper that the Premier League as a whole takes action on its finances collectively to enable it to be able to continue to provide vital funding throughout the game in England . ''
Basically , what Villa have done here is shame the mega-rich clubs - the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool - who are yet to take such a stand .
Have any other clubs agreed to wage deferrals ?
Yes , Villa are n't the first , it was Southampton who broke the mould in the Premier League .
West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed suit , too , the latter agreeing to defer 12.5 per cent of their salaries - exactly half of Villa 's confirmed agreement .
The other clubs mentioned have kept their respective percentages private .
West Ham 's manager Davis Moyes and the board , though , have all agreed to a 30 per cent deferral .
Clubs such as Spurs and Chelsea have been struggling to negotiate deferrals with their players , the latter proposing 10 per cent deferrals which has been subsequently rejected by director Marina Granovskaia .
Chelsea are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hotel at Stamford Bridge to be used free of charge by NHS staff .
Across the Premier League , Norwich City and Newcastle have placed non-playing staff on furlough .
Senior , non-playing figures at Brighton and Bournemouth have agreed to significant voluntary pay cuts throughout the pandemic period , too , including Cherries boss Eddie Howe and Seagulls manager Graham Potter .
Every other club not mentioned - the likes of Everton , Liverpool , Man United , Wolves and so on - are continuing to pay staff , including its players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointing out is players across the Premier League continue to make huge donations to charities , with some clubs preferring its players to do that rather than to temporarily cut their pay .
What do you think ?
It 's just a touch of class from Aston Villa , a club who have always been a bit of a trailblazer when it comes to making the right decisions off the pitch .
The club just gets it and the fact the actions of Jack Grealish and John McGinn are helping to save , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in catering is bloody brilliant .
What Villa have done is they 've simply shamed the multi-billionaires of Man City and Liverpool , with owners of the top-two perhaps too twitchy to ask their star players to defer their wages .
I like the fact Villa are n't relying solely on Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris , either .
The owners have continued to pump money in relentlessly ever since they walked through the door and what Villa 's generosity will do is help sustain the club for the foreseeable future in what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also shows they 're a tight-knit group all in it together knowing everyone 's agreed to it .
On Friday , it was announced the NHS will be using the North Stand as a temporary maternity centre to help take the pressure off hospitals fighting Covid-19 .
Now , today , the players and coaching staff have played their part - and it 's a massive one at that .
The club continues to ooze class and it will continue to do so with Purslow , Edens and Sawiris at the helm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue supporter burst with pride tonight .

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Aston Villa have been applauded for making such a strong stand by deferring 25 per cent of their wages for an initial period of four months.
"Our club", "That's how to run a football club" and "classy as ever" are just some of the messages that have been fired Villa's way today.
The generous move by the likes of Jack Grealish, Dean Smith and co will help the club continue to run smoothly on a day-to-day basis.
The kind act has allowed every member of Villa's non-playing workforce to be paid in full throughout the lockdown.
Here is today's ground-breaking news dissected, including what it all actually means...
What does a wage deferral actually mean?
(Image: 2019 Aston Villa FC)
What Villa's senior staff are all doing is taking a temporary 25 per cent cut in wages for four months up until August. It means their September salaries should be, in effect, double their usual pay-days.
A deferral is essentially a proportion of an employee's income paid out at a later date.
In a nutshell, those deferring their wages are helping to significantly bring costs down, with Villa doing this for a period of four consecutive months.
The club aren't gaining any significant income due to the Premier League suspension and, in order to keep jobs, players, coaching staff and highest-earners have all come together to support those at the lower-end of the pay scale.
Villa's players and staff who have deferred their pay will be due to get it all back - but at a later date.
Why have Aston Villa done this?
As Christian Purslow put it: "To protect the livelihoods of our precious staff and their families."
It will enable all of Villa's non-football staff - full and part time - to be retained and paid in full throughout the lockdown. There will be no furloughing of staff.
What Villa are doing is protecting their own.
Another poignant point in today's statement is Villa's players and staff feeling a great sense of need to show "solidarity with the many clubs in the football pyramid who have financial problems".
The statement adds: "We believe it is right and proper that the Premier League as a whole takes action on its finances collectively to enable it to be able to continue to provide vital funding throughout the game in England."
Basically, what Villa have done here is shame the mega-rich clubs - the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool - who are yet to take such a stand.
Have any other clubs agreed to wage deferrals?
Yes, Villa aren't the first, it was Southampton who broke the mould in the Premier League. West Ham, Watford and Arsenal have all followed suit, too, the latter agreeing to defer 12.5 per cent of their salaries - exactly half of Villa's confirmed agreement. The other clubs mentioned have kept their respective percentages private. West Ham's manager Davis Moyes and the board, though, have all agreed to a 30 per cent deferral.
Clubs such as Spurs and Chelsea have been struggling to negotiate deferrals with their players, the latter proposing 10 per cent deferrals which has been subsequently rejected by director Marina Granovskaia. Chelsea are, though, paying for The Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge to be used free of charge by NHS staff.
Across the Premier League, Norwich City and Newcastle have placed non-playing staff on furlough. Senior, non-playing figures at Brighton and Bournemouth have agreed to significant voluntary pay cuts throughout the pandemic period, too, including Cherries boss Eddie Howe and Seagulls manager Graham Potter.
Every other club not mentioned - the likes of Everton, Liverpool, Man United, Wolves and so on - are continuing to pay staff, including its players, in full.
What's worth pointing out is players across the Premier League continue to make huge donations to charities, with some clubs preferring its players to do that rather than to temporarily cut their pay.
What do you think?
It's just a touch of class from Aston Villa, a club who have always been a bit of a trailblazer when it comes to making the right decisions off the pitch. The club just gets it and the fact the actions of Jack Grealish and John McGinn are helping to save, say, struggling mum-of-three Carol's job in catering is bloody brilliant.
What Villa have done is they've simply shamed the multi-billionaires of Man City and Liverpool, with owners of the top-two perhaps too twitchy to ask their star players to defer their wages.
I like the fact Villa aren't relying solely on Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, either. The owners have continued to pump money in relentlessly ever since they walked through the door and what Villa's generosity will do is help sustain the club for the foreseeable future in what's currently an uncertain time. It also shows they're a tight-knit group all in it together knowing everyone's agreed to it.
On Friday, it was announced the NHS will be using the North Stand as a temporary maternity centre to help take the pressure off hospitals fighting Covid-19. Now, today, the players and coaching staff have played their part - and it's a massive one at that. The club continues to ooze class and it will continue to do so with Purslow, Edens and Sawiris at the helm. You've made many a claret and blue supporter burst with pride tonight.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Chilling clown mask and skull knife found in back of car

A chilling clown mask and a flip knife were discovered during a police search on a vehicle in the city @ @ @ @ @ discovered the blue Seat Altea - which previously fled police - on Saturday afternoon , @ @ @ @ @ search of the car , a terrifying face mask and skull flip knife was found @ @ @ @ @ may be linked to violent crime , robberies and burglaries in the city .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ in the image above .
It is not believed any arrests have yet been made @ @ @ @ @ .
The officers shared the successful seizure to Twitter and wrote : `` PC Gallo @ @ @ @ @ ” at it again .
`` Great spot of this vehicle which has previously made @ @ @ @ @ It on cloned plates and had a face mask and knife inside .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ linked to robberies , burglaries and other violent crime .
It ’ s now seized @ @ @

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A chilling clown mask and a flip knife were discovered during a police search on a vehicle in the city.
Officers in Bordesley Green discovered the blue Seat Altea - which previously fled police - on Saturday afternoon, April 25.
During a search of the car, a terrifying face mask and skull flip knife was found.
Police believe the vehicle may be linked to violent crime, robberies and burglaries in the city.
Officers seized the vehicle, shown in the image above.
It is not believed any arrests have yet been made in connection with the search.
The officers shared the successful seizure to Twitter and wrote: "PC Gallo and her “coppers nose” at it again.
"Great spot of this vehicle which has previously made off from officers.
"It on cloned plates and had a face mask and knife inside.
"It appears this may have been linked to robberies, burglaries and other violent crime. It’s now seized!!"


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Ed Woodward makes transfer revelation that concerns Jack Grealish

Manchester United could be forced to put their pursuit of Jack Grealish on hold , Ed Woodward has warned .
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made signing Aston Villa captain Grealish a top priority heading into the next window .
The 24-year-old playmaker has impressed in the Premier League this season with seven goals and six assists for a struggling Villa side .
According to some reports , United could be willing to pay up to £70million to sign Grealish .
But Woodward admits any lavish spending plans might need to be shelved as clubs count the cost of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fan forum event on Friday , Woodward said : “ Nobody should be under any illusions about the scale of challenge facing everyone in football and it may not be ‘ business as usual ’ for any clubs , including ourselves , in the transfer market this summer .
“ As ever our priority is the success of the team , but we need visibility of the impact across the whole industry , including timings of the transfer window , and the wider financial picture , before we can talk about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis , I can not help feeling that speculation around transfers of individual players for hundreds of millions of pounds this summer seems to ignore the realities that face the sport .
”

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Manchester United could be forced to put their pursuit of Jack Grealish on hold, Ed Woodward has warned.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made signing Aston Villa captain Grealish a top priority heading into the next window.
The 24-year-old playmaker has impressed in the Premier League this season with seven goals and six assists for a struggling Villa side.
According to some reports, United could be willing to pay up to £70million to sign Grealish.
But Woodward admits any lavish spending plans might need to be shelved as clubs count the cost of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking at a fan forum event on Friday, Woodward said: “Nobody should be under any illusions about the scale of challenge facing everyone in football and it may not be ‘business as usual’ for any clubs, including ourselves, in the transfer market this summer.
“As ever our priority is the success of the team, but we need visibility of the impact across the whole industry, including timings of the transfer window, and the wider financial picture, before we can talk about a return to normality.
“On this basis, I cannot help feeling that speculation around transfers of individual players for hundreds of millions of pounds this summer seems to ignore the realities that face the sport.”


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Sutton curry house to reopen for takeout - with free meal for NHS

A city curry house is set to reopen its kitchen for takeaways only during the coronavirus lockdown - and is offering a free meal for NHS .
Chennai Indian and Bangladeshi takeaway and restaurant was forced to close as the UK was shutdown to slow the spread of the deadly Covid-19 .
But now , as several other restaurants and bars begin offering takeout services across Birmingham , the Sutton Coldfield Indian plans to open its doors .
While dining at the Clarence Road eatery is still off limits amid the Government guidelines , the curry house will be offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26 .
The restaurant says in order to keep customers safe , it will be limiting the number allowed into the premises at any given time .
As a nod to the hard work of the NHS during the pandemic , all health workers can claim one free meal from the restaurant .
This includes either a chicken , meat or vegetable balti , rice , naan bread or chips and a poppadum .
The NHS workers can make their order by calling the restaurant and must bring their ID along to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully recognise the commitment , dedication and courage our NHS staff are showing to help keep us safe and as a way of thanking them we would like to offer any member of the NHS one free meal from us to collect during the period of lockdown .
`` Please note , to ensure your safety we will be limiting the number of customers collecting from our restaurant at any given time Should you be instructed to , please wait outside the entrance until you are requested to enter .
`` We look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant for the full dining experience but in the mean time , please keep safe and well . ''

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A city curry house is set to reopen its kitchen for takeaways only during the coronavirus lockdown - and is offering a free meal for NHS.
Chennai Indian and Bangladeshi takeaway and restaurant was forced to close as the UK was shutdown to slow the spread of the deadly Covid-19.
But now, as several other restaurants and bars begin offering takeout services across Birmingham, the Sutton Coldfield Indian plans to open its doors.
While dining at the Clarence Road eatery is still off limits amid the Government guidelines, the curry house will be offering a collection service from Sunday, April 26.
The restaurant says in order to keep customers safe, it will be limiting the number allowed into the premises at any given time.
As a nod to the hard work of the NHS during the pandemic, all health workers can claim one free meal from the restaurant.
This includes either a chicken, meat or vegetable balti, rice, naan bread or chips and a poppadum.
The NHS workers can make their order by calling the restaurant and must bring their ID along to the collection.
Chennai said: "We fully recognise the commitment, dedication and courage our NHS staff are showing to help keep us safe and as a way of thanking them we would like to offer any member of the NHS one free meal from us to collect during the period of lockdown.
"Please note, to ensure your safety we will be limiting the number of customers collecting from our restaurant at any given time Should you be instructed to, please wait outside the entrance until you are requested to enter.
"We look forward to welcoming all back to our restaurant for the full dining experience but in the mean time, please keep safe and well."


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Terror as BGT magician's fire stunt looks like it could go horribly wrong

The Britain 's Got Talent audience and judges were left gasping in horror as a magician 's highly dangerous fire stunt looked like it was going to go horribly wrong .
Edinburgh magician Kevin Quantum is one of the stand out acts from this Saturday 's show ( April 25 ) - which will be watched by thousands across Birmingham .
The 39-year-old 's science-inspired audition started out rather subdued , but then became so dangerous that medics were on standby in case things did n't go to plan , our sister paper , ChronicleLive reports .
In the unnerving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kevin placed a bag over his head to walk through a tunnel of burning fireballs .
He can be heard telling everyone watching : `` These cannonballs will career across the stage , taking out literally everything in their path .
As he was about to walk through the inferno of flames , the camera cut to startled audience members who could barely watch , while judge Amanda Holden sat open mouthed behind the table .
Because of the way the cannonballs starts swinging , after they were lit by a set assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way Kevin could walk through the contraption without being hit and set alight .
But Kevin was completely oblivious , having , already covered his face and was getting ready to start walking through the fire .
Viewers can see how the death defying audition ends on Britain 's Got Talent at 8pm on ITV on Saturday night , April 25 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Simon Duke, Stephanie Balloo)

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The Britain's Got Talent audience and judges were left gasping in horror as a magician's highly dangerous fire stunt looked like it was going to go horribly wrong.
Edinburgh magician Kevin Quantum is one of the stand out acts from this Saturday's show (April 25) - which will be watched by thousands across Birmingham.
The 39-year-old's science-inspired audition started out rather subdued, but then became so dangerous that medics were on standby in case things didn't go to plan, our sister paper, ChronicleLive reports.
In the unnerving final trick of his BGT audition, Kevin placed a bag over his head to walk through a tunnel of burning fireballs.
He can be heard telling everyone watching: "These cannonballs will career across the stage, taking out literally everything in their path.
"I need complete faith in science."
As he was about to walk through the inferno of flames, the camera cut to startled audience members who could barely watch, while judge Amanda Holden sat open mouthed behind the table.
Because of the way the cannonballs starts swinging, after they were lit by a set assistant, it looked like there was no way Kevin could walk through the contraption without being hit and set alight.
But Kevin was completely oblivious, having, already covered his face and was getting ready to start walking through the fire.
Viewers can see how the death defying audition ends on Britain's Got Talent at 8pm on ITV on Saturday night, April 25.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--The shocking crimes  as criminals 'capitalise on horrendous crisis'

Criminals are adapting to the current coronavirus outbreak from major drug smuggling to speeding cars , Home Secretary Priti Patel has warned .
In one major incident , criminals attempted to smuggle £1million worth of cocaine into the UK in face masks but were stopped by Border Force .
The National Crime Agency also helped to seize 700kg of heroin in Pakistan potentially bound for the United Kingdom , she told the daily Government briefing .
Ms Patel said law enforcement agencies were `` adapting '' during the outbreak , as criminals continued to `` capitalise on this horrendous crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has decreased during lockdown but warned criminals that law enforcement is `` onto you '' .
The Home Secretary said there had been a fall in overall crime during the outbreak , with `` car crime , burglary , shoplifting '' lower than the same period last year .
Ms Patel said police had been called to respond to some `` extraordinarily dangerous driving '' as car lovers take advantage of the quieter roads `` as their own personal race track '' .
She said : `` We 've seem speeds of up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 134mph in 40mph zone in London . ''
She also told the briefing that the National Crime Agency had taken down multiple sites selling bogus PPE .
She also highlighted concerns over domestic violence during lockdown , saying : '' Our 'You Are Not Alone ' campaign to signpost the help available and to make it clear to victims that they can still leave home , has made an incredible impact - with 98 million online impressions , '' she told the briefing .
`` I refuse to ignore the amplified risk for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I along with Lynne ( Owens - director general of the National Crime Agency ) , along with our entire law enforcement agencies , refuse to allow criminals to take advantage of these unprecedented times . ''
Addressing criminals , she said : `` Today I have a message for them .
Our world-class law enforcement is also adapting , and they are on to you , and their efforts are paying off . ''

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Criminals are adapting to the current coronavirus outbreak from major drug smuggling to speeding cars, Home Secretary Priti Patel has warned.
In one major incident, criminals attempted to smuggle £1million worth of cocaine into the UK in face masks but were stopped by Border Force.
The National Crime Agency also helped to seize 700kg of heroin in Pakistan potentially bound for the United Kingdom, she told the daily Government briefing.
Ms Patel said law enforcement agencies were "adapting" during the outbreak, as criminals continued to "capitalise on this horrendous crisis".
She said that overall crime has decreased during lockdown but warned criminals that law enforcement is "onto you".
The Home Secretary said there had been a fall in overall crime during the outbreak, with "car crime, burglary, shoplifting" lower than the same period last year.
Ms Patel said police had been called to respond to some "extraordinarily dangerous driving" as car lovers take advantage of the quieter roads "as their own personal race track".
She said: "We've seem speeds of up to 151mph clocked on the M1 and 134mph in 40mph zone in London."
She also told the briefing that the National Crime Agency had taken down multiple sites selling bogus PPE.
She also highlighted concerns over domestic violence during lockdown, saying:"Our 'You Are Not Alone' campaign to signpost the help available and to make it clear to victims that they can still leave home, has made an incredible impact - with 98 million online impressions," she told the briefing.
"I refuse to ignore the amplified risk for the victims of hidden crime, and I along with Lynne (Owens - director general of the National Crime Agency), along with our entire law enforcement agencies, refuse to allow criminals to take advantage of these unprecedented times."
Addressing criminals, she said: "Today I have a message for them. Our world-class law enforcement is also adapting, and they are on to you, and their efforts are paying off."


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Alexander-Arnold picture is going viral - and Wolves fans are loving it

Diogo Jota has clinched the EPL Invitational trophy for Wolverhampton Wanderers .
The Wolves forward defeated Liverpool ’ s Trent Alexander-Arnold with a golden goal in Saturday afternoon 's final after the 90 minutes ended 1-1 .
Jota defeated Leicester City ’ s Wilfred Ndidi , Sheffield United ’ s Lys Mousset and Burnley ’ s Dwight McNeil to reach the final .
The Portuguese top scored in the tournament but found it difficult to break Alexander-Arnold ’ s rigid defence down before winning it in extra-time .
“ Wow , ” said Jota .
“ This is the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played very good .
Congratulations to Trent , he ’ s a good player.
” Alexander-Arnold , slumped in his chair , said : “ It ’ s very difficult to break him down .
He ’ s patient defensively , I thought I did well but he probably deserved to win because of the chances he created.
” And the picture of a distraught Alexander-Arnold is now doings the rounds on Twitter with joyful Wolves fans hosting their very own caption competitions .
@ jakeexe09 : `` I honestly was convinced Jota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mate gave me a ring and told me VAR wasn ’ t in FIFA this year . ''
David Shaw : `` Champions of FIFA , you 'll never sing that . ''
@ Itsrobbieayit : `` Trent Alexander-Arnold is absolutely devastated !
You love to see it ! ''

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Diogo Jota has clinched the EPL Invitational trophy for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Wolves forward defeated Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold with a golden goal in Saturday afternoon's final after the 90 minutes ended 1-1.
Jota defeated Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, Sheffield United’s Lys Mousset and Burnley’s Dwight McNeil to reach the final.
The Portuguese top scored in the tournament but found it difficult to break Alexander-Arnold’s rigid defence down before winning it in extra-time.
“Wow,” said Jota. “This is the best way to finish the tournament. I played very good. Congratulations to Trent, he’s a good player.”
Alexander-Arnold, slumped in his chair, said: “It’s very difficult to break him down. He’s patient defensively, I thought I did well but he probably deserved to win because of the chances he created.”
And the picture of a distraught Alexander-Arnold is now doings the rounds on Twitter with joyful Wolves fans hosting their very own caption competitions.
How Wolves fans reacted
@jakeexe09: "I honestly was convinced Jota was going to lose that, until my mate gave me a ring and told me VAR wasn’t in FIFA this year."
Nick Daniels: "Wolverhampton Wanderers, champions of England."
David Shaw: "Champions of FIFA, you'll never sing that."
@Itsrobbieayit: "Trent Alexander-Arnold is absolutely devastated! You love to see it!"


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Police reveal liquid hurled on woman as child struck with bottle

Police say the liquid hurled onto a woman from a car as a child was bottled in the street was believed to be fizzy pop .
The female was doused with what appeared to be Fanta while the youngster suffered injuries as he was struck on Four Ashes Road , Dorridge .
Drive-by offenders in a silver Peugeot threw the soft drink over the woman and tossed a bottle out of the vehicle window between 1pm and 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon ( April 22 ) .
The child was hit and left injured by the incident , police said as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is underway and CCTV trawls have been carried out near the scene .
No arrests have been made but police are speaking to witnesses and urged anyone with footage or information to come forward .
The news was shared to the Neighbourhood Alerts page and read : `` We are appealing for anyone that may have seen the incident or been in the area at that time and noticed a silver vehicle with multiple occupants in passing through .
`` We are also looking for anyone that has any CCTV that has picked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you know anything that could help with the investigation we urge you to come forwards by calling 101 , using the live chat function on the WMP website or you can report anonymously via crime stoppers .
`` When reporting please quote crime number 20SH/96218D/20 and 20SH/95459D/20 . ''

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Police say the liquid hurled onto a woman from a car as a child was bottled in the street was believed to be fizzy pop.
The female was doused with what appeared to be Fanta while the youngster suffered injuries as he was struck on Four Ashes Road, Dorridge.
Drive-by offenders in a silver Peugeot threw the soft drink over the woman and tossed a bottle out of the vehicle window between 1pm and 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon (April 22).
The child was hit and left injured by the incident, police said as they appealed for witnesses.
An investigation is underway and CCTV trawls have been carried out near the scene.
No arrests have been made but police are speaking to witnesses and urged anyone with footage or information to come forward.
The news was shared to the Neighbourhood Alerts page and read: "We are appealing for anyone that may have seen the incident or been in the area at that time and noticed a silver vehicle with multiple occupants in passing through.
"We are also looking for anyone that has any CCTV that has picked up either of the incidents.
"If you know anything that could help with the investigation we urge you to come forwards by calling 101, using the live chat function on the WMP website or you can report anonymously via crime stoppers.
"When reporting please quote crime number 20SH/96218D/20 and 20SH/95459D/20."


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Stan Collymore nails Aston Villa decision in four words

Aston Villa have agreed a temporary four-month wage deferral scheme knowing 25 per cent off player and senior staff salaries .
Villa are now one of just four Premier League clubs to agree to defer their wages , with Christian Purslow urging the Premier League to take action to enable it to be able to continue to provide vital funding throughout football in England .
The Premier League season is currently suspended indefinitely with chiefs set to discuss their next move on Friday , May 1 .
Purslow said : `` First-team players , first-team coaches and senior management have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their salaries for four months to assist the club during this period of uncertainty with a further review taking place at the end of this period . ''
The news has blown away Villa supporters who are all in awe of the decision made by Villa 's playing squad and staff .
Ex-striker and pundit Stan Collymore pretty much nailed the move by Villa in a snappy post on social media .
He said : `` Well done Aston Villa , got the balance right between protecting B6 jobs , players contractual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day to day running our club .
Sane , sensible , not rushed .
UP THE VILLA ! ''
Regarding the deferral , Villa players will be repaid their salaries in full upon the end of the period in August .
In a nutshell , they will be due to get two months-worth of pay to make up for the temporary shortfall .

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Aston Villa have agreed a temporary four-month wage deferral scheme knowing 25 per cent off player and senior staff salaries.
Villa are now one of just four Premier League clubs to agree to defer their wages, with Christian Purslow urging the Premier League to take action to enable it to be able to continue to provide vital funding throughout football in England.
The Premier League season is currently suspended indefinitely with chiefs set to discuss their next move on Friday, May 1.
Purslow said: "First-team players, first-team coaches and senior management have all agreed to defer 25 per cent of their salaries for four months to assist the club during this period of uncertainty with a further review taking place at the end of this period."
The news has blown away Villa supporters who are all in awe of the decision made by Villa's playing squad and staff.
Ex-striker and pundit Stan Collymore pretty much nailed the move by Villa in a snappy post on social media.
(Image: AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
He said: "Well done Aston Villa, got the balance right between protecting B6 jobs, players contractual rights, and using deferred capital for day to day running our club. Sane, sensible, not rushed. UP THE VILLA!"
Regarding the deferral, Villa players will be repaid their salaries in full upon the end of the period in August. In a nutshell, they will be due to get two months-worth of pay to make up for the temporary shortfall.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Liverpool to battle Wolves to sign Leeds United star - reports

Liverpool have reportedly joined the race for Leeds United ’ s coveted midfielder Kalvin Phillips .
Phillips , 24 , @ @ @ @ @ talented players in the EFL and has improved immeasurably under Marcelo Bielsa over the past @ @ @ @ @ expected to win promotion to the Premier League once the Championship campaign resumes - but @ @ @ @ @ Phillips will remain at Elland Road next season .
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been heavily linked @ @ @ @ @ midfielder over the past year , though they have n't yet made a move for @ @ @ @ @ is reportedly a fan of Phillips , who is capable of playing in midfield or @ @ @ @ @ back three .
However , according to Bleacher Report , Liverpool have joined the race @ @ @ @ @ claims Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to sign a midfielder this summer and views @ @ @ @ @ player .
Phillips has played 34 times for Leeds this season and they are top @ @ @ @ @ games to go .

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Liverpool have reportedly joined the race for Leeds United’s coveted midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips, 24, is rated among the most talented players in the EFL and has improved immeasurably under Marcelo Bielsa over the past two seasons.
Leeds are expected to win promotion to the Premier League once the Championship campaign resumes - but that doesn’t mean Phillips will remain at Elland Road next season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder over the past year, though they haven't yet made a move for him.
Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly a fan of Phillips, who is capable of playing in midfield or as a sweeper in a back three.
However, according to Bleacher Report, Liverpool have joined the race for Phillips. The report claims Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to sign a midfielder this summer and views Phillips as a useful squad player.
Phillips has played 34 times for Leeds this season and they are top of the Championship with nine games to go.


birminghammail--2020-04-25--Police rumble sunbathers in Birmingham city centre

Police were forced to 'educate ' city centre sunbathers within just five minutes of their patrol as the Covid-19 death toll in the UK surpassed 20,000 .
The patrolling officers , tasked with enforcing the lockdown , found five people flouting the laws within minutes of their shift on Saturday afternoon , April 25 .
The people were advised on the current social distancing measures , which have been in place since the historic Government announcement five weeks ago .
As temperatures reached 17C and the sun shone around the Bullring and Dale End , officers warned against 'inappropriate ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city centre officers took to Twitter to share the news and wrote : `` Out and about Bullring and Dale End .
`` Out 5 minutes and already had to educate 5 people on reasonable exercise and the inappropriateness of sunbathing in the city .
`` Let 's all be sensible folks . ''
The enforcement came as sunbathers were spotted enjoying the sunshine in Cannon Hill Park , despite the clear and repeated advice to stay at home .
The park visitors were pictured lying about on the grass in close proximity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'no consideration for the dead ' .
People were also seen jogging alongside others , relaxing on park benches and stopping for chats as the country remained in the grip of the pandemic .
The Government advice as of March 23 is to only leave the house for essential purposes such as shopping , medicines or daily exercise .
Though the social distancing measures have started to slow the spread of the virus , the death toll in hospitals has risen by 781 in the last 24 hours .

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Police were forced to 'educate' city centre sunbathers within just five minutes of their patrol as the Covid-19 death toll in the UK surpassed 20,000.
The patrolling officers, tasked with enforcing the lockdown, found five people flouting the laws within minutes of their shift on Saturday afternoon, April 25.
The people were advised on the current social distancing measures, which have been in place since the historic Government announcement five weeks ago.
As temperatures reached 17C and the sun shone around the Bullring and Dale End, officers warned against 'inappropriate' sunbathing amid 20,274 UK-wide deaths.
The city centre officers took to Twitter to share the news and wrote: "Out and about Bullring and Dale End.
"Out 5 minutes and already had to educate 5 people on reasonable exercise and the inappropriateness of sunbathing in the city.
"Let's all be sensible folks."
The enforcement came as sunbathers were spotted enjoying the sunshine in Cannon Hill Park, despite the clear and repeated advice to stay at home.
The park visitors were pictured lying about on the grass in close proximity to one another as a witness blasted 'no consideration for the dead'.
People were also seen jogging alongside others, relaxing on park benches and stopping for chats as the country remained in the grip of the pandemic.
The Government advice as of March 23 is to only leave the house for essential purposes such as shopping, medicines or daily exercise.
Though the social distancing measures have started to slow the spread of the virus, the death toll in hospitals has risen by 781 in the last 24 hours.