birminghammail--2020-05-13--Golf courses flooded with bookings as they reopen after lockdown

Golfers turned out in their droves across the Midlands as clubs reopened today ( Wednesday , May 13 ) after a two month hiatus .
Desperate to maintain or even improve their handicap , hard-core golfers began playing a round or two from as early as 7am with slots booked across a host of clubs right up until 9pm .
Several clubs reported a flood of bookings as players reserved tee-off times a week in advance .
The move has been sanctioned following the latest guidance from the Prime Minister as the nation eases out of lockdown .
Garden centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So if your irons have been safely stored away but are now ready to hit a rare hole-in-one on the fairway , here is our guide to courses open in the Midlands : This is a 6210-yard , 18-hole parkland course , designed by renowned architect H S Colt .
It provides challenges for low and high handicap golfers and has a par of 70 .
The golf course is now open for members only with only two balls in play .
Its website states that tee times must be booked in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It stresses that 'strict social distancing measures ' are in place .
The Clubhouse & Pro Shop remain closed until further notice .
A nine-hole course set in beautiful parkland .
This par 33 course has tight fairways with small greens , well-guarded by bunkers .
It is in great condition all year round and there is a small practice net near the first tee .
The course will reopen on Saturday , May 23 This is an 18-hole municipal course covering 5784 yards of parkland and woodland and with a par of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , May 23 .
The course was also designed by H S Colt and has a par of 71 and covers 6468 yards .
There are no long walks from greens to tees and boasts natural hazards and bunkers suitable for players of all abilities .
The course is open , The club 's Twitter account indicates that buggies and trolleys are permitted .
It also asks players to repair pitch marks and follow the guidance rules .
A long-standing coures opened in 1933 , Pype Hayes is a mature 18-hole , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as having curved fairways lined with gorse and trees , firm contoured greens and lots of deep sand bunkers .
On the Mytime Active Golf Courses page , it states it is 'not in a position to reopen any golf courses on Wednesday but is getting ready to reopen very soon . '
It will 'communicate here exactly how and when this can happen ' .
Established in 1902 , this 18-hole , par 71 ( 6259 yard ) , private golf course is set in mature parkland .
Many of the holes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suitable for all players .
The club allowed members to resume playing today .
It said that during the last two months of lockdown , local residents who aren ’ t members of Walmley Golf Club had taken their daily exercise around the golf course but this has now been stopped due to safety reasons .
It added : `` The course will be busy from dawn to dusk 7 days a week , and it is essential for safety reasons that public access onto the course is now discontinued at all times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gay Hill Golf Club .
It is a 6406-yard , par 72 course set in parkland with a stream running through it .
The course is open .
On its website it states : `` The course is currently open to members only with tee reservations in place .
Thank you for your understanding .
Please stay safe . ''
This is a well-established 18-hole course with a putting green and a 24-bay driving range .
It 's par 69 and measures 6137 yards .
The course is not yet open but is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 18 .
Established in 1936 , this short ( 4474 yards ) 18-hole course has a par of 63 and is on the edge of Sutton Park .
It boasts the oldest pro-am in Europe and is said to be a 'tricky and challenging ' course .
The course is not yet open but will welcome players on Wednesday , May 20 .
Set in 220 acres of parkland featuring 27 holes of golf , it has a par 3 academy course and extensive practice facilities .
There is also an 11-hole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for beginners .
Its two courses were open from 8am and will stay open until 8pm Monday to Sunday .
Steve Dougan , Club Manager , said members had been booking in advance with slots booked until next Wednesday to date .
An 18-hole parkland course with a par of 70 and just over 6200 yards long .
The River Cole , three lakes and mature trees feature throughout .
The club welcomed its members back at 10am .
Its website states that teeing times must be booked and the course is open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course set in the mature former estate of Little Aston Hall .
In recent years the course has been lengthened to 6813 yards and some holes and angles have been modified .
It has a challenging par of 74 .
It enjoyed a position in the Top 100 courses in Great Britain and Ireland for many years and was ranked 55th in 2008 by Golf World .
It reopened at 8.30am and according to its Twitter account , it is heeding the advice of England Golf as well as additional rules communicated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 18-hole , par 69 course is a test for golfers of all abilities and is set on the slopes of the Lickey Hills .
On its Facebook page the club said : `` We are one step closer to being in a position to reopen and welcome you back to our courses .
`` Our utmost priority is operating safely and and we are working tirelessly to be in a position to welcome you back to play safely , in accordance with both the government guidelines and expertise from England Golf and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not however be taking place on Wednesday.
`` The club said it would email members and post updates on its website during the next week .
Set within Sutton Park , Dr Alister Mackenzie designed this 6548-yard , 72-par heathland golf course .
During lockdown the members-only club allowed walkers to stroll through its grounds .
It opened again to members today from 7am and will remain open until 7pm from Monday to Sunday .
Club Manager Haydn Lunn said the day had been 'glorious ' with slots fully booked .
He stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place for the time being .
The Belfry Hotel & Resort is an award-winning hotel situated in the heart of the country in Sutton Coldfield .
The hotel ’ s three golf courses , including The Brabazon and The PGA National , are recognised as world-class , having previously hosted The Ryder Cup four times and two European Tour events , producing some of the most dramatic moments in the history of golf .
It has not reopened but says it will contact members when it does so .
An 18-hole , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ golf course with great views of the Staffordshire countryside .
The club welcomed golf-starved members from 7.30am with play until 7.30pm on weekdays .
At weekends it will open from 7am through til 7.30pm .
A golf pro said members can only play with two balls every 10 minutes and they would also be restricted to alternate days in order to minimise traffic on surrounding roads .
The country club is set in 10,000 acres of Warwickshire parkland and boasts two 18-hole golf courses to challenge golfers of all abilities .
The Championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succession of European Tour Events such as the British Masters and English Open .
It was designed 20 years ago by Donald Steele and is a par 72 measuring 7213 yards .
The golf club has not reopened yet .
The hotel said today the hotel itself was still closed but the team were working on reopening the golf course .
It added that an email would be sent to members when golfing was available .
Close to Solihull town centre , Widney Manor Golf Club has an 18 hole course with floodlit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boasts USGA all weather greens , a driving range and buggy paths and buggies are allowed all year round .
It reopened at 7am with strict measures in place and will stay open until dark .
It says two balls are allowed if playing with a friend and four if you all live in the same household .
Contactless payments only and just one person per buggy unless living at the same address .
A member of staff said 'it 's worked really well ' and was booked until the end of week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an 'enjoyable and challenging test ' for golfers of every level .
Full greens can be played on throughout the year .
In 2018 it was voted 99 in the top 100 by National Club Golfer .
Copt Heath also offers clubhouse facilities and a variety of private rooms , bars and spacious eating areas .
It welcomed members from 7.30am with the Lady Captain teeing off .
It will remain open until around 7pm tonight with those times expected to continue .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Golfers turned out in their droves across the Midlands as clubs reopened today (Wednesday, May 13) after a two month hiatus.
Desperate to maintain or even improve their handicap, hard-core golfers began playing a round or two from as early as 7am with slots booked across a host of clubs right up until 9pm.
Several clubs reported a flood of bookings as players reserved tee-off times a week in advance.
The move has been sanctioned following the latest guidance from the Prime Minister as the nation eases out of lockdown.
Garden centres have also welcomed green-fingered shoppers from today.
So if your irons have been safely stored away but are now ready to hit a rare hole-in-one on the fairway, here is our guide to courses open in the Midlands:
Harborne Golf Club
40 Tennal Road, Harborne, B32 2JE
This is a 6210-yard, 18-hole parkland course, designed by renowned architect H S Colt. It provides challenges for low and high handicap golfers and has a par of 70.
The golf course is now open for members only with only two balls in play. Its website states that tee times must be booked in advance before arriving at the club.
It stresses that 'strict social distancing measures' are in place. The Clubhouse & Pro Shop remain closed until further notice.
Tel: 0121 426 0043
Harborne Church Farm Golf Course
Vicarage Road, Harborne, B17 0SN
A nine-hole course set in beautiful parkland. This par 33 course has tight fairways with small greens, well-guarded by bunkers.
It is in great condition all year round and there is a small practice net near the first tee.
The course will reopen on Saturday, May 23
Tel: 0121 427 1204
Cocks Moor Woods Golf Course
Alcester Road South, Kings Heath, B14 6ER
This is an 18-hole municipal course covering 5784 yards of parkland and woodland and with a par of 69.
The course will reopen on Saturday, May 23.
Tel: 0121 464 1996
Sandwell Park Golf Club
Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B71 4JJ
The course was also designed by H S Colt and has a par of 71 and covers 6468 yards.
There are no long walks from greens to tees and boasts natural hazards and bunkers suitable for players of all abilities.
The course is open, The club's Twitter account indicates that buggies and trolleys are permitted. It also asks players to repair pitch marks and follow the guidance rules.
Tel: 0121 553 4637
Pype Hayes Golf Course
Eachelhurst Road, Pype Hayes, Birmingham. B76 8EP
A long-standing coures opened in 1933, Pype Hayes is a mature 18-hole, par 71 course.
It's described as having curved fairways lined with gorse and trees, firm contoured greens and lots of deep sand bunkers.
On the Mytime Active Golf Courses page, it states it is 'not in a position to reopen any golf courses on Wednesday but is getting ready to reopen very soon.'
It will 'communicate here exactly how and when this can happen'.
Tel: 0121 351 1014
Walmley Golf Club
Brooks Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1HR
Established in 1902, this 18-hole, par 71 (6259 yard), private golf course is set in mature parkland.
Many of the holes are lined with well-established trees and is suitable for all players.
The club allowed members to resume playing today. It said that during the last two months of lockdown, local residents who aren’t members of Walmley Golf Club had taken their daily exercise around the golf course but this has now been stopped due to safety reasons.
It added: "The course will be busy from dawn to dusk 7 days a week, and it is essential for safety reasons that public access onto the course is now discontinued at all times."
Tel: 0121 373 0029
Hollywood Golf Club
Hollywood Lane, Hollywood, B47 5PP
Many remember this club as Gay Hill Golf Club. It is a 6406-yard, par 72 course set in parkland with a stream running through it.
The course is open. On its website it states: "The course is currently open to members only with
tee reservations in place. Thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe."
Tel: 0121 430 8544
Hatchford Brook Golf Centre
Coventry Road, Sheldon, B26 3PY
This is a well-established 18-hole course with a putting green and a 24-bay driving range. It's par 69 and measures 6137 yards.
The course is not yet open but is set to welcome golfers on Saturday, May 18.
Tel: 0121 743 9821
Boldmere Golf Course
Monmouth Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B73 6JL
Established in 1936, this short (4474 yards) 18-hole course has a par of 63 and is on the edge of Sutton Park.
It boasts the oldest pro-am in Europe and is said to be a 'tricky and challenging' course.
The course is not yet open but will welcome players on Wednesday, May 20.
Tel: 0121 354 3379
Kings Norton Golf Club
Weatheroak Hall, Brockhill Lane, Alvechurch, Worcestershire, B48 7ED
Set in 220 acres of parkland featuring 27 holes of golf, it has a par 3 academy course and extensive practice facilities.
The clubhouse is Grade 2 listed.
There is also an 11-hole, 833-yard, par 3 course available for beginners.
Its two courses were open from 8am and will stay open until 8pm Monday to Sunday.
Steve Dougan, Club Manager, said members had been booking in advance with slots booked until next Wednesday to date.
Tel: 01564 826789
Follow Cathrina Hulse on social media Cathrina Hulse is a multi-media journalist for Birmingham Live and Birmingham Mail. Follow Cathrina here Follow Cathrina on Facebook here Read more of Cathrina's stories here Have you got a story? Email cathrina.hulse@reachplc.com or call 0121 234 5552
Fulford Heath Golf Club
Tanners Green Lane, Wythall, Worcestershire, B47 6BH
An 18-hole parkland course with a par of 70 and just over 6200 yards long. The River Cole, three lakes and mature trees feature throughout.
The club welcomed its members back at 10am. Its website states that teeing times must be booked and the course is open to current playing members only.
Tel: 01564 824758
Little Aston Golf Club
Roman Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3AN
Parkland course set in the mature former estate of Little Aston Hall. In recent years the course has been lengthened to 6813 yards and some holes and angles have been modified. It has a challenging par of 74.
It enjoyed a position in the Top 100 courses in Great Britain and Ireland for many years and was ranked 55th in 2008 by Golf World.
It reopened at 8.30am and according to its Twitter account, it is heeding the advice of England Golf as well as additional rules communicated by their clubs.
Tel: 0121 353 2942
Lickey Hills Golf Course
Rose Hill, Rednal, Birmingham, B45 8RR
Opened in 1921, the 18-hole, par 69 course is a test for golfers of all abilities and is set on the slopes of the Lickey Hills.
On its Facebook page the club said: "We are one step closer to being in a position to reopen and welcome you back to our courses.
"Our utmost priority is operating safely and and we are working tirelessly to be in a position to welcome you back to play safely, in accordance with both the government guidelines and expertise from England Golf and trusted industry experts.
"This will not however be taking place on Wednesday. "
The club said it would email members and post updates on its website during the next week.
Tel: 0121 453 3159
Sutton Coldfield Golf Club
Thornhill Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3ER
Set within Sutton Park, Dr Alister Mackenzie designed this 6548-yard, 72-par heathland golf course.
During lockdown the members-only club allowed walkers to stroll through its grounds. It opened again to members today from 7am and will remain open until 7pm from Monday to Sunday.
Club Manager Haydn Lunn said the day had been 'glorious' with slots fully booked. He stressed that there would be a booking system in place for the time being.
Tel: 0121 353 9633
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The Belfry
Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, B76 9PR
The Belfry Hotel & Resort is an award-winning hotel situated in the heart of the country in Sutton Coldfield.
The hotel’s three golf courses, including The Brabazon and The PGA National, are recognised as world-class, having previously hosted The Ryder Cup four times and two European Tour events, producing some of the most dramatic moments in the history of golf.
It has not reopened but says it will contact members when it does so.
Tel: 0844 980 0600
Druids Heath Golf Club
Stonnall Road, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 8JZ
An 18-hole, par 72 (6665 yard) parkland golf course with great views of the Staffordshire countryside.
The club welcomed golf-starved members from 7.30am with play until 7.30pm on weekdays. At weekends it will open from 7am through til 7.30pm. A golf pro said members can only play with two balls every 10 minutes and they would also be restricted to alternate days in order to minimise traffic on surrounding roads.
Tel: 01922 455595
Forest of Arden Country Club
(Image: Kevin Murray)
Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, CV7 7HR
The country club is set in 10,000 acres of Warwickshire parkland and boasts two 18-hole golf courses to challenge golfers of all abilities.
The Championship Arden Course has played host to a succession of European Tour Events such as the British Masters and English Open. It was designed 20 years ago by Donald Steele and is a par 72 measuring 7213 yards.
The golf club has not reopened yet. The hotel said today the hotel itself was still closed but the team were working on reopening the golf course. It added that an email would be sent to members when golfing was available.
Tel: 01676 522335
Widney Manor Golf Club
Saintbury Drive, Shirley, Solihull B91 3SZ
Close to Solihull town centre, Widney Manor Golf Club has an 18 hole course with floodlit driving range and clubhouse.
It also boasts USGA all weather greens, a driving range and buggy paths and buggies are allowed all year round.
It reopened at 7am with strict measures in place and will stay open until dark. It says two balls are allowed if playing with a friend and four if you all live in the same household. Contactless payments only and just one person per buggy unless living at the same address.
A member of staff said 'it's worked really well' and was booked until the end of week to date.
Tel: 0121 704 0704
Copt Heath Golf Club
1220 Warwick Rd, Knowle, Solihull B93 9LN
Copt Heath states it is an 'enjoyable and challenging test' for golfers of every level. Full greens can be played on throughout the year.
In 2018 it was voted 99 in the top 100 by National Club Golfer.
Copt Heath also offers clubhouse facilities and a variety of private rooms, bars and spacious eating areas.
It welcomed members from 7.30am with the Lady Captain teeing off. It will remain open until around 7pm tonight with those times expected to continue.
Tel: 01564 731620


birminghammail--2020-05-13--Man Utd have this plan for £30m Blues wonderboy Bellingham - report

Manchester United want Jude Bellingham to come straight in and challenge for a first team role , according to reports .
The Standard claim the Premier League giants see Birmingham City ’ s prize asset as a ‘ generational talent ’ who can come straight into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’ s senior squad .
That suggests they have no intention of loaning him back to Blues – assuming they win the race for the sought-after teenager ’ s signature in the first place .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here The report refers to a £30million price tag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is part of a wider recruitment strategy aimed at hoovering up the best young talent – from all over the world .
United have been extensively linked with the 16-year-old and see him as one part of a recruitment strategy that would also see Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish move to Old Trafford .
They are also close to securing a deal for Sunderland ’ s Joe Hugill and another 16-year-old , right back Marc Jurado from Barcelona , is also due to complete a £1.5m switch .
However , Sancho ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing or two to say about Bellingham ’ s future .
The Bundesliga outfit are believed to be the other main suitors , although a host of Premier League clubs have also been credited with an interest .
Bellingham has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under Pep Clotet , playing more than 30 first team games and scoring four goals , in a variety of positions .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Manchester United want Jude Bellingham to come straight in and challenge for a first team role, according to reports.
The Standard claim the Premier League giants see Birmingham City’s prize asset as a ‘generational talent’ who can come straight into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s senior squad.
That suggests they have no intention of loaning him back to Blues – assuming they win the race for the sought-after teenager’s signature in the first place.
The report refers to a £30million price tag and says that Bellingham’s addition is part of a wider recruitment strategy aimed at hoovering up the best young talent – from all over the world.
United have been extensively linked with the 16-year-old and see him as one part of a recruitment strategy that would also see Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish move to Old Trafford.
They are also close to securing a deal for Sunderland’s Joe Hugill and another 16-year-old, right back Marc Jurado from Barcelona, is also due to complete a £1.5m switch.
However, Sancho’s current employers Borussia Dortmund might have a thing or two to say about Bellingham’s future. The Bundesliga outfit are believed to be the other main suitors, although a host of Premier League clubs have also been credited with an interest.
Bellingham has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under Pep Clotet, playing more than 30 first team games and scoring four goals, in a variety of positions.


birminghammail--2020-05-13--Places of worship could have limited re-opening

Churches , mosques , gurdwaras and synagogues could `` potentially '' open for private prayer , Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has revealed .
He said he was speaking to faith leaders to see how there could be a limited re-opening of places of worship .
Mr Jenrick said : `` I have been speaking to faith leaders and will convene later this week a taskforce to establish when and how places for worship can open safely for some of the practices where social distancing can take place , such as private prayer . ''
The Government 's plan for ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , named a number of venues that would open `` no earlier than 4 July '' .
They included hairdressers and beauty salons , pubs and restaurants , cinemals and places of worship .
But Mr Jenrick has now said places of worship could open in a limited fashion earlier than this .
He said : `` Potentially , private prayer being able to be carried out earlier than July 4 . ''
Subscribe to the politics newsletter from Birmingham Live Sign up to our weekly newsletter here .
This newsletter will bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , most important or simply quirky stories that have been hitting the headlines over the past few days in the world of politics across Birmingham and the West Midlands .
To subscribe click on the link , tick the politics box and enter your email address .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference , he also said that people were now free to move home .
And the Government published slides designed to explain what people are allowed to do under the new lockdown rules .
They say that provided you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can : • Spend time outdoors , for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air , sunbathing or picknicking • Meet one other person from a different household outdoors • Exercise outdoors as often as you wish • Use outdoor sports facilities such as tennis or basketball courts or golf courses - with members of your household OR one other person outside your household • Estates agents offices can open and home viewings are allowed But you can not : • Visit friends or family in their homes • Exercise in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre , or go swimming in a public pool • Use an outdoor gym or playground • Meet more than one person outside your household , with a few specific exceptions such as going to work or attending a funeral Figures announced today by the Department of Health show that a total of 33,186 people had died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Tuesday , up by 494 from 32,692 the day before .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter
Churches, mosques, gurdwaras and synagogues could "potentially" open for private prayer, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has revealed.
He said he was speaking to faith leaders to see how there could be a limited re-opening of places of worship.
Mr Jenrick said: "I have been speaking to faith leaders and will convene later this week a taskforce to establish when and how places for worship can open safely for some of the practices where social distancing can take place, such as private prayer."
The Government's plan for ending the coronavirus lockdown, published on Monday, named a number of venues that would open "no earlier than 4 July". They included hairdressers and beauty salons, pubs and restaurants ,cinemals and places of worship. But Mr Jenrick has now said places of worship could open in a limited fashion earlier than this.
He said: "Potentially, private prayer being able to be carried out earlier than July 4."
Get email updates with the latest Politics news This newsletter will bring you a brief round-up of the best, most important or simply quirky stories that have been hitting the headlines over the past few days in the world of politics across Birmingham and the West Midlands. To subscribe click on the link, tick the politics box and enter your email address.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, he also said that people were now free to move home.
And the Government published slides designed to explain what people are allowed to do under the new lockdown rules.
They say that provided you remain two metres away from others, you can:
Spend time outdoors, for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air, sunbathing or picknicking
Meet one other person from a different household outdoors
Exercise outdoors as often as you wish
Use outdoor sports facilities such as tennis or basketball courts or golf courses - with members of your household OR one other person outside your household
Go to a garden centre
Estates agents offices can open and home viewings are allowed
But you cannot:
Visit friends or family in their homes
Exercise in an indoor sports hall, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool
Use an outdoor gym or playground
Visit a private or ticketed attraction
Meet more than one person outside your household, with a few specific exceptions such as going to work or attending a funeral
Figures announced today by the Department of Health show that a total of 33,186 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Tuesday, up by 494 from 32,692 the day before.


birminghammail--2020-05-13--West Brom receive key promotion update after EFL talks - reports

Championship clubs are reportedly gearing up for a June restart in a major boost for West Bromwich Albion 's promotion hopes .
EFL bosses held their latest meeting today to discuss plans for resuming the campaign which has been suspended for two months due to the coronavirus crisis .
The Premier League staged its latest round of talks over the Project Restart proposal on Monday .
This week 's meetings came after the government gave permission for sporting events to return in June while it is reported UEFA could be willing to relax their May 25 deadlines for leagues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Albion are anxiously awaiting a resolution having been on course to return to the top-flight after a two-year absence before fixtures were postponed .
According to ESPN , Slaven Bilic 's side could be back in action as early as June 6 - before Premier League matches resume .
They claim EFL bosses are confident the Championship season will be played to a finish on the pitch , although the cancellation of League One and League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Sources have told ESPN that Championship clubs are now merely waiting to be advised of the safety protocols involving testing , training and the staging of fixtures before launching full-scale preparations to return to action next month . ''
Sign up to our daily West Brom newsletter HERE The Baggies , like the rest of the Championship clubs , have nine games left to play .
They hold a six-point advantage over third-placed Fulham and trail leaders Leeds United by one point .
Fixtures would be played behind closed doors with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third promoted club .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Championship clubs are reportedly gearing up for a June restart in a major boost for West Bromwich Albion's promotion hopes.
EFL bosses held their latest meeting today to discuss plans for resuming the campaign which has been suspended for two months due to the coronavirus crisis.
The Premier League staged its latest round of talks over the Project Restart proposal on Monday.
This week's meetings came after the government gave permission for sporting events to return in June while it is reported UEFA could be willing to relax their May 25 deadlines for leagues to submit plans for finishing the season.
Albion are anxiously awaiting a resolution having been on course to return to the top-flight after a two-year absence before fixtures were postponed.
According to ESPN, Slaven Bilic's side could be back in action as early as June 6 - before Premier League matches resume.
They claim EFL bosses are confident the Championship season will be played to a finish on the pitch, although the cancellation of League One and League Two is likely.
The report states: "Sources have told ESPN that Championship clubs are now merely waiting to be advised of the safety protocols involving testing, training and the staging of fixtures before launching full-scale preparations to return to action next month."
Sign up to our daily West Brom newsletter HERE
The Baggies, like the rest of the Championship clubs, have nine games left to play. They hold a six-point advantage over third-placed Fulham and trail leaders Leeds United by one point.
Fixtures would be played behind closed doors with scope for the play-offs to determine the third promoted club.


birminghammail--2020-05-13--What have Villa's relegation rivals said about Project Restart?

Few clubs will ever find themselves in the situation that Aston Villa are in right now .
The Villans are in a flashpoint of unique making and find themselves at a crossroads during the current suspension of football .
The Premier League has suspended fixtures since March due to the coronavirus pandemic , and while a return to action is planned - it remains unclear as to how the League will organise the remaining fixtures that are still to be played .
However , everyone has had a say - including Villa boss Dean Smith , who still has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a victory in that game would ensure survival if the league were to be finalised .
`` Everybody wants to get back into training but they also want to see what the medical protocols are first , '' said Smith when discussing Villa 's own return to training .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here '' There 's a certain risk attached to the return to training for all players and I think they want to make sure they tick the boxes so it 's safe to do so .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paramount and if they 're not comfortable to return then you have to return without them , when it 's safe to do so .
We have to listen to our players , we have to listen to their concerns .
If the protocols say we can move forward then the ones who can do will do so .
Football in England still remains suspended but , with the Bundesliga on the brink of a return , a boost has been provided for the Premier League 's own plans to complete the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to update the nation on the coronavirus situation on Sunday , with the Premier League then convening on Monday to discuss 'Project Restart ' and the plans to return to action .
A number of proposals have been mentioned and there are some huge issues that need resolving but , with plenty left to be decided in the top-flight , the intention is for the Premier League season to be completed .
We know what Smith thinks - but what about the teams in the bottom half of the table ?
Here 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Football is coming back .
The government has made that clear and the culture secretary Oliver Dowden enforced that view with his comments yesterday .
`` The debate is no longer whether football should return but whether the Premier League can deliver a model every club accepts as a fair and equitable solution before resumption .
`` At the start of this season there was no way Watford should beat Liverpool .
Jürgen Klopp ’ s side are the world and European champions and play a style of football that is incredible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowned Premier League champions , however this season finishes .
`` But on February 29 , we did beat Liverpool .
It seems a long time ago now , but to even have a hope of overcoming one of the greatest sides this country has produced , we needed a level playing field .
We needed to play at Vicarage Road , in front of our own fans with every single player mentally and physically in the best condition we could get them .
`` We needed to have been able to plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan prepared weeks in advance by the manager Nigel Pearson and his coaching and analytics staff .
We needed to control every element at our disposal .
If all that comes together , then we have a chance of beating Liverpool or indeed any of the top teams .
This happens more regularly in the Premier League than it does in , say , Germany , Italy or Spain .
That ’ s why the Premier League is such a fantastic spectacle , loved throughout the world .
`` Now take a look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is aiming to resume the season on June 8 and play the remaining 92 Premier League games behind closed doors at neutral venues .
I , of course , absolutely accept we can not have supporters in the stadium .
That goes without saying in the present situation .
`` However , we are now told we can not play our remaining home games at Vicarage Road and the familiarity and advantage that brings .
This against a backdrop of players who , having seen their lives turned upside down along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are suddenly expected to perform as if nothing has happened , despite the rest of society probably still facing the kind of restrictions unenforceable on a football pitch .
`` We have club medical staff working under conditions that no doctor or physio has ever experienced with guidelines that , in no small part , are based at this stage on supposition rather than scientific fact .
And with all these compromises and health risks we are asked to finish a competition that bears no resemblance to the one we started , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s time in the Premier League .
`` So is this fair ?
Does it have any semblance of sporting integrity ?
Of course not .
`` The Bundesliga will return on May 16 with home and away fixtures .
They have found a way to implement all the proposals we have been talking about in our Premier League meetings without the need to resort to neutral venues .
`` Do the authorities seriously believe our clubs , in their own grounds , can not deliver a safe environment for the 300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single Premier League match ?
Because , in the world of Covid-19 , there is no such thing as an entirely safe environment wherever we play .
`` The police also talk about fans flouting restrictions when football restarts and that this is a concern for the authorities , but I believe we would have more control over supporters playing at our own grounds .
`` After all , Liverpool were emphatic their fans would be sensible and listen to club instructions when their own mayor came out against a return to football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are 25 points clear and on the brink of a first title for 30 years , I ’ m sure all other fans would follow suit .
`` Critics will say my position is founded on self-interest and they would be absolutely right .
I have a duty to protect my club and the people employed by it , some of whom have worked for Watford Football Club for more than 20 years and dedicated their lives to it .
`` There is no altruism in the Premier League .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ align but more often than not work purely to protect each individual club .
`` That is why some clubs are happy to sign up to Project Restart because arguably there is only an upside in participating in this compromised format ; it means Liverpool can win the title , other clubs can book their place in Europe next season or potentially fight their way up the table from a position of safety .
`` But when at least six clubs — and I suspect more — are concerned about the clear downside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this kind of distorted nine-game mini-league , then I believe the Premier League has a duty of care to address those concerns .
If we start and finish a whole season under these conditions and at neutral venues when everybody knows the rules when we start , not created in a time of crisis , then that is clearly fair .
To be asked to finish a quarter of the season under new rules and conditions is an entirely different proposition .
`` How can the long-term future of clubs be determined under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there any semblance of fairness ?
To wave aside all the fears and concerns is too simplistic .
Surely all 20 clubs must agree the fairest way forward to complete the season ?
`` I hope we can now come together and find a solution to enable the season to end safely and fairly . ''
“ What we could not accept is that we get relegated because they let us play , and then they automatically promote some teams who haven ’ t finished the season . ''
“ ( For ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Championship it is a 46 or 49 game slog .
It ’ s a bit like saying the FA Cup finishes now , we ’ re in the quarter-finals , we beat a Championship top six team away , we ’ ve beaten two Premier League teams away , does that mean we win the FA Cup , qualify for Europe and we all get a medal ?
“ I know for two of you in the studio - one who has won it as a player ( Gary Neville ) and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) - that would devalue the FA Cup .
That ’ s a really important sporting point .
“ It needs to be settled on the pitch , both coming up and going down .
We accept that and we run our club as if we ’ re going to finish 20th in the league .
We have to and they ’ re the rules we set .
“ If we get relegated on the pitch , yeah we don ’ t like it but it ’ s also not a major surprise.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happened when it didn ’ t finish in the war .
I know in non-league they ’ ve already said there ’ s no promotion or relegation so I don ’ t know how they can change the rules .
`` I ’ m a Leeds fan .
I had a season ticket for 10 years .
We all want Leeds back in the Premier League but you have to do it on the pitch . ''
“ Speaking to all our players , I know there is one or two that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the high that they get , the actual game , the feeling of being around their team-mates every day .
“ I think the most common conversation I have is ‘ I miss the lads .
I miss the laughter and the camaraderie that brings .
I think mentally there is a bit of work to do with the players when they come back .
I am sure they have missed the game greatly.
” '' No player has spoken to me directly about this but I think there is a concern generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they are there for a reason and that is to protect the nation and to protect the health of our vulnerable people .
`` Therefore , it is hard for us to be outside of that situation on a football pitch .
It seems to me that everyone is talking about social distancing and saying that means the crowd can not be there , but no-one is talking about the footballers on the pitch .
`` Those rules are there not because anyone wants to stop us playing football .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect people from dying .
So , we have to be very , very serious about those measures . ''
“ We have to try and get this season finished , whatever that takes , everybody wants that .
We can have a 'Festival of Football ' month , games every day , teams playing two or three games a week .
“ It is not ideal , but if we can play 10 to 15 games in December and the start of January , we can do it to get this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we deserve the chance to work on our little miracle and stay in this league and my general attitude is that we should try everything we can to finish the season .
“ But , if it is the situation that – by not finishing the season – we save one life then we should do that ( not finish the season ) .
” '' It ’ s not easy for them because there is no motivation at the moment and they don ’ t know the exact target .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they don ’ t know when they can start again and it makes it difficult for them .
“ But now it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully it won ’ t be too long until we are back on the pitch , maybe with smaller groups and strict rules like they are doing in Germany now.
” “ I think we ’ ve got to realise there are a lot of people whose lives we could be putting at risk .
We can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until we have the testing , which we need for the nurses and the doctors .
`` I ’ m finding it really difficult to see where the conclusion is and how we can start to play . ''
“ I really do want to be crystal clear on this , [ Operation ] Restart has a basic principle that until and unless we have health and safety protocols in place that have been agreed by football generally , by government and by key players then of course Restart is entirely hypothetical and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Until we crack the code of making our great contact sport safe the conversation we are having is hypothetical .
“ Neutral grounds is just one component in a whole package of measures that are going to have to be debated and discussed .
“ It ’ s a bit like the Brexit process , everybody is in general agreement on what we want to achieve , which is to try and find a way to put on football and complete the 19/20 season , everybody in football wants to do that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more complicated because we are having to make quite significant changes .

Few clubs will ever find themselves in the situation that Aston Villa are in right now.
The Villans are in a flashpoint of unique making and find themselves at a crossroads during the current suspension of football.
The Premier League has suspended fixtures since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and while a return to action is planned - it remains unclear as to how the League will organise the remaining fixtures that are still to be played.
However, everyone has had a say - including Villa boss Dean Smith, who still has a fixture in hand to play, and a victory in that game would ensure survival if the league were to be finalised.
"Everybody wants to get back into training but they also want to see what the medical protocols are first," said Smith when discussing Villa's own return to training.
"There's a certain risk attached to the return to training for all players and I think they want to make sure they tick the boxes so it's safe to do so.
"The players' health and safety is paramount and if they're not comfortable to return then you have to return without them, when it's safe to do so. We have to listen to our players, we have to listen to their concerns. If the protocols say we can move forward then the ones who can do will do so.
Football in England still remains suspended but, with the Bundesliga on the brink of a return, a boost has been provided for the Premier League's own plans to complete the season.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to update the nation on the coronavirus situation on Sunday, with the Premier League then convening on Monday to discuss 'Project Restart' and the plans to return to action.
A number of proposals have been mentioned and there are some huge issues that need resolving but, with plenty left to be decided in the top-flight, the intention is for the Premier League season to be completed.
We know what Smith thinks - but what about the teams in the bottom half of the table? Here's what they had to say.
Watford - Scott Duxbury, CEO
“Football is coming back. The government has made that clear and the culture secretary Oliver Dowden enforced that view with his comments yesterday.
"The debate is no longer whether football should return but whether the Premier League can deliver a model every club accepts as a fair and equitable solution before resumption.
"At the start of this season there was no way Watford should beat Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp’s side are the world and European champions and play a style of football that is incredible to watch. They fully deserve to be crowned Premier League champions, however this season finishes.
"But on February 29, we did beat Liverpool. It seems a long time ago now, but to even have a hope of overcoming one of the greatest sides this country has produced, we needed a level playing field. We needed to play at Vicarage Road, in front of our own fans with every single player mentally and physically in the best condition we could get them.
"We needed to have been able to plan fully, to put together a game plan prepared weeks in advance by the manager Nigel Pearson and his coaching and analytics staff. We needed to control every element at our disposal. If all that comes together, then we have a chance of beating Liverpool or indeed any of the top teams. This happens more regularly in the Premier League than it does in, say, Germany, Italy or Spain. That’s why the Premier League is such a fantastic spectacle, loved throughout the world.
"Now take a look at the compromises involved in Project Restart, which is aiming to resume the season on June 8 and play the remaining 92 Premier League games behind closed doors at neutral venues. I, of course, absolutely accept we cannot have supporters in the stadium. That goes without saying in the present situation.
"However, we are now told we cannot play our remaining home games at Vicarage Road and the familiarity and advantage that brings. This against a backdrop of players who, having seen their lives turned upside down along with the rest of the world, are suddenly expected to perform as if nothing has happened, despite the rest of society probably still facing the kind of restrictions unenforceable on a football pitch.
"We have club medical staff working under conditions that no doctor or physio has ever experienced with guidelines that, in no small part, are based at this stage on supposition rather than scientific fact. And with all these compromises and health risks we are asked to finish a competition that bears no resemblance to the one we started, which could end a small club like Watford’s time in the Premier League.
"So is this fair? Does it have any semblance of sporting integrity? Of course not.
"The Bundesliga will return on May 16 with home and away fixtures. They have found a way to implement all the proposals we have been talking about in our Premier League meetings without the need to resort to neutral venues.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"Do the authorities seriously believe our clubs, in their own grounds, cannot deliver a safe environment for the 300 or so people involved in hosting a single Premier League match? Because, in the world of Covid-19, there is no such thing as an entirely safe environment wherever we play.
"The police also talk about fans flouting restrictions when football restarts and that this is a concern for the authorities, but I believe we would have more control over supporters playing at our own grounds.
"After all, Liverpool were emphatic their fans would be sensible and listen to club instructions when their own mayor came out against a return to football. If Liverpool wholeheartedly believe this when they are 25 points clear and on the brink of a first title for 30 years, I’m sure all other fans would follow suit.
"Critics will say my position is founded on self-interest and they would be absolutely right. I have a duty to protect my club and the people employed by it, some of whom have worked for Watford Football Club for more than 20 years and dedicated their lives to it.
"There is no altruism in the Premier League. There are 20 different vested interests, which sometimes align but more often than not work purely to protect each individual club.
"That is why some clubs are happy to sign up to Project Restart because arguably there is only an upside in participating in this compromised format; it means Liverpool can win the title, other clubs can book their place in Europe next season or potentially fight their way up the table from a position of safety.
"But when at least six clubs — and I suspect more — are concerned about the clear downside and the devastating effects of playing in this kind of distorted nine-game mini-league, then I believe the Premier League has a duty of care to address those concerns. If we start and finish a whole season under these conditions and at neutral venues when everybody knows the rules when we start, not created in a time of crisis, then that is clearly fair. To be asked to finish a quarter of the season under new rules and conditions is an entirely different proposition.
"How can the long-term future of clubs be determined under these fundamentally changed conditions? How is there any semblance of fairness? To wave aside all the fears and concerns is too simplistic. Surely all 20 clubs must agree the fairest way forward to complete the season?
"I hope we can now come together and find a solution to enable the season to end safely and fairly."
Norwich City - Stuart Webber, director of football
“What we could not accept is that we get relegated because they let us play, and then they automatically promote some teams who haven’t finished the season."
“(For) anyone who has got promoted from the Championship it is a 46 or 49 game slog. It’s a bit like saying the FA Cup finishes now, we’re in the quarter-finals, we beat a Championship top six team away, we’ve beaten two Premier League teams away, does that mean we win the FA Cup, qualify for Europe and we all get a medal?
“I know for two of you in the studio - one who has won it as a player (Gary Neville) and the other as a manager (Graeme Souness) - that would devalue the FA Cup. That’s a really important sporting point.
“It needs to be settled on the pitch, both coming up and going down. We accept that and we run our club as if we’re going to finish 20th in the league. We have to and they’re the rules we set.
“If we get relegated on the pitch, yeah we don’t like it but it’s also not a major surprise.”
“I don’t know what happened when it didn’t finish in the war. I know in non-league they’ve already said there’s no promotion or relegation so I don’t know how they can change the rules.
"I’m a Leeds fan. I had a season ticket for 10 years. We all want Leeds back in the Premier League but you have to do it on the pitch."
Bournemouth - Eddie Howe
“Speaking to all our players, I know there is one or two that really miss football. They really miss the high that they get, the actual game, the feeling of being around their team-mates every day.
“I think the most common conversation I have is ‘I miss the lads. I miss the laughter and the camaraderie that brings. I think mentally there is a bit of work to do with the players when they come back. I am sure they have missed the game greatly.”
Brighton - Graham Potter
"No player has spoken to me directly about this but I think there is a concern generally that if social distance rules are there, they are there for a reason and that is to protect the nation and to protect the health of our vulnerable people.
"Therefore, it is hard for us to be outside of that situation on a football pitch. It seems to me that everyone is talking about social distancing and saying that means the crowd cannot be there, but no-one is talking about the footballers on the pitch.
"Those rules are there not because anyone wants to stop us playing football. They are there for a reason, which is to protect people from dying. So, we have to be very, very serious about those measures."
Newcastle United - Steve Bruce
“We have to try and get this season finished, whatever that takes, everybody wants that. We can have a 'Festival of Football' month, games every day, teams playing two or three games a week.
“It is not ideal, but if we can play 10 to 15 games in December and the start of January, we can do it to get this season finished."
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
Norwich City - Daniel Farke
"For us we deserve the chance to work on our little miracle and stay in this league and my general attitude is that we should try everything we can to finish the season.
“But, if it is the situation that – by not finishing the season – we save one life then we should do that (not finish the season).”
Southampton - Ralph Hassenhuttl
"It’s not easy for them because there is no motivation at the moment and they don’t know the exact target. It’s very different from a summer break as they don’t know when they can start again and it makes it difficult for them.
“But now it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully it won’t be too long until we are back on the pitch, maybe with smaller groups and strict rules like they are doing in Germany now.”
West Ham - David Moyes
“I think we’ve got to realise there are a lot of people whose lives we could be putting at risk. We can’t let that happen. I think until we have the testing, which we need for the nurses and the doctors.
"I’m finding it really difficult to see where the conclusion is and how we can start to play."
Aston Villa - Christian Purslow, CEO
“I really do want to be crystal clear on this, [Operation] Restart has a basic principle that until and unless we have health and safety protocols in place that have been agreed by football generally, by government and by key players then of course Restart is entirely hypothetical and we are not there yet.
“Until we crack the code of making our great contact sport safe the conversation we are having is hypothetical.
“Neutral grounds is just one component in a whole package of measures that are going to have to be debated and discussed.
“It’s a bit like the Brexit process, everybody is in general agreement on what we want to achieve, which is to try and find a way to put on football and complete the 19/20 season, everybody in football wants to do that.
“How we do that is much more complicated because we are having to make quite significant changes.


birminghammail--2020-05-13--Finance expert's bleak outlook for Blues, West Brom and EFL rivals

Birmingham City 's Championship season must be completed - even if that means playing matches behind closed doors .
The campaign was suspended two months ago with Blues in lower mid-table and Leeds and West Brom on the brink of promotion .
And it ca n't be left there .
That ’ s the view of former Elland Road chairman Gerard Krasner who has outlined the pitfalls of not doing so .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here The football finance expert , who is a partner at insolvency specialist Begbies Traynor , fears the sport is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with fans becoming used to going without .
In an interview with the Yorkshire Post Krasner said : “ What is absolutely essential , especially for the EFL clubs , is that they finish the season by playing the remaining matches behind closed doors .
“ The reality is that people have managed without football for more than a month now and there ’ s a real danger that unless the momentum can be regained and fans can begin to watch matches on TV again , the impetus will be lost and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the long term .
“ If that was to happen , the television money would soon desert the game too .
“ With rigorous testing and as much social distancing as is practical , there is no reason why the season shouldn ’ t restart in the first week of June , with two televised matches a week scheduled , so that it concludes by the end of July .
The new season could then kick off with a delayed start.
” He also had a warning for clubs like Birmingham City and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based overseas .
“ Unfortunately those clubs with wealthy foreign owners may not necessarily be immune from disaster either .
“ Overseas owners will be forced to respond to the effects of the global pandemic on their own finances and business interests , and for some that could mean that ownership of an English football club is simply no longer viable .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Birmingham City's Championship season must be completed - even if that means playing matches behind closed doors.
The campaign was suspended two months ago with Blues in lower mid-table and Leeds and West Brom on the brink of promotion.
And it can't be left there.
That’s the view of former Elland Road chairman Gerard Krasner who has outlined the pitfalls of not doing so.
The football finance expert, who is a partner at insolvency specialist Begbies Traynor, fears the sport is in danger of losing its ‘draw’ with fans becoming used to going without.
In an interview with the Yorkshire Post Krasner said: “What is absolutely essential, especially for the EFL clubs, is that they finish the season by playing the remaining matches behind closed doors.
“The reality is that people have managed without football for more than a month now and there’s a real danger that unless the momentum can be regained and fans can begin to watch matches on TV again, the impetus will be lost and the draw of football will be diminished in the long term.
“If that was to happen, the television money would soon desert the game too.
“With rigorous testing and as much social distancing as is practical, there is no reason why the season shouldn’t restart in the first week of June, with two televised matches a week scheduled, so that it concludes by the end of July. The new season could then kick off with a delayed start.”
He also had a warning for clubs like Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion, whose ownership is based overseas.
“Unfortunately those clubs with wealthy foreign owners may not necessarily be immune from disaster either.
“Overseas owners will be forced to respond to the effects of the global pandemic on their own finances and business interests, and for some that could mean that ownership of an English football club is simply no longer viable.”


birminghammail--2020-05-13--First picture of security guard who paid girl, 13, £50 for sex at Touchwood

This is the first picture of twisted Daniel Ilea - the jailed security guard who paid £50 to a 13-year-old girl for sex .
The victim 's horrified mum only learned about the depraved security guard 's crimes after reading her daughter 's diary .
Ilea , 40 , attempted to flee the UK after learning the police had launched a probe into the incident .
Cops were informed after the mother read her teenage daughter 's diary following a row .
After Ilea attempted to evade detection , he was finally arrested at Dover on January 27 .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ilea , of Darlaston Court , Main Road , Meriden , admitted paying for the sexual services of a girl and two charges of possessing an offensive weapon .
He was jailed for four years .
Ilea worked as a security guard at Touchwood shopping centre in Solihull .
He befriended the vulnerable 13-year-old girl - but instead of providing assistance to the girl , he then paid her £50 for sex which occurred at the shopping centre .
Virinder Bains , of the CPS , said : “ Daniel Ilea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been safeguarding the vulnerable victim but instead he exploited her for his own selfish gain .
`` Today , he received a sentence that is appropriate for the seriousness of his crime , and he is now registered as a sex offender for life with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
” Ilea was sentenced to 45 months for paying for the sexual services of a child and also admitted two counts of possession of an offensive weapon .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from MySolihull straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from MySolihull straight to your inbox
This is the first picture of twisted Daniel Ilea - the jailed security guard who paid £50 to a 13-year-old girl for sex.
The victim's horrified mum only learned about the depraved security guard's crimes after reading her daughter's diary.
Ilea, 40, attempted to flee the UK after learning the police had launched a probe into the incident.
Cops were informed after the mother read her teenage daughter's diary following a row.
After Ilea attempted to evade detection, he was finally arrested at Dover on January 27.
He was jailed yesterday (May 12).
Ilea, of Darlaston Court, Main Road, Meriden, admitted paying for the sexual services of a girl and two charges of possessing an offensive weapon.
He was jailed for four years.
Ilea worked as a security guard at Touchwood shopping centre in Solihull.
He befriended the vulnerable 13-year-old girl - but instead of providing assistance to the girl, he then paid her £50 for sex which occurred at the shopping centre.
Virinder Bains, of the CPS, said: “Daniel Ilea, as a security guard, should have been safeguarding the vulnerable victim but instead he exploited her for his own selfish gain.
"Today, he received a sentence that is appropriate for the seriousness of his crime, and he is now registered as a sex offender for life with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.”
Ilea was sentenced to 45 months for paying for the sexual services of a child and also admitted two counts of possession of an offensive weapon.


birminghammail--2020-05-13--£7 million plan for more Sandwell classrooms backed

Plans to spend £7 million providing an extra 990 places in Sandwell ’ s schools have been described as absolutely vital for secondary education in the borough .
Senior councillors have given the green light to expand provision at Bristnall Hall Academy , the Q3 Academy Langley and West Bromwich Collegiate Academy .
Sandwell Council ’ s cabinet members have backed spending £6,909,000 as part of a £21.8 million investment to provide 3,300 more places by 2025 .
Cllr Rajbir Singh , chair of the Children 's Services and Education Scrutiny Board , supporting the decision said there was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the demand from increasing numbers of children transferring from primary to secondary school .
He said : ” To do nothing is not an option if we are to achieve our 3,300 school places by 2025 .
These 990 places are absolutely vital to achieve that.
” In a report to the cabinet , education officers had warned any delay in approving the cash would mean the borough would not have enough classrooms ready by September 2021 .
They said : “ Without the completion of the enabling works packages , and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an immediate shortfall in supply of places to meet demand for places for the academic year 2021/22 .
“ To ensure a sufficient supply of places there is a need to continue to fund expansion of secondary schools to match projected demand.
” The cash will complete the construction of a new classroom block at Bristnall Hall Academy providing 150 places and work at both Q3 Academy Langley and West Bromwich Collegiate Academy which will create space for 840 pupils .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Plans to spend £7 million providing an extra 990 places in Sandwell’s schools have been described as absolutely vital for secondary education in the borough.
Senior councillors have given the green light to expand provision at Bristnall Hall Academy, the Q3 Academy Langley and West Bromwich Collegiate Academy.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet members have backed spending £6,909,000 as part of a £21.8 million investment to provide 3,300 more places by 2025.
Cllr Rajbir Singh, chair of the Children's Services and Education Scrutiny Board, supporting the decision said there was no choice if the authority was to meet the demand from increasing numbers of children transferring from primary to secondary school.
He said: ”To do nothing is not an option if we are to achieve our 3,300 school places by 2025. These 990 places are absolutely vital to achieve that.”
In a report to the cabinet, education officers had warned any delay in approving the cash would mean the borough would not have enough classrooms ready by September 2021.
They said: “Without the completion of the enabling works packages, and then the main construction works, there would be an immediate shortfall in supply of places to meet demand for places for the academic year 2021/22.
“To ensure a sufficient supply of places there is a need to continue to fund expansion of secondary schools to match projected demand.”
The cash will complete the construction of a new classroom block at Bristnall Hall Academy providing 150 places and work at both Q3 Academy Langley and West Bromwich Collegiate Academy which will create space for 840 pupils.


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish takes aim at Aston Villa over stance

Kenny Dalglish has claimed that playing games in neutral venues is the most logical solution to completing the Premier League – dismissing concerns from teams , including Aston Villa .
The plan , which was presented to clubs last week as part of ‘ Project Restart ’ has been widely criticised , with many believing it will deny teams their valuable home advantage .
Villa CEO Christian Purslow , confirmed he was against the plan , with Dean Smith ’ s side having six of their remaining 10 fixtures at Villa Park .
Watford , Brighton and West Ham have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League boss Richard Masters claiming the preference is for games to be played in the correct venues .
Sign up to our Aston Villa newsletter here But Liverpool legend Dalglish , has told Sky Sports that those complaining will find it hard to win , wherever games are played and that neutral venues is the best idea for the safety of players .
He said : “ I think neutral venues , I can ’ t see a problem with that .
I don ’ t know who that benefits or destroys .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the ones that have been quite vociferous in their complaints , they ’ ve only won four or five games in the season anyway .
“ They ’ ve not won that many .
Wherever they play , it ’ s going to be difficult for them to win games .
But if they could play them it would be better for everybody .
It ’ s more credible as well and financially , they are going to take a big hit because the television companies aren ’ t going to want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on television .
“ And season ticket holders , if it is null and void , what have they paid for to watch a whole season , they ’ re going to be looking for money back for their season tickets.
” Dalglish is currently recovering from coronavirus and added that he felt any current players picking up the virus , would have a good chance of fighting it off .
“ I think they ’ re going to have a problem playing games home and away because you play at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bus ?
Is there just going to be one bus ?
Four buses going to an away game ?
“ You could stay in hotels , trying to make at least a chance as possible of picking something up .
I would think in this day and age , they are that fit and healthy , it would be pretty insignificant if they picked it up .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Kenny Dalglish has claimed that playing games in neutral venues is the most logical solution to completing the Premier League – dismissing concerns from teams, including Aston Villa.
The plan, which was presented to clubs last week as part of ‘Project Restart’ has been widely criticised, with many believing it will deny teams their valuable home advantage.
Villa CEO Christian Purslow, confirmed he was against the plan, with Dean Smith’s side having six of their remaining 10 fixtures at Villa Park.
Watford, Brighton and West Ham have also publicly voiced concerns, with Premier League boss Richard Masters claiming the preference is for games to be played in the correct venues.
But Liverpool legend Dalglish, has told Sky Sports that those complaining will find it hard to win, wherever games are played and that neutral venues is the best idea for the safety of players.
He said: “I think neutral venues, I can’t see a problem with that. I don’t know who that benefits or destroys.
“If you look at the teams, the ones that have been quite vociferous in their complaints, they’ve only won four or five games in the season anyway.
“They’ve not won that many. Wherever they play, it’s going to be difficult for them to win games. But if they could play them it would be better for everybody. It’s more credible as well and financially, they are going to take a big hit because the television companies aren’t going to want them get away without letting the games be on television.
“And season ticket holders, if it is null and void, what have they paid for to watch a whole season, they’re going to be looking for money back for their season tickets.”
Dalglish is currently recovering from coronavirus and added that he felt any current players picking up the virus, would have a good chance of fighting it off.
“I think they’re going to have a problem playing games home and away because you play at home and how are they going to operate the bus? Is there just going to be one bus? Four buses going to an away game?
“You could stay in hotels, trying to make at least a chance as possible of picking something up. I would think in this day and age, they are that fit and healthy, it would be pretty insignificant if they picked it up.”


birminghammail--2020-05-14--“It is not all doom and gloom" - meet young coronavirus survivor from Tamworth

A young coronavirus survivor from Tamworth says there is “ light at the end of the tunnel ” for people concerned about the crisis .
Brandon Mitchell , from Amington , spent a week in hospital and was placed on three drips after testing positive for the virus .
The 22-year-old has underlying conditions being an asthma sufferer and having pneumonia last year and admitted to “ planning for his death ” but he is absolutely delighted to now instead be back home and planning for the rest of his life .
“ It was all just a surreal experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I never thought this would ever happen to me , it is like a film .
It is so hard to put into words .
It was very scary , ” Brandon said .
“ When they told me I had tested positive it was like a death sentence had just been brought on me .
Everything went into slow motion .
I couldn ’ t hear what the nurses were saying .
All that was going through my head was ‘ this is it ’ .
I was planning for my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funeral directors and do my will ’ .
“ Seeing Covid-19 on my discharge letters , I don ’ t think it has even sunk in yet .
The most important thing is that I am home now and I am safe and I am going to live an amazing life .
It makes you put things into perspective .
`` I thought ‘ oh my God , look at all the things I never did and never said to anyone ’ .
I am going to appreciate things more now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment .
“ It is not all doom and gloom .
There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel .
People do recover and go home to their loved ones and their families to live a long and happy life.
” Recalling his experience he said : “ About two weeks ago I started feeling lethargic .
I was tired a lot of the time and couldn ’ t really do much .
It calmed down for a little bit but last Thursday I woke up and I couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my eyes and couldn ’ t move my arms .
“ I got a friend to rush me to A and E and they put me straight in a mask and rushed me to majors .
They separated it into hot majors and cold which was suspected covid and not suspected .
“ They put me on a drip and gave me antibiotics , fluids and paracetamol .
Then they took me to a suspected Covid ward .
They did two tests and for some reason they came back inconclusive then they did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was really happy but still feeling poorly so it didn ’ t make sense .
They did an MRI scan , X rays , all sorts and then another test and it came back positive .
“ It was touch and go , it could have gone either way .
The pain in my lung was awful .
I couldn ’ t breathe at all really .
Everything seemed to take my breath away .
It went round the whole of my back and my neck was hurting too .
All my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to be helped to the toilet and back and had to carry oxygen around with me if I was on the move .
I couldn ’ t even open my mouth to eat , it was awful .
“ Despite being on a suspected covid ward and testing positive I tried to remain in good spirits .
The days after , I started to see more and move a lot more .
I gradually felt better day by day .
I think it was Thursday or the day before that , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said ‘ good news ’ .
He basically said I am going to be ok and as soon as my oxygen levels go to a normal level I am able to go home .
“ They all clapped for me on my way out of the ward .
It was so emotional .
I feel so happy and so glad but I feel so awful for the rest of the people with it who might not be so lucky .
Sadly somebody did die while I was there and my thoughts go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good Hope was absolutely amazing with me .
I really want to pay tribute to the NHS staff and thank them for their efforts and sacrifices to help me on my journey to recovery .
They looked after me so well from start to finish on every ward .
They made sure I was comfortable and kept my spirits high .
”

A young coronavirus survivor from Tamworth says there is “light at the end of the tunnel” for people concerned about the crisis.
Brandon Mitchell, from Amington, spent a week in hospital and was placed on three drips after testing positive for the virus.
The 22-year-old has underlying conditions being an asthma sufferer and having pneumonia last year and admitted to “planning for his death” but he is absolutely delighted to now instead be back home and planning for the rest of his life.
“It was all just a surreal experience that I am never going to forget. I never thought this would ever happen to me, it is like a film. It is so hard to put into words. It was very scary,” Brandon said.
“When they told me I had tested positive it was like a death sentence had just been brought on me. Everything went into slow motion. I couldn’t hear what the nurses were saying. All that was going through my head was ‘this is it’. I was planning for my death thinking ‘I need to call the funeral directors and do my will’.
“Seeing Covid-19 on my discharge letters, I don’t think it has even sunk in yet. The most important thing is that I am home now and I am safe and I am going to live an amazing life. It makes you put things into perspective.
"I thought ‘oh my God, look at all the things I never did and never said to anyone’. I am going to appreciate things more now, love my life and live for the moment.
“It is not all doom and gloom. There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel. People do recover and go home to their loved ones and their families to live a long and happy life.”
Recalling his experience he said: “About two weeks ago I started feeling lethargic. I was tired a lot of the time and couldn’t really do much. It calmed down for a little bit but last Thursday I woke up and I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t open my eyes and couldn’t move my arms.
“I got a friend to rush me to A and E and they put me straight in a mask and rushed me to majors. They separated it into hot majors and cold which was suspected covid and not suspected.
“They put me on a drip and gave me antibiotics, fluids and paracetamol. Then they took me to a suspected Covid ward. They did two tests and for some reason they came back inconclusive then they did a third which came back negative. I was really happy but still feeling poorly so it didn’t make sense. They did an MRI scan, X rays, all sorts and then another test and it came back positive.
“It was touch and go, it could have gone either way. The pain in my lung was awful. I couldn’t breathe at all really. Everything seemed to take my breath away. It went round the whole of my back and my neck was hurting too. All my muscles and joints were hurting. I had to be helped to the toilet and back and had to carry oxygen around with me if I was on the move. I couldn’t even open my mouth to eat, it was awful.
“Despite being on a suspected covid ward and testing positive I tried to remain in good spirits. The days after, I started to see more and move a lot more. I gradually felt better day by day. I think it was Thursday or the day before that, the doctor came to see me and he said ‘good news’. He basically said I am going to be ok and as soon as my oxygen levels go to a normal level I am able to go home.
“They all clapped for me on my way out of the ward. It was so emotional. I feel so happy and so glad but I feel so awful for the rest of the people with it who might not be so lucky. Sadly somebody did die while I was there and my thoughts go out to their family.
“Everyone at Good Hope was absolutely amazing with me. I really want to pay tribute to the NHS staff and thank them for their efforts and sacrifices to help me on my journey to recovery. They looked after me so well from start to finish on every ward. They made sure I was comfortable and kept my spirits high.”


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Elderly care home residents beat coronavirus

This is the heart-warming money elderly care home residents leave isolation after defeating coronavirus .
Ron Houghton , aged 90 , and Dorothy Passey , aged 87 , known as Dot , had been placed into isolation after testing positive for the virus at Bentley House Care Centre in Atherstone .
But they returned `` looking a million dollars '' in time for VE Day to rapturous applause from carers .
Administrator Charlotte McKenna said : `` This journey has been one massive roller coaster - from being scared , angry and anxious to emotional , amazed and proud , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When we received the positive results we were shocked and on our knees , fearing the worst , expecting it to spread through the home like a flame thrower .
`` Each day was a nightmare ; not knowing what was to come in the next 24 hours .
Ron and Dot continued to hang on in there but unfortunately one lady sadly passed away just after we had been given her positive result .
`` On May 6 , Ron and Dot were well enough to go back to their own rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , looking a million dollars .
It was emotional to see them leave and they were also emotional to have kicked this virus and to be back to some form of normality .
`` Our staff were obsessive about their PPE ; changing it when moving from one room to another .
This and the complete isolation has to be the key to the virus being contained .
`` We are proud that we managed to contain it in the way that we did .
It has gone , but it is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If it does , then we are ready .
We have beaten it for now and we can do it again . ''
Explaining how they were able to do it and the measures put in place , Charlotte revealed : `` In early April we had a handful of staff stricken with symptoms , but at this time testing was not available .
`` Covid isn ’ t the only illness around right now .
With seasonal illnesses still amidst the community , the uncertainty became more and more , and judging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` At this point we had taken the difficult but necessary decision to keep residents in their rooms , social distancing in the lounge areas could not be adhered to easily and if one person contracted the virus , then the others would also be at risk .
`` We identified that we needed a plan to try and isolate if Covid did come in .
No-one had a raging cough , breathing difficulties or a temperature , these are the only symptoms that the testing was available for .
We found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nausea , tiredness , confusion and lack of appetite .
`` On April 13 we set up our isolation unit , a 9 bed corridor shut off from the rest of the home - 8 beds for residents and one staff room .
Eight staff incredibly volunteered to work on a ‘ 3 on , 3 off ’ shift pattern , all day and night .
They would enter and exit via the fire escape , not leaving for their whole 12 hour shift .
`` Supplies were left outside the door and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in full PPE : gowns , aprons , masks , visors , gloves .
`` On April 15 we moved in Ron , Dot and two other residents who were generally not well .
The next day all four were tested before two more were moved into isolation the next day .
On the 22nd , our first result came back with two positive and two negative .
Again on that day we had 8 more tests done , one came back positive four days later , the others were negative .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more readily available to us .
`` Once we had set up our specialised unit , which has been commented on by Public Health England as being 'the best set up they have seen anywhere ' , we offered this to CCGs and social services .
`` For now everything is calm , it is not the homely home it used to be , staff are still in full PPE and residents are still not socialising together outside of their rooms .
`` We have just started to put into place some social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can finally begin to see their loved ones again .
`` It will be strictly 2m distance , masks and gloves worn by all and no more than 2 visitors at a time who will need to book a time slot .
This will take place outside in the gardens and the visitors will not enter the home .
It is time to let our residents see their families and vice versa , it is important for their mental well being , but this is our opinion .
Are we right ?
who @ @ @

This is the heart-warming money elderly care home residents leave isolation after defeating coronavirus.
Ron Houghton, aged 90, and Dorothy Passey, aged 87, known as Dot, had been placed into isolation after testing positive for the virus at Bentley House Care Centre in Atherstone.
But they returned "looking a million dollars" in time for VE Day to rapturous applause from carers.
Administrator Charlotte McKenna said: "This journey has been one massive roller coaster - from being scared, angry and anxious to emotional, amazed and proud, day in and day out.
"When we received the positive results we were shocked and on our knees, fearing the worst, expecting it to spread through the home like a flame thrower.
"Each day was a nightmare; not knowing what was to come in the next 24 hours. Ron and Dot continued to hang on in there but unfortunately one lady sadly passed away just after we had been given her positive result.
"On May 6, Ron and Dot were well enough to go back to their own rooms, just in time for VE Day, looking a million dollars. It was emotional to see them leave and they were also emotional to have kicked this virus and to be back to some form of normality.
"Our staff were obsessive about their PPE; changing it when moving from one room to another. This and the complete isolation has to be the key to the virus being contained.
"We are proud that we managed to contain it in the way that we did. It has gone, but it is important to remember that it could return. If it does, then we are ready. We have beaten it for now and we can do it again."
Explaining how they were able to do it and the measures put in place, Charlotte revealed: "In early April we had a handful of staff stricken with symptoms, but at this time testing was not available.
"Covid isn’t the only illness around right now. With seasonal illnesses still amidst the community, the uncertainty became more and more, and judging symptoms became more of a guessing game.
"At this point we had taken the difficult but necessary decision to keep residents in their rooms, social distancing in the lounge areas could not be adhered to easily and if one person contracted the virus, then the others would also be at risk.
"We identified that we needed a plan to try and isolate if Covid did come in. No-one had a raging cough, breathing difficulties or a temperature, these are the only symptoms that the testing was available for. We found the symptoms that we could see were nausea, tiredness, confusion and lack of appetite.
"On April 13 we set up our isolation unit, a 9 bed corridor shut off from the rest of the home - 8 beds for residents and one staff room. Eight staff incredibly volunteered to work on a ‘3 on, 3 off’ shift pattern, all day and night. They would enter and exit via the fire escape, not leaving for their whole 12 hour shift.
"Supplies were left outside the door and they were dressed from head to toe in full PPE: gowns, aprons, masks, visors, gloves.
"On April 15 we moved in Ron, Dot and two other residents who were generally not well. The next day all four were tested before two more were moved into isolation the next day. On the 22nd, our first result came back with two positive and two negative. Again on that day we had 8 more tests done, one came back positive four days later, the others were negative. At this point, thankfully, testing was more readily available to us.
"Once we had set up our specialised unit, which has been commented on by Public Health England as being 'the best set up they have seen anywhere', we offered this to CCGs and social services.
"For now everything is calm, it is not the homely home it used to be, staff are still in full PPE and residents are still not socialising together outside of their rooms.
"We have just started to put into place some social distancing visiting, so that family members can finally begin to see their loved ones again.
"It will be strictly 2m distance, masks and gloves worn by all and no more than 2 visitors at a time who will need to book a time slot. This will take place outside in the gardens and the visitors will not enter the home. It is time to let our residents see their families and vice versa, it is important for their mental well being, but this is our opinion. Are we right? who knows."


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Struggling Brits can get 3 month payment holidays on insurance from Monday

People experiencing financial difficulties amid the coronavirus crisis can get payment holidays from Monday .
Brits who are struggling amid the unprecedented health crisis could bag a payment holiday lasting as many as three months .
The FCA is today confirming a series of temporary measures to help customers who hold insurance and premium finance products and who may be in financial difficulty because of coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) .
The FCA 's Sheldon Mills said : `` As with other areas of finance , we have worked quickly to draw up measures to help policyholders in financial difficulty because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Many firms in the insurance industry have already taken some of the actions we are suggesting here to support customers , such as premium reductions , discounts , waiving fees , and payment deferrals .
`` The measures confirmed today will provide urgent support to those that need it . ''
Today ’ s measures will come into force on Monday 18 May 2020 .
They will be reviewed in the next 3 months in the light of developments regarding coronavirus and may be revised if appropriate .
The payment deferral should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 and 3 months , though firms can go beyond 3 months should they wish to do so , and it is in the customer ’ s interests .
Customers should be able to request a payment deferral at any point during the period up to 18 August 2020 while the window for requesting a payment deferral is open .
Following a short consultation , the targeted measures being implemented require firms to consider what options they can provide to customers including : • Reassessing the risk profile of customers .
This may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be scope to offer customers materially lower premiums .
• Considering whether there are other products they can offer which would better meet the customer ’ s needs and revise the cover accordingly .
For example , a motor insurance customer might no longer need associated add on cover such as key cover or could be moved from fully comprehensive cover to third party fire and theft .
• Waiving cancellation and other fees associated with adjusting customers ’ policies .
These actions could result in a reduction in the monthly premium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partial refund of the premium for customers who have paid up front .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our free email alerts for the top money saving stories sent straight to your e-mail
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our free email alerts for the top money saving stories sent straight to your e-mail
People experiencing financial difficulties amid the coronavirus crisis can get payment holidays from Monday.
Brits who are struggling amid the unprecedented health crisis could bag a payment holiday lasting as many as three months.
The FCA is today confirming a series of temporary measures to help customers who hold insurance and premium finance products and who may be in financial difficulty because of coronavirus (Covid-19).
The FCA's Sheldon Mills said: "As with other areas of finance, we have worked quickly to draw up measures to help policyholders in financial difficulty because of coronavirus."
He added: "Many firms in the insurance industry have already taken some of the actions we are suggesting here to support customers, such as premium reductions, discounts, waiving fees, and payment deferrals.
"The measures confirmed today will provide urgent support to those that need it."
Today’s measures will come into force on Monday 18 May 2020. They will be reviewed in the next 3 months in the light of developments regarding coronavirus and may be revised if appropriate.
The payment deferral should be granted for a period of between 1 and 3 months, though firms can go beyond 3 months should they wish to do so, and it is in the customer’s interests. Customers should be able to request a payment deferral at any point during the period up to 18 August 2020 while the window for requesting a payment deferral is open.
Following a short consultation, the targeted measures being implemented require firms to consider what options they can provide to customers including:
Reassessing the risk profile of customers. This may have changed because of coronavirus and there may be scope to offer customers materially lower premiums.
Considering whether there are other products they can offer which would better meet the customer’s needs and revise the cover accordingly. For example, a motor insurance customer might no longer need associated add on cover such as key cover or could be moved from fully comprehensive cover to third party fire and theft.
Waiving cancellation and other fees associated with adjusting customers’ policies.
These actions could result in a reduction in the monthly premium for customers paying by instalments or a partial refund of the premium for customers who have paid up front.


birminghammail--2020-05-14--Lynn Faulds Wood's husband recalls moment she collapsed after NHS clap

Lynn Faulds Wood 's husband has described the heartbreaking moment she collapsed after Clap For Carers .
John Stapleton opened up about Lynn 's tragic death , saying she collapsed not long after taking part in the weekly Clap For Carers celebration .
Speaking on today 's Lorraine , John said his wife took a sudden turn .
He told host Lorraine Kelly : `` We came back in , all the neighbours were gathered round to clap for the NHS and she was there as enthusiastic as ever .
`` We came back in , we sat down and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she tried to get up from the sofa and she collapsed .
`` To cut a long story short , I realised what had happened , called an ambulance and she was taken to Charing Cross Hospital and she died the following day at midday with Nick [ her son ] and Lisa [ his wife ] there . ''
Lynn died last month at the age of 72 after a `` massive '' stroke .
In a statement , her family confirmed the tragic news : `` Having suffered a massive stroke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brain , presenter and journalist Lynn Faulds Wood passed away peacefully at 12 noon today with her husband John Stapleton and son Nick at her bedside . ''
John told Lorraine that Nick and his wife Lisa had moved in with him following Lynn 's death , and that he would n't have been able to get through without them .
The funeral took place this week , with only 10 people allowed to attend .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Lynn Faulds Wood's husband has described the heartbreaking moment she collapsed after Clap For Carers.
John Stapleton opened up about Lynn's tragic death, saying she collapsed not long after taking part in the weekly Clap For Carers celebration.
Speaking on today's Lorraine, John said his wife took a sudden turn.
He told host Lorraine Kelly: "We came back in, all the neighbours were gathered round to clap for the NHS and she was there as enthusiastic as ever.
"We came back in, we sat down and watched a movie on television, and she tried to get up from the sofa and she collapsed.
"To cut a long story short, I realised what had happened, called an ambulance and she was taken to Charing Cross Hospital and she died the following day at midday with Nick [her son] and Lisa [his wife] there."
Lynn died last month at the age of 72 after a "massive" stroke.
In a statement, her family confirmed the tragic news: "Having suffered a massive stroke last night and a subsequent bleed on the brain, presenter and journalist Lynn Faulds Wood passed away peacefully at 12 noon today with her husband John Stapleton and son Nick at her bedside."
John told Lorraine that Nick and his wife Lisa had moved in with him following Lynn's death, and that he wouldn't have been able to get through without them.
The funeral took place this week, with only 10 people allowed to attend.