birminghammail--2020-05-12--The explosive Bryan Hughes interview Birmingham City fans must read

It ’ s 16 years since the Liverpudlian left St Andrew ’ s yet he remembers the circumstances in forensic detail .
He did so having made 293 appearances , scored a mightily impressive 42 goals and been part of the team which reached the 2001 Worthington Cup final and which eventually won promotion back to the English top flight .
With Blues constantly rapping on the Premiership door - and eventually barging it down - they were halcyon days .
Hughes was a central character under two of the club ’ s most iconic managers - Trevor Francis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and taker of chances as Blues have had .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here It was the former who brought him to the club - and the latter who allowed him to leave seven-and-a-half joy and sorrow filled years later .
“ I could have gone on to legendary status – even though I was honoured by going into the Hall of Fame , it could have been so much more , ” Hughes tells BirminghamLive .
More of that later .
First let ’ s start at the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lad the midfielder was the jewel in Wrexham ’ s crown .
That was in 1997 , when Hughes was inspiring the Welsh outfit to the quarter finals of the FA Cup by scoring against Colwyn Bay , Scunthorpe United and West Ham United en route to a Fifth Round tie against Francis ’ Birmingham .
He found the back of Ian Bennett ’ s net in that one too - as the League Two outfit came from a goal down to win 3-1 .
A year before Wrexham had accepted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move broke down when they were relegated from the Premiership .
Four days before his St Andrew ’ s heroics Francis had watched Hughes score the winner against Peterborough .
This time he had a dug-out view as Hughes cancelled a Steve Bruce goal to put the minnows in the last eight .
“ Right the way through the cup run I didn ’ t know anything about it – then the next day , after we got knocked out by Chesterfield , I had a call from Bryan Flynn to say ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham , you can go and meet Trevor Francis ’ .
“ My mind was made up .
I was ambitious , I trusted in my own ability , I looked at the Birmingham squad at that time , Bruce , Gary Ablett , Barry Horne , Mike Newell , Anders Limpar – people I ’ d watched as an Everton fan .
“ Gary Ablett was great , he was the first person I met when I turned up at the training ground and he was such a nice guy – he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the squad .
“ I was turning up as a 20-year-old Scouser at this big club and he was the one who put me at ease .
“ It was exciting for me .
My first thought process was go and play alongside Barry [ Horne ] but getting to the club it was obvious I was there to take Barry ’ s place .
“ The transfer was sorted in two days and after a couple of training sessions he came off the bench in a televised 2-0 defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun .
Season after season after season Francis , Hughes and Blues would bump into the glass ceiling of the play-offs .
“ Every year we were favourites to go up – but it took us longer than we anticipated .
There was a lot of heartache and frustration along the way .
“ We all knew in the dressing room if we got through the semi-finals we would go on and win it – and we proved that against Norwich [ in 2002 ] – but we just couldn ’ t get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We just kept losing , on penalties , the calamity against Barnsley .
We just couldn ’ t put our finger on why we were losing so often.
” The owners put their fingers on it and replaced Francis with Bruce midway through the 2001/2002 campaign .
It might have been controversial , even callous , at the time - but it proved to be the right decision .
“ Brucey gave us a bit of belief that we weren ’ t going to get beaten .
It just kicked on from there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better and better as a team .
“ The game that really stood out was when we went to Burnley and beat them on a [ February ] Tuesday night .
“ They were a strong team , it wasn ’ t a fluent performance from us but there was a determination , grit and steel – that was great to see .
“ You could see people putting their bodies on the line in that game , including myself , I wasn ’ t renowned for my tackling but I had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the coach there was an air of belief that we were going to do something special that year.
” That ’ s an understatement , ‘ special ’ doesn ’ t come close to describing the scenes of Cardiff and an 18-year-old Bluenose firing his team into the Premiership , Darren Carter stole Hughes ’ thunder at the Millennium Stadium - sending Blues up with the fourth spot kick - before Hughes could convert the fifth .
No matter .
“ It was just elation , being there for five seasons – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d had through all the years , to come together on that single afternoon was an unbelievable moment .
The celebrations lasted for days .
“ The day after we got back Brucey invited a few of the players over to a pub in Knowle and myself , Jeff Kenna , Geoff Horsfield sat there with the management team and drank champagne all day .
I ’ ll never forget it.
” Predictably the Premiership was harder work , Hughes feels he paid with his place for early struggles against Arsenal and Blackburn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newly-recruited Aliou Cisse and Robbie Savage .
He was limited to ten starts in that first campaign at the highest level , more often appearing off the bench , or out wide .
He earned the right to be part of the Christophe Dugarry-inspired relegation battle , though , April 2002 going down as one of the greatest months in a generation .
He scored against Sunderland and Southampton - Dugarry ’ s finest hour - and Blues retained their status with a some joie de vivre added to their esprit de corps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his contract things were moving in the right direction as both the player and the team were stabilising in the Premiership .
But there was trouble round the corner .
Throughout 2003/2004 Hughes continued as a key player .
Mikael Forssell arrived and was banging them in , David Dunn was brought in to add style to the substance and Blues enjoyed an excellent start , rising to fourth by the end of September .
As the weeks and games ticked by so attention turned to the future - and specifically extending Hughes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no interest in leaving .
I had been at the club six-and-a-half years , I wanted to stay for another three years to get a testimonial and show my loyalty to the club .
“ I went and spoke to Steve about extending my contract .
He asked me what I was after , I said I wanted three years , ‘ I am secure here , I love the fan base , will hopefully play the rest of my career here – but we ’ ll get to the testimonial and take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said ‘ Yeah , I ’ ll speak to Karren [ Brady ] and get back to you ’ .
That was no problem .
I was enjoying my football .
“ He came back to me weeks later and they offered me a year more .
I felt a bit rejected by that .
“ I was 27-years-old and thought I deserved more .
I was playing well in the team , helped the club and had put everything into the club .
I felt a bit disrespected .
“ I said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want an extra year , I want three years and until I get that there is no negotiation on it ’ .
” And so it was left .
Blues kept ticking over , never in threat of going down , indeed they were building themselves a nice tenth-placed finish .
Hughes carried on playing with the negotiations bubbling away in the background .
“ We were going into January and we spoke again I said ‘ Steve , I am after three years , I don ’ t want to go anywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I want three years and I want the club to back me on that ’ .
“ In the February they came back with two years plus an option of a third depending on games .
“ You get to a point where you are thinking ‘ Why am I grovelling over a three-year contract when I am playing really well , scoring and creating goals ’ .
“ Steve was like ‘ OK , let ’ s leave it at that and we ’ ll see what it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Leeds , right towards the end of the season - and they came back to me and said ‘ Right we ’ ll offer you three years ’ .
“ At that point I was just waiting to get to the end of the season and said ‘ Listen , I ’ ll wait until the end of the season now , we ’ ve only got five or six games to go and we were trying to survive in the Premier League and wanted to focus all my efforts on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What had seemed a happy relationship suddenly eroded .
In the build up to the Wolves match in late April Hughes opened the Sunday Mercury and found Bruce calling his commitment into question - saying he only wanted players who are willing to stay at the club .
“ He left me on the bench for that game and I was like ‘ Is he for real ?
’ “ He brought me on – there were a few fans booing me thinking I wanted to leave .
That wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my head against a wall for the previous ten months – then I was focused on keeping us in the Premier League .
“ That article just killed me off .
“ For me it felt like there was no return after that , how could I go and sign for another three years to play for Steve and he had just laid into me in the local news .
“ I couldn ’ t believe how it had deteriorated .
It wasn ’ t nice how it panned out.
” Alan Curbishley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming into the prime of his career available for nothing .
Charlton offered Hughes the same money - and he signed - ironically , for three years .
“ That first year while I was at Charlton Brucey came in and asked if he could take me back on loan .
“ It was a sour end to a fantastic time at Birmingham .
I was gutted when I left , absolutely devastated .
But it was all down to the principle of the matter .
“ I don ’ t think I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was trying to be fair , I felt I had already showed my loyalty to the club , they ’ d had offers to buy me from Premier League clubs but I had shown my loyalty by staying .
I wanted them to show me the same loyalty .
“ I still care about the club , massively .
Coming back and doing the media and working there again , I have got a massive affiliation with Birmingham .
“ It was the club where I felt most at ease with the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grew the longer I stayed there .
“ It was a business deal that fell through and looking back in hindsight it should never have fallen through.
” Hughes went on to play for The Addicks , then help Hull into the Premier League in 2008 .
He would have spells at Derby , Burton and Grimsby before finally hanging up his boots and turning his hand to coaching and management .
He has done the badges to coach in the Football League and is planning to do his UEFA Pro Licence next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility .
“ You never know , one day I might complete my ten years at Birmingham - as manager .
I ’ d love that if the opportunity ever came to me .
Like I said - I didn ’ t want to leave in the first place ’ .

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Bryan Hughes has unfinished business with Birmingham City.
It’s 16 years since the Liverpudlian left St Andrew’s yet he remembers the circumstances in forensic detail.
He did so having made 293 appearances, scored a mightily impressive 42 goals and been part of the team which reached the 2001 Worthington Cup final and which eventually won promotion back to the English top flight.
With Blues constantly rapping on the Premiership door - and eventually barging it down - they were halcyon days.
Hughes was a central character under two of the club’s most iconic managers - Trevor Francis and Steve Bruce. As technically accomplished creator and taker of chances as Blues have had.
It was the former who brought him to the club - and the latter who allowed him to leave seven-and-a-half joy and sorrow filled years later.
“I could have gone on to legendary status – even though I was honoured by going into the Hall of Fame, it could have been so much more,” Hughes tells BirminghamLive.
More of that later.
First let’s start at the beginning, when as a 20-year-old slip of a lad the midfielder was the jewel in Wrexham’s crown.
That was in 1997, when Hughes was inspiring the Welsh outfit to the quarter finals of the FA Cup by scoring against Colwyn Bay, Scunthorpe United and West Ham United en route to a Fifth Round tie against Francis’ Birmingham.
He found the back of Ian Bennett’s net in that one too - as the League Two outfit came from a goal down to win 3-1.
A year before Wrexham had accepted a £1million bid from Manchester City but the move broke down when they were relegated from the Premiership.
Four days before his St Andrew’s heroics Francis had watched Hughes score the winner against Peterborough. This time he had a dug-out view as Hughes cancelled a Steve Bruce goal to put the minnows in the last eight.
“Right the way through the cup run I didn’t know anything about it – then the next day, after we got knocked out by Chesterfield, I had a call from Bryan Flynn to say ‘We’ve accepted an offer from Birmingham, you can go and meet Trevor Francis’.
“My mind was made up. I was ambitious, I trusted in my own ability, I looked at the Birmingham squad at that time, Bruce, Gary Ablett, Barry Horne, Mike Newell, Anders Limpar – people I’d watched as an Everton fan.
“Gary Ablett was great, he was the first person I met when I turned up at the training ground and he was such a nice guy – he was the one who introduced me to the rest of the squad.
“I was turning up as a 20-year-old Scouser at this big club and he was the one who put me at ease.
“It was exciting for me. My first thought process was go and play alongside Barry [Horne] but getting to the club it was obvious I was there to take Barry’s place. “
The transfer was sorted in two days and after a couple of training sessions he came off the bench in a televised 2-0 defeat at West Brom. The odyssey had begun.
Season after season after season Francis, Hughes and Blues would bump into the glass ceiling of the play-offs.
“Every year we were favourites to go up – but it took us longer than we anticipated. There was a lot of heartache and frustration along the way.
“We all knew in the dressing room if we got through the semi-finals we would go on and win it – and we proved that against Norwich [in 2002] – but we just couldn’t get through the two legs first.
“We just kept losing, on penalties, the calamity against Barnsley. We just couldn’t put our finger on why we were losing so often.”
The owners put their fingers on it and replaced Francis with Bruce midway through the 2001/2002 campaign.
It might have been controversial, even callous, at the time - but it proved to be the right decision.
“Brucey gave us a bit of belief that we weren’t going to get beaten. It just kicked on from there, we grew momentum, we got better and better as a team.
“The game that really stood out was when we went to Burnley and beat them on a [February] Tuesday night.
“They were a strong team, it wasn’t a fluent performance from us but there was a determination, grit and steel – that was great to see.
“You could see people putting their bodies on the line in that game, including myself, I wasn’t renowned for my tackling but I had to change my game.
“Coming home on the coach there was an air of belief that we were going to do something special that year.”
That’s an understatement, ‘special’ doesn’t come close to describing the scenes of Cardiff and an 18-year-old Bluenose firing his team into the Premiership,
Darren Carter stole Hughes’ thunder at the Millennium Stadium - sending Blues up with the fourth spot kick - before Hughes could convert the fifth. No matter.
“It was just elation, being there for five seasons – relief. All the heartbreak we’d had through all the years, to come together on that single afternoon was an unbelievable moment. The celebrations lasted for days.
“The day after we got back Brucey invited a few of the players over to a pub in Knowle and myself, Jeff Kenna, Geoff Horsfield sat there with the management team and drank champagne all day. I’ll never forget it.”
Predictably the Premiership was harder work, Hughes feels he paid with his place for early struggles against Arsenal and Blackburn - and for the presence of the newly-recruited Aliou Cisse and Robbie Savage.
He was limited to ten starts in that first campaign at the highest level, more often appearing off the bench, or out wide.
He earned the right to be part of the Christophe Dugarry-inspired relegation battle, though, April 2002 going down as one of the greatest months in a generation.
He scored against Sunderland and Southampton - Dugarry’s finest hour - and Blues retained their status with a some joie de vivre added to their esprit de corps.
Going into the final year of his contract things were moving in the right direction as both the player and the team were stabilising in the Premiership.
But there was trouble round the corner.
Throughout 2003/2004 Hughes continued as a key player. Mikael Forssell arrived and was banging them in, David Dunn was brought in to add style to the substance and Blues enjoyed an excellent start, rising to fourth by the end of September.
As the weeks and games ticked by so attention turned to the future - and specifically extending Hughes’ Birmingham career.
“I had no interest in leaving. I had been at the club six-and-a-half years, I wanted to stay for another three years to get a testimonial and show my loyalty to the club.
“I went and spoke to Steve about extending my contract. He asked me what I was after, I said I wanted three years, ‘I am secure here, I love the fan base, will hopefully play the rest of my career here – but we’ll get to the testimonial and take it from there’.
“He said ‘Yeah, I’ll speak to Karren [Brady] and get back to you’. That was no problem. I was enjoying my football.
“He came back to me weeks later and they offered me a year more. I felt a bit rejected by that.
“I was 27-years-old and thought I deserved more. I was playing well in the team, helped the club and had put everything into the club. I felt a bit disrespected.
“I said ‘No, I don’t want an extra year, I want three years and until I get that there is no negotiation on it’.”
And so it was left.
Blues kept ticking over, never in threat of going down, indeed they were building themselves a nice tenth-placed finish.
Hughes carried on playing with the negotiations bubbling away in the background.
“We were going into January and we spoke again I said ‘Steve, I am after three years, I don’t want to go anywhere else, I want to stay here, but I want three years and I want the club to back me on that’.
“In the February they came back with two years plus an option of a third depending on games.
“You get to a point where you are thinking ‘Why am I grovelling over a three-year contract when I am playing really well, scoring and creating goals’.
“Steve was like ‘OK, let’s leave it at that and we’ll see what it’s like’.
“I scored twice against Leeds, right towards the end of the season - and they came back to me and said ‘Right we’ll offer you three years’.
“At that point I was just waiting to get to the end of the season and said ‘Listen, I’ll wait until the end of the season now, we’ve only got five or six games to go and we were trying to survive in the Premier League and wanted to focus all my efforts on that. Me saying that backfired.”
Spectacularly. What had seemed a happy relationship suddenly eroded.
In the build up to the Wolves match in late April Hughes opened the Sunday Mercury and found Bruce calling his commitment into question - saying he only wanted players who are willing to stay at the club.
“He left me on the bench for that game and I was like ‘Is he for real?’
“He brought me on – there were a few fans booing me thinking I wanted to leave. That wasn’t the case, I had been banging my head against a wall for the previous ten months – then I was focused on keeping us in the Premier League.
“That article just killed me off.
“For me it felt like there was no return after that, how could I go and sign for another three years to play for Steve and he had just laid into me in the local news.
“I couldn’t believe how it had deteriorated. It wasn’t nice how it panned out.”
Alan Curbishley sniffed an opportunity. A talented 27-year-old coming into the prime of his career available for nothing.
Charlton offered Hughes the same money - and he signed - ironically, for three years.
“That first year while I was at Charlton Brucey came in and asked if he could take me back on loan.
“It was a sour end to a fantastic time at Birmingham. I was gutted when I left, absolutely devastated. But it was all down to the principle of the matter.
“I don’t think I would handle it differently now, I was trying to be fair, I felt I had already showed my loyalty to the club, they’d had offers to buy me from Premier League clubs but I had shown my loyalty by staying. I wanted them to show me the same loyalty.
“I still care about the club, massively. Coming back and doing the media and working there again, I have got a massive affiliation with Birmingham.
“It was the club where I felt most at ease with the way I played, I felt my game grew the longer I stayed there.
“It was a business deal that fell through and looking back in hindsight it should never have fallen through.”
Hughes went on to play for The Addicks, then help Hull into the Premier League in 2008.
He would have spells at Derby, Burton and Grimsby before finally hanging up his boots and turning his hand to coaching and management.
He has done the badges to coach in the Football League and is planning to do his UEFA Pro Licence next year. Which opens up an intriguing possibility.
“You never know, one day I might complete my ten years at Birmingham - as manager. I’d love that if the opportunity ever came to me. Like I said - I didn’t want to leave in the first place’.


birminghammail--2020-05-12--Bundesliga club request Villa backing with cheeky Blues jibe

While Aston Villa 's wait for a return to Premier League action goes on , Bundesliga clubs will be playing again starting on Saturday .
It is the first major European league to resume since fixtures across the continent were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic .
BT Sport have confirmed they will be screening every match live and clubs are appealing for support from England as they gear up for the behind closed doors experience .
Schalke have taken it one step further by requesting support from fans of all 20 Premier League clubs .
They posted on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fans of EVERY PL club to support FC Schalke 04 for the remainder of the Bundesliga season ! ''
They preceded to give a reason for fans of every club to support them , and their plea to Villa was simple : `` We ’ re the one blue team you 're allowed to like ... '' One Villa fan said : `` I can ’ t believe I ’ m saying this but I ’ m sold and can ’ t wait to errrr supprt my new temporary team ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Come on Schalke , '' posted another .
But the Gelsenkirchen side may have made a new enemy in Birmingham City supporters .
One replied : `` That 's Schalke off the list . ''
`` You WERE my German team , '' said another .
As luck would have it , Schalke will be renewing their own local rivalry this weekend , facing Borussia Dortmund in the Revierderby .

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Top-flight football is finally back today... in Germany.
While Aston Villa's wait for a return to Premier League action goes on, Bundesliga clubs kick-off once again behind-closed-doors.
It is the first major European league to resume since fixtures across the continent were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
BT Sport have confirmed they will be screening every match live and clubs are appealing for support from England as they gear up for the behind closed doors experience.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Schalke, who take on rivals Dortmund at 2.30pm, have taken it one step further by requesting support from fans of all 20 Premier League clubs.
They posted on social media: "We have a reason for fans of EVERY PL club to support FC Schalke 04 for the remainder of the Bundesliga season!"
They preceded to give a reason for fans of every club to support them, and their plea to Villa was simple: "We’re the one blue team you're allowed to like..."
One Villa fan said: "I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m sold and can’t wait to errrr supprt my new temporary team!"
"I’m in lads! Come on Schalke," posted another.
But the Gelsenkirchen side may have made a new enemy in Birmingham City supporters.
One replied: "That's Schalke off the list."
"You WERE my German team," said another.
As luck would have it, Schalke will be renewing their own local rivalry this weekend, facing Borussia Dortmund in the Revierderby.


birminghammail--2020-05-12--This is exactly how much you will be fined for breaking lockdown rules

Although lockdown restrictions have relaxed somewhat , fines have increased .
The government announced tougher penalties for those who do n't stick to the latest rules on social distancing outside the home .
As of Wednesday , May 13 , people are now able to enjoy unlimited exercise , sunbathe and sit in the park as well as meeting with one person not from the same household - in an open hair environment .
But as there is a risk that some people will see these rules as being more malleable than previously , the fines for breaking them are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting point for lockdown fines in England will rise to £100 .
The first fine will be lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days , according to the Home Office .
But fines will double for each repeat offence , up to a maximum of £3,200 .
As our sister website BristolLive reports , existing legislation known as the Health Protection ( Coronavirus , Restrictions ) ( England ) Regulations 2020 will be updated from Wednesday to reflect the changes coming into force..
The Police Federation of England and Wales warned today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown guidance risks being a set of “ loose rules ” and will be difficult to implement .
John Apter , the organisation 's national chairman said : “ What we need from the Prime Minister and the Government now is clear and unambiguous messaging and guidance , explaining what exactly is expected of the public , so that my colleagues can do their level best to police it .
“ Police officers will continue to do their best , but their work must be based on crystal clear guidance , not loose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – because that will be grossly unfair on officers whose job is already challenging.
” Mr Apter added : “ If the message of what is expected of the public is not clear , then it will make the job of policing this legislation almost impossible.
” It comes after the Metropolitan Police Federation ( MPF ) , which represents police officers in London , criticised the Government ’ s pandemic response as “ wishy-washy ” and had resulted in the public ignoring lockdown restrictions .
MPF ’ s Ken Marsh told BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been quite wishy-washy how we ’ ve gone about it .
“ Had we been very stringent from the off – it is painful , but it ’ s not overly painful in terms of what you ’ re actually being asked to do – then I think we would have a better result now .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Neil Shaw, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Although lockdown restrictions have relaxed somewhat, fines have increased.
The government announced tougher penalties for those who don't stick to the latest rules on social distancing outside the home.
As of Wednesday, May 13, people are now able to enjoy unlimited exercise, sunbathe and sit in the park as well as meeting with one person not from the same household - in an open hair environment.
But as there is a risk that some people will see these rules as being more malleable than previously, the fines for breaking them are much higher.
From Wednesday, the starting point for lockdown fines in England will rise to £100.
(Image: PA)
The first fine will be lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days, according to the Home Office.
But fines will double for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.
As our sister website BristolLive reports, existing legislation known as the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 will be updated from Wednesday to reflect the changes coming into force..
The Police Federation of England and Wales warned today that the Prime Minister’s relaxed lockdown guidance risks being a set of “loose rules ” and will be difficult to implement.
John Apter, the organisation's national chairman said: “What we need from the Prime Minister and the Government now is clear and unambiguous messaging and guidance, explaining what exactly is expected of the public, so that my colleagues can do their level best to police it.
“Police officers will continue to do their best, but their work must be based on crystal clear guidance, not loose rules that are left open to interpretation – because that will be grossly unfair on officers whose job is already challenging.”
Mr Apter added: “If the message of what is expected of the public is not clear, then it will make the job of policing this legislation almost impossible.”
It comes after the Metropolitan Police Federation (MPF), which represents police officers in London, criticised the Government’s pandemic response as “wishy-washy” and had resulted in the public ignoring lockdown restrictions.
MPF’s Ken Marsh told BBC Radio 4: “It’s been quite wishy-washy how we’ve gone about it.
“Had we been very stringent from the off – it is painful, but it’s not overly painful in terms of what you’re actually being asked to do – then I think we would have a better result now.”


birminghammail--2020-05-12--Demi Moore's daughter Tallulah didn't speak to her for THREE years

Demi Moore 's youngest daughter Tallulah Willis has revealed they did n't speak for three years in an emotional Instagram post .
In the post celebrating US Women 's Day on Sunday May 10 , Tallulah opened up about refusing to speak to Moore - and her pain over the estrangement .
Tallulah , 26 , one of Moore 's three daughters with ex husband Bruce Willis , wrote : `` Channelling love and strength to every mother ... who has lost something precious .
I ’ m sending it to anyone who struggles to celebrate a day when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I didn ’ t talk to my mom for almost three years and during that shattered time this day would transport me from fragmented pieces to absolute dust .
I remember tearing up driving to work upon hearing a radio ad that cheerily recommend which ‘ perfume Mom would absolutely adore ’ .
Mirror Online reports the family rift began when Moore was trying for a baby with her then-husband Ashton Kutcher - which tragically led to a miscarriage .
Moore 's youngest daughters Scout and Tallulah severed relations with their mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Kutcher .
Tallulah and Moore 's eldest daughter Rumer opened up about the estrangement in a TV interview last year .
Tallulah revealed : `` So much of that time , especially with Ashton , I was so angry because I felt like something that was mine had been taken away . ''
`` When [ Demi ] wanted to have another baby and then it was n't happening and there was so much focus on that , it was like , 'Oh , well , we 're not enough . '
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , her friends are calling me and being like , ' I 'm really worried about your mom .
You need to talk to her ' , so then I 'm like , 'OK , well , I have to go and fix this . '
'' Moore was married to Kutcher for eight years from 2005 .
In her candid Mother 's Day message , Tallulah also revealed : `` ... .Through a metamorphosis of inward self reflection and a malleability to forgive , 3 years did not stretch to forever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you are @ demimoore and all that you continue to teach me ...
I love you eternally your baby , tallulah belle . ''
Her older sister Scout commented : `` This is stunning . ''
Tallulah shared another follow-up post which saw Demi remove splinters from her bottom .
She wrote : `` But also a more accurate representation is D picking splinters out of my buns with a magnifying glass . ''
Moore was one of the most successful actresses of the 1990s thanks to films including Ghost , A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In September last year she released a memoir , Inside Out detailing marriage troubles with Kutcher and her battles with drug and alcohol abuse .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Nika Shakhnazarova, Sanjeeta Bains)

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Demi Moore's youngest daughter Tallulah Willis has revealed they didn't speak for three years in an emotional Instagram post.
In the post celebrating US Women's Day on Sunday May 10, Tallulah opened up about refusing to speak to Moore - and her pain over the estrangement.
Tallulah, 26, one of Moore's three daughters with ex husband Bruce Willis, wrote: "Channelling love and strength to every mother...who has lost something precious. I’m sending it to anyone who struggles to celebrate a day when it reminds them of a loss."
"I didn’t talk to my mom for almost three years and during that shattered time this day would transport me from fragmented pieces to absolute dust. I remember tearing up driving to work upon hearing a radio ad that cheerily recommend which ‘perfume Mom would absolutely adore’.
Mirror Online reports the family rift began when Moore was trying for a baby with her then-husband Ashton Kutcher - which tragically led to a miscarriage.
(Image: buuski)
Moore's youngest daughters Scout and Tallulah severed relations with their mother - towards the end of her marriage to Kutcher.
The couple split in 2011.
Tallulah and Moore's eldest daughter Rumer opened up about the estrangement in a TV interview last year.
Tallulah revealed: "So much of that time, especially with Ashton, I was so angry because I felt like something that was mine had been taken away."
"When [Demi] wanted to have another baby and then it wasn't happening and there was so much focus on that, it was like, 'Oh, well, we're not enough.'"
(Image: Getty Images for goop)
Rumer added: "At one point, her friends are calling me and being like, 'I'm really worried about your mom. You need to talk to her', so then I'm like, 'OK, well, I have to go and fix this.'"
Moore was married to Kutcher for eight years from 2005.
In her candid Mother's Day message, Tallulah also revealed: "....Through a metamorphosis of inward self reflection and a malleability to forgive, 3 years did not stretch to forever.
(Image: Buuski on Instagram)
"....I revel in all that you are @demimoore and all that you continue to teach me...I love you eternally your baby, tallulah belle."
Her older sister Scout commented: "This is stunning."
Tallulah shared another follow-up post which saw Demi remove splinters from her bottom.
She wrote: "But also a more accurate representation is D picking splinters out of my buns with a magnifying glass."
Moore was one of the most successful actresses of the 1990s thanks to films including Ghost, A Few Good Men and Indecent Proposal.
In September last year she released a memoir, Inside Out detailing marriage troubles with Kutcher and her battles with drug and alcohol abuse.


birminghammail--2020-05-12--Man wanted by police on recall to prison may be in Birmingham

A man with links to Birmingham is being sought by police .
Calum Corlett is believed to have breached his @ @ @ @ @ was released from HMP Bullingdon in November .
He was released after serving a sentence @ @ @ @ @ Police said he is now believed to have breached his licence conditions and is wanted @ @ @ @ @ Corlett is believed to have links to Nuneaton , Birmingham and Oxford , reports our @ @ @ @ @ force said Corlett is 5ft 10in tall , white , and of large build with @ @ @ @ @ .
He has blue eyes and tattoos on either hand with the names Riley and @ @ @ @ @ seen Corlett or knows of his whereabouts is asked to call Warwickshire Police on 101 @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rachel Stretton, James Rodger)

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A man with links to Birmingham is being sought by police.
Calum Corlett is believed to have breached his licence conditions.
The 22-year-old was released from HMP Bullingdon in November.
He was released after serving a sentence for dangerous driving.
Warwickshire Police said he is now believed to have breached his licence conditions and is wanted on recall to prison.
Corlett is believed to have links to Nuneaton, Birmingham and Oxford, reports our sister title CoventryLive.
The force said Corlett is 5ft 10in tall, white, and of large build with brown hair and a beard.
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He has blue eyes and tattoos on either hand with the names Riley and Ashley.
Anyone who has seen Corlett or knows of his whereabouts is asked to call Warwickshire Police on 101.


birminghammail--2020-05-12--Blues 'interested' in signing goalkeeper in transfer window

Birmingham City are interested in Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Seny Dieng , according to reports .
Dieng has been on loan at Doncaster Rovers since the start of the season , making 32 appearances for the League One play-off contenders .
Football Insider reports Blues are lining up a move when the transfer window opens having been impressed with his performances at the Keepmoat Stadium .
Pep Clotet currently has Lee Camp , Connal Trueman and Moha Ramos as his options in goal but is expected to shuffle the pack when trading resumes .
First-choice Camp , 35 , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trueman has acted as backup and Ramos is set to return to Real Madrid having failed to make a senior appearance during his loan spell .
Dieng has a year left to run on his deal at QPR and the report claims Mark Warburton 's side could be willing to listen to offers .
Premier League clubs Burnley and Norwich City are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old who was born in Switzerland but elected to represent Senegal internationally .
Dieng is yet to make his debut for QPR having previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hampton & Richmond Borough and Whitehawk .

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Birmingham City are interested in Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Seny Dieng, according to reports.
Dieng has been on loan at Doncaster Rovers since the start of the season, making 32 appearances for the League One play-off contenders.
Football Insider reports Blues are lining up a move when the transfer window opens having been impressed with his performances at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Pep Clotet currently has Lee Camp, Connal Trueman and Moha Ramos as his options in goal but is expected to shuffle the pack when trading resumes.
First-choice Camp, 35, is due to be out of contract while Trueman has acted as backup and Ramos is set to return to Real Madrid having failed to make a senior appearance during his loan spell.
Dieng has a year left to run on his deal at QPR and the report claims Mark Warburton's side could be willing to listen to offers.
Premier League clubs Burnley and Norwich City are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old who was born in Switzerland but elected to represent Senegal internationally.
Dieng is yet to make his debut for QPR having previously had loan stints at Dundee, Stevenage, Hampton & Richmond Borough and Whitehawk.


birminghammail--2020-05-12--Birmingham and Solihull black market alcohol gang jailed over £2m fraud

Men from Birmingham and Solihull are among five to have been jailed over their part in a nationwide gang peddling illegal alcohol .
The five have been caged over a £2million fraud supplying black market booze across the UK .
Among those guilty were Anthony Lucas , 52 , from Hall Green , and Carl Wrenn , 50 , from Solihull .
Wayne Howells , 50 , of Cinderford , worked for Birmingham-based hauliers Arden Forest Logistics Ltd along with Wrenn , who was the managing director .
Meanwhile Marc Carrier , 53 , of Summerleaze , Lydney , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Joseph Edgar , 58 , of Victoria Dock Road , London was a delivery driver .
During the course of an investigation which led to the arrest of the five men six years ago , HMRC found the gang were trying to `` make money fast at the expense of UK taxpayers '' .
The fraud was uncovered when HMRC intercepted Edgar delivering wine for sale to Phoenix Cash and Carry in Croydon on April 9 , 2014 .
In that operation , officers seized 16,740 litres of wine with an excise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was being rented by Carrier at the Oxford Road Industrial Estate in Reading , a further 33,480 litres of wine , with an excise value of £91,504 , was seized on August 27 2014 , prompting a search of Arden Forest Logistics ' offices in Birmingham .
A4 notebooks used by Howells and Lucas to record more than 40 transactions of duty suspended wine , beer and spirits being diverted onto the black market were found .
These transactions contributed to a total revenue loss of £2m .
All five men were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Edgar pleaded guilty on November 7 , 2018 and Wrenn pleaded guilty on September 6 , 2019 , both at Birmingham Crown Court .
Howells , Lucas and Carrier denied the charge but were found guilty on December 18 , 2019 after an 11-week week trial at Birmingham Crown Court .
On January 14 , 2020 at Birmingham Crown Court , Howells and Lucas were each sentenced to five years in prison and Edgar was given a 17-month sentence .
Howels and Lucas were both banned from being a company director for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years and two months in jail at Birmingham Crown Court on February 28 , 2020 , and banned from being a company director for six years .
Earlier this month , on May 4 , Carrier was sentenced to three years and nine months at the same court , and banned from being a company director for six years .
Kevin Hansford of the CPS said : `` These men avoided paying £2 million in tax as part of a calculated and sustained duty evasion scheme .
They thought they could hide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documented clearly what they had done .
`` Using thousands of pages of witness statements and exhibits , the prosecution unravelled the network 's lies and proved their guilt beyond doubt . ''
`` We are absolutely committed to prosecuting these offences through our Specialist Fraud Division and work tirelessly to bring cases like this to trial . ''
Tracey Noon , assistant director , Fraud Investigation Service , HMRC , said : `` This was an attempt to make money fast at the expense of UK taxpayers , by evading the excise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Alcohol consumption generates £10.5 billion a year in excise duty to fund vital public services .
Duty fraud deprives the public of those essential funds and undermines legitimate businesses .
`` We remain committed to action to tackle the illicit alcohol trade and the criminality behind it.I urge anyone with information about the fraudulent sale of alcohol to report it to HMRC online , or by calling our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887 . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ed Stilliard, James Rodger)

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Men from Birmingham and Solihull are among five to have been jailed over their part in a nationwide gang peddling illegal alcohol.
The five have been caged over a £2million fraud supplying black market booze across the UK.
Among those guilty were Anthony Lucas, 52, from Hall Green, and Carl Wrenn, 50, from Solihull.
Wayne Howells, 50, of Cinderford, worked for Birmingham-based hauliers Arden Forest Logistics Ltd along with Wrenn, who was the managing director.
Lucas and Howells were transport managers, reports GloucestershireLive.
Meanwhile Marc Carrier, 53, of Summerleaze, Lydney, was the director of Reading Logistics Ltd, and Joseph Edgar, 58, of Victoria Dock Road, London was a delivery driver.
(Image: HMRC)
During the course of an investigation which led to the arrest of the five men six years ago, HMRC found the gang were trying to "make money fast at the expense of UK taxpayers".
The fraud was uncovered when HMRC intercepted Edgar delivering wine for sale to Phoenix Cash and Carry in Croydon on April 9, 2014.
In that operation, officers seized 16,740 litres of wine with an excise value of £45,752.
At a unit which was being rented by Carrier at the Oxford Road Industrial Estate in Reading, a further 33,480 litres of wine, with an excise value of £91,504, was seized on August 27 2014, prompting a search of Arden Forest Logistics' offices in Birmingham.
A4 notebooks used by Howells and Lucas to record more than 40 transactions of duty suspended wine, beer and spirits being diverted onto the black market were found.
These transactions contributed to a total revenue loss of £2m.
All five men were charged with conspiracy to evade alcohol duty.
Edgar pleaded guilty on November 7, 2018 and Wrenn pleaded guilty on September 6, 2019, both at Birmingham Crown Court.
Howells, Lucas and Carrier denied the charge but were found guilty on December 18, 2019 after an 11-week week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
On January 14, 2020 at Birmingham Crown Court, Howells and Lucas were each sentenced to five years in prison and Edgar was given a 17-month sentence. Howels and Lucas were both banned from being a company director for eight years.
Wrenn was sentenced to three years and two months in jail at Birmingham Crown Court on February 28, 2020, and banned from being a company director for six years.
Earlier this month, on May 4, Carrier was sentenced to three years and nine months at the same court, and banned from being a company director for six years.
Kevin Hansford of the CPS said: "These men avoided paying £2 million in tax as part of a calculated and sustained duty evasion scheme. They thought they could hide their illicit activity but their record book documented clearly what they had done.
"Using thousands of pages of witness statements and exhibits, the prosecution unravelled the network's lies and proved their guilt beyond doubt."
"We are absolutely committed to prosecuting these offences through our Specialist Fraud Division and work tirelessly to bring cases like this to trial."
Tracey Noon, assistant director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: "This was an attempt to make money fast at the expense of UK taxpayers, by evading the excise duty that millions of law-abiding businesses pay.
"Alcohol consumption generates £10.5 billion a year in excise duty to fund vital public services. Duty fraud deprives the public of those essential funds and undermines legitimate businesses.
"We remain committed to action to tackle the illicit alcohol trade and the criminality behind it.I urge anyone with information about the fraudulent sale of alcohol to report it to HMRC online, or by calling our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887."


birminghammail--2020-05-12--Thug grabbed paramedic by throat and punched him before racist attack on cop

A lowlife thug who grabbed a paramedic by the throat and punched him in the face before racially abusing a police officer has been jailed for 26 weeks .
William Stevens , 45 , launched the sickening attack on the emergency workers after they were called to his block of flats on December 1 last year .
Police and paramedics had attended the property in Leominster , Herefordshire , following concerns for the safety of one of the residents .
But once inside the block , Stevens punched a medic in the face after grabbing them by the throat before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court heard he later racially abused a detention officer whilst in custody at Hereford police station .
Stevens , of West Street , Leominster , was jailed on Friday ( 1/5 ) after admitting assaulting and racially abusing an emergency worker and criminal damage .
After the case , Chief Inspector Ross Jones , of West Mercia Police , said “ This case shows that people who assault officers or paramedics will be arrested , investigated and put before the court .
`` West Mercia Police will not tolerate attacks on emergency service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handed down.
” Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer , Nathan Hudson , of West Midlands Ambulance Service , said : “ No-one should ever get injured because they were assaulted at work , yet that is exactly what happened in this case .
`` What is particularly appalling is that the paramedic was there to help a patient in need but got attacked while trying to do so .
“ All too often , ambulance staff who have been assaulted feel let down by the judicial system , so I am pleased that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this occasion .
`` We know the public are outraged every time something like this happens , so hopefully such tough action will be replicated by other courts and also serve as a warning .
`` We will always push for those who attack our staff to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law .
”

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A lowlife thug who grabbed a paramedic by the throat and punched him in the face before racially abusing a police officer has been jailed for 26 weeks.
William Stevens, 45, launched the sickening attack on the emergency workers after they were called to his block of flats on December 1 last year.
Police and paramedics had attended the property in Leominster, Herefordshire, following concerns for the safety of one of the residents.
But once inside the block, Stevens punched a medic in the face after grabbing them by the throat before he was arrested.
Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court heard he later racially abused a detention officer whilst in custody at Hereford police station.
(Image: SWNS.COM)
Stevens, of West Street, Leominster, was jailed on Friday (1/5) after admitting assaulting and racially abusing an emergency worker and criminal damage.
After the case, Chief Inspector Ross Jones, of West Mercia Police, said “This case shows that people who assault officers or paramedics will be arrested, investigated and put before the court.
"West Mercia Police will not tolerate attacks on emergency service personnel and I welcome the prison sentence handed down.”
Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Nathan Hudson, of West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “No-one should ever get injured because they were assaulted at work, yet that is exactly what happened in this case.
"What is particularly appalling is that the paramedic was there to help a patient in need but got attacked while trying to do so.
“All too often, ambulance staff who have been assaulted feel let down by the judicial system, so I am pleased that the magistrate took such a tough stance on this occasion.
"We know the public are outraged every time something like this happens, so hopefully such tough action will be replicated by other courts and also serve as a warning.
"We will always push for those who attack our staff to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”


birminghammail--2020-05-12--Officia opposition to Aston Villa's decisive Premier League match

Sadiq Khan has thrown fresh doubt over the prospect of Aston Villa being able to complete their Premier League season .
The Mayor of London believes is it ‘ too early ’ to consider staging football matches in the capital despite the fact the Premier League is working on plans to play the 92 remaining matches .
Ten of those involve Villa - and while there is talk of staging them at neutral venues , it appears as though the tide is shifting to playing them on the original home and away basis .
Sign up to your our daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there could be six further games at an admittedly empty Villa Park - while Dean Smith ’ s men also have to go to the London Stadium for their final game .
It is one that could be pivotal with both Villa and West Ham currently in the bottom six .
However , Khan has now come out against the idea of playing matches in London at this stage , a city badly hit by the pandemic .
His spokesperson told the Evening Standard : “ Sadiq is extremely keen for the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume .
“ However , with the country still in the grips of this crisis , and hundreds of people dying every day , he believes that it is too early to be discussing the resumption of the Premier League and top-flight sport in the capital .
“ As a Liverpool fan , Sadiq of course wants the Premier League to return , but it can only happen when it is safe to do so , and it can not place any extra burden on the NHS and emergency services.
” League chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a live topic among clubs .
“ I think everybody would prefer to play home and away if at all possible , ” he said on Monday .
” And I think it ’ s clear to see that some clubs feel more strongly about that than others .
“ It is an ongoing dialogue and obviously since Covid-19 became an issue we ’ ve been talking to the authorities about the conditions in which we could get the Premier League back up and running and taking all that advice on board .
@

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Sadiq Khan has thrown fresh doubt over the prospect of Aston Villa being able to complete their Premier League season.
The Mayor of London believes is it ‘too early’ to consider staging football matches in the capital despite the fact the Premier League is working on plans to play the 92 remaining matches.
Ten of those involve Villa - and while there is talk of staging them at neutral venues, it appears as though the tide is shifting to playing them on the original home and away basis.
Sign up to your our daily Aston Villa newsletter HERE
That would mean there could be six further games at an admittedly empty Villa Park - while Dean Smith’s men also have to go to the London Stadium for their final game.
It is one that could be pivotal with both Villa and West Ham currently in the bottom six.
However, Khan has now come out against the idea of playing matches in London at this stage, a city badly hit by the pandemic.
His spokesperson told the Evening Standard : “Sadiq is extremely keen for the Premier League and professional sport in general to resume.
“However, with the country still in the grips of this crisis, and hundreds of people dying every day, he believes that it is too early to be discussing the resumption of the Premier League and top-flight sport in the capital.
“As a Liverpool fan, Sadiq of course wants the Premier League to return, but it can only happen when it is safe to do so, and it cannot place any extra burden on the NHS and emergency services.”
League chief Richard Masters said the matter was still a live topic among clubs.
“I think everybody would prefer to play home and away if at all possible,” he said on Monday. ”And I think it’s clear to see that some clubs feel more strongly about that than others.
“It is an ongoing dialogue and obviously since Covid-19 became an issue we’ve been talking to the authorities about the conditions in which we could get the Premier League back up and running and taking all that advice on board.”


birminghammail--2020-05-12--West Brom favourite Jay Rod nails what Albion fans are thinking

The two seasons Jay Rodriguez spent at West Bromwich Albion both finished with a tinge of ‘ what might have been ’ .
His first , following his £12million move from Southampton , saw the club descend into chaos under Alan Pardew - before Darren Moore threatened to pull off what would have been the Greatest Escape of them all .
He didn ’ t , the Baggies were relegated and Rodriguez stayed at The Hawthorns and was charged with returning the club at the first time of asking .
Sign up to your our daily West Brom newsletter HERE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mouth-watering partnership with Dwight Gayle Albion would fall short in the play-offs and he would move back to Burnley .
However , in an interview with Football CFB podcast the 30-year-old has lifted the lid on his time at the club , his rivalry with Gayle and his profound hope that Albion make it back to the top flight .
“ As soon as I got to West Brom I wanted to crack on play regularly , play as best as I can and do my best to improve , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time at West Brom , obviously it was a sad time with the relegation but I met some great people there .
“ I think it is a great club and something I will always be fond of thinking back .
“ It ’ s a lovely club to be part of , hopefully now - depending on how things are with the leagues and stuff , I think they deserve to get promoted and be back to where they should be.
” Albion came close last season , losing out to Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season was not without its personal compensations though .
“ I felt back to my best in that season in the Championship , I felt all the injury talk and things like that had gone .
I felt like I was getting sharp and improving .
“ I learned a lot under Darren Moore and Graeme Jones , I have become really good mates with a lot of the players .
“ We all wanted that feeling of getting promotion together because we felt we owed it to the club and worked so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we just missed out in the play-offs which was really sad but I enjoyed it , “ I had some great partnerships in the team , people like Matt Phillips , Livermore , Dwight Gayle was one I really enjoyed working with - even though he gave me a lot of grief in the year .
“ That ’ s what he ’ s like , he ’ s a lovable character that always wants to win – and he did win the goal tally to be fair which he will probably always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was good season apart from the ending , we didn ’ t get promotion .
I felt good , sharp , fit .
It ’ s a tough league with that many games and the standard is really high .
”

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The two seasons Jay Rodriguez spent at West Bromwich Albion both finished with a tinge of ‘what might have been’.
His first, following his £12million move from Southampton, saw the club descend into chaos under Alan Pardew - before Darren Moore threatened to pull off what would have been the Greatest Escape of them all.
He didn’t, the Baggies were relegated and Rodriguez stayed at The Hawthorns and was charged with returning the club at the first time of asking.
Sign up to your our daily West Brom newsletter HERE
Despite a career high 22 goals and a mouth-watering partnership with Dwight Gayle Albion would fall short in the play-offs and he would move back to Burnley.
However, in an interview with Football CFB podcast the 30-year-old has lifted the lid on his time at the club, his rivalry with Gayle and his profound hope that Albion make it back to the top flight.
“As soon as I got to West Brom I wanted to crack on play regularly, play as best as I can and do my best to improve,” he said.
“I really enjoyed my time at West Brom, obviously it was a sad time with the relegation but I met some great people there.
“I think it is a great club and something I will always be fond of thinking back.
“It’s a lovely club to be part of, hopefully now - depending on how things are with the leagues and stuff, I think they deserve to get promoted and be back to where they should be.”
Albion came close last season, losing out to Aston Villa on a penalty shoot-out. The season was not without its personal compensations though.
“I felt back to my best in that season in the Championship, I felt all the injury talk and things like that had gone. I felt like I was getting sharp and improving.
“I learned a lot under Darren Moore and Graeme Jones, I have become really good mates with a lot of the players.
“We all wanted that feeling of getting promotion together because we felt we owed it to the club and worked so hard to do it.
“Unfortunately we just missed out in the play-offs which was really sad but I enjoyed it,
“I had some great partnerships in the team, people like Matt Phillips, Livermore, Dwight Gayle was one I really enjoyed working with - even though he gave me a lot of grief in the year.
“That’s what he’s like, he’s a lovable character that always wants to win – and he did win the goal tally to be fair which he will probably always remind me of forever.
“I learned a lot from him.
“It was good season apart from the ending, we didn’t get promotion. I felt good, sharp, fit. It’s a tough league with that many games and the standard is really high.”


birminghammail--2020-05-12--Touching tribute to loving nurse who died after contracting Covid-19

A mental health nurse whose smile could light up a room has died in hospital after contracting coronavirus , her daughter said .
Dawn Marshall , a mother of two , died at City Hospital on Wednesday , April 15 , following her battle with the deadly virus .
The 56-year-old grandmother , from Handsworth , began complaining of breathing difficulties at the end of March , her devastated daughter Aliyah Stewart said .
The caring Oldbury-based nurse was originally reluctant to go to the hospital but - unable to shake the illness - she was admitted on April 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who suffered from diabetes , asked not to be placed into an induced coma after testing positive for Covid-19 .
And despite the best efforts of medical staff , she died a few days later .
She leaves behind her daughters , Aliyah and Marie , and seven grandchildren .
The 24-year-old told BlackCountryLive that she will always be a credit to her family .
`` She always had a smile on her face , '' Aliyah added .
`` She was loved by all that knew her .
Everyone knew her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the community .
`` People would describe her as a loudmouth - but she was just well-loved .
`` We as a family are devastated but she will always be a credit to us and her family . ''
The UK daily coronavirus hospital death toll has risen again - to over 400 .
The number of deaths in hospitals across the nation rose again by 416 taking the total past 27,000 .
NHS England has announced 350 new deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19 , bringing the total number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 23,709 .
There were 350 deaths in England , 50 in Scotland and 16 in Wales confirmed in the past 24 hours , health authorities announced .

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A mental health nurse whose smile could light up a room has died in hospital after contracting coronavirus, her daughter said.
Dawn Marshall, a mother of two, died at City Hospital on Wednesday, April 15, following her battle with the deadly virus.
The 56-year-old grandmother, from Handsworth, began complaining of breathing difficulties at the end of March, her devastated daughter Aliyah Stewart said.
The caring Oldbury-based nurse was originally reluctant to go to the hospital but - unable to shake the illness - she was admitted on April 1.
As her health deteriorated, Dawn, who suffered from diabetes, asked not to be placed into an induced coma after testing positive for Covid-19. And despite the best efforts of medical staff, she died a few days later.
She leaves behind her daughters, Aliyah and Marie, and seven grandchildren.
The 24-year-old told BlackCountryLive that she will always be a credit to her family.
"She always had a smile on her face," Aliyah added. "She was loved by all that knew her. Everyone knew her and she was a big part of the community.
"People would describe her as a loudmouth - but she was just well-loved.
"We as a family are devastated but she will always be a credit to us and her family."
The UK daily coronavirus hospital death toll has risen again - to over 400.
The number of deaths in hospitals across the nation rose again by 416 taking the total past 27,000.
NHS England has announced 350 new deaths of people who tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 23,709.
There were 350 deaths in England, 50 in Scotland and 16 in Wales confirmed in the past 24 hours, health authorities announced.


birminghammail--2020-05-12--Pundit uses Aston Villa to send stark warning to Premier League

Paul Robinson says the Premier League can not risk player safety by resuming the season anytime soon .
Fixtures have been suspended for two months due to the coronavirus pandemic , with Aston Villa 's battle for survival on hold .
The Premier League remains committed to completing the campaign and the government has given permission for sporting events to return in June .
It is believed a return date of June 12 is currently being looked at but former England goalkeeper Robinson has warned that could be too early .
Sign up to our daily Villa newsletter HERE Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed at the weekend that a third player had tested positive for COVID-19 , while Dean Smith has already admitted that two of his players are n't likely to be risked if the season does resume , with one suffering with asthma and the other 's mother-in-law in remission .
Smith said : `` Everyone wants to get back into training but they want to see what the medical protocol is first .
`` There 's a certain risk attached to returning to training for all players and I think they want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them so it 's safe to do so .
`` We 've got a couple of players , we 've got a player who 's asthmatic , a player whose mother-in-law is in remission who 's living with the family so you 've got to be very careful and that 's certainly been the transmission because this illness knows no boundaries . ''
Top-flight clubs met on Monday to discuss the Project Restart proposal with further talks planned next week .
Robinson told Football Insider : “ This is a huge decision and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much from the authorities because nobody knows .
“ Brighton players have got coronavirus , [ Dyamo ] Dresden are in isolation .
Until they can guarantee player safety there is no way they can start .
The worst thing that the league can do is start and then stop again .
“ Player safety is paramount .
An Aston Villa player has asthma , and a lot of footballers have asthma and you can not put them at risk .
“ Players that have vulnerable family members having to go into isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be taken into consideration .
It will be a very difficult decision to take .
We love football but it has to come second .
”

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Paul Robinson says the Premier League cannot risk player safety by resuming the season anytime soon.
Fixtures have been suspended for two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Aston Villa's battle for survival on hold.
The Premier League remains committed to completing the campaign and the government has given permission for sporting events to return in June.
It is believed a return date of June 12 is currently being looked at but former England goalkeeper Robinson has warned that could be too early.
Sign up to our daily Villa newsletter HERE
Villa's relegation rivals Brighton and Hove Albion confirmed at the weekend that a third player had tested positive for COVID-19, while Dean Smith has already admitted that two of his players aren't likely to be risked if the season does resume, with one suffering with asthma and the other's mother-in-law in remission.
Smith said: "Everyone wants to get back into training but they want to see what the medical protocol is first.
"There's a certain risk attached to returning to training for all players and I think they want to make sure we tick the boxes for them so it's safe to do so.
"We've got a couple of players, we've got a player who's asthmatic, a player whose mother-in-law is in remission who's living with the family so you've got to be very careful and that's certainly been the transmission because this illness knows no boundaries."
Top-flight clubs met on Monday to discuss the Project Restart proposal with further talks planned next week.
Robinson told Football Insider: “This is a huge decision and it is why we are not hearing much from the authorities because nobody knows.
“Brighton players have got coronavirus, [Dyamo] Dresden are in isolation. Until they can guarantee player safety there is no way they can start. The worst thing that the league can do is start and then stop again.
“Player safety is paramount. An Aston Villa player has asthma, and a lot of footballers have asthma and you cannot put them at risk.
“Players that have vulnerable family members having to go into isolation for a month – it has to be taken into consideration. It will be a very difficult decision to take. We love football but it has to come second.”


birminghammail--2020-05-13--M&S reopening cafes at 49 stores tomorrow - FULL LIST

Marks and Spencer has re-opened 49 cafes in its stores amid the lockdown .
The firm says it has been successfully operating social distancing and extra hygiene measures in stores for some time .
And M & S have now taken the decision to re-open 49 café locations across the UK from tomorrow ( 14 May ) - from Braehead to Belfast , and Cramlington to Cheshunt .
M & S says : `` Our local cafés will be opening for take away hot drinks only .
The 49 chosen are all where the café ( which may be branded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Go ’ ) is located next to the Foodhall – meaning customers can pick up a barista coffee whilst doing their food shop .
The re-opening follows a trial at five of the locations , including High Street Kensington Coffee to Go and Maybrook Canterbury .
`` The M & S café team has prepared rigorous guidance for colleagues and will have extensive signage for customers so they can pick up their coffee safely . ''
Protective equipment - Perspex screens ( pictured below ) will be installed at each Café till .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wash their hands every 30 minutes as a minimum , with additional washing immediately after taking cash payments .
Surfaces will be sanitised regularly , with particular attention paid to pinpads , as is done in the rest of the Foodhall .
Clear signage - Signs will remind customers about social distancing requirements and guide them on how to move safely through the hot drink-to-go journey .
For example , floor markings will show customers where to stand if they need to queue in order to ensure they are 2 metres apart from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – will work behind the counter to ensure social distancing .
The colleague will take the payment and make the drink , so whilst it may take a little longer than usual , we will ask for our customers ’ patience .
Contactless payment – will be encouraged just like in our Foodhalls through extensive signage .
Contactless collection – Hot drinks with the accompanying lid will be placed in the hatch under the screen to allow the customer to pick it up and put on their own lid .
The 49 locations @ @ @

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Marks and Spencer has re-opened 49 cafes in its stores amid the lockdown.
The firm says it has been successfully operating social distancing and extra hygiene measures in stores for some time.
And M&S have now taken the decision to re-open 49 café locations across the UK from tomorrow (14 May) - from Braehead to Belfast, and Cramlington to Cheshunt.
M&S says: "Our local cafés will be opening for take away hot drinks only. The 49 chosen are all where the café (which may be branded ‘Marketplace’ or ‘Coffee to Go’) is located next to the Foodhall – meaning customers can pick up a barista coffee whilst doing their food shop. The re-opening follows a trial at five of the locations, including High Street Kensington Coffee to Go and Maybrook Canterbury.
"The M&S café team has prepared rigorous guidance for colleagues and will have extensive signage for customers so they can pick up their coffee safely."
Measures in place include:
Protective equipment - Perspex screens (pictured below) will be installed at each Café till.
Extensive hygiene processes - All colleagues will wash their hands every 30 minutes as a minimum, with additional washing immediately after taking cash payments. Surfaces will be sanitised regularly, with particular attention paid to pinpads, as is done in the rest of the Foodhall.
Clear signage - Signs will remind customers about social distancing requirements and guide them on how to move safely through the hot drink-to-go journey. For example, floor markings will show customers where to stand if they need to queue in order to ensure they are 2 metres apart from the next customer.
One colleague only – will work behind the counter to ensure social distancing. The colleague will take the payment and make the drink, so whilst it may take a little longer than usual, we will ask for our customers’ patience.
Contactless payment – will be encouraged just like in our Foodhalls through extensive signage.
Contactless collection – Hot drinks with the accompanying lid will be placed in the hatch under the screen to allow the customer to pick it up and put on their own lid.
The 49 locations are listed below
Anlaby
Ashbourne
Bankside (Marketplace)
Beverley
Bishop Auckland
Blackrock
Bluewater
Boucher Rd Belfast
Braehead
Braintree
Brent Cross (Marketplace)
Bridge of Don
Canary Wharf (Marketplace)
Central Falkirk
Cheshunt
Clapham (Coffee Bar)
Congleton
Cramlington
Dunblane
Finsbury (Marketplace)
Handforth Dean Conservatory
Heathfield Ayr
Hedge End (Coffee Bar)
High St. Kensington (Coffee Bar)*
Inveralmond
Kingston (Marketplace)
Kingstown Park Carlisle
Manchester (Coffee Bar)
Marble Arch (Marketplace)
Martlesham Heath
Maybrook Canterbury*
Mayflower
Meadowhall
Meole Brace Shrewsbury
Northallerton
One New Change (Marketplace)
Pantheon (Marketplace)*
Pontarddulais
Portfield Chichester
Sears Solihull
Stratford (Marketplace)
Summertown
Sweetbriar Norwich
Victoria Cardinal Place (Marketplace)*
Waterside (Marketplace)*
Westbridge Park Stone
Whitstable
Woodley


birminghammail--2020-05-13--Graeme Souness is furious with 'daft' plan put to Wolves players

Premier League players have been sent a 40-page document to outline guidelines ahead of next month ’ s proposed return .
The protocol attempts to explain to players how they can protect themselves against the coronavirus once they return to the field of play .
Wolverhampton Wanderers ' season has been suspended for two months and talks are now being held about resuming the Premier League .
The league has set a target return date of June 12 , but there ’ s still plenty of details to be finalised before clubs and players give it the green light .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ players on Tuesday , is supposed to ease concerns they have over the restart .
However , one of the guidelines has sparked uproar amongst ex-professionals .
Sky Sports claim the protocol suggests that players turn away from their opponent after completing a tackle .
“ That ’ s been written by someone who has never played the game and doesn ’ t understand the game , ” Graeme Souness told The Football Show .
“ They ’ re saying you make a tackle and turn away ?
What if you make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at your feet ?
“ That ’ s the daftest thing I ’ ve heard so far about getting back to playing football .
When you ’ re playing football at the highest level , players get themselves to a place where they ’ re only focused on the next five seconds in front of them and that ’ s how you play 90 minutes.
” Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber , who has seen the dossier , added : “ There ’ s lots of things like that in there and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the managers and players .
“ In fairness to the Premier League they are trying to find a way of getting this going safely .
It ’ s important to get the players on this journey .
It should have happened at lot sooner but at least they ’ re going to be on it today.
” Sign up to our daily Wolves newsletter HERE

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Premier League players have been sent a 40-page document to outline guidelines ahead of next month’s proposed return.
The protocol attempts to explain to players how they can protect themselves against the coronavirus once they return to the field of play.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' season has been suspended for two months and talks are now being held about resuming the Premier League.
The league has set a target return date of June 12, but there’s still plenty of details to be finalised before clubs and players give it the green light.
The document, which was sent to players on Tuesday, is supposed to ease concerns they have over the restart.
However, one of the guidelines has sparked uproar amongst ex-professionals. Sky Sports claim the protocol suggests that players turn away from their opponent after completing a tackle.
“That’s been written by someone who has never played the game and doesn’t understand the game,” Graeme Souness told The Football Show. “They’re saying you make a tackle and turn away? What if you make a tackle and end up with the ball at your feet?
“That’s the daftest thing I’ve heard so far about getting back to playing football. When you’re playing football at the highest level, players get themselves to a place where they’re only focused on the next five seconds in front of them and that’s how you play 90 minutes.”
Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber, who has seen the dossier, added: “There’s lots of things like that in there and these are to be discussed and debated with the managers and players.
“In fairness to the Premier League they are trying to find a way of getting this going safely. It’s important to get the players on this journey. It should have happened at lot sooner but at least they’re going to be on it today.”
Sign up to our daily Wolves newsletter HERE


birminghammail--2020-05-13--What we know about Aston Villa's Premier League survival bid

It 's been six weeks since the Premier League made the call to suspend the current 2019/20 season indefinitely .
The official announcement was made on April 3 , 11 days after the UK was placed on lockdown and three weeks following Aston Villa 's final match .
This week , Premier League chief executive Richard Masters reiterated the desire of all 20 clubs to find a solution to complete the current season .
With null and void firmly off the table , the league must decide when and where the 92 remaining fixtures will be completed under Project Restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic despite lockdown measures slightly eased from today ( May 13 ) .
Reported Covid deaths are edging towards 33,000 in the UK and players up and down the country have expressed their deepest concerns about restarting .
In our latest extensive round-up , here 's everything we know so far about the Premier League , Aston Villa 's stance and Project Restart .
In the 50-page Covid 'roadmap ' plan , the government has given the green light for `` permitting cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed-doors for broadcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social contact '' from June 1 onwards .
This strictly falls in line with the rate of infection dropping significantly .
The government report added : `` Venues that attract large crowds ( like sports stadia ) and personal care establishments where close contact is inherent ( like beauty salons ) may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in numbers of infections . ''
Prime minister Boris Johnson declared people can now go back to work if a : they can not work from home and b : if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's safe enough to do so .
This will pave the way for football clubs to return to training from next week with strict , non-contact safety measures in place .
The Premier League has pencilled in a June 12 back-to-work return date for clubs who 'll set out a mini pre-season ahead of league matters resuming .
As in line with the government , the rate of infection must drop significantly in the coming weeks while , this weekend , big-league bosses will be glued to the return of the Bundesliga to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clubs returned back to training on April 6 , do n't forget .
The Premier League has , though , stressed that `` safety comes first '' while it 's increasingly likely fixtures will be played behind-closed-doors .
Chief executive Masters said : `` We welcome these first steps and are ready to play our part .
We are working flat out with clubs and stakeholders - government , our broadcast partners , The FA , the EFL , PFA and the LMA - to create a responsible , safe and deliverable model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , safety comes first .
We must listen to Government , the authorities and the medical experts and continue to follow their advice .
`` That is exactly what we are doing .
We are getting ourselves in the best position to resume the season , but only when the conditions are right . ''
On the subject of relegation , Masters added : `` If the season plays out , no-one has suggested , or talked about , relegation not being in play . ''
Regarding where games are to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it stands , behind seeing out the 92 fixtures at home and away venues and not neutral grounds .
However , the head of the UK football police unit , deputy chief constable Mark Roberts , says it is his preference for neutral venues to be considered .
Clearly , if clubs like Villa want to push for matches to be played at home , they will have to find an agreement and way of working with the police which satisfies the authorities in terms of how they regulate match days behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home games left to play .
Dean Smith and his players are set for a meeting with Premier League health experts today .
Before getting back out onto Bodymoor , Jack Grealish and co will be required to provide written confirmation that they agree to their club 's new safety measures .
Smith and his coaching staff will be planning for a return to training in tightly-controlled circumstances from Monday , May 18 .
Villa will be required to conduct an occupational health risk assessment by Friday , May 15 and make results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A designated 'Covid-19 officer ' must also be appointed who can not be a member of their medical staff .
The head coach made it public how two members of his first-team squad pose severe health risks .
One unnamed player has asthma while another is currently living with vulnerable family member .
Villa do , though , want to see out the season and are more than happy to do so - but only if it 's safe enough to do so .
Chief executive Christian Purslow is wholeheartedly against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should see out their remaining home fixtures at Villa Park .
`` I don ’ t think neutral venues is by any means the only issue that needs to be resolved that goes to the heart of ‘ is this still a competition everybody signed up to ’ , '' he said .
`` The sense I get around the players is , like society generally , you ’ ll have people absolutely desperate to get back to work and have the attitude of ‘ I ’ ll take my chances ’ and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances where it won ’ t be practical or they won ’ t be comfortable .
`` If I was a betting man I would say that the single biggest challenge we ’ ve got is to get those protocols signed off by everybody in football .
`` Neutral grounds is a really serious issue for Aston Villa .
I don ’ t think the Premier League in any way , shape or form wanted to entertain neutral grounds .
It ’ s not coming from the Premier League .
I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
• Sign up to our daily Villa newsletter HERE Purslow did state how the underlying importance remains that of the health and wellbeing of players .
`` We ’ re talking here about a known , global , devastating epidemic that is still at large , '' he explained .
`` It ’ s obvious with 500 or so Premier League footballers that we ’ re going to have positive tests , that players are going to get sick and that ’ s going to have an impact on teams ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I don ’ t know what the solution is .
I ’ d obviously like a rule that says we don ’ t have to play if our best players had Covid .
We ’ re trying to complete a league quite quickly to give our broadcasters a product they want to show but how does it really work if , after two games , everybody ’ s off ?
You tell me . ''

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It's been six weeks since the Premier League made the call to suspend the current 2019/20 season indefinitely.
The official announcement was made on April 3, 11 days after the UK was placed on lockdown and three weeks following Aston Villa's final match.
This week, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters reiterated the desire of all 20 clubs to find a solution to complete the current season.
With null and void firmly off the table, the league must decide when and where the 92 remaining fixtures will be completed under Project Restart.
The UK remains gripped by the pandemic despite lockdown measures slightly eased from today (May 13).
Reported Covid deaths are edging towards 33,000 in the UK and players up and down the country have expressed their deepest concerns about restarting.
In our latest extensive round-up, here's everything we know so far about the Premier League, Aston Villa's stance and Project Restart.
The government
In the 50-page Covid 'roadmap' plan, the government has given the green light for "permitting cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed-doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact" from June 1 onwards. This strictly falls in line with the rate of infection dropping significantly.
The government report added: "Venues that attract large crowds (like sports stadia) and personal care establishments where close contact is inherent (like beauty salons) may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in numbers of infections."
Prime minister Boris Johnson declared people can now go back to work if a: they cannot work from home and b: if social distancing can be maintained and it's safe enough to do so.
This will pave the way for football clubs to return to training from next week with strict, non-contact safety measures in place.
The Premier League
The Premier League has pencilled in a June 12 back-to-work return date for clubs who'll set out a mini pre-season ahead of league matters resuming.
As in line with the government, the rate of infection must drop significantly in the coming weeks while, this weekend, big-league bosses will be glued to the return of the Bundesliga to see how that pans out. German clubs returned back to training on April 6, don't forget.
The Premier League has, though, stressed that "safety comes first" while it's increasingly likely fixtures will be played behind-closed-doors.
Chief executive Masters said: "We welcome these first steps and are ready to play our part. We are working flat out with clubs and stakeholders - government, our broadcast partners, The FA, the EFL, PFA and the LMA - to create a responsible, safe and deliverable model to complete the season.
"Of course, safety comes first. We must listen to Government, the authorities and the medical experts and continue to follow their advice.
"That is exactly what we are doing. We are getting ourselves in the best position to resume the season, but only when the conditions are right."
On the subject of relegation, Masters added: "If the season plays out, no-one has suggested, or talked about, relegation not being in play."
Regarding where games are to be played. The Premier League is, as it stands, behind seeing out the 92 fixtures at home and away venues and not neutral grounds.
However, the head of the UK football police unit, deputy chief constable Mark Roberts, says it is his preference for neutral venues to be considered.
Clearly, if clubs like Villa want to push for matches to be played at home, they will have to find an agreement and way of working with the police which satisfies the authorities in terms of how they regulate match days behind closed doors. Aston Villa have six home games left to play.
Aston Villa
Dean Smith and his players are set for a meeting with Premier League health experts today. Before getting back out onto Bodymoor, Jack Grealish and co will be required to provide written confirmation that they agree to their club's new safety measures.
Smith and his coaching staff will be planning for a return to training in tightly-controlled circumstances from Monday, May 18. Villa will be required to conduct an occupational health risk assessment by Friday, May 15 and make results available to the Premier League on request. A designated 'Covid-19 officer' must also be appointed who cannot be a member of their medical staff.
The head coach made it public how two members of his first-team squad pose severe health risks. One unnamed player has asthma while another is currently living with vulnerable family member.
Villa do, though, want to see out the season and are more than happy to do so - but only if it's safe enough to do so. Chief executive Christian Purslow is wholeheartedly against the idea of neutral grounds, insisting Villa should see out their remaining home fixtures at Villa Park.
"I don’t think neutral venues is by any means the only issue that needs to be resolved that goes to the heart of ‘is this still a competition everybody signed up to’," he said.
"The sense I get around the players is, like society generally, you’ll have people absolutely desperate to get back to work and have the attitude of ‘I’ll take my chances’ and you’ll have players with particular circumstances where it won’t be practical or they won’t be comfortable.
"If I was a betting man I would say that the single biggest challenge we’ve got is to get those protocols signed off by everybody in football.
"Neutral grounds is a really serious issue for Aston Villa. I don’t think the Premier League in any way, shape or form wanted to entertain neutral grounds. It’s not coming from the Premier League. I think that’s coming from probably the police."
Sign up to our daily Villa newsletter HERE
Purslow did state how the underlying importance remains that of the health and wellbeing of players.
"We’re talking here about a known, global, devastating epidemic that is still at large," he explained. "It’s obvious with 500 or so Premier League footballers that we’re going to have positive tests, that players are going to get sick and that’s going to have an impact on teams’ ability to field a full-strength team.
"I don’t know what the solution is. I’d obviously like a rule that says we don’t have to play if our best players had Covid. We’re trying to complete a league quite quickly to give our broadcasters a product they want to show but how does it really work if, after two games, everybody’s off? You tell me."


birminghammail--2020-05-13--Girl, 16, vanishes from home in middle of night as police launch search

Fears are growing for a missing 16-year-old girl who disappeared from her family home in the middle of the night @ @ @ @ @ seen on Sunday ( 10/5 ) evening at her home in Nottinghamshire .
She is @ @ @ @ @ build , 5ft 6ins tall and has long hair dyed purple .
When she vanished @ @ @ @ @ wearing a black fur bomber jacket , grey skinny jeans and white Nike trainers .
@ @ @ @ @ : “ We are growing concerned for the welfare of a missing teenage girl who @ @ @ @ @ Chesterfield .
”

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Fears are growing for a missing 16-year-old girl who disappeared from her family home in the middle of the night.
Sophie Walton was last seen on Sunday (10/5) evening at her home in Nottinghamshire.
She is described as white, slim build, 5ft 6ins tall and has long hair dyed purple.
When she vanished she is believed she was wearing a black fur bomber jacket, grey skinny jeans and white Nike trainers.
A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: “We are growing concerned for the welfare of a missing teenage girl who has links to Pilsley and Chesterfield.”