birminghammail--2020-09-17--Are police serious or not over Birmingham pub bombings asks campaigner

This week a number of relatives of victims of the Birmingham Pub Bombings 1974 met for a private update meeting with West Midlands Police ( WMP ) .
These meetings are closed and confidential , according to the police , and although we have not agreed to this undertaking , we must adhere to it , or I suspect they may not meet us at all .
So I can not say what was said in the meeting but I do feel able to comment on my feelings after the session had taken place .
WMP continue to maintain that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bombings following evidence from the inquest in 2019 .
We appreciate that during the recent pandemic the WMP were under the same constraints as all of society and that operational priorities dramatically changed .
We also appreciate the change in personnel with the departure of ACC Southon .
However , we do not appreciate a complete absence of communication between the families and the WMP and the apparent failure to progress this investigation at all in recent months despite strong and clear evidential leads .
Again , we feel betrayed and let down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a statutory inquiry into the pub bombings and this is endorsed by the West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor Andy Street .
We also suggest that the pub bombings are investigated by an independent police service in a way similar to that of Operation Kenova in Northern Ireland which now has four investigative strands lead by former Chief Constable Jon Boucher .
Operation Kenova sits within the PSNI but is independent and human rights compliant .
We remind everyone that the pub bombings are part of the Legacy of the Conflict in Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same way as all other Conflict-related incidents of violence .
There appears to be a deep reluctance on behalf of WMP – this is our perception – to pursue any of the alleged perpetrators named during the inquest or any of several people and strands of evidence which arose out of the inquest .
Neither does there seem to be any great desire to engage with other police forces including the PSNI and the Garda .
So again , we have the perception of a cover-up .
We need a clear and unambiguous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now regarding the status of this ‘ investigation ’ .
” Make no mistake - the families and our army of supporters will not let this matter rest .
Our fight continues .

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This week a number of relatives of victims of the Birmingham Pub Bombings 1974 met for a private update meeting with West Midlands Police (WMP).
These meetings are closed and confidential, according to the police, and although we have not agreed to this undertaking, we must adhere to it, or I suspect they may not meet us at all.
So I cannot say what was said in the meeting but I do feel able to comment on my feelings after the session had taken place.
WMP continue to maintain that there is live investigation into the pub bombings following evidence from the inquest in 2019.
We appreciate that during the recent pandemic the WMP were under the same constraints as all of society and that operational priorities dramatically changed.
We also appreciate the change in personnel with the departure of ACC Southon.
However, we do not appreciate a complete absence of communication between the families and the WMP and the apparent failure to progress this investigation at all in recent months despite strong and clear evidential leads.
Again, we feel betrayed and let down by WMP.
We continue to lobby for a statutory inquiry into the pub bombings and this is endorsed by the West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor Andy Street.
We also suggest that the pub bombings are investigated by an independent police service in a way similar to that of Operation Kenova in Northern Ireland which now has four investigative strands lead by former Chief Constable Jon Boucher. Operation Kenova sits within the PSNI but is independent and human rights compliant.
We remind everyone that the pub bombings are part of the Legacy of the Conflict in Northern Ireland and should be treated in the same way as all other Conflict-related incidents of violence.
There appears to be a deep reluctance on behalf of WMP – this is our perception – to pursue any of the alleged perpetrators named during the inquest or any of
several people and strands of evidence which arose out of the inquest.
Neither does there seem to be any great desire to engage with other police forces including the PSNI and the Garda.
So again, we have the perception of a cover-up.
We need a clear and unambiguous indication of what the intent of WMP is now regarding the status of this ‘investigation’.”
Make no mistake - the families and our army of supporters will not let this matter rest. Our fight continues.
Julie Hambleton


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Street sealed off and houses evacuated over chemical fears

A residential street was shut off by police over fears of explosive chemicals at a property in Tile Cross .
West Midlands Police said it set up a cordon around Briddsland Road when the unknown substances were discovered at a semi-detached house .
Occupants of the next door home were evacuated as a precaution during the incident yesterday ( September 17 ) .
None of the chemicals were thought to be an explosive threat after fire service specialists inspected the scene , police said .
A 53-year-old man was detained in the street and was later subject to a mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seized from the address , police said .
`` We received a call at 2.20pm from a member of the public concerned for the welfare of a man in Briddsland Road , Birmingham , '' a West Midlands Police spokeswoman told BirminghamLive .
`` A 53-year-old man was detained in the street and a cordon set-up after some chemicals were found at a semi-detached property .
The next door house was evacuated as a precaution and the residential street closed .
A dog was seized from the address .
`` We worked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and search the property ; none of the chemicals were deemed an explosive threat and the cordon was soon lifted .
`` The man is currently subject to a mental health assessment . ''
Residents had described seeing `` riot vans and ambulances everywhere '' .
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said : `` We were called to reports of a patient ’ s welfare at a property on Briddsland Road at 2.49pm yesterday afternoon , one ambulance and a specialist paramedic attended the scene .
`` Crews assessed one male patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

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A residential street was shut off by police over fears of explosive chemicals at a property in Tile Cross.
West Midlands Police said it set up a cordon around Briddsland Road when the unknown substances were discovered at a semi-detached house.
Occupants of the next door home were evacuated as a precaution during the incident yesterday (September 17). None of the chemicals were thought to be an explosive threat after fire service specialists inspected the scene, police said.
A 53-year-old man was detained in the street and was later subject to a mental health assessment. A dog was also seized from the address, police said.
"We received a call at 2.20pm from a member of the public concerned for the welfare of a man in Briddsland Road, Birmingham," a West Midlands Police spokeswoman told BirminghamLive.
"A 53-year-old man was detained in the street and a cordon set-up after some chemicals were found at a semi-detached property. The next door house was evacuated as a precaution and the residential street closed. A dog was seized from the address.
"We worked with the fire service to assess the scene and search the property; none of the chemicals were deemed an explosive threat and the cordon was soon lifted.
"The man is currently subject to a mental health assessment."
Residents had described seeing "riot vans and ambulances everywhere".
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called to reports of a patient’s welfare at a property on Briddsland Road at 2.49pm yesterday afternoon, one ambulance and a specialist paramedic attended the scene.
"Crews assessed one male patient, who was discharged at the scene."


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Mourinho's comments on Ivanovic back up Bilic's idea

Slaven Bilic has outlined already the attributes that Branislav Ivanovic will bring to the table at West Brom .
The veteran Serb signed a one-year deal at The Hawthorns earlier this week and will , in time , be available to Bilic who was eager to add top flight experience and leadership to his back-line .
Originating from the same corner of Europe , Bilic and Albion acted quickly once they discovered that Ivanovic was free , available and keen to come .
“ I know him well , he comes from the same region .
We speak very similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Bilic enthused .
“ I ’ ve known him for a long time .
He ’ s a very positive guy .
He ’ ll bring quality - top defender .
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Google Play Store and App Store “ We ’ re a team who still have to find ourselves at this level , so Branislav is there for us , someone with experience on and off the pitch .
“ That ’ s why on the first glimpse that I heard that there was a chance to get him , we reacted straightaway .
It ’ s a no brainer .
“ He was a free player .
Absolute no brainer .
I managed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I still follow that league .
I ’ ve done my homework , I watched him Zenit where he was captain , the champions of Russia , a massive club .
“ He was instrumental for them .
Top pro , top guy .
We ’ re delighted .
It ’ s great that he came .
Extremely motivated , hungry.
” The biggest endorsement that Ivanovic has received came from his former Chelsea boss , Jose Mourinho .
Ivanovic wasn ’ t signed by the Portuguese manager , but he certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s second reign at Stamford Bridge , during which time the club won the Premier League title .
As Mourinho himself explained , clubs with stars like Eden Hazard can ’ t hope to win major honours without the selflessness and consistency of players like Ivanovic .
“ Is he one of the club ’ s best signings ?
I think so , ” Mourinho said after Ivanovic scored a winner at Villa Park in 2015 .
“ He came immediately after I left [ after my first spell in charge ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribution for this club .
He is a competitive animal with a big heart .
“ What really matters more is what we as a club feel for him and people like John [ Terry ] and [ Gary ] Cahill , guys that , without them , you can not do anything .
“ A team is an artist like [ Eden ] Hazard , it is a defender like Branislav .
The mix and combination of talent makes a team .
“ Every striker in the world would be proud to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] ; it is an amazing goal .
“ When he scores that goal and it is 3-0 or 4-0 it is a different feeling .
He is a great guy ; what he is doing for us is unbelievable .
He ’ s a fantastic character .
”

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Slaven Bilic has outlined already the attributes that Branislav Ivanovic will bring to the table at West Brom.
The veteran Serb signed a one-year deal at The Hawthorns earlier this week and will, in time, be available to Bilic who was eager to add top flight experience and leadership to his back-line.
Originating from the same corner of Europe, Bilic and Albion acted quickly once they discovered that Ivanovic was free, available and keen to come.
“I know him well, he comes from the same region. We speak very similar, if not the same, language,” Bilic enthused. “I’ve known him for a long time. He’s a very positive guy. He’ll bring quality - top defender.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
“We’re a team who still have to find ourselves at this level, so Branislav is there for us, someone with experience on and off the pitch.
“That’s why on the first glimpse that I heard that there was a chance to get him, we reacted straightaway. It’s a no brainer.
“He was a free player. Absolute no brainer. I managed in Russia, I have many friends there and I still follow that league. I’ve done my homework, I watched him Zenit where he was captain, the champions of Russia, a massive club.
“He was instrumental for them. Top pro, top guy. We’re delighted. It’s great that he came. Extremely motivated, hungry.”
The biggest endorsement that Ivanovic has received came from his former Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho.
Ivanovic wasn’t signed by the Portuguese manager, but he certainly made himself a key player during Mourinho’s second reign at Stamford Bridge, during which time the club won the Premier League title.
As Mourinho himself explained, clubs with stars like Eden Hazard can’t hope to win major honours without the selflessness and consistency of players like Ivanovic.
“Is he one of the club’s best signings? I think so,” Mourinho said after Ivanovic scored a winner at Villa Park in 2015.
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“He came immediately after I left [after my first spell in charge] and after that he made a fantastic contribution for this club. He is a competitive animal with a big heart.
“What really matters more is what we as a club feel for him and people like John [Terry] and [Gary] Cahill, guys that, without them, you cannot do anything.
“A team is an artist like [Eden] Hazard, it is a defender like Branislav. The mix and combination of talent makes a team.
“Every striker in the world would be proud to score that magnificent goal [against Villa]; it is an amazing goal.
“When he scores that goal and it is 3-0 or 4-0 it is a different feeling. He is a great guy; what he is doing for us is unbelievable. He’s a fantastic character.”


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Nearly 600 claims of suspected Covid breaches in Sandwell

Council bosses in Sandwell have said they have no plans to introduce a Covid hotline despite nealy 600 claims businesses broke coronavirus regulations .
Instead the leader of the council has repeated her call for people to vote with their feet and not use shops or pubs that don ’ t follow government guidance .
Since March , the council received 598 service requests about businesses people believe were not complying with coronavirus guidance .
Followings investigations 18 companies were issued with warning letters but none had been fined .
The council has said it has no plans to follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whistle-blowing hotline to report businesses people believe are not sticking to the rules .
Sandwell Deputy Leader Cllr Maria Crompton said those firms that do n't follow the rules should be boycotted : “ People need to vote with their feet and avoid businesses that aren ’ t taking Covid-19 seriously .
`` Our message is that if a shop , pub or restaurant isn ’ t keeping you safe – don ’ t go there .
If you feel uncomfortable , go elsewhere . ''
She added : “ If you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t wearing masks – leave and shop somewhere else .
If you are in a pub or restaurant where people aren ’ t social distancing and your details haven ’ t been taken in case of an outbreak , go and drink or eat elsewhere .
“ Any pub , shop or restaurant that isn ’ t following the Covid-19 rules isn ’ t looking after their customers ’ health .
“ Covid-19 is a serious illness which can be fatal and we ’ re still seeing too many infections in Sandwell .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special hotline to report breaches of the Covid-19 regulations which received nearly 300 calls in the first week .
Sandwell has said members of can report any breaches at PHCovid19_Enquiries @ sandwell.gov.uk

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Council bosses in Sandwell have said they have no plans to introduce a Covid hotline despite nealy 600 claims businesses broke coronavirus regulations.
Instead the leader of the council has repeated her call for people to vote with their feet and not use shops or pubs that don’t follow government guidance.
Since March, the council received 598 service requests about businesses people believe were not complying with coronavirus guidance.
Followings investigations 18 companies were issued with warning letters but none had been fined.
The council has said it has no plans to follow Birmingham 's example and set up a whistle-blowing hotline to report businesses people believe are not sticking to the rules.
Sandwell Deputy Leader Cllr Maria Crompton said those firms that don't follow the rules should be boycotted: “People need to vote with their feet and avoid businesses that aren’t taking Covid-19 seriously.
"Our message is that if a shop, pub or restaurant isn’t keeping you safe – don’t go there. If you feel uncomfortable, go elsewhere."
She added: “If you are in a shop where people aren’t wearing masks – leave and shop somewhere else. If you are in a pub or restaurant where people aren’t social distancing and your details haven’t been taken in case of an outbreak, go and drink or eat elsewhere.
“Any pub, shop or restaurant that isn’t following the Covid-19 rules isn’t looking after their customers’ health.
“Covid-19 is a serious illness which can be fatal and we’re still seeing too many infections in Sandwell."
Three weeks ago Birmingham council introduced a special hotline to report breaches of the Covid-19 regulations which received nearly 300 calls in the first week.
Sandwell has said members of can report any breaches at PHCovid19_Enquiries@sandwell.gov.uk


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Wolverhampton added to West Midlands lockdown - no change in Birmingham

Wolverhampton has been added to the local lockdown alongside Birmingham , Solihull and Sandwell , the Government has announced .
There has been no change to the rules in the areas where they are already in force .
It means that people in Birmingham , Solihull and Sandwell - and now in Wolverhampton too - are banned from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble , in private homes and gardens .
Wolverhampton City Council had asked the Department for Health and Social Care to include them in the lockdown , which came into force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They come into force in Wolverhampton next week , on Tuesday September 22 .
The Department of Health and Social Care has just published the latest update to local restrictions across the country , and they include new rules for Merseyside .
In Merseyside , Warrington , Halton and Lancashire ( excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester ) , regulations will enforce the following restrictions from Tuesday 22 September : • Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens ; • Hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to table service only ; and • Late night operating hours will be restricted , with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants , pubs , and cinemas , required to close between 10pm to 5am .
Residents are also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection : • Only to use public transport for essential purposes , such as travelling to school or work The above does not apply to Bolton or Greater Manchester where separate restrictions are already in place .
Health and Social Care Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are seeing cases of coronavirus rise fast in Lancashire , Merseyside , West Yorkshire , Warrington , Halton and Wolverhampton .
Local leaders in these areas have asked for stronger restrictions to be put in place to protect local people , and we are acting decisively to support them .
“ I know these restrictions will make every-day life harder for many , but I know that residents will work together and respect the rules so we can reduce rates of transmission .
“ I urge local people to isolate and get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advice of NHS Test and Trace , and always remember ‘ hands , face , space ’ .
By sticking to these steps , we will get through this together .
”

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Wolverhampton has been added to the local lockdown alongside Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell, the Government has announced.
There has been no change to the rules in the areas where they are already in force.
It means that people in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell - and now in Wolverhampton too - are banned from socialising with other people outside of their own households or support bubble, in private homes and gardens.
Wolverhampton City Council had asked the Department for Health and Social Care to include them in the lockdown, which came into force in Birmingham on Tuesday Sept 15. They come into force in Wolverhampton next week, on Tuesday September 22.
The Department of Health and Social Care has just published the latest update to local restrictions across the country, and they include new rules for Merseyside.
In Merseyside, Warrington, Halton and Lancashire (excluding Blackpool and Greater Manchester), regulations will enforce the following restrictions from Tuesday 22 September :
Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens;
Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only; and
Late night operating hours will be restricted, with leisure and entertainment venues including restaurants, pubs, and cinemas, required to close between 10pm to 5am.
Residents are also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection:
Only to use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work
Avoid attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.
The above does not apply to Bolton or Greater Manchester where separate restrictions are already in place.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: "We are seeing cases of coronavirus rise fast in Lancashire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Warrington, Halton and Wolverhampton. Local leaders in these areas have asked for stronger restrictions to be put in place to protect local people, and we are acting decisively to support them.
“I know these restrictions will make every-day life harder for many, but I know that residents will work together and respect the rules so we can reduce rates of transmission.
“I urge local people to isolate and get a test if you have symptoms, follow the advice of NHS Test and Trace, and always remember ‘hands, face, space’. By sticking to these steps, we will get through this together.”


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Oriol Soldevila and Blues: The lowdown on the ex-Barcelona starlet

Attacking midfielder Oriol Soldevila has confirmed his move to Birmingham City on social media .
The teenager , who left Barcelona ’ s fabled La Masia at the end of last season , has been on trial with Blues and has impressed enough to earn a deal at St Andrew ’ s .
He is expected to feature primarily with the Under 23s , with a view to making it in to Aitor Karanka ’ s senior squad .
This is what you need to know about him ?
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here Who is he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has come through the system at UE Cornella and spent a couple of years at Barcelona .
He was released in the summer .
He began playing futsal at the age of five and was seen by an Espanyol coach who invited him for a seven-a-side trial .
That meant he had to go and buy a pair of boots to start training .
He progressed and UE Cornella came calling but he preferred to carry on playing with his friends .
Eventually he agreed to go to Cornella where he became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked at him twice , eventually taking him after four years at Cornella .
Soldevila is also a lover of motorsports and lists Spanish motorbike race Marc Márquez as his sporting hero .
Indeed he has followed in his tyre tracks since childhood with his grandfather Oriol Puig a national champion at Motocross and director of the Technical Commission of the International Motorcycling Federation .
But when he signed for Barcelona he was not allowed to pursue the interest and has had to stay on two feet instead of two wheels .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , winning the Under 19 league in his first season .
Last season he featured in the UEFA Youth League , playing off the bench against Inter and Borussia Dortmund .
Unfortunately Barca finished bottom of their group and did not qualify for the knockout stages .
He left the club at the end of his second year .
Bright , everyone hopes .
He ’ ll link up with the Under 23s first off and then see if he can work his way into the first team squad .

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Oriol Soldevila is back in the headlines after spending a largely uneventful two years at Birmingham City.
The 21-year-old score a 27-minute hat-trick in CF Intercity's 4-3 Copa del Rey defeat to Barcelona last night, equalising on three separate occasions only to succumb to an Atsu Fati winner in extra-time.
The attacking midfielder is in his first season with the Spanish third tier outfit - having left Barca to join Blues in the summer of 2020.
Here's how his transfer went through.
Social media exclusive
A few days after the then 19-year-old made the announcement on Instagram, Blues confirmed his transfer.
The teenager, who left Barcelona’s fabled La Masia at the end of the 2019/20 season, had been on trial with Blues and impressed enough to earn a two-year deal at St Andrew’s.
He was expected to feature primarily with the Under 23s, with a view to making it in to what was then Aitor Karanka’s senior squad.
Who is he?
A 21-year-old who plays attacking midfielder and has come through the system at UE Cornella and spent a couple of years at Barcelona.
Football journey
He began playing futsal at the age of five and was seen by an Espanyol coach who invited him for a seven-a-side trial. That meant he had to go and buy a pair of boots to start training.
He progressed and UE Cornella came calling but he preferred to carry on playing with his friends.
Eventually he agreed to go to Cornella where he became one of the leading lights.
Barcelona looked at him twice, eventually taking him after four years at Cornella.
Big sacrifice
Soldevila is also a lover of motorsports and lists Spanish motorbike race Marc Márquez as his sporting hero.
Indeed he has followed in his tyre tracks since childhood with his grandfather Oriol Puig a national champion at Motocross and director of the Technical Commission of the International Motorcycling Federation.
But when he signed for Barcelona he was not allowed to pursue the interest and has had to stay on two feet instead of two wheels.
La Masia
He spent two years in the Barca set-up, winning the Under 19 league in his first season.
He featured in the UEFA Youth League, playing off the bench against Inter and Borussia Dortmund. Unfortunately Barca finished bottom of their group and did not qualify for the knockout stages.
He left the club at the end of his second year.
The Blues move
Blues head of professional development at the time, Mike Dodds, told the club website: "Solde is a left-sided player who can play anywhere across the frontline, probably a seven, 10 or 11 type.
"With the limited access we have had to him, because he obviously hasn't played or trained for months due to the current situation, he looks technically very good.
"He has a real good understanding from a tactical point of view of movements and recognising when to come deep and go long.
"He's very much an attacking player, a final third player - scorer and creator. So what from what we have seen we have been quite excited by him.
"He went from Cornella to Barcelona and I know Barcelona, from the conversations I have had with Solde, offered him a one-year extension to his contract but he felt his pathway was probably a little bit blocked for him there.
"He is going to spend a period of time with the Under-23s to get used to the culture, the style of play and all those types of things with a view to him hopefully, if he does well, knocking on Aitor Karanka's door."
Time at Blues
He was limited to playing for the Under 21s - for whom he made 19 appearances in Premier League Two last season but left in the summer without making a first team appearance. He signed for Alicante based CF Intercity.


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Watch - Long-gone Elizabethan manor near Solihull recreated with VR

Archaeologists have used discoveries at a HS2 dig-site near Solihull to help recreate the inside of a long-lost moated manor house .
The experts excavating the former site of a grand estate at Coleshill have produced this CGI video which imagines the great hall in its Elizabethan heyday .
Wessex Archaeology , which has been investigating areas of interest all along the route of the rail project , this week unveiled the latest `` tantalising '' evidence locally .
The computer generated footage draw on historical records , knowledge of other buildings from the same period and artefacts actually pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the team on-site have uncovered a number of old coins , smokers ' pipes and the remains of the manor 's garden .
Solihull Council has received regular briefings on the project , although an exhibition planned to take place at The Core this summer fell victim to the coronavirus crisis .
Instead Wessex has been holding regular webinars , updating the community on the progress of excavations next to the River Cole , near Chelmsley Wood .
In this month 's session , archaeologist Emma Carter talked viewers through virtual reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have looked more than 400 years ago .
`` All the textures , all the structures , the shape and colour of the fabric of the table cloth , the food on the table , is based around the historical evidence we 've got , '' she said .
`` This is what we think the great hall of Coleshill Hall would have looked like in the Elizabethan period .
So I hope that helps bring it to life .
`` I would quite like to live here , '' she said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table laden with food .
The dig-site itself is an area steeped in history , with previous trenches having uncovered evidence from both the Iron Age and Roman eras .
The focus of the most recent webinar switched to more recent centuries and the remains of the manor house .
It was revealed that the estate - and neighbouring Kingshurst Hall - had been the centre of a long-lasting and ferocious feud between two distinguished families , the Digbys and the Mountforts .
Teams have found foundations of the Elizabethan manor , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer ago .
They have also managed to locate the remains of an impressive garden area , of a similar style but smaller in scale to the grounds of Kenilworth Castle .
`` We believe we might have found evidence of a herb garden , '' said project officer Stuart Pierson .
`` In the central area we believe we found box hedges , evidence of trees and a really nice formal ornamental garden .
`` And then to the left we believe we found vegetable patches , but this is all still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting to look at now . ''
Ms Carter said : `` The bit about the herb garden is really interesting and we do hear in a lot of literature from the period how important those posies of herbs were ... '' So it really feeds into this as a very , very lively and vibrant household and it 's kind of sustaining itself on the land as well . ''
Further investigation is set to take place in the coming months , while relics uncovered at the location will eventually go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could form part of a wider project that Wessex is working on with nursing and care homes .

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
Archaeologists have used discoveries at a HS2 dig-site near Solihull to help recreate the inside of a long-lost moated manor house.
The experts excavating the former site of a grand estate at Coleshill have produced this CGI video which imagines the great hall in its Elizabethan heyday.
Wessex Archaeology, which has been investigating areas of interest all along the route of the rail project, this week unveiled the latest "tantalising" evidence locally.
The computer generated footage draw on historical records, knowledge of other buildings from the same period and artefacts actually pulled from the ground.
In recent months, the team on-site have uncovered a number of old coins, smokers' pipes and the remains of the manor's garden.
Solihull Council has received regular briefings on the project, although an exhibition planned to take place at The Core this summer fell victim to the coronavirus crisis.
Instead Wessex has been holding regular webinars, updating the community on the progress of excavations next to the River Cole, near Chelmsley Wood.
(Image: Wessex Archaeology)
In this month's session, archaeologist Emma Carter talked viewers through virtual reality images of the interior as it might have looked more than 400 years ago.
"All the textures, all the structures, the shape and colour of the fabric of the table cloth, the food on the table, is based around the historical evidence we've got," she said.
"This is what we think the great hall of Coleshill Hall would have looked like in the Elizabethan period. So I hope that helps bring it to life.
"I would quite like to live here," she said, after describing the impressive fittings and a table laden with food.
(Image: Wessex Archaeology)
The dig-site itself is an area steeped in history, with previous trenches having uncovered evidence from both the Iron Age and Roman eras.
The focus of the most recent webinar switched to more recent centuries and the remains of the manor house.
It was revealed that the estate - and neighbouring Kingshurst Hall - had been the centre of a long-lasting and ferocious feud between two distinguished families, the Digbys and the Mountforts.
Teams have found foundations of the Elizabethan manor, as well as evidence of structures from even longer ago.
They have also managed to locate the remains of an impressive garden area, of a similar style but smaller in scale to the grounds of Kenilworth Castle.
"We believe we might have found evidence of a herb garden," said project officer Stuart Pierson.
"In the central area we believe we found box hedges, evidence of trees and a really nice formal ornamental garden.
(Image: Wessex Archaeology)
"And then to the left we believe we found vegetable patches, but this is all still to be confirmed and something we are starting to look at now."
Ms Carter said: "The bit about the herb garden is really interesting and we do hear in a lot of literature from the period how important those posies of herbs were...
"So it really feeds into this as a very, very lively and vibrant household and it's kind of sustaining itself on the land as well."
Further investigation is set to take place in the coming months, while relics uncovered at the location will eventually go to a museum.
Meanwhile the video itself could form part of a wider project that Wessex is working on with nursing and care homes.


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Eye-opening figures show how many people being asked Test and Trace details

Over a quarter of adults in the UK were not being asked their details when they enter indoor places , it has been revealed .
A report from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said that 31 % of adults in England said that they were always asked for their information , but over a quarter ( 27 % ) were never asked .
The survey of 1,130 adults across the UK , conducted between September 9-13 , asked people how often they had been asked for their details when visiting places outside their homes in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries in the UK , with 45 % of adults in Wales reporting being always asked for details and 66 % in Scotland .
In Wales , 23 % of those surveyed said they had never been asked and in Scotland the figure was 12 % .
The ONS added that of those who were asked to provide their details , nearly seven in 10 ( 69 % ) said they did so every time , but 11 % said they rarely or never did provide their personal contact details .
It comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England await Government announcements on stricter lockdown measures following spikes in the number of infections .
Regulations for places in the North East , including Northumberland , Newcastle , North and South Tyneside , Gateshead , Sunderland and County Durham have already been put in place .
The ONS data also showed that the percentage of adults who had left their home to eat or drink at a restaurant , cafe , bar or pub had decreased for the first time in the past week since early July .
Three in 10 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eaten out , compared with nearly four in 10 ( 38 % ) two weeks ago .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Mike Bedigan, Chris  Harper)

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Over a quarter of adults in the UK were not being asked their details when they enter indoor places, it has been revealed.
A report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that 31% of adults in England said that they were always asked for their information, but over a quarter (27%) were never asked.
The survey of 1,130 adults across the UK, conducted between September 9-13, asked people how often they had been asked for their details when visiting places outside their homes in the past seven days.
Figures varied across different countries in the UK, with 45% of adults in Wales reporting being always asked for details and 66% in Scotland.
In Wales, 23% of those surveyed said they had never been asked and in Scotland the figure was 12%.
The ONS added that of those who were asked to provide their details, nearly seven in 10 (69%) said they did so every time, but 11% said they rarely or never did provide their personal contact details.
(Image: Getty Images)
It comes as local authorities in the north-west of England await Government announcements on stricter lockdown measures following spikes in the number of infections.
Regulations for places in the North East, including Northumberland, Newcastle, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham have already been put in place.
The ONS data also showed that the percentage of adults who had left their home to eat or drink at a restaurant, cafe, bar or pub had decreased for the first time in the past week since early July.
Three in 10 (30%) adults said they had eaten out, compared with nearly four in 10 (38%) two weeks ago.


birminghammail--2020-09-18--'Decide or else' - warning over flats plan in Solihull is criticised

Solihull planners found themselves `` trapped '' over a controversial flats plan , delaying a decision in spite of warnings the developer could appeal .
Council officers revealed that an `` IT glitch '' meant that some of the previous objectors to plans in Needlers End Lane , Balsall Common , were only contacted earlier this week .
An earlier version of the scheme , which would see No 68 demolished and six flats built in its place , had been withdrawn and a fresh set of plans submitted .
Despite assurances that the 10 locals had been contacted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the planning committee were uneasy about dealing with the matter last night .
After listening to the debate on whether to defer , Gemma Jenkinson , on behalf of the applicant , argued residents had been given until just before the meeting to lodge any concerns .
`` People have had plenty of time to object to this application and we would like it very much to be heard tonight , '' she said .
`` And my client has instructed me to appeal against non-determination if it 's not heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the planning committee , Cllr Richard Holt , said this suggestion probably made him `` all the more determined '' to put the decision on hold .
`` I 'm not going to be put in a position whereby someone 's saying to me 'make a decision or else ' . ''
Ms Jenkinson had started to deny that was her suggestion but was cut-off by Cllr Holt .
`` I have given you some indulgence by listening to you but that 's as far as it goes , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the council had taken sufficient steps for the item to be heard and councillors were warned that delay could indeed open the door to an appeal .
Local authorities have a responsibility to deal with applications within certain time periods and failure to do so can see the decision taken out of their hands if the applicant decides to take the case to the Planning Inspectorate .
Cllr Jim Ryan ( Con , Bickenhill ) said while there was a danger of the council being trapped `` like a rabbit in the headlights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman one way or another .
Councillors agreed to defer the application by a majority , with six in favour , two against and one abstention .

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Solihull planners found themselves "trapped" over a controversial flats plan, delaying a decision in spite of warnings the developer could appeal.
Council officers revealed that an "IT glitch" meant that some of the previous objectors to plans in Needlers End Lane, Balsall Common, were only contacted earlier this week.
An earlier version of the scheme, which would see No 68 demolished and six flats built in its place, had been withdrawn and a fresh set of plans submitted.
Despite assurances that the 10 locals had been contacted by the local authority on Monday, several members of the planning committee were uneasy about dealing with the matter last night.
After listening to the debate on whether to defer, Gemma Jenkinson, on behalf of the applicant, argued residents had been given until just before the meeting to lodge any concerns.
"People have had plenty of time to object to this application and we would like it very much to be heard tonight," she said.
"And my client has instructed me to appeal against non-determination if it's not heard tonight."
(Image: Planning portal)
But the chair of the planning committee, Cllr Richard Holt, said this suggestion probably made him "all the more determined" to put the decision on hold.
"I'm not going to be put in a position whereby someone's saying to me 'make a decision or else'."
Ms Jenkinson had started to deny that was her suggestion but was cut-off by Cllr Holt.
"I have given you some indulgence by listening to you but that's as far as it goes," he added.
Planning officer Mark Andrews had felt that the council had taken sufficient steps for the item to be heard and councillors were warned that delay could indeed open the door to an appeal.
Local authorities have a responsibility to deal with applications within certain time periods and failure to do so can see the decision taken out of their hands if the applicant decides to take the case to the Planning Inspectorate.
Cllr Jim Ryan (Con, Bickenhill) said while there was a danger of the council being trapped "like a rabbit in the headlights" he was happy to back the chairman one way or another.
Councillors agreed to defer the application by a majority, with six in favour, two against and one abstention.


birminghammail--2020-09-18--'Monstrosity' phone mast approved at beauty spot despite pleas

A `` towering '' phone mast will be installed at a popular Solihull beauty spot , despite residents ' warnings it would spoil protected green space .
Critics had urged the council to throw out plans to install the `` monstrosity '' of a transmitter at Conker Lane , in Dorridge .
More than 20 objections made by locals cited concerns that the mast would loom over a well-used walking route and that there was a lack of detail about alternative locations But planning officers insisted detailed work had been done to find the most suitable site to improve phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed .
And while several councillors said they sympathised with residents ' worries , the planning committee approved the application by a majority .
Jan Aykroyd , from the Knowle , Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum , had earlier appealed to the committee to reject it .
She said the `` overriding concern '' was the damage the proposal would do to the surrounding area - which is designated a Local Green Space ( LGS ) .
`` It will significantly harm the appearance , character and enjoyment of the amenity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ height of the installed mast is 21 metres , continually mentioning 18 metres is misleading .
`` Towering well-above all existing trees , it will be the only man-made intrusion visible within the Local Green Space . ''
Planning officer Jon Hallam said : `` As is always the case for all mobile phone masts there has to be a requirement for them - otherwise why would the developers apply ?
They would n't . ''
He referred councillors to a map showing the strength of signal and a number of `` green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only available in a car or outside .
In response to concerns about this particular location , he argued there were limited choices for the telecoms companies and this area was deemed the `` least worst option '' which met all the criteria .
The monopole , serving Vodafone and Telefonica , would boost coverage for 2G , 3G and 4G networks .
Cllr Maggie Allen ( Green , Shirley West ) said while these applications were `` always sensitive '' and she sympathised with locals , it was almost inevitable that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the council refused .
`` The government is intent on rolling out all of these masts and enhancing the telecommunications and everything else and of course during the Covid epidemic we have seen how useful all of this electrical equipment can be . ''
Cllr Bob Grinsell ( Con , Olton ) said while he was n't keen on any of the designs , a lattice-style mast at least gave a view beyond the structure .
`` If the residents had seen what we have had to see previously I think they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They 'll never have a totally different view . ''
In the final vote , the mast plan was passed by a majority of eight to one .

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A "towering" phone mast will be installed at a popular Solihull beauty spot, despite residents' warnings it would spoil protected green space.
Critics had urged the council to throw out plans to install the "monstrosity" of a transmitter at Conker Lane, in Dorridge.
More than 20 objections made by locals cited concerns that the mast would loom over a well-used walking route and that there was a lack of detail about alternative locations
But planning officers insisted detailed work had been done to find the most suitable site to improve phone coverage, which they accepted was greatly needed.
And while several councillors said they sympathised with residents' worries, the planning committee approved the application by a majority.
Jan Aykroyd, from the Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum, had earlier appealed to the committee to reject it.
She said the "overriding concern" was the damage the proposal would do to the surrounding area - which is designated a Local Green Space (LGS).
"It will significantly harm the appearance, character and enjoyment of the amenity," she said.
(Image: Solihull Council)
"The full height of the installed mast is 21 metres, continually mentioning 18 metres is misleading.
"Towering well-above all existing trees, it will be the only man-made intrusion visible within the Local Green Space."
Planning officer Jon Hallam said: "As is always the case for all mobile phone masts there has to be a requirement for them - otherwise why would the developers apply? They wouldn't."
He referred councillors to a map showing the strength of signal and a number of "green spots" locally, where coverage was only available in a car or outside.
In response to concerns about this particular location, he argued there were limited choices for the telecoms companies and this area was deemed the "least worst option" which met all the criteria.
The monopole, serving Vodafone and Telefonica, would boost coverage for 2G, 3G and 4G networks.
Cllr Maggie Allen (Green, Shirley West) said while these applications were "always sensitive" and she sympathised with locals, it was almost inevitable that the applicant would win on appeal - even if the council refused.
"The government is intent on rolling out all of these masts and enhancing the telecommunications and everything else and of course during the Covid epidemic we have seen how useful all of this electrical equipment can be."
Cllr Bob Grinsell (Con, Olton) said while he wasn't keen on any of the designs, a lattice-style mast at least gave a view beyond the structure.
"If the residents had seen what we have had to see previously I think they may have a slightly different view. They'll never have a totally different view."
In the final vote, the mast plan was passed by a majority of eight to one.


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Dr Hilary tells parents how to spot Covid-19 cough in their kids

Many of us are fearful of catching the coronavirus and chances are - you may catch it at one point .
There are some people who may have had it and have had no idea that they have contracted it as you can show no symptoms .
But the symptoms many of us need to be aware of is a new , continuous cough and/or a high fever .
Others have said they have lost their sense of smell and taste while some have reported flu-like symptoms .
But what about the cough and should you be concerned if your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain 's Dr Hilary has helped offer some clear guidance .
He said the key is to look out for a dry , new contagious cough , reports the MEN .
`` There is no doubt lots of children being sent home with coughs , which are clearly not associated with Covid , ” he explained .
`` The guidance is that typical symptoms of Covid is a dry , new , continuous cough .
“ Now , all children cough .
Any parent knows they cough all the time .
They cough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they get dust in their airways , if they have a runny nose or a sniffle and the mucus runs down the back of their throat , they cough if they have allergies .
They cough all the time .
“ You ca n't send every child home who has a cough that is not continuous .
What we mean by a continuous cough is a cough that lasts for perhaps several minutes , and three or four times a day during a 24-hour period , or a cough that is every couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So it ’ s a completely new and different cough to what you normally have . ''
The TV doc went on to explain that children ’ s symptoms are often a little different to that of adults .
`` We also know that in children , symptoms are somewhat different to that in adults so if they also have a fever it would be more significant , if they have also had a loss in taste or smell that would be more significant , ” he said .
“ But what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have gone onto the symptom tracker app which was set up at King ’ s College .
`` They discovered children do n't often get the cough , they might get a rash or might be feeling a loss of appetite , they might be feeling fatigued , so these are important symptoms in children as well.
” He added : `` If my child is running around , eating normally , and has no headache , or has an occasional little cough , I would n't be rushing to get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't get hold of them .
`` They should be prioritised for people who actually need them . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Vickie Scullard, Chris  Harper)

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Many of us are fearful of catching the coronavirus and chances are - you may catch it at one point.
There are some people who may have had it and have had no idea that they have contracted it as you can show no symptoms.
But the symptoms many of us need to be aware of is a new, continuous cough and/or a high fever. Others have said they have lost their sense of smell and taste while some have reported flu-like symptoms.
But what about the cough and should you be concerned if your child has a cough? Good Morning Britain's Dr Hilary has helped offer some clear guidance.
He said the key is to look out for a dry, new contagious cough, reports the MEN.
"There is no doubt lots of children being sent home with coughs, which are clearly not associated with Covid,” he explained.
"The guidance is that typical symptoms of Covid is a dry, new, continuous cough.
(Image: ITV)
“Now, all children cough. Any parent knows they cough all the time. They cough when they have a drink, if they get dust in their airways, if they have a runny nose or a sniffle and the mucus runs down the back of their throat, they cough if they have allergies. They cough all the time.
“You can't send every child home who has a cough that is not continuous. What we mean by a continuous cough is a cough that lasts for perhaps several minutes, and three or four times a day during a 24-hour period, or a cough that is every couple of minutes within an hour.
"So it’s a completely new and different cough to what you normally have."
The TV doc went on to explain that children’s symptoms are often a little different to that of adults.
"We also know that in children, symptoms are somewhat different to that in adults so if they also have a fever it would be more significant, if they have also had a loss in taste or smell that would be more significant,” he said.
“But what we do know from the four million people who have gone onto the symptom tracker app which was set up at King’s College.
"They discovered children don't often get the cough, they might get a rash or might be feeling a loss of appetite, they might be feeling fatigued, so these are important symptoms in children as well.”
He added: "If my child is running around, eating normally, and has no headache, or has an occasional little cough, I wouldn't be rushing to get a test right now, especially when you can't get hold of them.
"They should be prioritised for people who actually need them."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Danny Follows has been missing for two weeks - have you seen him?

A Dudley man who has been missing for more than two weeks is at the centre of a police appeal .
Danny Follows , from Pensnett , has n't been seen since Tuesday , September 1 .
Officers from West Midlands Police are desperately trying to find the 35-year-old , who is said to have `` some vulnerabilities '' .
Grainy CCTV images have now been released as the force appealed for information on his whereabouts .
A post shared on Dudley Police 's social media platforms said : `` Have you seen Danny Follows from Pensnett in Dudley anywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t the greatest quality , but we ’ ve not been able to obtain any photos of him and we are really concerned for the welfare of the 35-year-old .
`` Danny hasn ’ t been seen since Tuesday , September 1 , and is described as white , around 6ft tall and has a fair hair colour .
`` He is of a heavy build and has some vulnerabilities and isn ’ t usually confident in talking to people . ''
Anyone who sees him is urged to call the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension 872 3053 .

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A Dudley man who has been missing for more than two weeks is at the centre of a police appeal.
Danny Follows, from Pensnett, hasn't been seen since Tuesday, September 1.
Officers from West Midlands Police are desperately trying to find the 35-year-old, who is said to have "some vulnerabilities".
Grainy CCTV images have now been released as the force appealed for information on his whereabouts.
A post shared on Dudley Police's social media platforms said: "Have you seen Danny Follows from Pensnett in Dudley anywhere?
"We appreciate these CCTV images aren’t the greatest quality, but we’ve not been able to obtain any photos of him and we are really concerned for the welfare of the 35-year-old.
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"Danny hasn’t been seen since Tuesday, September 1, and is described as white, around 6ft tall and has a fair hair colour.
"He is of a heavy build and has some vulnerabilities and isn’t usually confident in talking to people."
Anyone who sees him is urged to call the Western Locate team on 101, using extension 872 3053.


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Terrifying wake up call as burglar threatens to 'stab up' Acocks Green couple

A football league boss had a terrifying wake-up call when he found burglars trying to force their way into his home near Acocks Green this morning .
A shaken Alan Ringland , 64 , said he `` acted on instinct '' when he confronted the raiders - but when one threatened to 'stab him up ' he realised how quickly it could have escalated .
`` I was not afraid , to be honest I 'm not easily intimidated , but when he said that it did give me a jolt , '' he said .
Alan , who chairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league in the city which has 40 teams , said he and his wife Maureen , 67 , were disturbed by a noise at around 3am this morning at their home in the Fox Hollies area , and initially dismissed it .
`` I was just nodding back off when I heard another noise .
I put the lights on and there was more noise coming from downstairs .
`` I went downstairs and could see the outline of someone in the doorway , and just acted on instinct .
I confronted them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I shouted at them to get out and they ran , but one turned and said : ' I will stab you up ' . ''
It later dawned on Alan that the burglar would have had a sharp implement because of the damage being done to the door lock , which the pair were clearly attempting to file off .
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets .
So it 's important to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being done about it by police and the criminal justice system .
Large , highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings .
You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts .
We also have a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most up-to-date news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play Store and App Store '' It was unbelieveable .
My wife Maureen is really shaken up by it .
The police came and were reassuring but it has left us worried . ''
The incident was just before 3.30am today ( September 18 ) .
The two people were both in hoodies and were short in stature , leading to Alan to think they might be youngsters .
They attempted to force open the door and were in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lock .
Police attended and are investigating , said Alan .
We have asked West Midlands Police to comment .

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A football league boss had a terrifying wake-up call when he found burglars trying to force their way into his home near Acocks Green this morning.
A shaken Alan Ringland, 64, said he "acted on instinct" when he confronted the raiders - but when one threatened to 'stab him up' he realised how quickly it could have escalated.
"I was not afraid, to be honest I'm not easily intimidated, but when he said that it did give me a jolt," he said.
Alan, who chairs Birmingham Ability Counts, a disabled football league in the city which has 40 teams, said he and his wife Maureen, 67, were disturbed by a noise at around 3am this morning at their home in the Fox Hollies area, and initially dismissed it.
"I was just nodding back off when I heard another noise. I put the lights on and there was more noise coming from downstairs.
"I went downstairs and could see the outline of someone in the doorway, and just acted on instinct. I confronted them, they were both in hoodies. I shouted at them to get out and they ran, but one turned and said: 'I will stab you up'."
It later dawned on Alan that the burglar would have had a sharp implement because of the damage being done to the door lock, which the pair were clearly attempting to file off.
Crime and courts news - latest updates in your inbox with our free newsletter We all want to feel safe in our homes and streets. So it's important to know what's going on and what is being done about it by police and the criminal justice system. Large, highly populated urban areas like Birmingham and the wider West Midlands always have plenty happening with crime reports and court hearings. You can get the very latest crime news as well as information on court cases in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter. Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article. It has all the latest updates from police and local magistrates courts and crown courts. We also have a free app which you can download to get the most up-to-date news from across the region. Find it on Google Play Store and App Store
"It was unbelieveable. My wife Maureen is really shaken up by it. The police came and were reassuring but it has left us worried."
The incident was just before 3.30am today (September 18).
The two people were both in hoodies and were short in stature, leading to Alan to think they might be youngsters.
They attempted to force open the door and were in the process of trying to file down a lock.
Police attended and are investigating, said Alan.
We have asked West Midlands Police to comment.


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Dean Smith drops Emi Martinez hint ahead of Aston Villa opener

Dean Smith has confirmed that Emiliano Martinez is ready to play against Sheffield United if called upon , after the goalkeeper completed his move from Arsenal this week .
Argentine stopper Martinez , who ended last season as the Gunners ’ first choice , became Villa ’ s third addition of the summer earlier this week , following in the footsteps of Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins .
With Tom Heaton still missing , and Lovre Kalinic not in contention , Martinez is fully expected to take the jersey over Smith ’ s other options Jed Steer and Orjan Nyland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Villa newsletter Smith , delighted with the acquisition , thinks he ’ s better prepared than the Villa keeping department because of the Community Shield match he took part in for Arsenal .
“ He ’ s ready to play , whether he ’ s our automatic number one depends on what he does in training and matches .
He played against us a couple of weeks ago for Arsenal , so we know he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith explained .
“ He ’ s played in the Community Shield as well , so he ’ s probably had more games than our goalkeepers so far .
In terms of readiness , he ’ s 100 % .
“ He has to go and earn the shirt – all the players know that .
You don ’ t get many opportunities to get a goalkeeper of his calibre at this stage of his career.
” Smith , meanwhile , outlined the difference between this summer ’ s transfer push and last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quantity .
Following promotion back to the Premier League , Villa parted with 12 senior players and lost Tammy Abraham and Axel Tuanzebe back to their parent clubs .
There was a need to bulk the squad up , which the Lions did throughout the summer , but this time around Smith - along with Johan Lange and the club ’ s recruitment team - Villa are zooming in on key targets that will upgrade their group .
“ Last season was about quantity because we had a big turnaround , but this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Smith explained .
“ You want players that are pushing each other all the time.
” On Jack Grealish , the skipper who committed his long-term future to the club earlier this week , Smith was also delighted .
A fellow Villan , he acknowledged the interest in Grealish from elsewhere and how big a boost it is for Villa ’ s credentials .
He continued : “ There was a lot of speculation and the fact he ’ s committed is a big statement .
He ’ s talismanic and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it ’ s great news for everyone here.
” Striker Watkins , meanwhile , got off the mark in Villa colours in the win at Burton Albion this week .
Smith , who worked with him previously at Brentford , believes he has bags of potential and will continue to improve having made the step up .
“ He scored 26 goals last season , but he was disappointed and thought he should have scored 36 , ” the Villa boss added .
“ He ’ s a willing learner and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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Dean Smith has confirmed that Emiliano Martinez is ready to play against Sheffield United if called upon, after the goalkeeper completed his move from Arsenal this week.
Argentine stopper Martinez, who ended last season as the Gunners’ first choice, became Villa’s third addition of the summer earlier this week, following in the footsteps of Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins.
With Tom Heaton still missing, and Lovre Kalinic not in contention, Martinez is fully expected to take the jersey over Smith’s other options Jed Steer and Orjan Nyland for the visit of Sheffield United on Monday.
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Smith, delighted with the acquisition, thinks he’s better prepared than the Villa keeping department because of the Community Shield match he took part in for Arsenal.
“He’s ready to play, whether he’s our automatic number one depends on what he does in training and matches. He played against us a couple of weeks ago for Arsenal, so we know he’s ready to play,” Smith explained.
“He’s played in the Community Shield as well, so he’s probably had more games than our goalkeepers so far. In terms of readiness, he’s 100%.
“He has to go and earn the shirt – all the players know that. You don’t get many opportunities to get a goalkeeper of his calibre at this stage of his career.”
Smith, meanwhile, outlined the difference between this summer’s transfer push and last - it’s about quality over quantity.
Following promotion back to the Premier League, Villa parted with 12 senior players and lost Tammy Abraham and Axel Tuanzebe back to their parent clubs.
There was a need to bulk the squad up, which the Lions did throughout the summer, but this time around Smith - along with Johan Lange and the club’s recruitment team - Villa are zooming in on key targets that will upgrade their group.
“Last season was about quantity because we had a big turnaround, but this summer it has been about quality,” Smith explained. “You want players that are pushing each other all the time.”
On Jack Grealish, the skipper who committed his long-term future to the club earlier this week, Smith was also delighted. A fellow Villan, he acknowledged the interest in Grealish from elsewhere and how big a boost it is for Villa’s credentials.
He continued: “There was a lot of speculation and the fact he’s committed is a big statement. He’s talismanic and had a really good season last year, so it’s great news for everyone here.”
Striker Watkins, meanwhile, got off the mark in Villa colours in the win at Burton Albion this week. Smith, who worked with him previously at Brentford, believes he has bags of potential and will continue to improve having made the step up.
“He scored 26 goals last season, but he was disappointed and thought he should have scored 36,” the Villa boss added. “He’s a willing learner and he’ll keep getting better.”


birminghammail--2020-09-18--How many Covid cases there are in your area in Birmingham

Residents in Birmingham can now see how many Covid cases are in their local area .
The data , collated by Public Health England , gives a far more localised picture of the number of positive cases than the figures for local council areas as a whole .
Residents able to input their postcodes to find out how many cases are in their local area .
Birmingham is currently designated as 'an area of intervention ' after cases soared in the city , with restrictions including a ban on household mixing introduced for the area on Monday ( Sep 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the period from 7 to 13 of September , divides the borough into Middle Layer Super Output Areas ( MSOAs ) - which have an average population of 7,200 .
The area with the most recorded coronavirus cases during this period was Springfield & Hall Green West , with 36 cases , which is closely followed by Greet & Sparkhill South with 31 cases .
Speaking last week after the announcement of the new restrictions , Leader of the Council Ian Ward said : `` The spread appears to be primarily occurring through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and workplaces where social-distancing is not being observed .
`` The city 's position now is that we have become an area of intervention in line with places such as Greater Manchester .
`` These restrictions apply both inside and outside the city boundary.. '' You must not host people you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are in your support bubble .
`` You must not meet people you do not live with in their home or garden , whether inside our outside the affected area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is as follows : It should be noted that cases listed are only those verified by labs and there are currently concerns about residents experiencing difficulties getting tests .
The online tool can be accessed by clicking here .

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Residents in Birmingham can now see how many Covid cases are in their local area.
The data, collated by Public Health England, gives a far more localised picture of the number of positive cases than the figures for local council areas as a whole.
Residents able to input their postcodes to find out how many cases are in their local area.
Birmingham is currently designated as 'an area of intervention' after cases soared in the city, with restrictions including a ban on household mixing introduced for the area on Monday (Sep 14).
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The data, which covers the period from 7 to 13 of September, divides the borough into Middle Layer Super Output Areas (MSOAs) - which have an average population of 7,200.
The area with the most recorded coronavirus cases during this period was Springfield & Hall Green West, with 36 cases, which is closely followed by Greet & Sparkhill South with 31 cases.
Speaking last week after the announcement of the new restrictions, Leader of the Council Ian Ward said: "The spread appears to be primarily occurring through social interactions, especially private household gatherings, and workplaces where social-distancing is not being observed.
"The city's position now is that we have become an area of intervention in line with places such as Greater Manchester.
"These restrictions apply both inside and outside the city boundary..
"You must not host people you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are in your support bubble.
"You must not meet people you do not live with in their home or garden, whether inside our outside the affected area."
The data for each ward is as follows:
Acocks Green East - 23 Acocks Green West - 11 Allens Cross - 6 Aston Park - 7 Attwood Green & Park Central - 3 Balsall Heath East - 15 Balsall Heath West & Kingswood Road - 10 Bartley Green & Shenley Fields - 4 Belchers Lane & Eastfield Road - 14 Billesley Common - 12 Birches Green - 0-2 Birchfield East - 12 Birchfield West - 7 Bordesley - 12 Bordesley Green North - 7 Bournville East & Stirchley West - 4 Bournville West - 0-2 Brandwood East - 3 Brandwood End - 14 Brandwood North - 5 Bromford - 8 Brookvale - 9 Buckland End - 8 California - 0-2 Castle Vale - 3 Central - 0-2 Chester Road - 4 Cotteridge - 0-2 Digbeth - 0-2 Druids Heath - 5 Edgbaston North - 7 Edgbaston South & University - 6 Erdington Town - 0-2 Five Ways North - 10 Five Ways South & Calthorpe Park - 11 Four Oaks - 0-2 Fox Hollies - 14 Frankley - 3 Glebe Farm - 8 Gravelly Hill & South Erdington - 5 Greet & Sparkhill South - 31 Hall Green Central - 15 Hall Green East - 8 Handsworth East - 14 Handsworth South - 12 Handsworth West - 10 Handsworth Wood - 12 Harborne East - 4 Harborne West - 7 Hawkesley - 4 Hay Mills & Tyseley - 10 Highter's Heath & Maypole - 4 Hill Hook - 3 Hockley & Jewellery Quarter - 9 Hodge Hill - 9 Kent's Moat - 6 Kings Heath - 9 Kings Heath Park & Stirchley East - 7 King's Norton - 0-2 Kingstanding North - 0-2 Kingstanding South East - 4 Kingstanding South West - 3 Kitts Green - 4 Ladywood -Summer Hill - 11 Lifford & Walkers Heath - 3 Little Bromwich - 8 Little Sutton & Roughley - 0-2 Longbridge North - 0-2 Longbridge South - 0-2 Lozells East - 9 Lozells West - 12 Lyndon Green - 8 Metchley - 8 Middlemore - 7 Minworth - 3 Moor Green & Cannon Hill - 6 Moseley - 15 Moseley Village - 16 Nechells - 6 New Oscott - 0-2 North Central & Dartmouth Circus - 4 Northfield Victoria Common - 0-2 Old Oscott - 0-2 Perry Barr & South Hamstead - 13 Perry Beeches East - 0-2 Perry Beeches West - 0-2 Perry Common - College Road - 7 Pype Hayes Park - 0-2 Queslett - 0-2 Quinton East - 8 Quinton Ridgacre - 4 Rectory Park & New Hall Valley - 3 Reddicap Heath - 3 Rotton Park - 11 Rubery East - 0-2 Saltley East - 12 Saltley West - 8 Selly Oak - 8 Selly Oak Park & Lodge Hill - 3 Shard End & Kingfisher - 0-2 Sheldon North - 5 Sheldon South - 9 Shenley Lane - 6 Short Heath - 3 Small Heath Park - 15 Sparkbrook North - 8 Sparkbrook South - 28 Sparkhill North - 20 Springfield & Hall Green West - 36 Stetchford - 10 Stirchley North & Selly Park - 4 Stockland Green - Marsh Hill - 0-2 Summerfield - 16 Sutton Coldfield North & Park - 0-2 Sutton Coldfield South & Central - 4 Turves Green - 3 Upper Witton - 3 Wake Green East & Moseley Bog - 14 Walmley - 0-2 Ward End & Bromford West - 9 Washwood Heath - 6 Weoley Castle - 0-2 West Heath - 6 Winson Green & Gib Heath - 10 Woodgate - 0-2 Woodgate Valley - 4 Wylde Green - 0-2 Yardley - 4 Yardley Fields - 12 Yardley South - 13 Yardley Wood East - 12 Yardley Wood West - 7
It should be noted that cases listed are only those verified by labs and there are currently concerns about residents experiencing difficulties getting tests.
The online tool can be accessed by clicking here.


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Aston Villa flop Ross McCormack signs for non-league Aldershot

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birminghammail--2020-09-18--Cleaner saves the life of man found with slash injuries

A cleaner who is training to be a nurse helped save the life of a man found in an Erdington street with slash injuries .
Maria Lopes , 43 , carried out life-saving first aid treatment on the vulnerable man with the help of another passer-by until paramedics arrived .
The mum-of-three was walking back to her home in Erdington yesterday ( Thursday ) afternoon when saw the man on South Road .
He had potentially serious and self-inflicted injuries and with the help of another Good Samaritan , Maria gave first aid treatment .
Maria said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way and had injuries to his wrists and neck .
There was another man who was also there attending to him .
`` We made a tourniquet out of some clothing to stem the flow of blood and made sure his airways were n't blocked .
We comforted him until paramedics arrived .
`` I am currently working as a cleaner but I am training to be a nurse .
I am one year into my course .
`` This is why I wanted to train to be a nurse so I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy that I was able to use some of the training to help this man . ''
Proud partner Mick Payne added : `` She did n't want any recognition for this but she is such a wonderful , caring woman .
She will always go out of her way to help anyone and this is just a perfect example of that . ''
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said : `` We were called to South Road , Erdington , at 4.31pm yesterday to reports of a fear for a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the scene .
This was a mental health case .
`` We treated one patient , a man , for potentially serious injuries and he was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment . ''

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A cleaner who is training to be a nurse helped save the life of a man found in an Erdington street with slash injuries.
Maria Lopes, 43, carried out life-saving first aid treatment on the vulnerable man with the help of another passer-by until paramedics arrived.
The mum-of-three was walking back to her home in Erdington yesterday (Thursday) afternoon when saw the man on South Road.
He had potentially serious and self-inflicted injuries and with the help of another Good Samaritan, Maria gave first aid treatment.
Maria said: "I could see he was in a bad way and had injuries to his wrists and neck. There was another man who was also there attending to him.
"We made a tourniquet out of some clothing to stem the flow of blood and made sure his airways weren't blocked. We comforted him until paramedics arrived.
(Image: Handout)
"I am currently working as a cleaner but I am training to be a nurse. I am one year into my course.
"This is why I wanted to train to be a nurse so I can help people. I am just so happy that I was able to use some of the training to help this man."
Proud partner Mick Payne added: "She didn't want any recognition for this but she is such a wonderful, caring woman. She will always go out of her way to help anyone and this is just a perfect example of that."
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A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called to South Road, Erdington, at 4.31pm yesterday to reports of a fear for a person's welfare. We sent one ambulance to the scene. This was a mental health case.
"We treated one patient, a man, for potentially serious injuries and he was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment."


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Man charged with killing pensioner on hill appears in court

A 21-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murdering a pensioner whose body was found near the summit of @ @ @ @ @ Moses Christensen , from Oldswinford in Stourbridge , West Midlands , also faces a charge @ @ @ @ @ in a public place .
The body of Richard Hall , from Perton in south @ @ @ @ @ August 14 on Brown Clee Hill .
The devastated family has paid tribute to the @ @ @ @ @ Abdon Burf .
They said : `` Richard was a wonderful man in every single @ @ @ @ @ to the family and everyone that knew him .
An inspiration to many , taken @ @ @ @ @ soon . ''
Wearing a grey sweatshirt , Christensen spoke only to confirm his name @ @ @ @ @ Stafford Crown Court on Friday , September 18 .
He was not required to enter @ @ @ @ @ in custody to appear at the same court on November 2 .
An area near @ @ @ @ @ was sealed off by police for around three days .

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A 21-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murdering a pensioner whose body was found near the summit of Shropshire's highest hill.
Moses Christensen, from Oldswinford in Stourbridge, West Midlands, also faces a charge of possessing a combat-style knife in a public place.
The body of Richard Hall, from Perton in south Staffordshire, was found on August 14 on Brown Clee Hill.
The devastated family has paid tribute to the 70-year-old following the discovery near Abdon Burf.
They said: "Richard was a wonderful man in every single way. A massive loss to the family and everyone that knew him. An inspiration to many, taken away from us far too soon."
Wearing a grey sweatshirt, Christensen spoke only to confirm his name during a short hearing at Stafford Crown Court on Friday, September 18.
He was not required to enter any pleas and was remanded in custody to appear at the same court on November 2.
An area near the summit of 540-metre-high hill was sealed off by police for around three days.


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Matt Hancock urged on GMB to face questions from Kate Garraway

Matt Hancock has been urged by viewers and news anchors to appear on GMB to face questioning despite a Government boycott .
The Health Secretary has faced intense grilling this morning on various news outlets about the possibility of another national lockdown due to the huge rise in cases .
He was also grilled on testing and how they are dealing with the overwhelming demand for people wanting a test .
However ever since intense grilling by Piers Morgan , ministers have refused to show on ITV 's Good Morning Britain with many people urging Matt Hancock to face the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Express .
Following this , news anchor David Mitchinson wrote on Twitter : “ @ piersmorgan Wow ... @ MattHancock really is talking to EVERYONE in the media today ...
EXCEPT you guys on @ GMB .
“ Do n't know how a public official can get away with that without being held accountable.
” Piers responded : “ Especially when today ’ s @ GMB is being presented by @ kategarraway .
“ You might think Hancock would have the basic decency to inform her about the coronavirus crisis given her situation.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in hospital since March after he contracted coronavirus .
He is now free of the deadly disease , but continues to battle further health complications , such as problems with his intestines .
Kate , who shares two children with her spouse , has been told he may never recover .
The presenter returned to work on the ITV show in July and her Smooth Radio slot this week , on the advice to carry on with normal life by doctors .
Piers previously discussed Government ministers boycotting Good Morning Britain during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host admitted he had become angry with ministers due to having friends , like Kate , who have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
He told presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield : “ I had work colleagues , Kate Garraway 's husband , in a coma .
`` I had three friends who lost their parents in care homes , I had others who narrowly escaped and nearly died.
” He went on to say : `` Sometimes I know that I probably went a little too far but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do feel if you were that closely touched by it… It made me so angry , in my view , the way they mishandled it . ''
Piers went on to say ministers such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Matt have now avoided appearing on the show for over 130 days .
On his previous interviews with MPs , he added : “ I do n't regret a damn thing that I did with those government ministers .
“ I think they have been a total shambles with this pandemic , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I think so many more people died than should have died , what happened with our care homes is a national disgrace.
” '' I make no apology for holding their feet to the fire . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Samantha Masters, Chris  Harper)

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Matt Hancock has been urged by viewers and news anchors to appear on GMB to face questioning despite a Government boycott.
The Health Secretary has faced intense grilling this morning on various news outlets about the possibility of another national lockdown due to the huge rise in cases.
He was also grilled on testing and how they are dealing with the overwhelming demand for people wanting a test.
However ever since intense grilling by Piers Morgan, ministers have refused to show on ITV's Good Morning Britain with many people urging Matt Hancock to face the music on the show, reports the Express.
Following this, news anchor David Mitchinson wrote on Twitter: “@piersmorgan Wow... @MattHancock really is talking to EVERYONE in the media today... EXCEPT you guys on @GMB.
“Don't know how a public official can get away with that without being held accountable.”
Piers responded: “Especially when today’s @GMB is being presented by @kategarraway.
“You might think Hancock would have the basic decency to inform her about the coronavirus crisis given her situation.”
Kate’s husband Derek has been in hospital since March after he contracted coronavirus.
He is now free of the deadly disease, but continues to battle further health complications, such as problems with his intestines.
Kate, who shares two children with her spouse, has been told he may never recover.
The presenter returned to work on the ITV show in July and her Smooth Radio slot this week, on the advice to carry on with normal life by doctors.
Piers previously discussed Government ministers boycotting Good Morning Britain during an interview on This Morning.
The host admitted he had become angry with ministers due to having friends, like Kate, who have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
He told presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: “I had work colleagues, Kate Garraway's husband, in a coma.
"I had three friends who lost their parents in care homes, I had others who narrowly escaped and nearly died.”
He went on to say: "Sometimes I know that I probably went a little too far but I was genuinely angry."
"I do feel if you were that closely touched by it… It made me so angry, in my view, the way they mishandled it."
Piers went on to say ministers such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Matt have now avoided appearing on the show for over 130 days.
On his previous interviews with MPs, he added: “I don't regret a damn thing that I did with those government ministers.
“I think they have been a total shambles with this pandemic, I have made no secret of it.
"I think so many more people died than should have died, what happened with our care homes is a national disgrace.”
"I make no apology for holding their feet to the fire."


birminghammail--2020-09-18--Scott Hogan makes bullish Birmingham City prediction

Scott Hogan detects signs of a long-term planning at Birmingham City – and has backed Aitor Karanka to guide the club up the Championship table .
The striker joined from Blues ’ cross-city rivals earlier this week , signing a four year contract that sees him turn last season ’ s loan arrangement into a permanent switch .
He has spoken of his determination to show ‘ the real Scott Hogan ’ and set himself an ambitious 20-goal target .
If the 28-year-old can do that he believes Karanka could have Blues challenging at the right end of the table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here “ When a new manager comes in they want to bring their players in and he has been allowed to do that , ” Hogan told Blues TV .
“ I think it needed to happen , from the day I left on the last game the squad was depleted to say the least .
“ For him to get his new players in shows there is backing and maybe a long-term view to pushing for something .
“ I would like to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a new manager and staff have come in .
“ He has got a proven track record in this division , probably been one of the top managers in this division over the years since he has come and managed here .
“ It is a massive , massive different feeling to last time .
Personally I came to play games and that was all I was thinking of .
“ This time it ’ s maybe a real chance to do something .
We all know in this division anyone can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one team that gets into it and you are like ‘ How have they done that ?
’ Maybe we can do that .
“ I have never been in a Championship season where it ’ s not been wide open , it doesn ’ t matter the size of club or whoever is in the division they can find it difficult .
“ Certain teams do well every year , certain teams don ’ t it ’ s never straight forward .
“ West Brom just got over the line , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went up quite comfortably but the year before they fell away .
“ So it doesn ’ t matter who the club is that is no guarantee what is going to happen .
“ I think if we can get the lads together , become accustomed to the tactics and nail them every day and make sure we know what we are doing , to be honest I think we will win more games than we lose for certain .
“ Especially with his record , he took Middlesbrough up and got Forest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before he got sacked .
“ At the end of the day It ’ s just game by game but I think if we get it right , do what the manager asks , where he has come from and what he knows , you never know .
“ If you are top ten , that ’ s alright build on that then if you are top ten with four games to go you have probably still got a chance of going up automatically in this division , that ’ s how crazy @ @ @ @ @

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Scott Hogan detects signs of a long-term planning at Birmingham City – and has backed Aitor Karanka to guide the club up the Championship table.
The striker joined from Blues’ cross-city rivals earlier this week, signing a four year contract that sees him turn last season’s loan arrangement into a permanent switch.
He has spoken of his determination to show ‘the real Scott Hogan’ and set himself an ambitious 20-goal target.
If the 28-year-old can do that he believes Karanka could have Blues challenging at the right end of the table for the first time in five years.
“When a new manager comes in they want to bring their players in and he has been allowed to do that,” Hogan told Blues TV.
“I think it needed to happen, from the day I left on the last game the squad was depleted to say the least.
“For him to get his new players in shows there is backing and maybe a long-term view to pushing for something.
“I would like to think something is building here, new lads and a new manager and staff have come in.
“He has got a proven track record in this division, probably been one of the top managers in this division over the years since he has come and managed here.
“It is a massive, massive different feeling to last time. Personally I came to play games and that was all I was thinking of.
“This time it’s maybe a real chance to do something. We all know in this division anyone can beat anybody and there’s always one team that gets into it and you are like ‘How have they done that?’ Maybe we can do that.
“I have never been in a Championship season where it’s not been wide open, it doesn’t matter the size of club or whoever is in the division they can find it difficult.
“Certain teams do well every year, certain teams don’t it’s never straight forward.
“West Brom just got over the line, a big club like that. Leeds obviously went up quite comfortably but the year before they fell away.
“So it doesn’t matter who the club is that is no guarantee what is going to happen.
“I think if we can get the lads together, become accustomed to the tactics and nail them every day and make sure we know what we are doing, to be honest I think we will win more games than we lose for certain.
“Especially with his record, he took Middlesbrough up and got Forest towards the top end of the division before he got sacked.
“At the end of the day It’s just game by game but I think if we get it right, do what the manager asks, where he has come from and what he knows, you never know.
“If you are top ten, that’s alright build on that then if you are top ten with four games to go you have probably still got a chance of going up automatically in this division, that’s how crazy this division is.”