birminghammail--2020-02-20--Jaffa Cakes, jokes, John Terry - Behind the scenes at Aston Villa HQ with Dean Smith

The glistening sunshine beamed down on Bodymoor Heath just as Dean Smith wrapped-up today 's Aston Villa media briefing .
Positivity , jokes and smiles were aplenty during Smith 's pre-match press conference ahead of Southampton - arguably Villa 's biggest game to date .
The blinding weather at Bodymoor HQ could just be the sign that things are starting to look up .
Tyrone Mings is primed for action , John McGinn will be back running on the grass this weekend and Keinan Davis will train on Monday - and that was just the injury update .
That first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best Villa had played in a long , long time .
Ezri Konsa 's crunching challenge on Heung-Min Son in the opening seconds set the tone , as did Mbwana Samatta 's relentless work-rate up top ; pushing , harrying and barging Spurs ' petrified centre-back pairing .
Matt Targett and Jack Grealish were up to their usual tricks causing carnage down the left , too .
It was peak Villa and , according to the Great Barr gaffer , reason for optimism .
Back to Smith 's presser , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about his big team debrief .
The players were immediately back in on Monday and frank discussions were had .
`` We came in the following day and did our debrief and knew what we had to work on to improve , '' Smith explained , before alluding to how Villa 's players had returned from the winter break looking razor-sharp .
`` The break has done us well .
It showed the way we came out of the traps against Spurs , going right at a team who are top-four . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in training last week upon the squad 's return from a five or six-day extended break .
They 're all champing at the bit - and Villa 's coaching staff have been blown away by what they 've seen .
It was evident during the first half at Spurs , too .
It was time for some no more Mr Nice Guy from the head coach at the presser , though , who almost snarled at that big number 50 being chucked at him once more - 50 being the number of goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defence in the Premier League .
`` Two or three months ago people were harping on about getting a new centre-forward in , getting new people in to challenge Wesley , '' Smith declared , with an air of frustration .
`` But we all knew , as a group , that defensively is where we needed to tighten up . ''
Villa have the 10th-best record for goals scored in the Premier League , scoring six more than high-flying Sheffield United - but it 's finding that all-important balance that 'll prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold the Premier League 's wooden spoon for most errors leading to goals ( 9 ) .
`` We 've made a lot of errors that have lead to goals , '' Smith added , before referencing how Premier League strikers are the difference , `` and we 've been punished by mistakes .
Our focus and concentration has got better as the season has gone on , but it needs to improve for the last 13 games . ''
Smith then rattled off individual errors on the pitch , telling reporters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday : `` You look at the first chance they had on Sunday , Anwar El Ghazi did ever so well but played a blind ball inside and Lucas Moura intercepted but we managed to get a good tackle on ( Son ) .
It 's them lapses in concentration that can cost you at this level . ''
The boss wanted his Villa to go at Tottenham hammer and tong .
That was the game plan .
It took a freakish finish from centre-back Toby Alderweireld to send a gut-wrenching punch to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd scored .
A VAR call and Bjorn Engels ' costly error condemned Villa to an undeserved defeat .
What can you do ?
`` As disappointing as it is , you move on , '' Smith said , with real intent in his voice .
`` We can take a lot of heart from the performance from the game . ''
Attention quickly turned to Saturday 's opponents Southampton , the Premier League 's worst home team - and Smith certainly smells blood : `` There ’ s been an awful lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first 15 minutes of games , there ’ s an expectation on them .
The players have not handled that as well as they could have . ''
What that hints at is to expect a fast start from Villa on Saturday .
That could just be the ticket while it 'll represent the polar opposite of Villa 's last start to a game on the the south-coast , a laboured first 45 showing against direct relegation rivals Bournemouth which proved costly .
`` We have to make sure we put that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to get them against their team , '' Smith waded in again .
`` Their home record hasn ’ t been great , hopefully that ’ s something we can play on .
If we can play to the capabilities we ’ ve got , we can be a match for anyone . ''
The boss was in full flow at this point during his briefing , firing back at Sky Sports reporter Kirsty Edwards .
John Terry was watching on at the back of the room , studying his mentor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a learning assignment ahead of taking up a big job in the years to come .
A mention for JT as well , he was an absolute delight and welcomed himself to the reporters , shaking everyone 's hand before saying : `` You do n't get spoiled much here , do you ?
Jaffa Cakes and a roll ! ''
As for JT , the assistant head coach tried desperately to avoid being talked about , imploring the gaffer to keep him out of it , with Smith quipping : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have we ?
You 're getting it ! ''
Chat moved swiftly on and Smith spoke comprehensively about clawing Southampton back into the relegation sesspit .
The manager dismissed any talk whatsoever of next week 's Carabao Cup final , suggesting Villa 's remaining 13 games are all cup finals in their own right , starting at St Mary 's .
He gave his thoughts on VAR once more but is growing increasingly tired of it all , admitting to mentally tying himself up in knots during a dog walk this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am I wasting gray matter on this ? ''
Finally , before departing , the ever-classy Smith reserved special praise for Alan Hutton who retired from the game this week : `` He was an unbelievable professional , a good player and probably under-rated at times as well but , on top of that , a really good character and personality around the place . ''
As for the place itself , the building work is ongoing to erect a giant-new gym to extend onto the current main building while , around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like were all in buoyant mood .
The women 's team were about to train , too , and each of them had a spring in their step , laughing , joking and smiling from ear to ear .
The mood around Bodymoor was not one of doom and gloom of yesteryear .
Yes , Villa are currently staring down the barrel of relegation but , just as the North Warwickshire sunshine suggested , there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel and , if Villa get that away-day win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you would n't bet against them soaring away from danger from now until May .

The glistening sunshine beamed down on Bodymoor Heath just as Dean Smith wrapped-up yesterday's Aston Villa media briefing.
Positivity, jokes and smiles were aplenty during Smith's pre-match press conference ahead of Southampton tomorrow - arguably Villa's biggest game to date.
The blinding weather at Bodymoor HQ could just be the sign that things are starting to look up. Tyrone Mings is primed for action, John McGinn will be back running on the grass this weekend and Keinan Davis will train on Monday - and that was just the injury update.
That first 25 minutes against Tottenham on Sunday was the best Villa had played in a long, long time. Ezri Konsa's crunching challenge on Heung-Min Son in the opening seconds set the tone, as did Mbwana Samatta's relentless work-rate up top; pushing, harrying and barging Spurs' petrified centre-back pairing. Matt Targett and Jack Grealish were up to their usual tricks causing carnage down the left, too. It was peak Villa and, according to the Great Barr gaffer, reason for optimism.
Back to Smith's presser, though, and the head coach went into detail about his big team debrief. The players were immediately back in on Monday and frank discussions were had. "We came in the following day and did our debrief and knew what we had to work on to improve," Smith explained, before alluding to how Villa's players had returned from the winter break looking razor-sharp. "The break has done us well. It showed the way we came out of the traps against Spurs, going right at a team who are top-four."
Smith banged on about the standards rocketing in training last week upon the squad's return from a five or six-day extended break. They're all champing at the bit - and Villa's coaching staff have been blown away by what they've seen. It was evident during the first half at Spurs, too.
It was time for some no more Mr Nice Guy from the head coach at the presser, though, who almost snarled at that big number 50 being chucked at him once more - 50 being the number of goals Villa have conceded making them the leakiest defence in the Premier League. "Two or three months ago people were harping on about getting a new centre-forward in, getting new people in to challenge Wesley," Smith declared, with an air of frustration. "But we all knew, as a group, that defensively is where we needed to tighten up."
Villa have the 10th-best record for goals scored in the Premier League, scoring six more than high-flying Sheffield United - but it's finding that all-important balance that'll prove key. Villa do, though, hold the Premier League's wooden spoon for most errors leading to goals (9). "We've made a lot of errors that have lead to goals," Smith added, before referencing how Premier League strikers are the difference, "and we've been punished by mistakes. Our focus and concentration has got better as the season has gone on, but it needs to improve for the last 13 games."
Smith then rattled off individual errors on the pitch, telling reporters of one inside the first few minutes on Sunday: "You look at the first chance they had on Sunday, Anwar El Ghazi did ever so well but played a blind ball inside and Lucas Moura intercepted but we managed to get a good tackle on (Son). It's them lapses in concentration that can cost you at this level."
The boss wanted his Villa to go at Tottenham hammer and tong. That was the game plan. It took a freakish finish from centre-back Toby Alderweireld to send a gut-wrenching punch to the stomach of Villa just after they'd scored. A VAR call and Bjorn Engels' costly error condemned Villa to an undeserved defeat. What can you do? "As disappointing as it is, you move on," Smith said, with real intent in his voice. "We can take a lot of heart from the performance from the game."
(Image: Getty Images)
Attention quickly turned to tomorrow's opponents Southampton, the Premier League's worst home team - and Smith certainly smells blood: "There’s been an awful lot of pressure on them and, in the first 15 minutes of games, there’s an expectation on them. The players have not handled that as well as they could have." What that hints at is to expect a fast start from Villa on Saturday. That could just be the ticket while it'll represent the polar opposite of Villa's last start to a game on the the south-coast, a laboured first 45 showing against direct relegation rivals Bournemouth which proved costly.
"We have to make sure we put that pressure on to Southampton and their supporters to try to get them against their team," Smith waded in again. "Their home record hasn’t been great, hopefully that’s something we can play on. If we can play to the capabilities we’ve got, we can be a match for anyone."
The boss was in full flow at this point during his briefing, firing back at Sky Sports reporter Kirsty Edwards. John Terry was watching on at the back of the room, studying his mentor's every answer in what appeared to be a learning assignment ahead of taking up a big job in the years to come. A mention for JT as well, he was an absolute delight and welcomed himself to the reporters, shaking everyone's hand before saying: "You don't get spoiled much here, do you? Jaffa Cakes and a roll!"
As for JT, the assistant head coach tried desperately to avoid being talked about, imploring the gaffer to keep him out of it, with Smith quipping: "We've got a guest appearance, have we? You're getting it!"
Chat moved swiftly on and Smith spoke comprehensively about clawing Southampton back into the relegation sesspit. The manager dismissed any talk whatsoever of next week's Carabao Cup final, suggesting Villa's remaining 13 games are all cup finals in their own right, starting at St Mary's.
He gave his thoughts on VAR once more but is growing increasingly tired of it all, admitting to mentally tying himself up in knots during a dog walk this week, before saying to himself: "Why am I wasting gray matter on this?"
Finally, before departing, the ever-classy Smith reserved special praise for Alan Hutton who retired from the game this week: "He was an unbelievable professional, a good player and probably under-rated at times as well but, on top of that, a really good character and personality around the place."
As for the place itself, the building work is ongoing to erect a giant-new gym to extend onto the current main building while, around the premises, staff, JT and the like were all in buoyant mood. The women's team were about to train, too, and each of them had a spring in their step, laughing, joking and smiling from ear to ear. The mood around Bodymoor was not one of doom and gloom of yesteryear. Yes, Villa are currently staring down the barrel of relegation but, just as the North Warwickshire sunshine suggested, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel and, if Villa get that away-day win they've been longing for on Saturday, you wouldn't bet against them soaring away from danger from now until May.


birminghammail--2020-02-20--"Toxic" - Gabby Agbonlahor hits out at former Aston Villa boss in heated interview

Gabby Agbonlahor was one of a few players who did n't get on well under former Aston Villa boss Remi Garde .
You can count current Villa superstar Jack Grealish in that contingent as well .
Garde claimed victory in three of his 23 games in charge as Villa fell away from competitively fighting for survival .
They finished the season with a record low points tally for the club .
Villa were already falling away under Tim Sherwood , and after he was sacked , there were high hopes for Garde .
He was n't the players ' choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim ] Sherwood got sacked , a few of the older players and myself actually begged - and said to the chief executive - can you give the job to Kevin Macdonald ? ''
said Agbonlahor to talkSPORT earlier today .
`` He was the reserve team manager at the time .
We just thought at that time we needed an old school manager who can get the best out of us .
`` I think because we had so many French players at the time , they thought - let 's get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to get the best out of them . ''
The former Villa striker then went on to discuss Garde 's habits - habits that would eventually lead to a split in the Villa dressing room .
`` Remi Garde came in .
He was a bit , I do n't know ... '' Agbonlahor contorts his face , seeming as though he he is holding back , before he comes in with his truth on Garde .
`` Arrogant , and in a bad way .
In training for instance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was watching .
He 'd be watching on the sidelines with his arms folded , just shaking his head .
The older players in the squad were thinking 'come over , tell us what we are n't doing right ' .
`` He was holding it inside and not telling us .
He did n't come over to tell us who we were n't pressing , who was n't good enough , who 's doing this or doing that .
`` He was standing on the side and just sulking .
Shaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his arms up .
`` I 'm thinking 'come over and tell us !
What 's not right ? '
`` The sessions finishes and he walks in .
He never got involved , even on game days , if you watch games , he just sat in the dugout and shook his head . ''
There was a clear disconnection between Garde and a few of his players - and that 's evident in how the Frenchman expected his players to behave .
According to Agbonlahor , players were n't allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be like an army base .
Players were n't allowed to laugh or smile .
One day Jack [ Grealish ] told me 'Remi 's just told me off for smiling' '' He said to Jack 'why are you laughing so much , why are you so happy' '' I 'm thinking , you want to be happy at work !
`` He was n't joking .
He asked us why we were smiling . ''
Villa 's French-speaking players in 2016 were often targeted for criticism by sections of the media as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have been favourtism from Garde towards the French speaking contingent at Villa Park , aiding in a toxic split .
`` There were little things .
`` Garde came in and told the French-speaking players to speak English in the dressing room .
It was tough for some of them , as they had n't learned the language , but some of them could .
`` A week later , Garde is speaking in French to the players !
`` We were like 'hang on , you said speak English' '' If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're thinking 'what 's being said about me ? '
`` You 'd hear a conversation in French and your name would pop up - they 'd be talking about me .
`` That was a big thing .
There was a split in the changing room .
It was basically half the room .
It did n't help at all .
`` After games , the groups split up .
If you had a go at someone about a performance after losing a game , they 'd start speaking in French at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

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Gabby Agbonlahor was one of a few players who didn't get on well under former Aston Villa boss Remi Garde.
You can count current Villa superstar Jack Grealish in that contingent as well.
Garde claimed victory in three of his 23 games in charge as Villa fell away from competitively fighting for survival. They finished the season with a record low points tally for the club.
Villa were already falling away under Tim Sherwood, and after he was sacked, there were high hopes for Garde.
He wasn't the players' choice though.
"I remember when [Tim] Sherwood got sacked, a few of the older players and myself actually begged - and said to the chief executive - can you give the job to Kevin Macdonald?" said Agbonlahor to talkSPORT earlier today.
"He was the reserve team manager at the time. We just thought at that time we needed an old school manager who can get the best out of us.
"I think because we had so many French players at the time, they thought - let's get a French manager in, who might be able to get the best out of them."
The former Villa striker then went on to discuss Garde's habits - habits that would eventually lead to a split in the Villa dressing room.
(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)
"Remi Garde came in. He was a bit, I don't know..."
Agbonlahor contorts his face, seeming as though he he is holding back, before he comes in with his truth on Garde.
"Arrogant, and in a bad way. In training for instance, if we were doing a session and he was watching. He'd be watching on the sidelines with his arms folded, just shaking his head. The older players in the squad were thinking 'come over, tell us what we aren't doing right'.
"He was holding it inside and not telling us. He didn't come over to tell us who we weren't pressing, who wasn't good enough, who's doing this or doing that.
"He was standing on the side and just sulking. Shaking his head, looking away and throwing his arms up.
"I'm thinking 'come over and tell us! What's not right?'
"The sessions finishes and he walks in. He never got involved, even on game days, if you watch games, he just sat in the dugout and shook his head."
There was a clear disconnection between Garde and a few of his players - and that's evident in how the Frenchman expected his players to behave.
According to Agbonlahor, players weren't allowed to smile.
"He wanted it to be like an army base. Players weren't allowed to laugh or smile. One day Jack [Grealish] told me 'Remi's just told me off for smiling'
"He said to Jack 'why are you laughing so much, why are you so happy'
"I'm thinking, you want to be happy at work!
"He wasn't joking. He asked us why we were smiling."
Villa's French-speaking players in 2016 were often targeted for criticism by sections of the media as Villa slumped - and Agbonlahor believes there may have been favourtism from Garde towards the French speaking contingent at Villa Park, aiding in a toxic split.
"There were little things.
"Garde came in and told the French-speaking players to speak English in the dressing room. It was tough for some of them, as they hadn't learned the language, but some of them could.
"A week later, Garde is speaking in French to the players!
"We were like 'hang on, you said speak English'
"If you're an English player, you're thinking 'what's being said about me?'
"You'd hear a conversation in French and your name would pop up - they'd be talking about me.
"That was a big thing. There was a split in the changing room. It was basically half the room. It didn't help at all.
"After games, the groups split up. If you had a go at someone about a performance after losing a game, they'd start speaking in French at the back of the coach to others."
"It was a toxic atmosphere."


birminghammail--2020-02-20--London mosque stabbing: Knife attack 'not terror-related,' say cops

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing during prayers at a London mosque - but the incident is not terror-related .
The victim , a man in his 70s , was taken to hospital where his condition is said not to be life-threatening , after the attack , which is not being treated as terror related .
A 29-year-old man , who is believed to have been attending prayers at London Central Mosque in Regent 's Park , central London , was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke from their prayers and restrained the attacker until the arrival of the police .
A Scotland Yard spokesman said : `` The incident is not being treated as terror-related at this time . ''
The man stabbed at London Central Mosque was calling worshippers to prayer , a statement on the mosque 's website said .
It read : `` There was an incident today at London Central Mosque where an unknown individual attacked and stabbed the Muazzin ( the person who makes the call to prayer ) during Asr Prayer around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the worshippers until the police arrived and arrested him .
`` The Muazzin did not sustain any life threatening injuries but was seriously injured and is being treated at the hospital . ''
Mustafa Field , director of the Faiths Forum for London , told reporters outside the mosque that worshippers had said it was `` one stab , one strike , around the neck '' of the victim .
He said : `` Then the congregation members , some of them broke their prayers , and intervened , restrained the individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police , and the police were there within minutes , and he was restrained and taken away . ''
He added : `` I understand he was in the mosque for a while .
He may have witnessed the beginning of the prayers . ''

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing during prayers at a London mosque - but the incident is not terror-related.
The victim, a man in his 70s, was taken to hospital where his condition is said not to be life-threatening, after the attack, which is not being treated as terror related.
A 29-year-old man, who is believed to have been attending prayers at London Central Mosque in Regent's Park, central London, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene on Thursday.
The mosque said members of the congregation broke from their prayers and restrained the attacker until the arrival of the police.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "The incident is not being treated as terror-related at this time."
The man stabbed at London Central Mosque was calling worshippers to prayer, a statement on the mosque's website said.
It read: "There was an incident today at London Central Mosque where an unknown individual attacked and stabbed the Muazzin (the person who makes the call to prayer) during Asr Prayer around 3pm.
"The attacker was apprehended by the worshippers until the police arrived and arrested him.
"The Muazzin did not sustain any life threatening injuries but was seriously injured and is being treated at the hospital."
Mustafa Field, director of the Faiths Forum for London, told reporters outside the mosque that worshippers had said it was "one stab, one strike, around the neck" of the victim.
He said: "Then the congregation members, some of them broke their prayers, and intervened, restrained the individual.
"The mosque security called the police, and the police were there within minutes, and he was restrained and taken away."
He added: "I understand he was in the mosque for a while. He may have witnessed the beginning of the prayers."


birminghammail--2020-02-20--Aston Villa on the march - Key ticket update for Carabao Cup final vs Manchester City

Aston Villa likely wo n't issue another update about Carabao Cup final tickets for the showdown against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium .
It 's Villa 's third visit to the national stadium in three years , and that has not stopped fans snapping up tickets .
Following a rush for cup final tickets , Villa have today issued a final announcement regarding the availability of tickets - and there are no more left .
The club has sold out their full allocation of 33,666 tickets , while Club Wembley season ticket seats remain available .
They sold out fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snapped up within the first few days of sale .
'The club sold approaching 30,000 tickets during the first two phases of sales criteria – available firstly to supporters who have held a season ticket consistently since 2015/16 and then to 2019/20 season ticket holders , ' reads a statement on the club website .
'On Tuesday , February 18 , remaining tickets became available to 2019/20 Claret and Cub Members who have attended eight or more home games this season .
'And the final remaining tickets were snapped up on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on sale to those Members who have attended five or more home matches this term .
'The club would once again like to thank our fans for your magnificent support . '
Manchester City 's allocation is yet to sell out and tickets in the City end are on a fairly open general sale .
Their allocation of tickets is on general sale to City 'fans ' who have attended a match at the Etihad this season .
Essentially , this means that people with a booking history at the Etihad Stadium have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tickets that remain .
As empty seats were spotted during City 's match with West Ham United yesterday , Villa fans latched on to the idea that there may be spaces for them in the home crowd at the Etihad , and thus potentially spaces at Wembley .
A Villa fan has photographed himself in the seats at the Etihad Stadium during yesterday 's clash , meaning that he will likely have the chance to secure a ticket for Wembley - seated opposite his Villa peers .
It 's likely that fans will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure their cup final ticket after this latest news .

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Aston Villa likely won't issue another update about Carabao Cup final tickets for the showdown against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
It's Villa's third visit to the national stadium in three years, and that has not stopped fans snapping up tickets.
Following a rush for cup final tickets, Villa have today issued a final announcement regarding the availability of tickets - and there are no more left.
The club has sold out their full allocation of 33,666 tickets, while Club Wembley season ticket seats remain available.
They sold out fast as well - with the majority being snapped up within the first few days of sale.
'The club sold approaching 30,000 tickets during the first two phases of sales criteria – available firstly to supporters who have held a season ticket consistently since 2015/16 and then to 2019/20 season ticket holders,' reads a statement on the club website.
'On Tuesday, February 18, remaining tickets became available to 2019/20 Claret and Cub Members who have attended eight or more home games this season.
'And the final remaining tickets were snapped up on Thursday, February 20 within 10 minutes of going on sale to those Members who have attended five or more home matches this term.
'The club would once again like to thank our fans for your magnificent support.'
Manchester City's allocation is yet to sell out and tickets in the City end are on a fairly open general sale.
Their allocation of tickets is on general sale to City 'fans' who have attended a match at the Etihad this season.
Essentially, this means that people with a booking history at the Etihad Stadium have the green light to snap up the tickets that remain.
As empty seats were spotted during City's match with West Ham United yesterday, Villa fans latched on to the idea that there may be spaces for them in the home crowd at the Etihad, and thus potentially spaces at Wembley.
A Villa fan has photographed himself in the seats at the Etihad Stadium during yesterday's clash, meaning that he will likely have the chance to secure a ticket for Wembley - seated opposite his Villa peers.
It's likely that fans will result to increasingly 'extreme methods' to secure their cup final ticket after this latest news.


birminghammail--2020-02-20--Glamorous camping and glamping plan for Sandwell Valley

‘ Glamping ’ could be coming to the Black Country under major plans to improve leisure facilities for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 .
The prospect of a glamorous camping site on the 1,800 acres of Sandwell Valley was one of a range ideas put forward as the local authority unveiled its plans for the next ten years .
Cllr Danny Millard , cabinet member for skills and employment , said the Commonwealth Games Aquatic Centre in Smethwick was vital to improving leisure facilities for residents and would attract visitors .
Saying the borough has amazing assets , he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandwell Valley and give it an identity as a destination gateway .
“ It is distinctive and local and we are going to attract people regionally and nationally .
“ We recently appointed a specialist country park consultant to support the development of business scoping the objective of establishing a new future business model for sustainable growth .
“ Part of this plan is already focused on contributing to the Commonwealth Games with the potential of providing an urban bike park , a fanzone area and upgrading existing visitor facilities .
“ Extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they are looking at camping and glamping.
” The possibility of a luxury outdoor accommodation with the benefit of facilities normally found in a high five star hotel came as the cabinet announced its “ Big Plans for a Great Place for the People of Sandwell ” at a meeting of the cabinet .
A major element of the plan is spending more of the council ’ s £200 million plus budget in the borough to encourage jobs and wealth creation .
Cllr Yvonne Davis , leader of the council , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wealth and and improve life chances for local people .
“ We want to create opportunities to put Sandwell on the map , creating a borough where people are proud of their local area , have better paid jobs and opportunities , supported by increased skills for our workforce and more opportunities for young people .
”

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‘Glamping’ could be coming to the Black Country under major plans to improve leisure facilities for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The prospect of a glamorous camping site on the 1,800 acres of Sandwell Valley was one of a range ideas put forward as the local authority unveiled its plans for the next ten years.
Cllr Danny Millard, cabinet member for skills and employment, said the Commonwealth Games Aquatic Centre in Smethwick was vital to improving leisure facilities for residents and would attract visitors.
Saying the borough has amazing assets, he added: “Our ambition is to strengthen Sandwell Valley and give it an identity as a destination gateway.
“It is distinctive and local and we are going to attract people regionally and nationally.
“We recently appointed a specialist country park consultant to support the development of business scoping the objective of establishing a new future business model for sustainable growth.
“Part of this plan is already focused on contributing to the Commonwealth Games with the potential of providing an urban bike park, a fanzone area and upgrading existing visitor facilities.
“Extra things like more parking and catering concessions and they are looking at camping and glamping.”
(Image: quirkyaccom.com)
The possibility of a luxury outdoor accommodation with the benefit of facilities normally found in a high five star hotel came as the cabinet announced its “Big Plans for a Great Place for the People of Sandwell” at a meeting of the cabinet.
A major element of the plan is spending more of the council’s £200 million plus budget in the borough to encourage jobs and wealth creation.
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Cllr Yvonne Davis, leader of the council, has said the corporate strategy aimed to share wealth and and improve life chances for local people.
“We want to create opportunities to put Sandwell on the map, creating a borough where people are proud of their local area, have better paid jobs and opportunities, supported by increased skills for our workforce and more opportunities for young people.”


birminghammail--2020-02-20--Tyrone Mings returns to action as ex-player hits out at Aston Villa comments

One-time Aston Villa academy star Mitch Clark has taken aim at the club 's chief executive , Christian Purslow .
The Villa Park supremo was discussing a range of topics during an in depth Q & A with members of Aston Villa 's Supporters ' Trust on Tuesday evening .
Purslow spoke about Villa 's academy and , in particular , the under-23s , and said : `` There have been profound changes in the way we are going about managing our academy .
The under-23 team sits underneath the academy .
`` We 're seeing 17 , 18 year-olds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the acid test of an academy programme .
Frankly , and I 'm going to be brutal , 22 year-olds playing in an under-23 team means your system is n't working .
It means your system is failing because 22-year-old footballers on a payroll at Aston Villa need to be in the first team .
`` The ultimate goal is to populate the under-23 team with 11 outstanding 16 , 17 and 18 year-olds .
Then I will know it 's working and that will take years not months .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best eight , nine , 10 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 16 year-olds .
One a year that makes it , gets a professional contract at 16 . ''
The chief exec 's statement was slammed by ex-Villa academy left-back Clark , who departed B6 in the summer and moved to join Leicester City and their under-23 setup .
He 's currently on-loan at Port Vale in League Two .
The 20-year-old , who started for Steve Bruce 's Villa in the League Cup win over Wigan in 2017 , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The disrespect to the current lads at that age at the club , wow .
Former striker Gabby Agbonlahor has opened up about the moment investment stopped under Randy Lerner at Aston Villa .
Villa were a Premier League force to be reckoned with at the back end of the 2000s , with Martin O ’ Neill guided them to three consecutive sixth-placed finishes .
With Agbonlahor coming through the ranks under O ’ Neill , Villa had stars including John Carew , Ashley Young , Gareth Barry and James Milner pushing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and O ’ Neill left the club in August 2010 .
Gerard Houllier and Alex McLeish had brief spells in charge before Paul Lambert took over .
Lambert was in charge during the club ’ s slide towards the Premier League bottom three – but Agbonlahor said the Scot was tasked with “ an impossible job ” .
“ Paul Lambert came in , it was an impossible job for him really , ” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT .
“ I actually felt sorry for Paul Lambert , he was basically told by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money has got to go ’ .
“ It doesn ’ t matter if you ’ re one of the better players – you ’ re going .
It doesn ’ t matter what you ’ ve got on the pitch . ''
Dean Smith has provided a key injury update ahead of Southampton - with John McGinn edging ever closer to a return to action .
The Scot fractured his left ankle against the Saints on December 21 and , according to Smith , his rehabilitation has been going well .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time on grass this weekend , and Smith said : `` John McGinn has been running on the AlterG ( zero-gravity treadmill ) at 85 per cent body weight .
He 's looking to be running on the grass come the weekend .
His return will be looked at day-by-day to see how he continues his rehabilitation . ''
Elsewhere , Tyrone Mings looks set to a return to the starting XI after missing last week 's 3-2 defeat by Spurs with a bout of tonsillitis .
Keinan Davis ( hamstring ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` No , he 's fine , '' Smith said of Mings ' return .
`` He had a touch of tonsillitis and was back training on Wednesday .
It 's been unfortunate .
He 's been a big player for us so , to miss him on Sunday , was difficult .
He 'll be back ready for Southampton on Saturday .
He 's got the qualities to be a real leader and he 's still growing into that role . ''
VAR has been a talking point at Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country this season .
Its introduction has not been the smoothest , with lengthy breaks in play , marginal decisions and a lack of communication for fans .
Villa have had their fair share of VAR controversies – as many clubs could argue they have – throughout the 2019/20 campaign .
But where would Villa stand in the Premier League table without the technology ?
As it turns out , they would be a point better off and two points and three places above the relegation zone – as opposed to a point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are currently .
Below is how the top flight table would look after 26 games ...

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Clark hits out
One-time Aston Villa academy star Mitch Clark has taken aim at the club's chief executive, Christian Purslow.
The Villa Park supremo was discussing a range of topics during an in depth Q&A with members of Aston Villa's Supporters' Trust on Tuesday evening.
Purslow spoke about Villa's academy and, in particular, the under-23s, and said: "There have been profound changes in the way we are going about managing our academy. The under-23 team sits underneath the academy.
"We're seeing 17, 18 year-olds playing in the under-23 team. That is the acid test of an academy programme. Frankly, and I'm going to be brutal, 22 year-olds playing in an under-23 team means your system isn't working. It means your system is failing because 22-year-old footballers on a payroll at Aston Villa need to be in the first team.
"The ultimate goal is to populate the under-23 team with 11 outstanding 16, 17 and 18 year-olds. Then I will know it's working and that will take years not months.
"We need to be hiring and recruiting the best eight, nine, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 year-olds. One a year that makes it, gets a professional contract at 16."
The chief exec's statement was slammed by ex-Villa academy left-back Clark, who departed B6 in the summer and moved to join Leicester City and their under-23 setup. He's currently on-loan at Port Vale in League Two.
The 20-year-old, who started for Steve Bruce's Villa in the League Cup win over Wigan in 2017, said in an exchange on Twitter: "The disrespect to the current lads at that age at the club, wow.
Full Story
Gabby on Lambert
Former striker Gabby Agbonlahor has opened up about the moment investment stopped under Randy Lerner at Aston Villa.
Villa were a Premier League force to be reckoned with at the back end of the 2000s, with Martin O’Neill guided them to three consecutive sixth-placed finishes.
With Agbonlahor coming through the ranks under O’Neill, Villa had stars including John Carew, Ashley Young, Gareth Barry and James Milner pushing their European charge.
But the investment stopped and O’Neill left the club in August 2010. Gerard Houllier and Alex McLeish had brief spells in charge before Paul Lambert took over.
Lambert was in charge during the club’s slide towards the Premier League bottom three – but Agbonlahor said the Scot was tasked with “an impossible job”.
“Paul Lambert came in, it was an impossible job for him really,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
“I actually felt sorry for Paul Lambert, he was basically told by the owner ‘Anyone who is on good money has got to go’.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re one of the better players – you’re going. It doesn’t matter what you’ve got on the pitch."
Full Story
Injury Update
Dean Smith has provided a key injury update ahead of Southampton - with John McGinn edging ever closer to a return to action.
The Scot fractured his left ankle against the Saints on December 21 and, according to Smith, his rehabilitation has been going well.
The 25-year-old looks set to train for the first time on grass this weekend, and Smith said: "John McGinn has been running on the AlterG (zero-gravity treadmill) at 85 per cent body weight. He's looking to be running on the grass come the weekend. His return will be looked at day-by-day to see how he continues his rehabilitation."
Elsewhere, Tyrone Mings looks set to a return to the starting XI after missing last week's 3-2 defeat by Spurs with a bout of tonsillitis. Keinan Davis (hamstring), meanwhile, will start training on Monday.
"No, he's fine," Smith said of Mings' return. "He had a touch of tonsillitis and was back training on Wednesday. It's been unfortunate. He's been a big player for us so, to miss him on Sunday, was difficult. He'll be back ready for Southampton on Saturday. He's got the qualities to be a real leader and he's still growing into that role."
Full Story
VAR table
VAR has been a talking point at Premier League football stadia up and down the country this season.
Its introduction has not been the smoothest, with lengthy breaks in play, marginal decisions and a lack of communication for fans.
(Image: Getty Images)
Villa have had their fair share of VAR controversies – as many clubs could argue they have – throughout the 2019/20 campaign.
But where would Villa stand in the Premier League table without the technology?
As it turns out, they would be a point better off and two points and three places above the relegation zone – as opposed to a point and a place outside of it as they are currently.
Below is how the top flight table would look after 26 games...
1. Liverpool: 72 points (Actual position = 1) Points difference: -4
2. Man City: 57 points (Actual position = 2) Points difference: +3
3. Leicester: 45 points (Actual position = 3) Points difference -5
4. Chelsea: 44 points (Actual position = 4) Points difference +3
5. Wolves: 41 points (Actual position = 8) Points difference +5
6. Everton: 39 points (Actual position = 9) Points difference +3
7. Sheffield United: 38 points (Actual position = 6) Points difference -1
8. Tottenham: 37 points (Actual position = 5) Points difference -3
9. Arsenal: 37 points (Actual position = 10) Points difference +3
10. Burnley: 35 points (Actual position = 11) Points difference +1
11. Manchester United: 34 points (Actual position = 7) Points difference -4
12. Newcastle: 31 points (Actual position = 13) Points difference 0
13. West Ham: 30 points (Actual position = 18) Points difference +6
14. Crystal Palace: 29 points (Actual position = 14) Points difference -1
15. Aston Villa: 26 points (Actual position = 17) Points difference +1
16. Southampton: 26 points (Actual position = 12) Points difference -5
17. Watford: 24 points (Actual position = 19) Points difference 0
18. Norwich: 24 points (Actual position = 20) Points difference +6
19. Bournemouth: 23 points (Actual position = 16) Points difference -3
20. Brighton: 20 points (Actual position = 15) Points difference: -7


birminghammail--2020-02-20--On-the-run Brit held after raid on underground factory turning out 3,500 cigarettes an hour in Spain

An escaped British convict has been arrested in Spain after police discovered a subterranean counterfeit cigarette factory - 13 feet under a stable .
The underground plant , which had a full production line and could produce 3,500 cigarettes an hour , is said to be the first of its kind found in the European Union .
Daniel Dobbs , 31 , was allegedly part of the gang behind the operation , which Europol said generated more than half a million pounds ( 635,000 euros ) in criminal profits per week .
Dobbs , who is nicknamed `` Dobbo '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison in January 2014 , after he was convicted of trafficking heroin and amphetamines .
He vanished from his cell at HMP Hatfield Lakes , a category D open prison in South Yorkshire in November 2018 .
The National Crime Agency ( NCA ) tracked him down to Spain , where he was living under a false name and he was arrested as the Spanish Civil Guard smashed an organised crime group last week .
He was held alongside 19 other people , including other Britons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cigarettes , along with 20kg of hashish , 144kg of marijuana , three weapons , and GPS tracking and jamming devices .
Access to the bunker factory in the Malaga province of southern Spain was hidden by a shipping container , the PA news agency reports .
Europol said the facility , which had been operating since 2019 , included bunkbeds and living quarters for workers , who were forced to toil in dangerous and toxic conditions and not allowed to leave on their own .
Dobbs will be returned to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings have ended , the NCA said .
Alison Abbott , of the NCA 's offender lifetime management unit , said : `` Dobbs 's arrest is a fantastic result and shows the power of our international partnerships .
`` British fugitives should know that we will catch up with them no matter where they are . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Henry Vaughan, PA, Brett Gibbons)

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An escaped British convict has been arrested in Spain after police discovered a subterranean counterfeit cigarette factory - 13 feet under a stable.
The underground plant, which had a full production line and could produce 3,500 cigarettes an hour, is said to be the first of its kind found in the European Union.
Daniel Dobbs, 31, was allegedly part of the gang behind the operation, which Europol said generated more than half a million pounds (635,000 euros) in criminal profits per week.
Dobbs, who is nicknamed "Dobbo" and from Malton in North Yorkshire, was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison in January 2014, after he was convicted of trafficking heroin and amphetamines.
(Image: (Image: Europol))
He vanished from his cell at HMP Hatfield Lakes, a category D open prison in South Yorkshire in November 2018.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) tracked him down to Spain, where he was living under a false name and he was arrested as the Spanish Civil Guard smashed an organised crime group last week.
He was held alongside 19 other people, including other Britons, as police seized more than three million cigarettes, along with 20kg of hashish, 144kg of marijuana, three weapons, and GPS tracking and jamming devices.
Access to the bunker factory in the Malaga province of southern Spain was hidden by a shipping container, the PA news agency reports.
Europol said the facility, which had been operating since 2019, included bunkbeds and living quarters for workers, who were forced to toil in dangerous and toxic conditions and not allowed to leave on their own.
Dobbs will be returned to the UK once the Spanish investigation and any judicial proceedings have ended, the NCA said.
Alison Abbott, of the NCA's offender lifetime management unit, said: "Dobbs's arrest is a fantastic result and shows the power of our international partnerships.
"British fugitives should know that we will catch up with them no matter where they are."


birminghammail--2020-02-20--Crash victim with one leg shorter than the other had it stretched by 7cms - using magnets

A man with one leg shorter than the other had it stretched after receiving a pioneering treatment - with MAGNETS .
Pensioner Chris Shanks , 67 , was deformed following a car crash as a youth and was forced to walk with ski poles and a shoe with a built-up heel .
But he can now go on hikes for the first time in 40 years thanks to the twice daily treatments of wife Jacqueline , 59 .
Doctors inserted rods in his leg which were gradually stretched by a total of 7cms when his wife used the magnet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 70 days .
The treatment was n't easy - the magnet weighed the same as a bag of coal .
Retired telecoms specialist Chris can now walk several miles without the aid of poles or crutches - and no longer needs special shoes .
Chris , from Brighton , Sussex , said : `` It did n't really hurt - it was more of a tingling sensation .
But you do get some discomfort .
`` After the original accident my leg was shorter and deformed .
I could n't run and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did before .
`` As I started to get older - because my geometry was off - I began walking funny to compensate .
I started getting a lot of pain .
I went and saw various surgeons and the procedure was suggested .
''They thought that if I did n't have it done I would end up in a wheelchair anyway . ''
Chris was severely injured when his car collided with a truck as a 25-year-old - throwing him out and into the path of an oncoming vehicle .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured leg by two and three quarter inches .
The treatment went on for more than two months , during which it would stretch the bone a millimetre every 24 hours .
Chris said : `` For the first time in maybe 10 or 15 years I can walk without a stick .
It really has changed my life for the better . ''

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A man with one leg shorter than the other had it stretched after receiving a pioneering treatment - with MAGNETS.
Pensioner Chris Shanks, 67, was deformed following a car crash as a youth and was forced to walk with ski poles and a shoe with a built-up heel.
But he can now go on hikes for the first time in 40 years thanks to the twice daily treatments of wife Jacqueline, 59.
Doctors inserted rods in his leg which were gradually stretched by a total of 7cms when his wife used the magnet to rub the limb twice a day - for 70 days.
(Image: James Linsell-Clark/ SWNS)
The treatment wasn't easy - the magnet weighed the same as a bag of coal.
Retired telecoms specialist Chris can now walk several miles without the aid of poles or crutches - and no longer needs special shoes.
Chris, from Brighton, Sussex, said: "It didn't really hurt - it was more of a tingling sensation. But you do get some discomfort.
"After the original accident my leg was shorter and deformed. I couldn't run and I couldn't play football, which I did before.
"As I started to get older - because my geometry was off - I began walking funny to compensate. I started getting a lot of pain. I went and saw various surgeons and the procedure was suggested.
''They thought that if I didn't have it done I would end up in a wheelchair anyway."
(Image: James Linsell-Clark/ SWNS)
Chris was severely injured when his car collided with a truck as a 25-year-old - throwing him out and into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
But the amazing therapy has now extended his injured leg by two and three quarter inches.
The treatment went on for more than two months, during which it would stretch the bone a millimetre every 24 hours.
Chris said: "For the first time in maybe 10 or 15 years I can walk without a stick. It really has changed my life for the better."


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Wolves handed huge Tottenham boost as Wu Lei gives Fosun a glimpse of their dream

It was a night Molineux will never forget .
Wolverhampton Wanderers , in the last-32 of the Europa League , slaughtered Espanyol to all but secure passage to the next round .
Diogo Jota grabbed the headlines with an outstanding hat-trick , while Ruben Neves ’ fourth goal of the season wasn ’ t too bad either .
Barring any miracles in Barcelona next week , Wolves will be involved in the last-16 draw on February 28 .
Incredibly , Jota now has nine goals and five assists in 11 Europa League games this season after another hat-trick .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat in recent weeks thanks to the excellent form of his compatriot Pedro Neto .
But Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s faith in Jota ’ s talent is unwavering and when he ’ s fit he usually starts .
This was by no means the complete performance , Jota produced rusty touches in a frustrating first half - but he was at his devastating best after half-time .
Wolves have been waiting for Jota - who tends to go on scoring sprees once he ’ s broken his duck - to start firing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marvelous hat-trick will be the trigger .
Nuno and Wolves ’ players weren ’ t entirely pleased with the first half , with Espanyol having way too much of the ball for their liking .
The decision to bring on Leander Dendoncker and sacrifice star man Adama Traore proved to be a stroke of genius .
Jota shifted inside , where he feels more comfortable alongside Raul Jimenez , and ran riot .
A 3-5-2 without Traore isn ’ t going to be a regular solution but last night ’ s switch offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far from a one man wrecking ball .
Wolves were forced to play 21 games without star defender Willy Boly due to injury .
Most teams would have capitulated , but Wolves found ways to survive .
Clean sheets and good defensive performances were in short supply during that period though with Wolves managing just four shut-outs , and only one of those came in the Premier League .
Wolves conceded 26 goals in those 21 fixtures and would have been more severely punished had it not been for outstanding goalkeeper Rui Patricio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting XI alongside Conor Coady and the constantly improving Romain Saiss has coincided with three consecutive clean sheets .
Remarkably , Wolves have conceded just two goals in Boly ’ s last eight appearances in old gold .
He is world class .
Wolves have a huge game in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur coming up .
Norwich City visit Molineux first but next weekend ’ s trip to north London will be pivotal in the race for the top four .
Last night ’ s emphatic first leg victory has given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barcelona next week .
Espanyol ’ s manager Abelardo Fernández admitted after the first leg that his side are prioritising La Liga survival .
Next week ’ s second leg could therefore see two weakened teams .
And while miraculous comebacks can happen in this sport , Espanyol overturning their first leg deficit would be the shock of the century .
It looks like a very good opportunity for Nuno to rotate his squad and give the likes of Max Kilman , Bruno Jordao , Pedro Neto , Daniel Podence and Leonardo Campana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolves ’ first choice XI is fresh for a Premier League game which can now take precedence .
Away from the magnificent spectacle on the field , there was lots to ponder off it .
China international Wu Lei , who was of interest to Wolves a couple of years ago , started the match for Espanyol .
As a result Molineux ’ s press box included a large group of Chinese journalists who follow Lei ’ s career in Europe .
Fosun boss Guo Guangchang- who was in attendance at Molineux - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the global interest a Chinese star in the Premier League would provoke .
That ’ s why they ’ ve been so aggressive in securing players of Chinese heritage at academy level .
The problem Wolves face is that players with Chinese passports struggle to secure work permits to play in the Premier League .
But Lei ’ s monstrous appeal proves Fosun ’ s Chinese dream is one worth persevering with .

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It was a night Molineux will never forget.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, in the last-32 of the Europa League, slaughtered Espanyol to all but secure passage to the next round.
Diogo Jota grabbed the headlines with an outstanding hat-trick, while Ruben Neves’ fourth goal of the season wasn’t too bad either.
Barring any miracles in Barcelona next week, Wolves will be involved in the last-16 draw on February 28.
Diogo Jota proves his point
Incredibly, Jota now has nine goals and five assists in 11 Europa League games this season after another hat-trick.
The forward’s place has come under threat in recent weeks thanks to the excellent form of his compatriot Pedro Neto.
But Nuno Espirito Santo’s faith in Jota’s talent is unwavering and when he’s fit he usually starts.
This was by no means the complete performance, Jota produced rusty touches in a frustrating first half - but he was at his devastating best after half-time.
Wolves have been waiting for Jota - who tends to go on scoring sprees once he’s broken his duck - to start firing on all cylinders, so hopefully this marvelous hat-trick will be the trigger.
Nuno’s adjustment
Nuno and Wolves’ players weren’t entirely pleased with the first half, with Espanyol having way too much of the ball for their liking.
The decision to bring on Leander Dendoncker and sacrifice star man Adama Traore proved to be a stroke of genius. Jota shifted inside, where he feels more comfortable alongside Raul Jimenez, and ran riot.
A 3-5-2 without Traore isn’t going to be a regular solution but last night’s switch offered watchers a timely reminder that Wolves are far from a one man wrecking ball.
The Boly effect
Wolves were forced to play 21 games without star defender Willy Boly due to injury. Most teams would have capitulated, but Wolves found ways to survive.
Clean sheets and good defensive performances were in short supply during that period though with Wolves managing just four shut-outs, and only one of those came in the Premier League.
Wolves conceded 26 goals in those 21 fixtures and would have been more severely punished had it not been for outstanding goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
Boly’s return to the starting XI alongside Conor Coady and the constantly improving Romain Saiss has coincided with three consecutive clean sheets.
Remarkably, Wolves have conceded just two goals in Boly’s last eight appearances in old gold. He is world class.
Perfect prep for Spurs
Wolves have a huge game in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur coming up.
Norwich City visit Molineux first but next weekend’s trip to north London will be pivotal in the race for the top four.
Last night’s emphatic first leg victory has given Nuno the chance to rest players in Barcelona next week. Espanyol’s manager Abelardo Fernández admitted after the first leg that his side are prioritising La Liga survival.
Next week’s second leg could therefore see two weakened teams. And while miraculous comebacks can happen in this sport, Espanyol overturning their first leg deficit would be the shock of the century.
It looks like a very good opportunity for Nuno to rotate his squad and give the likes of Max Kilman, Bruno Jordao, Pedro Neto, Daniel Podence and Leonardo Campana some game time.
That would mean Wolves’ first choice XI is fresh for a Premier League game which can now take precedence.
A glimpse of Fosun’s dream
Away from the magnificent spectacle on the field, there was lots to ponder off it.
China international Wu Lei, who was of interest to Wolves a couple of years ago, started the match for Espanyol.
As a result Molineux’s press box included a large group of Chinese journalists who follow Lei’s career in Europe.
Fosun boss Guo Guangchang- who was in attendance at Molineux - and his business partners are aware of the global interest a Chinese star in the Premier League would provoke. That’s why they’ve been so aggressive in securing players of Chinese heritage at academy level.
The problem Wolves face is that players with Chinese passports struggle to secure work permits to play in the Premier League.
But Lei’s monstrous appeal proves Fosun’s Chinese dream is one worth persevering with.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--UK's worst toilet found by revolted locksmith after breaking way into squatters' house

A locksmith has discovered Britain 's worst TOILET - after breaking into a house inhabited by squatters .
Rio Beardmore , 48 , found the disgusting bog after being asked to force his way into a property owned by a friend after the occupiers refused to answer the door .
He said that a number of drug addicts had been living inside the building in Stoke-on-Trent , Staffs .
- letting it fall into a shocking state of disrepair .
But no room was worse than the toilet - with a vomit-inducing picture appearing to show mounds of faeces bulging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have spilled over onto the floor , landing on discarded clothes and carpet .
Rio said : `` It stank - and I got bitten on the face by a bug .
There must be something living in there .
`` I 've been doing this job for years - I thought I 'd seen it all .
It was the worst .
The room was covered in s*** .
`` It was a baking hot day , around six months ago .
`` This young copper walked into the house and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : 'There 's something you need to check in the bathroom ' .
`` He walked in and shouted : 'You b****** ! '
. ''
The squatters were eventually turfed out and the locks were changed .
The nauseating image has echoes of an infamous scene in the 1996 film 'Trainspotting ' .
Ewan McGregor 's character Renton takes a dive into 'the worst toilet in Scotland ' to recover some heroin suppositories - with disgusting results .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jonathan Coles, James Rodger)

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A locksmith has discovered Britain's worst TOILET - after breaking into a house inhabited by squatters.
Rio Beardmore, 48, found the disgusting bog after being asked to force his way into a property owned by a friend after the occupiers refused to answer the door.
He said that a number of drug addicts had been living inside the building in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. - letting it fall into a shocking state of disrepair.
But no room was worse than the toilet - with a vomit-inducing picture appearing to show mounds of faeces bulging from the loo.
The excrement seems to have spilled over onto the floor, landing on discarded clothes and carpet.
Rio said: "It stank - and I got bitten on the face by a bug. There must be something living in there.
"I've been doing this job for years - I thought I'd seen it all. It was the worst. The room was covered in s***.
"It was a baking hot day, around six months ago.
(Image: Rio Beardmore / SWNS)
"This young copper walked into the house and asked if everything was secure. I said: 'There's something you need to check in the bathroom'.
"He walked in and shouted: 'You b******!'."
The squatters were eventually turfed out and the locks were changed.
The nauseating image has echoes of an infamous scene in the 1996 film 'Trainspotting'.
Ewan McGregor's character Renton takes a dive into 'the worst toilet in Scotland' to recover some heroin suppositories - with disgusting results.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Big Issue seller gets job at WHSmith after manager left wowed by his magazine selling skills

A Big Issue seller at a train station has landed a job at its WHSmith - after the manager was impressed with his magazine selling skills .
Mike Hall , 30 , started selling the mag after becoming homeless in 2018 - and was given a pitch at Bristol Temple Meads train station .
He became a familiar face to commuters often offering them directions through the station and even dressing in a Santa outfit at Christmas .
The station 's WHsmith store manager Amberlea Knowles said she became impressed with his work rate and customer relations skills .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role at the store just inside the station 's main entrance - and now has the job .
Mike said : `` The job ’ s really good .
Amberlea was walking past me and I literally turned around and asked her , 'do you have any jobs going ? '
.
''She told me she had .
I filled in the application form and got the job the next day .
`` Because she had seen me selling The Big Issue and my customer relations I think she might have fast-tracked me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first vendors to offer his regular customers cashless payments when he took part in The Big Issue ’ s iZettle trial in late 2018 .
He was also keen to go beyond just selling the magazine , - he represented the Big Issue at Downs Festival in Bristol , where he worked as part of the event ’ s accessibility team , as well as at vegan food festival Vegfest in Cardiff .
Mike also sold the magazine with Welsh Assembly member Jack Sargeant on the streets of Cardiff , to give the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s like to work as a vendor on a daily basis .
Mike said : `` When I first heard about The Big Issue , I was sat down begging at the time .
`` I ’ d only just become homeless and didn ’ t know about The Big Issue - the only way I could see of making money was everything that everybody was doing around me .
`` But once I started selling , I ’ ve never looked back since .
`` Rather than sitting down looking up at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was stood there trying to offer a service , having face-to-face conversations , rather than people looking down at me .
`` The Big Issue has helped me along every step of the way .
They could see that I was trying to make a difference in my own life so they supported me as much as they could .
`` There is a support network behind the whole thing and I never would have thought that before I started selling the magazine . ''
Bristol Temple Meads station manager Andy Phillips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the station during 2018 , becoming our second Big Issue vendor .
`` He was shy at first , but soon settled into his regular location within the passenger subway .
`` We noticed as the months passed that he was more confident and was seen on many occasions giving customers directional advice .
`` Mike was very dependable , he was on his pitch when expected and always polite and approachable .
`` He even dressed in a Santa outfit , to bring Christmas cheer to our customers .
`` In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel more comfortable to take the next step , he felt ready to move into employment .
`` We let the station teams know and a job arose within WHSmith .
Mike was taken on at the end of last year and we are delighted to see him getting on so well in his new role .
`` We now have our new vendor taking up the pitch at Bristol Temple Meads as we continue to support the Big Issue . ''
The Big Issue is an award-winning magazine , which offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housed people across the UK .
Vendors buy magazines for £1.25 and sell to the public for £2.50 , keeping the difference .
In this way the magazine provides them with the means to earn a legitimate income .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Sarah Lumley, James Rodger)

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A Big Issue seller at a train station has landed a job at its WHSmith - after the manager was impressed with his magazine selling skills.
Mike Hall, 30, started selling the mag after becoming homeless in 2018 - and was given a pitch at Bristol Temple Meads train station.
He became a familiar face to commuters often offering them directions through the station and even dressing in a Santa outfit at Christmas.
The station's WHsmith store manager Amberlea Knowles said she became impressed with his work rate and customer relations skills.
He was given an application form for a role at the store just inside the station's main entrance - and now has the job.
Mike said: "The job’s really good. Amberlea was walking past me and I literally turned around and asked her, 'do you have any jobs going?'.
''She told me she had. I filled in the application form and got the job the next day.
"Because she had seen me selling The Big Issue and my customer relations I think she might have fast-tracked me."
Mike was one of the first vendors to offer his regular customers cashless payments when he took part in The Big Issue’s iZettle trial in late 2018.
He was also keen to go beyond just selling the magazine, - he represented the Big Issue at Downs Festival in Bristol, where he worked as part of the event’s accessibility team, as well as at vegan food festival Vegfest in Cardiff.
Mike also sold the magazine with Welsh Assembly member Jack Sargeant on the streets of Cardiff, to give the politician a taste of what it’s like to work as a vendor on a daily basis.
(Image: Big Issue / SWNS)
Mike said: "When I first heard about The Big Issue, I was sat down begging at the time.
"I’d only just become homeless and didn’t know about The Big Issue - the only way I could see of making money was everything that everybody was doing around me.
"But once I started selling, I’ve never looked back since.
"Rather than sitting down looking up at people and feeling sorry for myself, I was stood there trying to offer a service, having face-to-face conversations, rather than people looking down at me.
"The Big Issue has helped me along every step of the way. They could see that I was trying to make a difference in my own life so they supported me as much as they could.
"There is a support network behind the whole thing and I never would have thought that before I started selling the magazine."
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Bristol Temple Meads station manager Andy Phillips said: "Mike joined us at the station during 2018, becoming our second Big Issue vendor.
"He was shy at first, but soon settled into his regular location within the passenger subway.
"We noticed as the months passed that he was more confident and was seen on many occasions giving customers directional advice.
"Mike was very dependable, he was on his pitch when expected and always polite and approachable.
"He even dressed in a Santa outfit, to bring Christmas cheer to our customers.
"In a review, he said he was beginning to feel more comfortable to take the next step, he felt ready to move into employment.
"We let the station teams know and a job arose within WHSmith. Mike was taken on at the end of last year and we are delighted to see him getting on so well in his new role.
"We now have our new vendor taking up the pitch at Bristol Temple Meads as we continue to support the Big Issue."
The Big Issue is an award-winning magazine, which offers a new hope for homeless and vulnerably housed people across the UK.
Vendors buy magazines for £1.25 and sell to the public for £2.50, keeping the difference.
In this way the magazine provides them with the means to earn a legitimate income.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Brit couple conquer infamous arcade 'grabber' machines - and kit home out with gadgets and toys

A British couple have conquered the infamous arcade 'GRABBER ' machines - kitting out their home with gadgets and toys .
Michael and Lauren Francis spend their weekends and holidays in seaside resorts up and down the country - playing the notorious claw games .
They have used the machines to scoop piles of prizes - from teddies to toys and even a dash cam and Amazon Alexa .
Their favourite spots to visit include Blackpool , Skegness and Weston-super-Mare - but they are happy to go to anywhere with an arcade .
Michael , 40 , and Lauren , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own a caravan so often head off at the weekend as well as on week-long breaks .
They love trying to clutch a prize in the claws - but most machines pay out tokens even if they do n't win .
These tokens when collected in large enough amounts can be exchanged for high-tech prizes - like iPhones and devices .
Collecting the tokens means they often rack up their big wins - but spending hundreds of pounds in the process .
Lauren has refused to reveal their secret grabber technique - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said : `` It 's about the fun , is n't it ?
It 's just become a bit of a hobby , really .
When we have a free weekend we go to the seaside .
`` We like to save up for the big items .
We save up a lot of tickets throughout the year .
`` We take a few back which we do n't cash in .
You can save them for something you really , really like . ''
The pair play many different types of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in £10 to £15 a time .
Lauren said : `` When we are on holiday it 's a bit more - it 's stacked up over the years .
`` We have probably been doing it for around ten years .
As long as I have been with my partner - we met in a theatre .
We 've found a hobby we like to do together . ''
Retail advisor Lauren and Royal Mail worker Michael play the machines for up to two hours a day in a bid to collect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will often be building towards a target they have set at the start of the holiday - such as the Amazon Alexa .
If they win enough they will then cash in the tokens - or keep them if they fall short .
They have also won a huge amount of smaller prizes including cuddly toys and key rings .
She said : `` We saved up to get the Echo one time .
Michael won a dash cam recently , too .
`` Most of the time you can save them - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both go on holiday we can soon accumulate quite a lot [ of tickets ] .
`` We keep all of our winnings at home .
We always run out of space !
We only live in a small house . ''

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A British couple have conquered the infamous arcade 'GRABBER' machines - kitting out their home with gadgets and toys.
Michael and Lauren Francis spend their weekends and holidays in seaside resorts up and down the country - playing the notorious claw games.
They have used the machines to scoop piles of prizes - from teddies to toys and even a dash cam and Amazon Alexa.
Their favourite spots to visit include Blackpool, Skegness and Weston-super-Mare - but they are happy to go to anywhere with an arcade.
Michael, 40, and Lauren, 30, from Yeovil, Somerset, own a caravan so often head off at the weekend as well as on week-long breaks.
They love trying to clutch a prize in the claws - but most machines pay out tokens even if they don't win.
These tokens when collected in large enough amounts can be exchanged for high-tech prizes - like iPhones and devices.
Collecting the tokens means they often rack up their big wins - but spending hundreds of pounds in the process.
Lauren has refused to reveal their secret grabber technique - but says ''practice makes perfect''.
(Image: Francis family / SWNS)
She said: "It's about the fun, isn't it? It's just become a bit of a hobby, really. When we have a free weekend we go to the seaside.
"We like to save up for the big items. We save up a lot of tickets throughout the year.
"We take a few back which we don't cash in. You can save them for something you really, really like."
(Image: Francis family / SWNS)
The pair play many different types of arcade games including grabbers - sometimes putting in £10 to £15 a time.
Lauren said: "When we are on holiday it's a bit more - it's stacked up over the years.
"We have probably been doing it for around ten years. As long as I have been with my partner - we met in a theatre. We've found a hobby we like to do together."
Retail advisor Lauren and Royal Mail worker Michael play the machines for up to two hours a day in a bid to collect as many tickets as possible.
They will often be building towards a target they have set at the start of the holiday - such as the Amazon Alexa.
If they win enough they will then cash in the tokens - or keep them if they fall short.
(Image: Francis family / SWNS)
They have also won a huge amount of smaller prizes including cuddly toys and key rings.
She said: "We saved up to get the Echo one time. Michael won a dash cam recently, too.
"Most of the time you can save them - there's no expiry. If we both go on holiday we can soon accumulate quite a lot [of tickets].
(Image: Len Copland / SWNS)
"We keep all of our winnings at home. We always run out of space! We only live in a small house."


birminghammail--2020-02-21--The latest craze at Buzzards Valley - axe throwing!

Just an axe throw from Tamworth , Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield lies an exciting new venture guaranteed to be enjoyed by many .
Buzzards Valley , near to Bassetts Pole , now plays host to the impressive Lumber Jaxs Urban Axe Throwing launched by partners Leon Cogbill , Alex Hugginson and Michael Askham .
The UK has not quite embraced the art in the way that America has but according to the trio it is only a matter of time before it does , putting Buzzards Valley firmly on the map – ax-citing times ahead , indeed .
“ Axe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years back , ” explains Leon , from Tamworth .
“ Suddenly overnight it just went boom like wildfire .
Over 70,000 venues have popped up in the last three years and it is going faster and faster .
“ TV companies have jumped on it quickly .
“ A lot of American chat show hosts and celebrities do it as a hobby , it is big .
Arnold Schwarzenegger fell in love with it and he has actually got his own league that he owns .
“ In the UK we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other European countries have already joined it but we are last in line .
We are trying to get us up there and get us in there .
“ Whenever people asked me where I was from I would always say Birmingham .
After a few years they knew Tamworth as SnowDome .
Now it is going to be ‘ Tamworth – that is the axe place ’ .
” Alex said : “ We had done axe throwing as a hobby so we said let ’ s open something that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about trying to get the word out there about us.
” The venue has been open since November and is already earning rave reviews with a comments wall in the entrance filling up fast .
“ The atmosphere is amazing , it is so exciting , ” beamed Leon .
“ We have had five star reviews from everybody .
Everyone has said they want to come back and loved it .
“ We did a first kids trial before Christmas and the parents said that when they left they keep saying ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ “ It is just about explaining it to people because when you say axe throwing to them , straight away they go ‘ WHAT !
’ but when you do explain it they go ‘ Oh my God , wow ’ .
“ You can come on your own , as a family , on a date , with a group of mates , birthday parties , corporate events , team building , Christmas dos .
“ We are not somewhere you can just go and throw axes .
There is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You get trained up for your first half an hour and then the last hour you can play.
” So we put it to the test .
Four of our daredevil reporters were invited to try out the facilities and I must admit I was , perhaps understandably , a little bit apprehensive but nonetheless excited to try this new craze out .
What could go wrong ?
Having been given the safety talk , and reminded of rules such as not to pick your axe up until every player has thrown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would get a bullseye .
‘ Yeah right , ’ I thought – only if I was there all night .
But he was right : we all did and within around half an hour as well .
Moments later we were engrossed and in the heat of the battle as we competed against each other for the bragging rights .
The rules are very simple .
Your targets are the red bullseye , which gets you a maximum five points , the outer ring is three and further ring one then you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dots at the top .
This is the fun bit !
You have five throws each .
Even if you are losing , on your very last throw you can go for broke , get the killshot and steal your opponent ’ s score , snatching victory from the jaws of defeat .
Excitement is guaranteed until the final throw no matter how far you are behind .
It becomes addictive trying to beat your friends and it is a real satisfaction when you hit your target .
The trick is not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often a heavy throw will bounce back off the board and on to the floor whereas a calm and accurate throw has better chance of sticking .
There are four lanes , with a special one for children , caged and completely safe and a line to stand behind when aiming at the board , exactly like darts .
Putting any fears at ease , Leon offered reassurances : “ We had a lot of red tape and safety protocols to go through .
Our lanes are caged and a trainer is with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been no reported accidents whatsoever within the industry .
“ Don ’ t panic and don ’ t stress .
Thirty minutes with me and you will get bullseye.
” And the opening is just the start .
With plans for a glow in the dark event and having recently hosted a Valentines meet and mingle for singletons and an Axe your ex where people could throw at a picture of their former partner ( ! )
it is ax-cellent news for fans .
Alex added : “ There are no UK leagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process of talking to a couple of other venues across the country .
“ We are trying to do a tournament where we all play each other and then it would be a knockout like the World Cup .
“ The boys team would be Buzzards Blades and the girls Valley Vipers .
”

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Just an axe throw from Tamworth, Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield lies an exciting new venture guaranteed to be enjoyed by many.
Buzzards Valley, near to Bassetts Pole, now plays host to the impressive Lumber Jaxs Urban Axe Throwing launched by partners Leon Cogbill, Alex Hugginson and Michael Askham.
The UK has not quite embraced the art in the way that America has but according to the trio it is only a matter of time before it does, putting Buzzards Valley firmly on the map – ax-citing times ahead, indeed.
“Axe throwing was launched in America a few years back,” explains Leon, from Tamworth.
“Suddenly overnight it just went boom like wildfire. Over 70,000 venues have popped up in the last three years and it is going faster and faster.
“TV companies have jumped on it quickly.
“A lot of American chat show hosts and celebrities do it as a hobby, it is big. Arnold Schwarzenegger fell in love with it and he has actually got his own league that he owns.
“In the UK we are sort of the last leg. France and other European countries have already joined it but we are last in line. We are trying to get us up there and get us in there.
“Whenever people asked me where I was from I would always say Birmingham. After a few years they knew Tamworth as SnowDome. Now it is going to be ‘Tamworth – that is the axe place’.”
Alex said: “We had done axe throwing as a hobby so we said let’s open something that we love anyway. It is now all about trying to get the word out there about us.”
The venue has been open since November and is already earning rave reviews with a comments wall in the entrance filling up fast.
“The atmosphere is amazing, it is so exciting,” beamed Leon.
“We have had five star reviews from everybody. Everyone has said they want to come back and loved it.
“We did a first kids trial before Christmas and the parents said that when they left they keep saying ‘can we come back next week!’
“It is just about explaining it to people because when you say axe throwing to them, straight away they go ‘WHAT!’ but when you do explain it they go ‘Oh my God, wow’.
“You can come on your own, as a family, on a date, with a group of mates, birthday parties, corporate events, team building, Christmas dos.
“We are not somewhere you can just go and throw axes. There is a target like ten pin bowling.
“You get trained up for your first half an hour and then the last hour you can play.”
So we put it to the test. Four of our daredevil reporters were invited to try out the facilities and I must admit I was, perhaps understandably, a little bit apprehensive but nonetheless excited to try this new craze out. What could go wrong?
Having been given the safety talk, and reminded of rules such as not to pick your axe up until every player has thrown, we were guaranteed by Leon that we would get a bullseye. ‘Yeah right,’ I thought – only if I was there all night. But he was right: we all did and within around half an hour as well.
Moments later we were engrossed and in the heat of the battle as we competed against each other for the bragging rights.
The rules are very simple. Your targets are the red bullseye, which gets you a maximum five points, the outer ring is three and further ring one then you have two killshots – small, blue dots at the top. This is the fun bit!
You have five throws each. Even if you are losing, on your very last throw you can go for broke, get the killshot and steal your opponent’s score, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Excitement is guaranteed until the final throw no matter how far you are behind.
It becomes addictive trying to beat your friends and it is a real satisfaction when you hit your target.
The trick is not to use force but rather precision. Quite often a heavy throw will bounce back off the board and on to the floor whereas a calm and accurate throw has better chance of sticking.
There are four lanes, with a special one for children, caged and completely safe and a line to stand behind when aiming at the board, exactly like darts.
Putting any fears at ease, Leon offered reassurances: “We had a lot of red tape and safety protocols to go through. Our lanes are caged and a trainer is with you at all times. There have been no reported accidents whatsoever within the industry.
“Don’t panic and don’t stress. Thirty minutes with me and you will get bullseye.”
And the opening is just the start. With plans for a glow in the dark event and having recently hosted a Valentines meet and mingle for singletons and an Axe your ex where people could throw at a picture of their former partner(!) it is ax-cellent news for fans.
Alex added: “There are no UK leagues at the moment but we are in the process of talking to a couple of other venues across the country.
“We are trying to do a tournament where we all play each other and then it would be a knockout like the World Cup.
“The boys team would be Buzzards Blades and the girls Valley Vipers.”


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Cases halted at Birmingham Crown Court - this is why

Cases at Birmingham Crown Court have been brought to a shuddering halt - because of a faulty fire alarm .
Trials and sentences have been delayed because prisoners can not be brought up from the cells .
Barrister Ian Suggett said `` There has been a problem with the fire alarms .
`` An engineer was called at 9.30am and he has a two hour window and still not arrived .
`` In the interests of safety prisoners can not be brought up to court .
`` It is very unfortunate although safety must come first '' It might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's perhaps symptomatic of a lack of funding .
I have seen problems in other courts .
`` You can see in this building buckets being put out for leaks . ''
To keep up-to-date with the latest news from Birmingham Courts , join our Facebook group https : //www.facebook.com/groups/189363751721501/ Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news .
We are also on Instagram .
If you are on the go , the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live .
Available on iPhone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Breaking news , the latest on your football club , the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you .
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first .
Download it on iPhone and Android .

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Cases at Birmingham Crown Court have been brought to a shuddering halt - because of a faulty fire alarm.
Trials and sentences have been delayed because prisoners can not be brought up from the cells.
Barrister Ian Suggett said "There has been a problem with the fire alarms.
"An engineer was called at 9.30am and he has a two hour window and still not arrived.
"In the interests of safety prisoners can not be brought up to court.
"It is very unfortunate although safety must come first
"It might be to do with maintenance.
"It's perhaps symptomatic of a lack of funding. I have seen problems in other courts.
"You can see in this building buckets being put out for leaks."
To keep up-to-date with the latest news from Birmingham Courts, join our Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189363751721501/
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Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news. We are also on Instagram.
If you are on the go, the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live.
Available on iPhone and Android, the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you.
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.
Download it on iPhone and Android.


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Diangana, Gibbs & Barry: West Brom injury update ahead of Bristol City

Slaven Bilic has no fresh injury worries as West Brom prepare to take on Bristol City at Ashton Gate - indeed , he might even have his hand strengthened further .
The Albion boss has been spoilt for choice recently , so much so that four senior players in Kyle Edwards , Chris Brunt , Kenneth Zohore and Lee Peltier haven ’ t even made the match-day squad in any of the Baggies ’ last three games .
With Kieran Gibbs and Gareth Barry also back in training , there are some real calls in personnel on the horizon that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round up of all things West Brom ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Baggies throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our handy daily catch up ... For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com It means for now , though , that such options in his team have permitted Gibbs , as an example , to recover fully ; he was pencilled in to featured for the under 23s last Monday against Norwich , only for the game to be postponed due to a waterlogged pitch .
“ Kieran has trained with us for ten days , ” Bilic said .
“ Unfortunately he didn ’ t play for the under 23s , the game was off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery , to have that game .
“ He ’ s training with us .
Gareth trained also Thursday with us , so they are not injured , they ’ re training with us .
“ Are they fit to participate in the game ?
We ’ re going to see.
” As for winger Grady Diangana , he remains on course to make his return in March .
“ Grady and Nathan [ Ferguson ] are both the other ones , ” Bilic added .
“ Grady is a few weeks away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that final stage now where we don ’ t know if we ’ re going to be two or three .
“ Of course the sooner the better , but it ’ s not a week , you know ?
I think it shouldn ’ t be more than , let ’ s say , tops three weeks , I don ’ t think .
”

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Slaven Bilic has no fresh injury worries as West Brom prepare to take on Bristol City at Ashton Gate - indeed, he might even have his hand strengthened further.
The Albion boss has been spoilt for choice recently, so much so that four senior players in Kyle Edwards, Chris Brunt, Kenneth Zohore and Lee Peltier haven’t even made the match-day squad in any of the Baggies’ last three games.
With Kieran Gibbs and Gareth Barry also back in training, there are some real calls in personnel on the horizon that Bilic must make.
It means for now, though, that such options in his team have permitted Gibbs, as an example, to recover fully; he was pencilled in to featured for the under 23s last Monday against Norwich, only for the game to be postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
“Kieran has trained with us for ten days,” Bilic said. “Unfortunately he didn’t play for the under 23s, the game was off and that was very important in his recovery, to have that game.
“He’s training with us. Gareth trained also Thursday with us, so they are not injured, they’re training with us.
“Are they fit to participate in the game? We’re going to see.”
As for winger Grady Diangana, he remains on course to make his return in March.
“Grady and Nathan [Ferguson] are both the other ones,” Bilic added. “Grady is a few weeks away, yes. We’re at that final stage now where we don’t know if we’re going to be two or three.
“Of course the sooner the better, but it’s not a week, you know? I think it shouldn’t be more than, let’s say, tops three weeks, I don’t think.”


birminghammail--2020-02-21--Man dies after police and medics dash to Halesowen home

Police and ambulance staff dashed to a home in Bromsgove Road after a 999 call at around 2.30pm on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ man – who has not been named – was sadly pronounced dead at the scene @ @ @ @ @ Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed .
An eyewitness , who did not want to be named @ @ @ @ @ that a number of crews were seen nearby following the emergency call .
West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ treating the death as suspicious .
A spokesman for the service added : “ We @ @ @ @ @ , Halesowen , to reports of a medical emergency at a private address at 2.30pm @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We sent two ambulances , a community first responder and the Midlands Air @ @ @ @ @ the scene .
`` On arrival , we discovered one patient , a man who @ @ @ @ @ .
Ambulance staff administered advanced life support but sadly it became apparent that nothing could @ @ @ @ @ man and he was confirmed dead at the scene .
”

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Medics pronounced a man dead at a Halesowen home after a medical emergency.
Police and ambulance staff dashed to a home in Bromsgove Road after a 999 call at around 2.30pm on Thursday, February 20.
The man – who has not been named – was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, a spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed.
An eyewitness, who did not want to be named, told Black Country Live that a number of crews were seen nearby following the emergency call.
West Midlands Police say they are not treating the death as suspicious.
A spokesman for the service added: “We were called to Bromsgrove Road, Halesowen, to reports of a medical emergency at a private address at 2.30pm on Thursday, February 20.
“We sent two ambulances, a community first responder and the Midlands Air Ambulance critical care car to the scene.
"On arrival, we discovered one patient, a man who was in a serious condition. Ambulance staff administered advanced life support but sadly it became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”