birminghammail--2020-01-20--Angry visitor posts brutal review of seaside village that's loved by Brummies

A brutal account of a seaside village popular with West Midlands visitors has been posted on the satirical website ' iLiveHere ' .
The review centres of the village of Fairbourne , close to the holiday resort of Barmouth , which is a long-time favourite of day-trippers and holidaymakers from Birmingham and the Black Country .
The user describes the village as a `` sorrowful abyss of hyper-misery '' so it 's fair to assume that they did n't enjoy their recent visit , according to North Wales Live .
It 's not clear what happened to prompt the user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it 's clear that they do n't hold the place , or its inhabitants in very high regard .
The post starts off with the user saying that they stopped at the village to use the WC only to find `` glory holes '' in the concrete dividers .
They were later informed that 's simply what `` locals do on a Saturday night . ''
The user was apparently staying a `` few miles down the road for the night '' so decided to wander around the village before continuing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of red-haired people , they remarked on what seemed to them as an overabundance of `` gingers '' in the village , stating `` wherever we went there was a ginger that nearly looked identical to the first ginger hybrid we saw '' leading them to believe that the village was some kind of test site for `` government social engineering experiments . ''
Naturally , this is followed by a string of incest jokes that culminate in a joke about `` Fairbournians sacrificing goats in winter above the village at a stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before signing off with a general warning to fellow travellers to `` avoid at all costs '' in all caps .
`` As I drove past the seaside village of Fairbourne all seemed normal , until i needed to take a sh*t and drove into the sorrowful abyss of hyper-misery that is the village itself .
Inside the WC there are concrete dividers that all have glory holes that i was later informed that its simply what the locals do on a Saturday night .
`` I took care of my business first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town opting to stay a few miles down the road for the night .
The first thing amiss was the disproportionate amount of ginger people that all looked the same , wherever we went there was a ginger that nearly looked identical to the first ginger hybrid we first saw .
After a few hours we had sampled the indigenous peoples levels of intelligence and I genuinely believe there is a government social engineering experiment that is using Fairbourne as a test case .
`` Just what are the government putting into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and seemingly incestuous Fairbournians so backward ?
The Locals are extremely regressive , loathe outsiders , other cultures and they view domestic violence as a Village sport with Black Mamba ( Spice ) and frosty Jacks a local compulsory staple of any given night .
`` On a finishing note I regret that I have no further time to spare to write about the stories we were told about local fairbournians sacrificing goats in winter above the village at a stone alter to appease the sea gods and the way they just stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as if they have never seen normality before .
It reminded me of the apes at the monolith in a space odyssey 2001 .
`` Post-Script Simply put if you need to take a sh*t think twice and ask yourself “ Is It worth exposing my soul to this utter human grief pit ” YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED…AVOID AT ALL COSTS .
END MESSAGE . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Harri Evans, Brett Gibbons)

A brutal account of a seaside village popular with West Midlands visitors has been posted on the satirical website ' iLiveHere '.
The review centres of the village of Fairbourne, close to the holiday resort of Barmouth, which is a long-time favourite of day-trippers and holidaymakers from Birmingham and the Black Country.
The user describes the village as a "sorrowful abyss of hyper-misery" so it's fair to assume that they didn't enjoy their recent visit, according to North Wales Live.
It's not clear what happened to prompt the user to write such a damning review, but it's clear that they don't hold the place, or its inhabitants in very high regard.
(Image: Getty Images)
The post starts off with the user saying that they stopped at the village to use the WC only to find "glory holes" in the concrete dividers. They were later informed that's simply what "locals do on a Saturday night."
The user was apparently staying a "few miles down the road for the night" so decided to wander around the village before continuing with their journey.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Clearly not a fan of red-haired people, they remarked on what seemed to them as an overabundance of "gingers" in the village, stating "wherever we went there was a ginger that nearly looked identical to the first ginger hybrid we saw" leading them to believe that the village was some kind of test site for "government social engineering experiments."
Naturally, this is followed by a string of incest jokes that culminate in a joke about "Fairbournians sacrificing goats in winter above the village at a stone alter to appease the sea Gods" before signing off with a general warning to fellow travellers to "avoid at all costs" in all caps.
(Image: Getty Images)
Here's the post in full:
"As I drove past the seaside village of Fairbourne all seemed normal, until i needed to take a sh*t and drove into the sorrowful abyss of hyper-misery that is the village itself. Inside the WC there are concrete dividers that all have glory holes that i was later informed that its simply what the locals do on a Saturday night.
"I took care of my business first and we began to potter about the town opting to stay a few miles down the road for the night. The first thing amiss was the disproportionate amount of ginger people that all looked the same, wherever we went there was a ginger that nearly looked identical to the first ginger hybrid we first saw. After a few hours we had sampled the indigenous peoples levels of intelligence and I genuinely believe there is a government social engineering experiment that is using Fairbourne as a test case.
"Just what are the government putting into the water treatment facilities that render the tribal and seemingly incestuous Fairbournians so backward? The Locals are extremely regressive, loathe outsiders, other cultures and they view domestic violence as a Village sport with Black Mamba (Spice) and frosty Jacks a local compulsory staple of any given night.
"On a finishing note I regret that I have no further time to spare to write about the stories we were told about local fairbournians sacrificing goats in winter above the village at a stone alter to appease the sea gods and the way they just stop, stare at gawk at you, as if they have never seen normality before. It reminded me of the apes at the monolith in a space odyssey 2001.
"Post-Script Simply put if you need to take a sh*t think twice and ask yourself “Is It worth exposing my soul to this utter human grief pit” YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED…AVOID AT ALL COSTS. END MESSAGE."


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Merry Hill owner Intu to ask shareholders for extra cash in bid to ease debts

The owner of Merry Hill shopping centre has revealed it will be tapping up shareholders for extra cash to pay down its debts .
Intu Properties , which also owns several other retail centres including Lakeside in Essex and Manchester 's Trafford Centre , said the money will be raised next month ahead of the company 's results .
Bosses have already warned that its £5 billion debt pile is too high and are in the process of selling off assets to pay it down .
The company said : `` Intu properties continues to make progress in its strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Consistent with previous announcements , this now includes targeting an equity raise alongside its full year results at the end of February .
`` The company is currently engaged in constructive discussions with both shareholders and potential new investors on the proposed equity raise . ''
An equity raise involves issuing new shares to raise extra cash - but this tends to push the current share price down , which could upset current investors .
Matthew Roberts , Intu chief executive , said : `` We are making good progress with fixing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and are confident we have the right strategy in place to enable us to prosper as we see continued polarisation between the best destinations and the rest . ''
He added that footfall to Intu 's UK centres was flat during the Christmas period compared with a year earlier - which was ahead of falls across the market more broadly .
The amount Intu hopes to raise from shareholders remains unclear , although reports in the Sunday Times put the figure at up to £1 billion .

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The owner of Merry Hill shopping centre has revealed it will be tapping up shareholders for extra cash to pay down its debts.
Intu Properties, which also owns several other retail centres including Lakeside in Essex and Manchester's Trafford Centre, said the money will be raised next month ahead of the company's results.
Bosses have already warned that its £5 billion debt pile is too high and are in the process of selling off assets to pay it down.
The company said: "Intu properties continues to make progress in its strategy to fix the balance sheet.
"Consistent with previous announcements, this now includes targeting an equity raise alongside its full year results at the end of February.
"The company is currently engaged in constructive discussions with both shareholders and potential new investors on the proposed equity raise."
An equity raise involves issuing new shares to raise extra cash - but this tends to push the current share price down, which could upset current investors.
Matthew Roberts, Intu chief executive, said: "We are making good progress with fixing the balance sheet, our number one priority, and are confident we have the right strategy in place to enable us to prosper as we see continued polarisation between the best destinations and the rest."
He added that footfall to Intu's UK centres was flat during the Christmas period compared with a year earlier - which was ahead of falls across the market more broadly.
The amount Intu hopes to raise from shareholders remains unclear, although reports in the Sunday Times put the figure at up to £1 billion.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Man arrested after Nottingham student Arjun Singh dies in city centre attack

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a Midlands university student died in hospital following a suspected @ @ @ @ @ Singh , 20 , who was studying at Nottingham Trent University , died after being @ @ @ @ @ Medical Centre following the attack in Long Row in the city shortly before 4am on @ @ @ @ @ said detectives were eager to trace two men who fled the scene on foot .
@ @ @ @ @ , is currently being questioned by police , the force added .
Detective Inspector Richard @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` A man is now in custody being questioned on suspicion of @ @ @ @ @ like to reiterate that the family of Arjun have expressed their wishes to retain their @ @ @ @ @ time .
`` We still want to hear from witnesses , people with video footage @ @ @ @ @ the incident . ''
Anyone with information is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 @ @ @ @ @ of January 18 , or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a Midlands university student died in hospital following a suspected city centre assault.
Arjun Singh, 20, who was studying at Nottingham Trent University, died after being taken to the Queen's Medical Centre following the attack in Long Row in the city shortly before 4am on Saturday.
Nottinghamshire Police previously said detectives were eager to trace two men who fled the scene on foot.
The arrested man, 20, is currently being questioned by police, the force added.
Detective Inspector Richard Monk, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "A man is now in custody being questioned on suspicion of murder.
"I would like to reiterate that the family of Arjun have expressed their wishes to retain their privacy at this incredibly difficult time.
"We still want to hear from witnesses, people with video footage and anyone with information about the incident."
Anyone with information is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 132 of January 18, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Aston Villa transfer news live - £10m Benteke update, Samatta latest & Giroud development

Welcome to Monday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage , brought to you by BirminghamLive .
Villa were back in Premier @ @ @ @ @ as they returned from the south coast with a decent point in a 1-1 draw @ @ @ @ @ .
Jack Grealish was the man to dig Villa out yet again with a superb @ @ @ @ @ a draw .
We will have all the reaction to that one , and also @ @ @ @ @ rumours - with Villa having already completed two signings this window and a third is @ @ @ @ @ Danny Drinkwater and Pepe Reina have both joined until the end of the season but @ @ @ @ @ priority for Dean Smith , with the man himself given an update on Mbwana Ally @ @ @ @ @ .
With Samatta poised to join , we will also have all the latest news @ @ @ @ @ incomings and outgoings at Villa Park with Olivier Giroud freshly linked and Amiens forward Serhou @ @ @ @ @ option .
Follow all the action below ...

18:34
Explained: Borja Baston
The Spaniard, 27, will arrive on a short-term deal on a free transfer. Swansea are more than happy to let him go given his contract is set to expire this summer. Here, Swansea City reporter for Wales Online, Ian Mitchelmore, provides the following lowdown, with Villa just taking up the striker’s wages.
It’s worth noting that Baston has the same agent as Pepe Reina while the forward knows Villa’s sporting director Suso from his time in Spain.
(Image: Getty Images)
How has this deal suddenly come about, is Baston out-of-favour at Swans - why?
Borja started the season like a house on fire, scoring five goals in August. But his style has never suited Swansea, and once he struggled again, he lost his place to Sam Surridge, and more recently Rhian Brewster. His sky-high wages are also a huge problem for Swansea, so from a financial point of view, offloading him will be a huge help to the club.
What’s been Baston’s story at Swansea, a big-money signing in 2016... not happened?
He came into a Swansea side that had abandoned their famed style of play and managed just one goal in his debut season at the club, despite being the club-record signing. He had two season-long loans in Spain before returning to the club last summer, but it’s safe to say he’s - pound for pound - one of the worst signings in the club’s history.
What are his strengths/weaknesses?
He’s a pretty good finisher, as he showed in August. His clinical nature was vital as Swansea collected a significant number of points, despite not playing to their full potential. As for weaknesses, he’s not the quickest, so running in behind isn’t an option. He’s not the most mobile either, so he’s not someone you’ll see pressing from the front.
Just how surprised are Swansea given Premier League interest? Can he cut it?
It’s come as a huge surprise. The club have been willing to sell him for some time now in a bid to reduce the wage bill, but after such a woeful scoring record since joining the club, for a Premier League club to come knocking is quite simply astonishing. Can he cut it? He hasn’t at Swansea, but you don’t play for the likes of Atletico Madrid without having something about you.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Ian 'H' Watkins sent heartbreaking text from Strictly Come Dancing bosses after same-sex Dancing On

Ian 'H' Watkins sent heartbreaking text from Strictly Come Dancing bosses after same-sex Dancing On Ice routine

Strictly Come Dancing bosses reportedly sent Ian ' H ' Watkins a heartbreaking text message after his Dancing on Ice debut .
Ian `` H '' Watkins ' same-sex pairing on Dancing On Ice was applauded by celebrities earlier this month .
Alongside professional skater Matt Evers , the Steps star made history as part of the first same-sex couple to compete on prime-time TV , dancing to High Hopes by Panic !
At The Disco .
Now , 43-year-old Ian has told The Sun he had previously asked senior BBC bosses for a male dancing partner while starring on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his plea .
`` I asked for a same-sex partner and they said , ‘ No , the BBC doesn ’ t do that — it ’ s not us '' he recalled .
However , after his DOI performance , the 43-year-old revealed a senior staff member at BBC rival Strictly Come Dancing sent him a heartfelt message .
`` The message simply read : `` You should have waited for us '' .
The Steps star , 43 , took to the rink with his professional skating partner Matt Evers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Panic !
At The Disco .
Their performance prompted raucous cheers from the studio audience and scored a total of 25 points out of a possible 40 from the judges .
Following the routine , Watkins , who is gay , sobbed as he explained why dancing with a man had meant so much to him .
Asked how he felt following the routine , he said : `` Emotional because I have wanted this for so long and it means so much to so many people .
And the world is ready @ @ @ @

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Strictly Come Dancing bosses reportedly sent Ian 'H' Watkins a heartbreaking text message after his Dancing on Ice debut.
Ian "H" Watkins' same-sex pairing on Dancing On Ice was applauded by celebrities earlier this month.
Alongside professional skater Matt Evers, the Steps star made history as part of the first same-sex couple to compete on prime-time TV, dancing to High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco.
Now, 43-year-old Ian has told The Sun he had previously asked senior BBC bosses for a male dancing partner while starring on Tumble in 2014, but they refused his plea.
(Image: ITV)
"I asked for a same-sex partner and they said, ‘No, the BBC doesn’t do that — it’s not us" he recalled.
However, after his DOI performance, the 43-year-old revealed a senior staff member at BBC rival Strictly Come Dancing sent him a heartfelt message.
"The message simply read: "You should have waited for us".
(Image: ITV)
The Steps star, 43, took to the rink with his professional skating partner Matt Evers for a dramatic routine to High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco.
Their performance prompted raucous cheers from the studio audience and scored a total of 25 points out of a possible 40 from the judges.
Following the routine, Watkins, who is gay, sobbed as he explained why dancing with a man had meant so much to him.
Asked how he felt following the routine, he said: "Emotional because I have wanted this for so long and it means so much to so many people. And the world is ready for this."


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Caprice's husband's Dancing on Ice fears over professional partner Hamish Gaman

Dancing On Ice contestant Caprice has `` parted ways '' with her skating partner Hamish Gaman - after her husband voiced fears over the DOI `` curse '' .
As the show started on Sunday , viewers were told that the model would not be appearing .
It has not been clarified why the pair parted ways .
Gaman did appear in the group skate on Sunday , and it is hoped that Caprice will return to the competition next week .
Caprice 's millionaire husband , Ty Comfort , expressed fears about her pro partner before the series launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` When I first told him that I wanted to do this show , he was a little bit dubious about it , I ’ m not going to lie .
“ I mean , there are these hot professional skaters who you are literally spending more time with you than your own spouse , so that was a conversation we had to have .
“ And I understand the worry on Ty ’ s part because this experience is unbelievably intimate.
” A statement from an ITV spokesman said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways .
`` As you saw in our opening number , Hamish remains very much part of our professional team and we hope to have Caprice back on the ice next week . ''
Caprice and Gaman performed together on the show last week , earning a respectable score of 25.5 out of a possible 40 marks from judges John Barrowman , Ashley Banjo , Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean .

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Dancing On Ice contestant Caprice has "parted ways" with her skating partner Hamish Gaman - after her husband voiced fears over the DOI "curse".
As the show started on Sunday, viewers were told that the model would not be appearing.
It has not been clarified why the pair parted ways.
Gaman did appear in the group skate on Sunday, and it is hoped that Caprice will return to the competition next week.
Caprice's millionaire husband, Ty Comfort, expressed fears about her pro partner before the series launch.
The 48-year-old told OK! Magazine: "When I first told him that I wanted to do this show, he was a little bit dubious about it, I’m not going to lie.
“I mean, there are these hot professional skaters who you are literally spending more time with you than your own spouse, so that was a conversation we had to have.
“And I understand the worry on Ty’s part because this experience is unbelievably intimate.”
A statement from an ITV spokesman said: "Unfortunately, Caprice and Hamish have parted ways.
"As you saw in our opening number, Hamish remains very much part of our professional team and we hope to have Caprice back on the ice next week."
Caprice and Gaman performed together on the show last week, earning a respectable score of 25.5 out of a possible 40 marks from judges John Barrowman, Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--'Up to us' - Genk coach breaks silence on Mbwana Samatta to Aston Villa transfer

Genk coach Hannes Wolf has broken his silence on the impending departure of Mbwana Ally Samatta to Aston Villa .
Samatta 's arrival at Villa Park is imminent with the striker set to sign on a €10 million deal from the Belgian top tier side .
The Tanzanian striker will bolster Villa 's forward ranks with Wesley ( knee ) and Keinan Davis ( hamstring ) both out injured .
Jonathan Kodjia has departed for Qatari side Al-Gharafa leaving room for another striker after Samatta 's arrival .
Wolf , who joined Genk in November , has managed Samatta for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the German .
And the former Hamburg manager has admitted there are no complaints about the ex-TP Mazembe forward 's departure from Belgium for Villa .
`` You wo n't hear me complain about Ally 's transfer , '' he told Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad .
“ In my first interview with Genk , I was informed of the possibility ( that Samatta could leave ) .
`` I have to comply with that .
“ It is up to us to accommodate his departure.
” Samatta scored an impressive 76 goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he joined in January 2016 .
He 's managed 10 goals in 28 games this campaign .

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Genk coach Hannes Wolf has broken his silence on the impending departure of Mbwana Ally Samatta to Aston Villa.
Samatta's arrival at Villa Park is imminent with the striker set to sign on a €10 million deal from the Belgian top tier side.
The Tanzanian striker will bolster Villa's forward ranks with Wesley (knee) and Keinan Davis (hamstring) both out injured.
Jonathan Kodjia has departed for Qatari side Al-Gharafa leaving room for another striker after Samatta's arrival.
Wolf, who joined Genk in November, has managed Samatta for nine games with the 27-year-old scoring twice under the German.
And the former Hamburg manager has admitted there are no complaints about the ex-TP Mazembe forward's departure from Belgium for Villa .
"You won't hear me complain about Ally's transfer," he told Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad.
“In my first interview with Genk, I was informed of the possibility (that Samatta could leave).
"I have to comply with that.
"I'm happy for him.
“It is up to us to accommodate his departure.”
Samatta scored an impressive 76 goals in 191 games for Genk, who he joined in January 2016.
He's managed 10 goals in 28 games this campaign.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Birmingham City transfers LIVE: New striker linked, Fran Villalba update and Jude's message

Thank you for following Monday 's transfer blog for Birmingham City fans .
With the transfer deadline fast approaching , @ @ @ @ @ all the latest news and rumours surrounding Blues .
From morning until night we will @ @ @ @ @ breaking news , gossip , analysis and opinion .
With Pep Clotet looking to strengthen @ @ @ @ @ of the campaign , it promises to be an interesting period of transfer activity at @ @ @ @ @ every day until the transfer window closes .

Welcome to our deadline day transfer blog for Birmingham City fans.
With the transfer window closing today, we take a look at all the latest news and rumours surrounding Blues.
From morning until night we will be here with all the breaking news, gossip, analysis and opinion.
With Pep Clotet looking to strengthen his side for the rest of the campaign, it promises to be an interesting day of transfer activity at the club.
Jude Bellingham continues to be of interest to Manchester United, with reports suggesting that a £25 million bid has been turned down.
Join us today until the transfer window closes.
Follow all the action below...


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Prince Harry attends first event since emotional speech after announcement he and Meghan Markle woul

Prince Harry attends first event since emotional speech after announcement he and Meghan Markle would drop titles

The Duke of Sussex has said he is `` taking a leap of faith '' in stepping back from his life as a member of the royal family , but `` there really was no other option '' .
Harry gave an emotional speech on Sunday night , where he told the `` truth '' about leaving royal duties behind in a bid for a `` more peaceful life '' for his family .
The duke has attended his first public event since a bombshell announcement was released on Saturday that said from the spring , the duke and duchess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of their time living in Canada , and pay back the taxpayers ' millions spent renovating their Frogmore home .
Harry was spotted arriving at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London , where he is due to hold a number of private meetings , and was photographed shaking hands with the prime minister of Morocco Saad-Eddine El Othmani .
In a speech at a private event for his charity Sentebale on Sunday night , Harry told invited guests : `` What I want to make clear is we 're not walking away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from you .
`` Our hope was to continue serving the Queen , the Commonwealth , and my military associations , but without public funding .
Unfortunately , that was n't possible .
`` I 've accepted this , knowing that it does n't change who I am or how committed I am .
`` But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to , that I would step my family back from all I have ever known , to take a step forward into what I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Earning money while being a member of the royal family appears to have been the crux of the discussions Harry held with the Queen , Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge about the future role of he and his wife .
It is problematic for royals to sign up to lucrative contracts or take on commercial ventures while representing the Queen .

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The Duke of Sussex has said he is "taking a leap of faith" in stepping back from his life as a member of the royal family, but "there really was no other option".
Harry gave an emotional speech on Sunday night, where he told the "truth" about leaving royal duties behind in a bid for a "more peaceful life" for his family.
The duke has attended his first public event since a bombshell announcement was released on Saturday that said from the spring, the duke and duchess will stop using HRH, spend the majority of their time living in Canada, and pay back the taxpayers' millions spent renovating their Frogmore home.
(Image: PA)
Harry was spotted arriving at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, where he is due to hold a number of private meetings, and was photographed shaking hands with the prime minister of Morocco Saad-Eddine El Othmani.
In a speech at a private event for his charity Sentebale on Sunday night, Harry told invited guests: "What I want to make clear is we're not walking away, and we certainly aren't walking away from you.
"Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible.
"I've accepted this, knowing that it doesn't change who I am or how committed I am.
"But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life."
Earning money while being a member of the royal family appears to have been the crux of the discussions Harry held with the Queen, Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge about the future role of he and his wife.
It is problematic for royals to sign up to lucrative contracts or take on commercial ventures while representing the Queen.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--The real reason Lord Tony Hall is stepping down as BBC Director General revealed in message to staff

Lord Tony Hall will step down as Director-General of the BBC this summer , it has been announced .
Lord Hall , who took up the post in April 2013 , revealed his decision in a message to BBC staff , saying he will remain in the role for the next six months before leaving in the summer .
He said it was a `` hard decision '' but that he wanted to put `` the interests of the organisation first '' .
Lord Hall said : `` The BBC has an 11-year Charter - our mission is secure until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-term review process for the spring of 2022 . ''
Referring to his speech at the BBC 's Cardiff headquarters last week , he said : `` As I said last week , we have to develop our ideas for both .
And it must be right that the BBC has one person to lead it through both stages .
`` Over the next six months my priority , as always , will be to champion this great organisation and continue to direct our reinvention .
`` There 's so much we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK still further and to project this country 's talent and ideas to the world . ''
He said he feels he is `` leaving the BBC in a much stronger place than when I joined '' , adding : `` It feels a very different organisation - more innovative ; more open ; more inclusive ; more efficient ; more commercially aware .
`` And a BBC that 's on cracking creative form .
You all have my thanks and admiration for the part you 've played in that success .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ praised the values of the BBC , saying the corporation must continue to `` champion the nation 's creativity at home and abroad , and help play its part in bringing the UK together '' .
He added : `` In an era of fake news , we remain the gold standard of impartiality and truth .
What the BBC is , and what it stands for , is precious for this country .
We ignore that at our peril . ''
His departure from the role comes amid a turbulent time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay disputes , political bias , diversity and TV licences at the top of its agenda .
BBC Chairman Sir David Clementi said : `` Tony Hall is an inspirational creative leader , within the UK and around the globe , and the BBC has been lucky to have him as our Director-General for the last seven years .
`` Tony has led the BBC with integrity and a passion for our values that is obvious to everyone who meets him .
His reforms have shaped the BBC for the future and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with our gratitude and our very best wishes .
`` Responsibility for appointing his successor lies with the BBC Board .
Within the next few weeks we will publish a job description and advertise the job , seeking candidates within the Corporation and externally .
`` We are committed to selecting the best qualified person for the job . ''

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Lord Tony Hall will step down as Director-General of the BBC this summer, it has been announced.
Lord Hall, who took up the post in April 2013, revealed his decision in a message to BBC staff, saying he will remain in the role for the next six months before leaving in the summer.
He said it was a "hard decision" but that he wanted to put "the interests of the organisation first".
Lord Hall said: "The BBC has an 11-year Charter - our mission is secure until 2027. But we also have a mid-term review process for the spring of 2022."
Referring to his speech at the BBC's Cardiff headquarters last week, he said: "As I said last week, we have to develop our ideas for both. And it must be right that the BBC has one person to lead it through both stages.
(Image: PA)
"Over the next six months my priority, as always, will be to champion this great organisation and continue to direct our reinvention.
"There's so much we can do to transform the creative industries around the UK still further and to project this country's talent and ideas to the world."
He said he feels he is "leaving the BBC in a much stronger place than when I joined", adding: "It feels a very different organisation - more innovative; more open; more inclusive; more efficient; more commercially aware.
"And a BBC that's on cracking creative form. You all have my thanks and admiration for the part you've played in that success."
(Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
Lord Hall, 68, also praised the values of the BBC, saying the corporation must continue to "champion the nation's creativity at home and abroad, and help play its part in bringing the UK together".
He added: "In an era of fake news, we remain the gold standard of impartiality and truth. What the BBC is, and what it stands for, is precious for this country. We ignore that at our peril."
His departure from the role comes amid a turbulent time for the broadcaster, with issues around equal pay disputes, political bias, diversity and TV licences at the top of its agenda.
BBC Chairman Sir David Clementi said: "Tony Hall is an inspirational creative leader, within the UK and around the globe, and the BBC has been lucky to have him as our Director-General for the last seven years.
"Tony has led the BBC with integrity and a passion for our values that is obvious to everyone who meets him. His reforms have shaped the BBC for the future and he will leave the BBC in the summer with our gratitude and our very best wishes.
"Responsibility for appointing his successor lies with the BBC Board. Within the next few weeks we will publish a job description and advertise the job, seeking candidates within the Corporation and externally.
"We are committed to selecting the best qualified person for the job."


birminghammail--2020-01-20--‘Champion Boy’ - Here’s how Tanzania reacted to Aston Villa signing Mbwana Ally Samatta

Mbwana Ally Samatta - now of Aston Villa - will be the first Tanzanian player to play in the Premier League .
Samatta completed an £8.5 million move to Aston Villa from Genk - a move that is not only a big deal for Villa - a team without a striker - but a massive one for the people of Tanzania .
In an interview with BBC Sport Africa , the Tanzanian forward discussed his goals , his influence and his strive for personal success .
`` I would be lying to say I have n't succeeded in life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on life from what I was used to , I still have bigger dreams - this is Genk , not Barcelona or Madrid . ''
His Samagoal77 Instagram account has a follower count about the size of Birmingham 's population itself - 1.2 million .
It should come as no surprise then that the forward was voted as Tanzania 's most influential young person just a few years ago .
That 's an important position for Samatta - you do n't see many Tanzanian footballers plying their trade in Europe 's top leagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after winning the African Champions League with Congolese side TP Mazembe .
`` Having succeeded in Africa I was motivated .
I wanted to push myself to a higher level before I pushed my fellow countrymen '' '' If you look at my Instagram posts , I seek to advise young people about life and how to succeed '' Aston Villa fans were delighted to see the striker announced : The responsibility that the striker carries is similar to that of current Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba - and Samatta knows it .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eyes of Tanzania turn towards Aston .
Here 's what Samatta 's faithful following had to say about their 'champion boy ' : Timoth Mwambungu : Yes , you got us for sure .
Loving this team .
`` HAINA KUFELI = NO failing '' that 's his slogan .
Baba : We Tanzanians are proud of you .
You have only one task of putting the ball at the back of the net .
Let me go find a Villa jersey !
Maneno : All Tanzanian we Support Aston villa now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are AVFC fans !
Charlz : Could you please create a Swahili twitter account and give me the deal of translation .
This will help to reach more East African fans who 're joining to support AVFC after the signing in of our brother Samatta # HainaKufeli # TheNextIsNow # StayFocused

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Mbwana Ally Samatta - now of Aston Villa - will be the first Tanzanian player to play in the Premier League.
Samatta completed an £8.5 million move to Aston Villa from Genk - a move that is not only a big deal for Villa - a team without a striker - but a massive one for the people of Tanzania.
In an interview with BBC Sport Africa , the Tanzanian forward discussed his goals, his influence and his strive for personal success.
"I would be lying to say I haven't succeeded in life. But then I have a different perspective on life from what I was used to, I still have bigger dreams - this is Genk, not Barcelona or Madrid."
His Samagoal77 Instagram account has a follower count about the size of Birmingham's population itself - 1.2 million. It should come as no surprise then that the forward was voted as Tanzania's most influential young person just a few years ago.
That's an important position for Samatta - you don't see many Tanzanian footballers plying their trade in Europe's top leagues.
The forward realised his influence shortly after winning the African Champions League with Congolese side TP Mazembe.
"Having succeeded in Africa I was motivated. I wanted to push myself to a higher level before I pushed my fellow countrymen"
"If you look at my Instagram posts, I seek to advise young people about life and how to succeed"
Aston Villa fans were delighted to see the striker announced:
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The responsibility that the striker carries is similar to that of current Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba - and Samatta knows it.
Now that he's at the Villa, the eyes of Tanzania turn towards Aston. Here's what Samatta's faithful following had to say about their 'champion boy':
Timoth Mwambungu: Yes, you got us for sure. Loving this team. "HAINA KUFELI = NO failing" that's his slogan.
Baba: We Tanzanians are proud of you. You have only one task of putting the ball at the back of the net. Let me go find a Villa jersey!
Joseph: God is good!
Thomas: Congratulations brother Samatta.
Kijana: Official: I Join Aston Villa as a fan!
Badru: Champion boy!
Maneno: All Tanzanian we Support Aston villa now
Paulo: Now we love Aston Villa. We are AVFC fans!
Charlz: Could you please create a Swahili twitter account and give me the deal of translation. This will help to reach more East African fans who're joining to support AVFC after the signing in of our brother Samatta #HainaKufeli #TheNextIsNow #StayFocused
Karibu Samatta!


birminghammail--2020-01-20--The incredible story of Mbwana Ally Samatta - Aston Villa's new striker who 'never fails'

There 's almost 60 million people living in Tanzania - and each one is about to fall in love with Aston Villa following the confirmed arrival of the Mbwana Ally Samatta , the star from Mbagala .
The serial goal-getter has moved to the Villa coutersy of a £8.5m transfer from Racing Club Genk .
Samatta , 27 , will be tasked with saving Dean Smith 's Villa from Premier League relegation but , if there 's a man who can do it , it 's this talented forward who 's affectionately known as 'Samagoal ' .
Son of retired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the poverty-stricken streets of Dar es Salaam , Tanzania 's biggest city situated on the Swahili coast .
BirminghamLive has spoken to Saleh Jembe , senior sports editor of Tanzanian newspapers Championi and Spoti Xtra , who said : `` Everyone in Tanzania is waiting for Samatta to join Aston Villa and believe me when I say this , the whole country will be Villa fans .
Everyone will move from Arsenals and Manchesters , they will pray for Villa to stay in the Premier League . ''
On the man himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met him a few times , including last year when I gave him an award .
He 's a very quiet guy who loves African music and football , but boy is he focused and super talented .
He 's from the big city , Dar es Salaam , but lived in one of the poorest areas , Mbagala .
`` He 's known as 'the guy from Mbagala ' and everyone follows him .
He 's a proud man who 's chased his dreams .
He 's top-scored everywhere he 's been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to TP Mazembe to Genk .
He never fails , he will do it at Aston Villa , just you wait and see .
It 's his mission , but he 's also been captain everywhere , including at Genk and his country .
In two to three season , he could be Villa 's captain .
`` Villa have a great player , he takes the ball but keeps his eyes down already knowing when he 'll shoot for goal .
Dean ( Smith ) needs goals and Samatta is a goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Samatta , following his move to the Premier League , will take over the reigns of NBA star Hasheem Thabeet as Tanzanian 's global sports icon .
The 7ft 3in basketball player has enjoyed a successful career with teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets but , according to Jembe , will be overtaken by Samatta in terms of popularity in Tanzania .
`` Samatta will be the No.1 guy now in Tanzania , '' he added .
`` We 're all so excited by this .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Mbwana .
He paid for a mosque to be built for his people in Mbagala for them to pray .
He also runs the Sama-Kiba Foundation alongside popular music star Ali Kiba .
They 're good friends and they organise a football match every year in Dar es Salaam to raise money to help schools , to buy books and tables .
`` Samatta has two young children , a boy and a girl .
He loves his family .
His mum is a house maid , his dad , Ally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mohamed , is a good football player here in Tanzania , a midfielder for KMC . ''
The Tanzanian will not be signed in time for Watford with Bournemouth being the most likely fixture for his Premier League debut .

There's almost 60 million people living in Tanzania - and each one is about to fall in love with Aston Villa following the confirmed arrival of the Mbwana Ally Samatta , the star from Mbagala.
The serial goal-getter has moved to the Villa coutersy of a £8.5m transfer from Racing Club Genk.
Samatta, 27, will be tasked with saving Dean Smith's Villa from Premier League relegation but, if there's a man who can do it, it's this talented forward who's affectionately known as 'Samagoal'.
Son of retired policeman Ally Samatta, Mbwana has fought from the poverty-stricken streets of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's biggest city situated on the Swahili coast.
BirminghamLive has spoken to Saleh Jembe, senior sports editor of Tanzanian newspapers Championi and Spoti Xtra, who said: "Everyone in Tanzania is waiting for Samatta to join Aston Villa and believe me when I say this, the whole country will be Villa fans. Everyone will move from Arsenals and Manchesters, they will pray for Villa to stay in the Premier League."
On the man himself, Jembe added: "I've met him a few times, including last year when I gave him an award. He's a very quiet guy who loves African music and football, but boy is he focused and super talented. He's from the big city, Dar es Salaam, but lived in one of the poorest areas, Mbagala.
(Image: Saleh Jembe)
"He's known as 'the guy from Mbagala' and everyone follows him. He's a proud man who's chased his dreams. He's top-scored everywhere he's been, from African Lyon to Simba SC to TP Mazembe to Genk. He never fails, he will do it at Aston Villa, just you wait and see. It's his mission, but he's also been captain everywhere, including at Genk and his country. In two to three season, he could be Villa's captain.
"Villa have a great player, he takes the ball but keeps his eyes down already knowing when he'll shoot for goal. Dean (Smith) needs goals and Samatta is a goal machine, hence his nickname, Samagoal."
(Image: Saleh Jembe)
Samatta, following his move to the Premier League, will take over the reigns of NBA star Hasheem Thabeet as Tanzanian's global sports icon. The 7ft 3in basketball player has enjoyed a successful career with teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets but, according to Jembe, will be overtaken by Samatta in terms of popularity in Tanzania.
"Samatta will be the No.1 guy now in Tanzania," he added. "We're all so excited by this. There's some things you might not know about Mbwana. He paid for a mosque to be built for his people in Mbagala for them to pray. He also runs the Sama-Kiba Foundation alongside popular music star Ali Kiba. They're good friends and they organise a football match every year in Dar es Salaam to raise money to help schools, to buy books and tables.
"Samatta has two young children, a boy and a girl. He loves his family. His mum is a house maid, his dad, Ally, is now retired and his brother, Mohamed, is a good football player here in Tanzania, a midfielder for KMC."
The Tanzanian will not be signed in time for Watford with Bournemouth being the most likely fixture for his Premier League debut.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--'Mini crisis' - Slaven Bilic makes West Brom demand after Stoke defeat

Slaven Bilic has demanded that his players pull together to rediscover their early season form which is in danger of going to waste amid a seriously rocky period in form .
West Brom succumbed to Midlands rivals , and historical bogey side , Stoke City at The Hawthorns on Monday night after Tyrese Campbell - son of former Albion striker Kevin - bagged the only goal of the game in the opening stages .
Albion huffed and puffed , tried and failed to break down their resolute opponents , and have now managed just one league victory in their last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com It was a significant opportunity passed up , too , considering the results that went their way on Saturday .
Worse still , the returning Grady Diangana managed less than two minutes before he needed replacing after a recurrence of a hamstring injury .
“ The guys gave everything in terms of effort , we tried but simply we have to admit that the quality wasn ’ t there , ” Bilic admitted .
“ We can talk about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of minutes .
We can talk about the goal that was very cheap from our point of view .
The way we lost them ball , when in control of the ball and open .
“ At the same time we had plenty of time to react .
In the first half we were nervy , and there wasn ’ t enough bravery or confidence to hurt them .
We played either long , or in front of them .
Second half we improved , but we ’ ve lost a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been misplaced , but as Bilic himself hastened to point out , not lost .
This is the group , after all , that has Albion best placed to return to the Premier League , poor form or otherwise and , aided with a couple of signings before the closure of the January window while retaining existing players that are coveted by others , they ’ ve as strong a chance as any of the other promotion candidates .
“ I said to the guys , we can ’ t moan or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now go into little corners , ” Bilic continued .
“ The same group of players made a situation that , even with six games without a win - no good , mini crisis yes - are still on top of the table .
Together with the staff , and the fans , done that .
Unfortunately there ’ s no magic formula for that .
“ Dedicate yourself for three months .
Work hard , dig in , do it together .
Get it back .
Get it back .
Not because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about five weeks ago about how we ’ re going to get a couple of players to refresh the squad .
“ We need them and hopefully we ’ re going to get them .
“ Together with me and my staff , we need to find this again .
”

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Slaven Bilic has demanded that his players pull together to rediscover their early season form which is in danger of going to waste amid a seriously rocky period in form.
West Brom succumbed to Midlands rivals, and historical bogey side, Stoke City at The Hawthorns on Monday night after Tyrese Campbell - son of former Albion striker Kevin - bagged the only goal of the game in the opening stages.
Albion huffed and puffed, tried and failed to break down their resolute opponents, and have now managed just one league victory in their last eight outings.
It was a significant opportunity passed up, too, considering the results that went their way on Saturday. Worse still, the returning Grady Diangana managed less than two minutes before he needed replacing after a recurrence of a hamstring injury.
“The guys gave everything in terms of effort, we tried but simply we have to admit that the quality wasn’t there,” Bilic admitted.
“We can talk about the blow with Grady, the first couple of minutes. We can talk about the goal that was very cheap from our point of view. The way we lost them ball, when in control of the ball and open.
“At the same time we had plenty of time to react. In the first half we were nervy, and there wasn’t enough bravery or confidence to hurt them. We played either long, or in front of them. Second half we improved, but we’ve lost a bit of quality recently.”
That quality might’ve been misplaced, but as Bilic himself hastened to point out, not lost.
This is the group, after all, that has Albion best placed to return to the Premier League, poor form or otherwise and, aided with a couple of signings before the closure of the January window while retaining existing players that are coveted by others, they’ve as strong a chance as any of the other promotion candidates.
“I said to the guys, we can’t moan or make excuses. We can’t now go into little corners,” Bilic continued.
“The same group of players made a situation that, even with six games without a win - no good, mini crisis yes - are still on top of the table. Together with the staff, and the fans, done that. Unfortunately there’s no magic formula for that.
“Dedicate yourself for three months. Work hard, dig in, do it together. Get it back. Get it back. Not because of this result, we were talking about five weeks ago about how we’re going to get a couple of players to refresh the squad. “We need them and hopefully we’re going to get them.
“Together with me and my staff, we need to find this again.”


birminghammail--2020-01-20--'Explained': Mbwana Samatta and the Aston Villa v Leicester Carabao Cup semi final

Earlier today , Aston Villa confirmed that they had completed the signing of Mbwana Samatta in an £8.5 million deal from Genk .
Understandably , Villa fans ( and the nation of Tanzania ) are raring to see their new man in action .
Tanzania 's 'Champion Boy ' will be the first player from the nation to perform in the Premier League .
Before that - Villa have to contend with the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi final against Leicester City .
Things are balanced at 1-1 heading into the climactic tie , but will Samatta be involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the stands ?
Sky Sports initially reported that Samatta can not play in the match against Leicester - but will be available for the final if Villa progress .
The rules in the EFL 's Carabao Cup handbook are not particularly clear - but it seems from a read-through that Samatta should be available for the second leg - should his work permit pass and his international clearance succeed .
It may be that the EFL have to make a ruling on the matter - and it would depend on whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as one match , or two .
If they count as two matches , Samatta should be cleared and ready to play as he was registered and ready before the second leg .
If the matches count as 'one ' match - as they do in the FA Cup when there is a replay - Samatta would be unavailable to play as he was registered after the start of the first leg .
There is precedent though - according to Twitter , Oumar Niasse played for Hull in their second leg after signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rules do not clear that up , and as it stands based on a reading of the rulebook , Samatta should line up against Leicester City - until the EFL state otherwise .

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Earlier today, Aston Villa confirmed that they had completed the signing of Mbwana Samatta in an £8.5 million deal from Genk.
Understandably, Villa fans (and the nation of Tanzania) are raring to see their new man in action. Tanzania's 'Champion Boy' will be the first player from the nation to perform in the Premier League.
Before that - Villa have to contend with the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi final against Leicester City. Things are balanced at 1-1 heading into the climactic tie, but will Samatta be involved in the game, or cheering on from the stands?
Sky Sports initially reported that Samatta cannot play in the match against Leicester - but will be available for the final if Villa progress.
The rules in the EFL's Carabao Cup handbook are not particularly clear - but it seems from a read-through that Samatta should be available for the second leg - should his work permit pass and his international clearance succeed.
It may be that the EFL have to make a ruling on the matter - and it would depend on whether the 'legs' of the semi final count as one match, or two.
If they count as two matches, Samatta should be cleared and ready to play as he was registered and ready before the second leg.
If the matches count as 'one' match - as they do in the FA Cup when there is a replay - Samatta would be unavailable to play as he was registered after the start of the first leg.
There is precedent though - according to Twitter, Oumar Niasse played for Hull in their second leg after signing after the first leg had finished.
The rules do not clear that up, and as it stands based on a reading of the rulebook, Samatta should line up against Leicester City - until the EFL state otherwise.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--'Minimum standard' - Dean Smith's brutal parting shot at former Aston Villa star

Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith has explained why Jonathan Kodjia was allowed to leave , admitting : `` He was n't up to the standard . ''
Kodjia joined Qatari side Al-Gharafa on Monday for a cut-price fee in the region of £2m .
The 30-year-old was given the green light to depart by Smith - that 's despite Villa currently being striker-less going into a crucial run of fixtures .
The Ivorian , 30 , cost Villa around £12m back in 2016 and , with just months left on his current deal at Villa Park , decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let the striker go , Smith said : `` Because he was n't up to the standard , in my opinion .
He had n't got to the level of fitness that , for me , was required for the Premier League .
That 's the minimum standard to play Premier League football . ''
Kodjia had played just 111 minutes of Premier League football this term .
He scored nine goals during Villa 's promotion season last term but , this season , struggled for form and fitness - and played second-fiddle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he didn ’ t get the minutes , '' Smith replied , when asked why Kodjia 's fitness had n't been up to scratch .
`` He got injured against Spurs after coming on and he was out for a month or two .
`` He had to work very hard , he didn ’ t have a pre-season due to the African Cup of Nations and then an injury followed .
He ’ s had to work very hard to get to the levels and , due to Wesley playing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get up to speed with games . ''
Smith added : `` Unfortunately , he wanted to move on and I was happy to let that happen .
He left the training ground ill before the Leicester City game , there was no problem , it was just circumstances .
`` Kodjia did well for me in the Championship but he always knew Tammy ( Abraham ) was No.1 choice .
When Tammy got injured , he stepped up to the plate and scored some important goals for us last season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of landing Tanzanian captain Mbwana Samatta from Racing Club Genk .
The striker has been at Bodymoor Heath ahead of a proposed £8.5m switch .
Villa are also in the market for another striker , and the head coach said of the current search : `` You 're looking all over the world , that 's the market we 're in now , and you have to because January is such a tough market .
`` To get four different things aligned - two clubs , player and agent - at the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people working for us , very hard , and we 're trying to get them moves over the line . ''

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Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith has explained why Jonathan Kodjia was allowed to leave, admitting: "He wasn't up to the standard."
Kodjia joined Qatari side Al-Gharafa on Monday for a cut-price fee in the region of £2m. The 30-year-old was given the green light to depart by Smith - that's despite Villa currently being striker-less going into a crucial run of fixtures.
The Ivorian, 30, cost Villa around £12m back in 2016 and, with just months left on his current deal at Villa Park, decided to leave.
(Image: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images)
When asked about why he let the striker go, Smith said: "Because he wasn't up to the standard, in my opinion. He hadn't got to the level of fitness that, for me, was required for the Premier League. That's the minimum standard to play Premier League football."
Kodjia had played just 111 minutes of Premier League football this term. He scored nine goals during Villa's promotion season last term but, this season, struggled for form and fitness - and played second-fiddle to Brazilian striker Wesley.
"One, he didn’t get the minutes," Smith replied, when asked why Kodjia's fitness hadn't been up to scratch. "He got injured against Spurs after coming on and he was out for a month or two.
"He had to work very hard, he didn’t have a pre-season due to the African Cup of Nations and then an injury followed. He’s had to work very hard to get to the levels and, due to Wesley playing, he’s not had the minutes to get up to speed with games."
Smith added: "Unfortunately, he wanted to move on and I was happy to let that happen. He left the training ground ill before the Leicester City game, there was no problem, it was just circumstances.
"Kodjia did well for me in the Championship but he always knew Tammy (Abraham) was No.1 choice. When Tammy got injured, he stepped up to the plate and scored some important goals for us last season."
Smith, meanwhile, remains confident of landing Tanzanian captain Mbwana Samatta from Racing Club Genk. The striker has been at Bodymoor Heath ahead of a proposed £8.5m switch.
Villa are also in the market for another striker, and the head coach said of the current search: "You're looking all over the world, that's the market we're in now, and you have to because January is such a tough market.
"To get four different things aligned - two clubs, player and agent - at the same time is tough. We've good people working for us, very hard, and we're trying to get them moves over the line."


birminghammail--2020-01-20--West Brom player ratings: Changes don't work as Albion succumb to Stoke

For another week in the Championship , West Brom are top of the league - but it ’ s another immense opportunity missed .
Albion succumbed to their second home defeat of the season against Stoke City , their historical bogey team , even if in recent years they ’ ve had the better of the meetings .
Tyrese Campbell ’ s early goal , after a rather catastrophic set of mistakes from Baggies individuals , was enough to separate the two sides - Albion are now six league games without a win .
Here ’ s how we rated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Might he have done better with the goal , having got both hands to it ?
Didn ’ t have a whole lot to do beyond that ninth minute opener .
Routinely saved a Martins-Indi strike on goal .
Got frustrated in the first half as he complained about the lack of movement from teammates in front of him .
Always an outlet , but his deliveries from the right were a mixed bag .
Probably the pick of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have many rivals .
Nightmare moment in the opening stages when he failed to deal with a bouncing ball and allowed Tom Ince to nip in and tee up Campbell .
He let another high ball bounce as Stoke looked to break , but he did offer a decent clipped cross into the Potters box which led to a Pereira chance .
Lack of tracking back from Bartley , who was caught upfield , gave Campbell a run on goal for the opener .
Found substitute Gregory a handful at times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
Booked after being sloppy in possession and losing the ball .
Caught out of position as Powell played in Ince in the build up to the opening goal .
Almost punished when losing the ball again when playing out from the back , with the final move seeing Gregory drag a shot wide of goal .
Ineffective going forwards , with Stoke snuffing out his threat .
Plenty of work to do too , with Pereira and Robson-Kanu looking to drift inside .
Off colour by his usual standards this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to Stoke ’ s goal , and throughout the evening his passing was sketchy .
Blazed more than one shot into the Brummie Road End in the second half .
Sprayed passes around from his midfield perch , trying to unlock Stoke ’ s two banks of players with little success .
Second half in particular was a struggle - there were so many uncharacteristically poor passes .
Some nice touches as always , but he couldn ’ t impact the game as Albion sought to unlock their opponents .
Started brightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the right , but in the second half he waned .
One decent run forwards , but the general quality of his deliveries wasn ’ t of a good enough standard .
Plugged away , with signs - rather than waves - of the quality he possess .
Bent one free kick wide of the post , but might ’ ve done better with a close range header in the first half and a back-post volley in the second .
Brilliant trickery to skip away from Allen and Clucas and send Albion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barely two minutes old when Diangana sat himself down on the ground , holding his head .
It was a sight that prompted moans from the home faithful .
Toiled for large periods , Robson-Kanu .
Was probably looking forward to returning to the number nine role , only to be shunted to ten and then out wide in the first half .
Some lovely skill to beat Batth , but his crossing often wasn ’ t up to scratch .
Took the place of Robson-Kanu as a nine in the early stages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so rarely found him in the air .
Devoid of any real chances .
Leaned on significantly for his set-piece abilities .

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For another week in the Championship, West Brom are top of the league - but it’s another immense opportunity missed.
Albion succumbed to their second home defeat of the season against Stoke City, their historical bogey team, even if in recent years they’ve had the better of the meetings.
Tyrese Campbell’s early goal, after a rather catastrophic set of mistakes from Baggies individuals, was enough to separate the two sides - Albion are now six league games without a win.
Here’s how we rated the players.
West Brom team (4-2-3-1)
Johnstone 5
Might he have done better with the goal, having got both hands to it? Didn’t have a whole lot to do beyond that ninth minute opener. Routinely saved a Martins-Indi strike on goal.
Furlong 6*
Got frustrated in the first half as he complained about the lack of movement from teammates in front of him. Always an outlet, but his deliveries from the right were a mixed bag.
Probably the pick of the bunch here, though he didn’t have many rivals.
Hegazi 4
Nightmare moment in the opening stages when he failed to deal with a bouncing ball and allowed Tom Ince to nip in and tee up Campbell. He let another high ball bounce as Stoke looked to break, but he did offer a decent clipped cross into the Potters box which led to a Pereira chance.
Bartley 5
Lack of tracking back from Bartley, who was caught upfield, gave Campbell a run on goal for the opener. Found substitute Gregory a handful at times, but largely he had the beating of him. Booked after being sloppy in possession and losing the ball.
Townsend 4
Caught out of position as Powell played in Ince in the build up to the opening goal. Almost punished when losing the ball again when playing out from the back, with the final move seeing Gregory drag a shot wide of goal.
Ineffective going forwards, with Stoke snuffing out his threat. Plenty of work to do too, with Pereira and Robson-Kanu looking to drift inside.
Livermore 5
Off colour by his usual standards this season. Gave away possession in the build up to Stoke’s goal, and throughout the evening his passing was sketchy.
Blazed more than one shot into the Brummie Road End in the second half.
Sawyers 5
Sprayed passes around from his midfield perch, trying to unlock Stoke’s two banks of players with little success. Second half in particular was a struggle - there were so many uncharacteristically poor passes.
Some nice touches as always, but he couldn’t impact the game as Albion sought to unlock their opponents.
Phillips 5
Started brightly, with some good interchange with Furlong down the right, but in the second half he waned. One decent run forwards, but the general quality of his deliveries wasn’t of a good enough standard.
Pereira 6
Plugged away, with signs - rather than waves - of the quality he possess. Bent one free kick wide of the post, but might’ve done better with a close range header in the first half and a back-post volley in the second.
Brilliant trickery to skip away from Allen and Clucas and send Albion on the attack.
Diangana N/A
The game was barely two minutes old when Diangana sat himself down on the ground, holding his head. It was a sight that prompted moans from the home faithful.
Robson-Kanu 6
Toiled for large periods, Robson-Kanu. Was probably looking forward to returning to the number nine role, only to be shunted to ten and then out wide in the first half. Some lovely skill to beat Batth, but his crossing often wasn’t up to scratch.
SUBS
Zohore (for Diangana 4) 5
Took the place of Robson-Kanu as a nine in the early stages. An aerial presence, but Albion so rarely found him in the air. Devoid of any real chances.
Brunt (for Townsend 75) 5
Leaned on significantly for his set-piece abilities.
Austin (for Robson-Kanu 75) 5
Subs not used: Bond, Ajayi, Edwards, Krovinovic
Stoke City
Butland; Smith, Batth, Lindsay, Martins-Indi; Allen, Clucas, Ince (Collins 87), Powell (Cousins 72), McClean; Campbell (Gregory 25)
Subs not used: Davies, Vokes, Ngoy, Thompson, Collins
GOALS
Albion - ; Stoke - Campbell 9
The ref: Tim Robinson
Attendance : 23,199 (1,199 away)
Up next : FA Cup 4th round - West Ham (a) Saturday 25 January (3pm)


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Slaven Bilic press conference LIVE: West Brom six without a win after Stoke defeat

For another week in the Championship , West Brom are top of the league - but it ’ s another immense opportunity missed .
Albion succumbed to their second home defeat of the season against Stoke City , their historical bogey team , even if in recent years they ’ ve had the better of the meetings .
Tyrese Campbell ’ s early goal , after a rather catastrophic set of mistakes from Baggies individuals , was enough to separate the two sides - Albion are now six league games without a win .
The hosts had a significant set-back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game , when Grady Diangana - only just back from injury , and one of two changes to the starting XI - fell to the ground clutching his hamstring and needed an immediate substitution .
Within the first ten minutes , matters were worsened when a catalogue of errors led to Stoke taking the lead ; Jake Livermore conceded possession , Ahmed Hegazi was guilty of not dealing with a ball over the top , Kyle Bartley failed to track his runner and Sam Johnstone might ’ ve done better in his attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Albion huffed and puffed in the first half , without giving their visitors from up the M6 too many concerns .
Matheus Pereira bent a free kick just wide of Jack Butland ’ s goal , and the Brazilian also failed to convert a close range header .
Albion picked up where they left off in the second half .
Pereira fizzed a volley into the Birmingham Road End after Danny Batth could only direct a header straight to him , while Robson-Kanu and Zohore dragged shots well wide of goal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Brunt in the closing stages in an attempt to wrestle a result away from the Potters , but it proved to be more disappointment .

For another week in the Championship, West Brom are top of the league - but it’s another immense opportunity missed.
Albion succumbed to their second home defeat of the season against Stoke City, their historical bogey team, even if in recent years they’ve had the better of the meetings.
Tyrese Campbell’s early goal, after a rather catastrophic set of mistakes from Baggies individuals, was enough to separate the two sides - Albion are now six league games without a win.
The hosts had a significant set-back within the first two minutes of the game, when Grady Diangana - only just back from injury, and one of two changes to the starting XI - fell to the ground clutching his hamstring and needed an immediate substitution.
Within the first ten minutes, matters were worsened when a catalogue of errors led to Stoke taking the lead; Jake Livermore conceded possession, Ahmed Hegazi was guilty of not dealing with a ball over the top, Kyle Bartley failed to track his runner and Sam Johnstone might’ve done better in his attempt to keep Campbell’s effort out.
Albion huffed and puffed in the first half, without giving their visitors from up the M6 too many concerns.
Matheus Pereira bent a free kick just wide of Jack Butland’s goal, and the Brazilian also failed to convert a close range header.
Albion picked up where they left off in the second half.
Pereira fizzed a volley into the Birmingham Road End after Danny Batth could only direct a header straight to him, while Robson-Kanu and Zohore dragged shots well wide of goal.
Slaven Bilic threw on Charlie Austin and Chris Brunt in the closing stages in an attempt to wrestle a result away from the Potters, but it proved to be more disappointment.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--'Save Villa's season' -  The scouting report on new Aston Villa signing Mbwana Ally Samatta

Aston Villa 's search for an initial first-team striker addition seems to have come to an end .
Dean Smith has been desperate to add firepower to his relegation-battlers , especially since Wesley 's season-ending knee injury on New Year 's Day .
It has even got to the stage where Villa have taken to the field without a recognised centre-forward in recent cup and league matches .
Mbwana Samatta , also known as Ally , has been identified as the man to add the goals Villa need to keep them in the Premier League .
Villa have sealed an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plying his trade with Genk , the Belgian club where Christian Benteke made his name pre-Villa .
What will he add ?
Let 's take a look .
Samatta is currently 27 years-old which means that he should be nearing his peak .
That 's not ideal long-term , but on the other hand , he appears ideally suited to contributing immediately to Villa 's survival efforts .
The 5ft 11ins striker is competent with both feet , fairly quick , and has improved considerably in the past two years .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far this season , scoring 10 times and registering two assists .
Last year , he managed to make 51 appearances and scored and impressive 32 goals , with six assists also posted .
Clearly , Samatta is the type of player who 's inclined to deliver at the business end of the pitch .
It 's reasonable to suggest that the Villa target is the most capable striker in Belgium right now , with quite an all-round profile that is difficult to handle from an opposition perspective .
Samatta is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scoring and contributing in and around the opposing penalty box .
He 's capable of finishing moves in a variety of different ways .
His heading ability is a particular asset .
He 's found the net with three headers in the league this season , which is bettered by only one player .
Last season , he scored a total of seven with his head and again , that was eclipsed only one player who managed to notch eight .
His aerial prowess would be highly beneficial for Smith 's team from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to hold up the ball effectively before bringing others into play , although he is perhaps more inclined to get on the end of through balls .
Once Wesley returns , the prospect of him playing alongside Samatta is exciting if Smith ever chose to set up that way .
Both are physical , energetic and capable of occupying defenders , meaning that space would be created for Jack Grealish and co to work their magic .
Ultimately , considering Samatta 's competitive price and the impact his efforts could have on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tanzanian appears to be a shrewd decision .
He would arrive as a legitimate scoring threat with enough skills to present problems to opposing defences regardless of how he 's supplied .
Whether Samatta is presented with a cross , a through pass or an aerial clearance , he 's capable of coping and in most cases , thriving .
For just £8.5m , Samatta has the quality to save Villa 's season .
You can follow Josh Williams on Twitter @ DistanceCovered

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Aston Villa's search for an initial first-team striker addition seems to have come to an end.
Dean Smith has been desperate to add firepower to his relegation-battlers, especially since Wesley's season-ending knee injury on New Year's Day.
It has even got to the stage where Villa have taken to the field without a recognised centre-forward in recent cup and league matches.
Mbwana Samatta, also known as Ally, has been identified as the man to add the goals Villa need to keep them in the Premier League.
Villa have sealed an £8.5 million deal for the striker currently plying his trade with Genk, the Belgian club where Christian Benteke made his name pre-Villa.
What will he add? Let's take a look.
Nearing his peak
Samatta is currently 27 years-old which means that he should be nearing his peak. That's not ideal long-term, but on the other hand, he appears ideally suited to contributing immediately to Villa's survival efforts.
The 5ft 11ins striker is competent with both feet, fairly quick, and has improved considerably in the past two years.
He has made 28 appearances in all club competitions so far this season, scoring 10 times and registering two assists. Last year, he managed to make 51 appearances and scored and impressive 32 goals, with six assists also posted.
Clearly, Samatta is the type of player who's inclined to deliver at the business end of the pitch.
It's reasonable to suggest that the Villa target is the most capable striker in Belgium right now, with quite an all-round profile that is difficult to handle from an opposition perspective.
Getting a head
Samatta is a player who comes alive when tasked with scoring and contributing in and around the opposing penalty box. He's capable of finishing moves in a variety of different ways.
His heading ability is a particular asset. He's found the net with three headers in the league this season, which is bettered by only one player.
Last season, he scored a total of seven with his head and again, that was eclipsed only one player who managed to notch eight.
His aerial prowess would be highly beneficial for Smith's team from set-pieces, and his physical presence permits him to hold up the ball effectively before bringing others into play, although he is perhaps more inclined to get on the end of through balls.
Once Wesley returns, the prospect of him playing alongside Samatta is exciting if Smith ever chose to set up that way.
Both are physical, energetic and capable of occupying defenders, meaning that space would be created for Jack Grealish and co to work their magic.
Shrewd decision
Ultimately, considering Samatta's competitive price and the impact his efforts could have on Villa's season, a move for the Tanzanian appears to be a shrewd decision.
He would arrive as a legitimate scoring threat with enough skills to present problems to opposing defences regardless of how he's supplied.
Whether Samatta is presented with a cross, a through pass or an aerial clearance, he's capable of coping and in most cases, thriving.
For just £8.5m, Samatta has the quality to save Villa's season.
You can follow Josh Williams on Twitter @DistanceCovered


birminghammail--2020-01-20--'Please keep us up' - Fans react to Aston Villa transfer announcement

Mbwana Ally Samatta has just been announced as Aston Villa 's third signing of the month .
Tanzanian striker Samatta has joined from Belgian side Genk ona four and a half year deal .
He 'll be added to the starting lineup as soon as possible .
He will not be available for tomorrow 's game against Watford , though .
With a striker signing finally confirmed at Villa , here 's what the fans had to say about the arrival of 'Samagoal ' : Richard : This is the part where you tell us he was registered before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you enjoy a great career with us !
Crippy : Please keep us up !
Alisha : You love to see it Heena : Welcome to the best stadium on Earth !
Craig : Say hello to our new goal machine .
Joe : Easily the best striker in Premier League history .
Billy : Ca n't wait for your first goal in front of the Holte End !
Paul : What a hero this lad could turn out to be if he scores the goals to keep us up !
Samatta namedropped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first interview with the club : '' I used to like watching Premier League games and one of the teams I used to watch was Aston Villa - and I know many things about Villa - in Tanzania we used to watch Gabby Agbonlahor !
I enjoyed watching them a lot '' In other news , Villa are reportedly set to launch a move for Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi , 27 , currently at Portuguese side Rio Ave .

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Mbwana Ally Samatta has just been announced as Aston Villa 's third signing of the month.
Tanzanian striker Samatta has joined from Belgian side Genk ona four and a half year deal. He'll be added to the starting lineup as soon as possible.
He will not be available for tomorrow's game against Watford, though.
With a striker signing finally confirmed at Villa, here's what the fans had to say about the arrival of 'Samagoal':
Richard: This is the part where you tell us he was registered before the deadline.
Nick: Welcome, hope you enjoy a great career with us!
Crippy: Please keep us up!
Alisha: You love to see it
Heena: Welcome to the best stadium on Earth!
Craig: Say hello to our new goal machine.
Joe: Easily the best striker in Premier League history.
Billy: Can't wait for your first goal in front of the Holte End!
Paul: What a hero this lad could turn out to be if he scores the goals to keep us up!
Samatta namedropped former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor in his first interview with the club:
"I used to like watching Premier League games and one of the teams I used to watch was Aston Villa - and I know many things about Villa - in Tanzania we used to watch Gabby Agbonlahor! I enjoyed watching them a lot"
In other news, Villa are reportedly set to launch a move for Iranian forward Mehdi Taremi , 27, currently at Portuguese side Rio Ave.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Birmingham City send this transfer message to Manchester United - reports

Birmingham City have told Manchester United they want to keep Jude Bellingham on loan as part of any deal for the midfielder , according to reports .
Bellingham broke into the first-team in August , becoming the youngest ever player to pull on a Blues shirt when he made his debut against Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup .
The 16-year-old has become a key player in Pep Clotet ’ s side and earned plenty of admirers , with United among them .
This week , the Premier League giants have been linked with a £25m bid for the teen talent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season in the 1-1 draw against Cardiff City on Saturday .
According to The Times , Blues will insist on keeping Bellingham on loan for the next 18 months as part of a potential January move .
The report adds that the club could be ‘ open ’ to selling the England youth international this month , but only if he continues his development at St Andrew ’ s for a guaranteed period .
Several clubs across Europe as well as United and Arsenal and tracking Bellingham closely as he continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Clotet was asked about the interest in him after the draw with Cardiff and the head coach said : “ Jude is focused on that and he is performing on a good level .
“ I think he is happy in this club and is helping us to build something and is helping us to build a dream to improve our football style as we saw in the first half .
“ We are doing it with youth , giving them that opportunity .
Jude is helping us on this .
Jude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have never seen him distracted .
“ We are aware he is being watched .
From the beginning he has been watched since he was 13 or 14 .
“ For the Middlesbrough game half of Europe was here .
He is used to it and I am used to it .
I have always said it is very good that clubs show interest in our players because this means that we have good players .
“ I think Jude is very happy with what he ’ s doing , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s growing and I see him very focused on us .

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Birmingham City have told Manchester United they want to keep Jude Bellingham on loan as part of any deal for the midfielder, according to reports.
Bellingham broke into the first-team in August, becoming the youngest ever player to pull on a Blues shirt when he made his debut against Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup.
The 16-year-old has become a key player in Pep Clotet’s side and earned plenty of admirers, with United among them.
This week, the Premier League giants have been linked with a £25m bid for the teen talent, who scored his fourth goal of the season in the 1-1 draw against Cardiff City on Saturday.
According to The Times, Blues will insist on keeping Bellingham on loan for the next 18 months as part of a potential January move.
The report adds that the club could be ‘open’ to selling the England youth international this month, but only if he continues his development at St Andrew’s for a guaranteed period.
Several clubs across Europe as well as United and Arsenal and tracking Bellingham closely as he continues to make waves for Blues in the Championship.
Clotet was asked about the interest in him after the draw with Cardiff and the head coach said: “Jude is focused on that and he is performing on a good level.
“I think he is happy in this club and is helping us to build something and is helping us to build a dream to improve our football style as we saw in the first half.
“We are doing it with youth, giving them that opportunity. Jude is helping us on this. Jude is very focused on his job and I have never seen him distracted.
“We are aware he is being watched. From the beginning he has been watched since he was 13 or 14.
“For the Middlesbrough game half of Europe was here. He is used to it and I am used to it. I have always said it is very good that clubs show interest in our players because this means that we have good players.
“I think Jude is very happy with what he’s doing, we are very happy with him, he’s growing and I see him very focused on us.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Mbwana Ally Samatta has dropped this name in first interview after Aston Villa transfer

Aston Villa 's third signing of the month has been announced by the club .
Mbwana Ally Samatta is now a Villa player , joining from Genk on a four and a half year deal .
The Tanzania captain spoke to Aston Villa 's club website today shortly after being unveiled by the club .
`` I 'm so excited - it 's a huge day for me in my career and for all the people in Tanzania this is a big day for the country everybody is so on it !
They were looking and waiting for when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League and I 'm here today - so happy ! ''
said the new Villa striker .
Aston Villa 's new striker looks delighted to have completed the move to Villa Park : '' In Tanzania , the people who love football , they always watch the Premier League .
It will be a moment that they 're going to watch one of their own playing in the Premier League - for Aston Villa . ''
The new man is also familiar with the club - and a former Villa hitman - from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tanzana taking in the Premier League action between kick-arounds .
`` I used to like watching Premier League games and one of the teams I used to watch was Aston Villa - and I know many things about Villa - in Tanzania we used to watch Gabby Agbonlahor !
I enjoyed watching them a lot '' Samatta will not be available for tomorrow 's game against Watford , but will be taking in the action from the stands ahead of a debut in the near future .

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Aston Villa 's third signing of the month has been announced by the club.
Mbwana Ally Samatta is now a Villa player , joining from Genk on a four and a half year deal. The Tanzania captain spoke to Aston Villa's club website today shortly after being unveiled by the club.
"I'm so excited - it's a huge day for me in my career and for all the people in Tanzania this is a big day for the country everybody is so on it! They were looking and waiting for when a Tanzanian guy would play in the Premier League and I'm here today - so happy!" said the new Villa striker.
Aston Villa's new striker looks delighted to have completed the move to Villa Park:
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"In Tanzania, the people who love football, they always watch the Premier League. It will be a moment that they're going to watch one of their own playing in the Premier League - for Aston Villa."
The new man is also familiar with the club - and a former Villa hitman - from his days staring at the screen in Tanzana taking in the Premier League action between kick-arounds.
"I used to like watching Premier League games and one of the teams I used to watch was Aston Villa - and I know many things about Villa - in Tanzania we used to watch Gabby Agbonlahor! I enjoyed watching them a lot"
Samatta will not be available for tomorrow's game against Watford, but will be taking in the action from the stands ahead of a debut in the near future.


birminghammail--2020-01-20--Latest Wolves transfer rumours: Lemar message, €25m bid made, Champions League forward linked

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in talks to sign Olympiacos winger Daniel Podence .
The 24-year-old has impressed since joining the Greek giants 18 months ago and caught the eye in the Champions League during the first half of this season .
Podence has scored five times in 27 matches this campaign and could finish it at Molineux with Wolves and Olympiacos now locked in negotiations .
The Dinamo Zagreb midfielder was heavily linked with a transfer to Wolves in the summer and , according to Croatian news outlet Sportske Novosti , they have now opened the bidding .
Olmo is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals in 20 appearances this season .
He also recently made his Spain debut and scored in a 7-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Malta .
Barcelona , AC Milan and RB Leipzig are the clubs who have been most prominently linked with Olmo , but Sportske Novosti suggests Premier League duo Leicester City and Tottenham could join the race before the end of the month .
Various reports in the past have claimed Olmo is in regular contact with Barcelona having left their La Masia academy in his teens .
Wolverhampton Wanderers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sign Birmingham City youngster Jude Bellingham .
According to The Sun , Nuno Espirito Santo 's side are no longer interested in the 16-year-old .
He was linked with a switch to Molineux last week , with Manchester United also keen .
Indeed , it has been reported that Ole Gunnar Solskajer 's side could fork out £25 million for the youngster while Chelsea could make a late move .
Clubs abroad are still keen , with only 18 months left on Bellingham 's current deal at St Andrew 's .
France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players to be linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers this January .
Nuno Espirito Santo has made no secret of his desire to sign fresh faces , especially in forward areas , and Atletico Madrid star Lemar 's name has cropped up a number of times .
The winger joined Atletico from Monaco 18 months ago but he 's been unable to hold down a regular place in Simeone 's starting XI .
Lemar has scored just four goals in 64 matches for Atletico and manager Diego Simeone recently admitted the 24-year-old has n't lived @ @ @ @

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PODENCE LINKED
Wolverhampton Wanderers are in talks to sign Olympiacos winger Daniel Podence.
The 24-year-old has impressed since joining the Greek giants 18 months ago and caught the eye in the Champions League during the first half of this season.
Podence has scored five times in 27 matches this campaign and could finish it at Molineux with Wolves and Olympiacos now locked in negotiations.
MORE HERE.
BID FOR OLMO
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly bid €25million for Spain international Dani Olmo.
The Dinamo Zagreb midfielder was heavily linked with a transfer to Wolves in the summer and, according to Croatian news outlet Sportske Novosti, they have now opened the bidding.
Olmo is expected to leave Zagreb soon after scoring nine goals in 20 appearances this season. He also recently made his Spain debut and scored in a 7-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Malta.
Barcelona, AC Milan and RB Leipzig are the clubs who have been most prominently linked with Olmo, but Sportske Novosti suggests Premier League duo Leicester City and Tottenham could join the race before the end of the month.
Various reports in the past have claimed Olmo is in regular contact with Barcelona having left their La Masia academy in his teens.
MORE HERE.
BELLINGHAM UPDATE
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly dropped out of the race to sign Birmingham City youngster Jude Bellingham.
According to The Sun , Nuno Espirito Santo's side are no longer interested in the 16-year-old.
He was linked with a switch to Molineux last week, with Manchester United also keen.
Indeed, it has been reported that Ole Gunnar Solskajer's side could fork out £25 million for the youngster while Chelsea could make a late move.
Clubs abroad are still keen, with only 18 months left on Bellingham's current deal at St Andrew's.
MORE HERE.
LEMAR MESSAGE
(Image: Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
France international Thomas Lemar is among the many players to be linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers this January.
Nuno Espirito Santo has made no secret of his desire to sign fresh faces, especially in forward areas, and Atletico Madrid star Lemar's name has cropped up a number of times.
The winger joined Atletico from Monaco 18 months ago but he's been unable to hold down a regular place in Simeone's starting XI.
Lemar has scored just four goals in 64 matches for Atletico and manager Diego Simeone recently admitted the 24-year-old hasn't lived up to expectations.
MORE HERE.