birminghammail--2020-10-23--Saltwells declared as second National Nature Reserve for borough

A Dudley beauty spot has been declared as the borough 's second National Nature Reserve .
Saltwells Nature Reserve has been officially elevated to National status after Natural England recognised its unique geology under its new National Nature Reserve strategy .
Geological features of the site date back more than 420million years and gives visitors a glimpse into the world during the Silurian Period when Dudley lay under a warm tropical sea , through to the Carboniferous Period when the coal seams which fuelled the Industrial Revolution in Dudley were forming in vast swamps .
The borough is already home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ geological National Nature Reserve , Wren ’ s Nest which was declared in 1956 .
Saltwells is one of the most important geological reserves in Britain and a highlight of the recently announced Black Country UNESCO Geopark and is regularly visited and studied by geologists from all over Britain and the world .
Geopark status recognises the many world-class natural and important cultural features in the Black Country and how they tell the story of the landscape and the people that live within it .
Tony Juniper , Chair of Natural England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nature Reserves embody our natural diversity of wildlife and geology .
They are places where nature comes first , places for conservation , research , education and people .
`` Saltwells is very special for its geology , somewhere where we can learn about life hundreds of millions of years ago , but being located in the heart of the Black Country it is also a place where many local people can experience nature now and for many years to come .
Its location also means it ’ s a brilliant place particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wonders of geology and wildlife .
`` Achieving National Nature Reserve status is not easy and Dudley ’ s wardening team , local volunteers , friends group and the Canal and Rivers Trust can be rightly proud of what they have achieved in managing this reserve to reach the standard it is today .
Councillor Karen Shakespeare , cabinet member for environmental services said : We ’ ve been working closely with Natural England for some time , and to have Saltwells recognised like this is testament to the strong working relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am so proud of what we have on our doorstep and this is testament to all the hard work of everyone involved on a daily basis , including our hugely committed volunteers and supportive friends group .
`` I am delighted that Saltwells is the first nature reserve to be recognised for its geology under the new Natural England National Nature Reserves Strategy .

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A Dudley beauty spot has been declared as the borough's second National Nature Reserve.
Saltwells Nature Reserve has been officially elevated to National status after Natural England recognised its unique geology under its new National Nature Reserve strategy.
Geological features of the site date back more than 420million years and gives visitors a glimpse into the world during the Silurian Period when Dudley lay under a warm tropical sea, through to the Carboniferous Period when the coal seams which fuelled the Industrial Revolution in Dudley were forming in vast swamps.
The borough is already home to the country’s first ever geological National Nature Reserve, Wren’s Nest which was declared in 1956.
Saltwells is one of the most important geological reserves in Britain and a highlight of the recently announced Black Country UNESCO Geopark and is regularly visited and studied by geologists from all over Britain and the world.
Geopark status recognises the many world-class natural and important cultural features in the Black Country and how they tell the story of the landscape and the people that live within it.
Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: "England’s National Nature Reserves embody our natural diversity of wildlife and geology. They are places where nature comes first, places for conservation, research, education and people.
"Saltwells is very special for its geology, somewhere where we can learn about life hundreds of millions of years ago, but being located in the heart of the Black Country it is also a place where many local people can experience nature now and for many years to come. Its location also means it’s a brilliant place particularly for people in urban areas to discover the wonders of geology and wildlife.
"Achieving National Nature Reserve status is not easy and Dudley’s wardening team, local volunteers, friends group and the Canal and Rivers Trust can be rightly proud of what they have achieved in managing this reserve to reach the standard it is today.
Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental services said: We’ve been working closely with Natural England for some time, and to have Saltwells recognised like this is testament to the strong working relationship we have built between our organisations.
"I am so proud of what we have on our doorstep and this is testament to all the hard work of everyone involved on a daily basis, including our hugely committed volunteers and supportive friends group.
"I am delighted that Saltwells is the first nature reserve to be recognised for its geology under the new Natural England National Nature Reserves Strategy.


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Birmingham Rep given £1.38m from government to survive coronavirus

Today it has been announced that Birmingham Repertory Theatre has been awarded a grant of £1.38 million from the Government ’ s Culture Recovery Fund .
The REP ’ s Artistic Director , Sean Foley and Executive Director , Rachael Thomas said ; “ COVID-19 continues to have a devastating effect on our communities , city , and industry .
`` We are hugely grateful to The Department for Culture , Media and Sport for the grant announced today for Birmingham Repertory Theatre as part of the Culture Recovery Fund .
“ Without this essential grant there is no doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been greatly compromised .
`` Thanks to the support from DCMS and Arts Council England we can now channel our efforts into securing the future of The REP , protecting jobs , and employing freelancers . ''
Ms Thomas added : “ As the only producing theatre in the UK ’ s Second City , we have continued with our wider civic mission during these unprecedented times - our vital education , creative learning , and outreach work that engages with young people and communities across the city have all been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to investing in putting work on our stages and welcoming audiences back safely to The REP with plans for a season of work to be announced in the coming months .
“ At a time when Birmingham prepares for its moment at the forefront of international attention with Commonwealth Games '22 , this investment will enable The REP to play our full part in the cultural renaissance of the City , involving and serving all its communities , and contributing fully to its economic recovery . ''
Ms Thomas added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there is no denying that these continue to be very difficult times for the cultural and events industries .
`` We recognise that many artists and organisations in our industry still face an uncertain future , and we will do everything we can to support our industry and ensure that some of the benefits of our funding reach the wider workforce.
” Adrian Lester , Trustee of the Board of The REP added : “ The REP was one of the main reasons I applied to drama school .
It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the first theatre I ever performed in .
`` Without it , my life may have taken a completely different course .
The impact The REP has goes far beyond the economic contribution it makes to my home city - it is an essential and vital pathway for aspiring talent and for creating truly world class productions - and for welcoming back that talent when it has flowered .
`` This wonderful news ensures that this historic , pioneering theatre - now under the exciting new leadership of Artistic Director Sean Foley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be there to inspire and entertain again when it is possible to return to full production.
” Peter Knott , Area Director , Arts Council England said : “ We ’ re delighted that The REP , has been successful through the Government ’ s Culture Recovery Fund .
The theatre is a cornerstone of Birmingham ’ s cultural offer and this grant will offer them some short-term security and the opportunity to plan for the future .
As the UK ’ s oldest building-based theatre company and Birmingham ’ s only producing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in bringing inspiring and diverse theatre to the region .
“ The Government ’ s package is hugely welcome , providing much of the sector with resources to remain in business through to the Spring .
Well-loved community projects , theatres , galleries , museums , clubs , music venues , festivals , key cultural suppliers along with other creative spaces and projects have benefited , and their communities will feel a boost as a result .
At a time where many communities and organisations face difficult challenges , this is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery , post-COVID.
” The REP is one of 35 major cultural organisations receiving the first grants between £1 and £3 million through the Culture Recovery Fund – with £75 million of investment announced today .
This follows £334 million awarded earlier in the month to nearly 2,000 organisations , also from the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England .
Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks .

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Today it has been announced that Birmingham Repertory Theatre has been awarded a grant of £1.38 million from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
The REP’s Artistic Director, Sean Foley and Executive Director, Rachael Thomas said; “COVID-19 continues to have a devastating effect on our communities, city, and industry.
"We are hugely grateful to The Department for Culture, Media and Sport for the grant announced today for Birmingham Repertory Theatre as part of the Culture Recovery Fund.
“Without this essential grant there is no doubt that the future of our historic theatre would have been greatly compromised.
"Thanks to the support from DCMS and Arts Council England we can now channel our efforts into securing the future of The REP, protecting jobs, and employing freelancers."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Ms Thomas added: “As the only producing theatre in the UK’s Second City, we have continued with our wider civic mission during these unprecedented times - our vital education, creative learning, and outreach work that engages with young people and communities across the city have all been ongoing - but we can now look forward to investing in putting work on our stages and welcoming audiences back safely to The REP with plans for a season of work to be announced in the coming months.
“At a time when Birmingham prepares for its moment at the forefront of international attention with Commonwealth Games '22, this investment will enable The REP to play our full part in the cultural renaissance of the City, involving and serving all its communities, and contributing fully to its economic recovery."
Ms Thomas added: “Today’s news brings hope, but there is no denying that these continue to be very difficult times for the cultural and events industries.
"We recognise that many artists and organisations in our industry still face an uncertain future, and we will do everything we can to support our industry and ensure that some of the benefits of our funding reach the wider workforce.”
Adrian Lester, Trustee of the Board of The REP added: “The REP was one of the main reasons I applied to drama school. It was the first theatre I visited as a child and the first theatre I ever performed in.
"Without it, my life may have taken a completely different course. The impact The REP has goes far beyond the economic contribution it makes to my home city - it is an essential and vital pathway for aspiring talent and for creating truly world class productions - and for welcoming back that talent when it has flowered.
"This wonderful news ensures that this historic, pioneering theatre - now under the exciting new leadership of Artistic Director Sean Foley and Executive Director Rachael Thomas - will be there to inspire and entertain again when it is possible to return to full production.”
Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England said: “We’re delighted that The REP, has been successful through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. The theatre is a cornerstone of Birmingham’s cultural offer and this grant will offer them some short-term security and the opportunity to plan for the future. As the UK’s oldest building-based theatre company and Birmingham’s only producing theatre, The REP plays a crucial role in bringing inspiring and diverse theatre to the region.
“The Government’s package is hugely welcome, providing much of the sector with resources to remain in business through to the Spring. Well-loved community projects, theatres, galleries, museums, clubs, music venues, festivals, key cultural suppliers along with other creative spaces and projects have benefited, and their communities will feel a boost as a result. At a time where many communities and organisations face difficult challenges, this is a chance to continue on the road to recovery, post-COVID.”
The REP is one of 35 major cultural organisations receiving the first grants between £1 and £3 million through the Culture Recovery Fund – with £75 million of investment announced today.
This follows £334 million awarded earlier in the month to nearly 2,000 organisations, also from the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Iconic Birmingham venues given £8.7m in government's culture recovery fund

Today the Culture Secretary has announced grants of up to £3 million to save 35 of the country ’ s major cultural organisations in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Organisations supported in Birmingham include Birmingham Hippodrome , Birmingham Museums Trust , Birmingham REP and Town Hall and Symphony Hall .
Funds announced today , which total £75m , include the largest single awards from the Culture Recovery Fund to date .
Across Birmingham £8,787,448 will be invested to protect some of the city ’ s most significant stages and venues .
Further afield , Warwickshire ’ s Shakespeare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect one of the region ’ s most significant cultural organisations .
The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley , where scenes for Peaky Blinders and Stan & Ollie have been filmed , will be able to reopen with a grant of £2,559,805 .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : “ As part of our unprecedented £1.57 billion rescue fund , today we 're saving British cultural icons with large grants of up to £3 million - from Shakespeare 's Globe to the Sheffield Crucible .
These places and organisations are irreplaceable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us the cultural superpower we are .
This vital funding will secure their future and protect jobs right away . ''
Birmingham Museums Trust -Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery , Thinktank , Aston Hall , Blakesley Hall , Museum of the Jewellery Quarter , Sarehole Mill , Soho House , Weoley Castle and Museum Collections Centre - ( £1,872,750 ) Culture Secretary , Oliver Dowden said : “ We can ’ t afford to lose the places that keep the arts alive which is why we are supporting talented creatives up and down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of our country ’ s arts and culture offer which is why we are delivering record financial support to the sector .
“ More money is on the way for cultural organisations of every shape and size so that as many places as possible can be supported through the pandemic.
” Peter Knott , Area Director , Arts Council England said : “ We ’ re delighted that these organisations have been successful to the Government ’ s Culture Recovery Fund .
They are cornerstones of the Birmingham ’ s cultural offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short-term security and the opportunity to plan for the future .
“ The Government ’ s package is hugely welcome , providing much of the sector with resources to remain in business through to the Spring .
Well-loved community projects , theatres , galleries , museums , clubs , music venues , festivals , key cultural suppliers along with other creative spaces and projects have benefited , and their communities will feel a boost as a result .
At a time where many communities and organisations face difficult challenges , this is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery , post-Covid .
”

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Today the Culture Secretary has announced grants of up to £3 million to save 35 of the country’s major cultural organisations in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Organisations supported in Birmingham include Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Museums Trust, Birmingham REP and Town Hall and Symphony Hall.
Funds announced today, which total £75m, include the largest single awards from the Culture Recovery Fund to date.
Across Birmingham £8,787,448 will be invested to protect some of the city’s most significant stages and venues.
Further afield, Warwickshire’s Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has been awarded £3 million to protect one of the region’s most significant cultural organisations.
The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, where scenes for Peaky Blinders and Stan & Ollie have been filmed, will be able to reopen with a grant of £2,559,805.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “As part of our unprecedented £1.57 billion rescue fund, today we're saving British cultural icons with large grants of up to £3 million - from Shakespeare's Globe to the Sheffield Crucible. These places and organisations are irreplaceable parts of our heritage and what make us the cultural superpower we are. This vital funding will secure their future and protect jobs right away."
The grants
Birmingham Hippodrome – (£3,000,000)
Birmingham Museums Trust -Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Thinktank, Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Sarehole Mill, Soho House, Weoley Castle and Museum Collections Centre - (£1,872,750)
Birmingham REP (£1,380,023)
Performances Birmingham (Town Hall and Symphony Hall) (£2,534,675)
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden said: “We can’t afford to lose the places that keep the arts alive which is why we are supporting talented creatives up and down the country. These organisations are irreplaceable parts of our country’s arts and culture offer which is why we are delivering record financial support to the sector.
“More money is on the way for cultural organisations of every shape and size so that as many places as possible can be supported through the pandemic.”
Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England said: “We’re delighted that these organisations have been successful to the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. They are cornerstones of the Birmingham’s cultural offer and this grant will offer them some short-term security and the opportunity to plan for the future.
“The Government’s package is hugely welcome, providing much of the sector with resources to remain in business through to the Spring. Well-loved community projects, theatres, galleries, museums, clubs, music venues, festivals, key cultural suppliers along with other creative spaces and projects have benefited, and their communities will feel a boost as a result. At a time where many communities and organisations face difficult challenges, this is a chance to continue on the road to recovery, post-Covid.”


birminghammail--2020-10-23--What Dean Smith told his Villa dressing room after Leeds defeat

Dean Smith admitted how he was n't too harsh on his downbeat Aston Villa players after a brutal 3-0 defeat to a Patrick Bamford-inspired Leeds United .
The loss was Villa 's first in as many as eight league games spanning back last term with Villa remaining in second-place prior to this weekend 's action .
As for hat-trick hero Bamford , the 27-year-old made Villa pay with a series of cute - and clinical - strikes to put the game out of reach .
Afterwards , Smith said of the defeat : `` I told the players I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal because I thought it was an even game .
`` We had a moment in the game we did n't take and , after that first goal , our reactions were n't as good as they should be .
`` They gained a yard in pace and we lost a yard in pace .
If you do that you 're going to concede goals .
You have to give credit to Leeds , they were excellent , their one-touch passing in the second-half and their running .
They comfortably beat us in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to the players that I 've only been disappointed with 40 minutes this season and we 've got 12 points . ''
Smith added : `` There are learning points from it .
I do n't like to learn from 40 minutes of how we played in the second half but you have to .
They 're the bits we will have to get better at if we 're to become a well-established team in this league .
`` It 's a league that can punish you very quickly and you ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt after that first goal we did feel sorry for ourselves .
`` I spoke in the week about how you can get a bop on the nose when you 're not at it and we got that in the second-half , for sure . ''

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Dean Smith admitted how he wasn't too harsh on his downbeat Aston Villa players after a brutal 3-0 defeat to a Patrick Bamford-inspired Leeds United.
The loss was Villa's first in as many as eight league games spanning back last term with Villa remaining in second-place prior to this weekend's action.
As for hat-trick hero Bamford, the 27-year-old made Villa pay with a series of cute - and clinical - strikes to put the game out of reach.
Afterwards, Smith said of the defeat: "I told the players I was disappointed with our reaction to their first goal because I thought it was an even game.
"We had a moment in the game we didn't take and, after that first goal, our reactions weren't as good as they should be.
"They gained a yard in pace and we lost a yard in pace. If you do that you're going to concede goals. You have to give credit to Leeds, they were excellent, their one-touch passing in the second-half and their running. They comfortably beat us in the second half.
"I also said to the players that I've only been disappointed with 40 minutes this season and we've got 12 points."
Smith added: "There are learning points from it. I don't like to learn from 40 minutes of how we played in the second half but you have to. They're the bits we will have to get better at if we're to become a well-established team in this league.
"It's a league that can punish you very quickly and you can't feel sorry for yourselves. I felt after that first goal we did feel sorry for ourselves.
"I spoke in the week about how you can get a bop on the nose when you're not at it and we got that in the second-half, for sure."


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Aston Villa 0 Leeds United 3 report and ratings

Aston Villa 's perfect start came to an abrupt end no thanks to Patrick Bamford 's brilliant - and clinical - hat-trick .
The Leeds United front man was in inspired form throughout and could have had two strikes early on as his movement between Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa caused all sorts of problems .
The 27-year-old , hated by Villa supporters for his play-acting back at Elland Road in April 2019 , opened the scoring just 10 minutes after the break - capitalising on Emi Martinez 's parry before steering a left-footed effort in from the six-yard box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he scored a thunderous second from the edge of the box with Mings giving him all too much time .
Bamford added his third on 74 minutes , curling home between four Villa players to condemn Villa to a bruising 3-0 defeat .
Prior to Leeds ' opener , though , it was Villa skipper Jack Grealish who came agonisingly close in the opening half .
The play-maker had a goal-bound effort cleared off the line as the two sides went in 0-0 at the break .
Again , just prior to Bamford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once more and went on a jaw-dropping run from deep - only for Leeds stopper Illan Mesiler to save well at his front post .
Birthday boy Konsa had a decent effort saved from the resultant corner before Leeds sprung a trademark quick-fire breakaway .
In the end Leeds were simply too hot to handle with Villa suffering their first defeat in eight Premier League games - a stat that deserves plaudits given Smith 's incredible turnaround in such a short space of time .
Villa , meanwhile , will lick their wounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League summit on Friday night but they 're still riding high in second-place as it stands winning four and losing one from their opening five games .
Next up : Southampton at Villa Park ; Sunday , November 1 , 12pm kick-off ; Sky Sports Box Office

Aston Villa's perfect start came to an abrupt end no thanks to Patrick Bamford's brilliant - and clinical - hat-trick.
The Leeds United front man was in inspired form throughout and could have had two strikes early on as his movement between Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa caused all sorts of problems.
The 27-year-old, hated by Villa supporters for his play-acting back at Elland Road in April 2019, opened the scoring just 10 minutes after the break - capitalising on Emi Martinez's parry before steering a left-footed effort in from the six-yard box.
A little over 10 minutes later he scored a thunderous second from the edge of the box with Mings giving him all too much time. Bamford added his third on 74 minutes, curling home between four Villa players to condemn Villa to a bruising 3-0 defeat.
Prior to Leeds' opener, though, it was Villa skipper Jack Grealish who came agonisingly close in the opening half. The play-maker had a goal-bound effort cleared off the line as the two sides went in 0-0 at the break. Again, just prior to Bamford's first, Grealish took on responsibility once more and went on a jaw-dropping run from deep - only for Leeds stopper Illan Mesiler to save well at his front post. Birthday boy Konsa had a decent effort saved from the resultant corner before Leeds sprung a trademark quick-fire breakaway.
In the end Leeds were simply too hot to handle with Villa suffering their first defeat in eight Premier League games - a stat that deserves plaudits given Smith's incredible turnaround in such a short space of time.
Villa, meanwhile, will lick their wounds and yes, they failed to reach the Premier League summit on Friday night but they're still riding high in second-place as it stands winning four and losing one from their opening five games.
Goals:
Aston Villa:
Leeds United: Bamford (55, 67, 74)
The ref: Paul Tierney
VAR: Stuart Atwell
Next up: Southampton at Villa Park; Sunday, November 1, 12pm kick-off; Sky Sports Box Office


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Leeds United troll Gabby Agbonlahor after beating Aston Villa

Gabby Agbonlahor has been trolled by Leeds United 's official Twitter account after Aston Villa 's Premier League defeat .
The 34-year-old former Villa striker rattled a few feathers in West Yorkshire when he branded Marcelo Bielsa 's side a 'myth ' in the build up to the game .
In a plea to fellow pundits to quit their love-in with Leeds , Agbonlahor tweeted `` Leeds are a myth , ( now ) maybe all the pundits will get out of Bielsa 's a*** '' after the Whites lost to Wolves on Monday night .
Agbonlahor took to Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheeky message to say he would be on punditry duty for Sky Sports News on Friday evening and would n't be afraid to show his Villa allegiances .
He said : `` Looking forward to covering the Villa Leeds game for Sky Sports News !
Claret suit and loads of biased views . ''
Asked to elaborate on his comments on talkSPORT on Tuesday , Agbonlahor said : `` I watched them ( Leeds ) last night and this season and they look like a team of hard workers .
`` They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They 're organised but going forward , they lack a bit on the wings and strikers .
Teams will find them out a bit .
If you can work as hard as Leeds , I think you 'll beat them on quality .
`` If we 're getting that excited for Bielsa then we must be putting the red carpet down for Dean Smith .
Maybe because he 's English we do n't get too excited about him but what he 's doing tactics wise with Aston Villa , he deserves a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like people need to calm down with Leeds United at the moment . ''
But Agbonlahor 's comments came back to bite him as Leeds inflicted Villa 's first league defeat of the season courtesy of Patrick Bamford 's second-half hat-trick .
Shortly after the final whistle , the club 's official Twitter account posted a tweet containing an image of several of Agbonlahor 's posts saying 'how it started ' before adding a picture of Bamford celebrating under 'how it ended ' .
Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips , who missed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also got in on the act .
He quoted one of Agbonlahor 's earlier tweets with the message : `` Goodnight to all Leeds fans , sleep tight @ officialga11 '' .

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Gabby Agbonlahor has been trolled by Leeds United's official Twitter account after Aston Villa's Premier League defeat.
The 34-year-old former Villa striker rattled a few feathers in West Yorkshire when he branded Marcelo Bielsa's side a 'myth' in the build up to the game.
In a plea to fellow pundits to quit their love-in with Leeds, Agbonlahor tweeted "Leeds are a myth, (now) maybe all the pundits will get out of Bielsa's a***" after the Whites lost to Wolves on Monday night.
Agbonlahor took to Twitter again later in the week with a cheeky message to say he would be on punditry duty for Sky Sports News on Friday evening and wouldn't be afraid to show his Villa allegiances.
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He said: "Looking forward to covering the Villa Leeds game for Sky Sports News! Claret suit and loads of biased views."
Asked to elaborate on his comments on talkSPORT on Tuesday, Agbonlahor said: "I watched them (Leeds) last night and this season and they look like a team of hard workers.
"They are probably the fittest team in the league. They're organised but going forward, they lack a bit on the wings and strikers. Teams will find them out a bit. If you can work as hard as Leeds, I think you'll beat them on quality.
"If we're getting that excited for Bielsa then we must be putting the red carpet down for Dean Smith. Maybe because he's English we don't get too excited about him but what he's doing tactics wise with Aston Villa, he deserves a lot of credit for.
"I feel like people need to calm down with Leeds United at the moment."
But Agbonlahor's comments came back to bite him as Leeds inflicted Villa's first league defeat of the season courtesy of Patrick Bamford's second-half hat-trick.
Shortly after the final whistle, the club's official Twitter account posted a tweet containing an image of several of Agbonlahor's posts saying 'how it started' before adding a picture of Bamford celebrating under 'how it ended'.
Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who missed the match because of a shoulder injury, also got in on the act.
He quoted one of Agbonlahor's earlier tweets with the message: "Goodnight to all Leeds fans, sleep tight @officialga11".


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Nuno defends Raul after Leeds criticism & reveals Mexico talks

Nuno Espirito Santo has defended star striker Raul Jimenez after his involvement in an incident with Leeds United ’ s Robin Koch .
Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez tangled with Koch near to his manager on the touchline during their win over Leeds on Monday .
Referee David Coote didn ’ t spot the coming together , while VAR reviewed it and didn ’ t take any retrospective action .
“ Incidents happen during the game , ” said Nuno .
“ The referee is there to judge and take a decision .
“ What I see in Raul is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you play with your back to your opponent you are more suited to get physical contact and he deals with that well knowing it is part of the game.
” Jimenez ’ s winning goal at Leeds was his 47th in 107 appearances for Wolves , while he ’ s also contributed his fair share of assists in that time .
His ascent to become one of the Premier League ’ s most revered forwards has been made all the more impressive by the hectic workload he ’ s taken on with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jimenez has become the poster boy for Mexico ’ s national team and recently starred in their friendlies with the Netherlands and Algeria .
The 29-year-old scored the winner from the penalty spot against the Netherlands before creating both of El Tri ’ s goals in a 2-2 draw with Algeria .
Remarkably , all the travelling hasn ’ t taken its toll on Jimenez .
He ’ s played every minute in the Premier League this season and continues to accumulate extraordinary goal scoring statistics .
“ With Raul , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us to manage the minutes that he plays , ” Nuno explained .
“ He played in the Gold Cup with Mexico at the beginning of last season but he ’ s been able to perform very well and sustain his levels of fitness .
“ And again this season , it ’ s always a challenge for him and for us .
I see Raul very well , I see him fresh and available , and when he ’ s like that all the talent emerges and he ’ s able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treats himself very well .
The days that he needs to recover , he ’ s really committed to it .
When he works during matches , he gives everything that he has .
He is always able to pass that barrier of eventual fatigue.
” There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
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Google Play Store and App Store Nuno and his medical staff scrutinise every minor detail about Jimenez ’ s fitness and share their findings with their Mexican national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to great lengths to ensure Jimenez is always ready to compete and while record-signing Fabio Silva is waiting in the wings , Wolves ’ number nine doesn ’ t look like he needs a breather .
“ Raul has always been involved with the national team so we exchange information with the national team staff .
( It means ) they can decide better and have the information of how Raul is , not only him but all the national team players .
“ It helps that both of the staff are able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

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Nuno Espirito Santo has defended star striker Raul Jimenez after his involvement in an incident with Leeds United’s Robin Koch.
Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez tangled with Koch near to his manager on the touchline during their win over Leeds on Monday.
Referee David Coote didn’t spot the coming together, while VAR reviewed it and didn’t take any retrospective action.
“Incidents happen during the game,” said Nuno. “The referee is there to judge and take a decision.
“What I see in Raul is a very fair football player. Sometimes when you play with your back to your opponent you are more suited to get physical contact and he deals with that well knowing it is part of the game.”
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Jimenez’s winning goal at Leeds was his 47th in 107 appearances for Wolves, while he’s also contributed his fair share of assists in that time.
His ascent to become one of the Premier League’s most revered forwards has been made all the more impressive by the hectic workload he’s taken on with his country.
In the last two years Jimenez has become the poster boy for Mexico’s national team and recently starred in their friendlies with the Netherlands and Algeria.
The 29-year-old scored the winner from the penalty spot against the Netherlands before creating both of El Tri’s goals in a 2-2 draw with Algeria.
Remarkably, all the travelling hasn’t taken its toll on Jimenez. He’s played every minute in the Premier League this season and continues to accumulate extraordinary goal scoring statistics.
“With Raul, it’s been a challenge for him and for us to manage the minutes that he plays,” Nuno explained. “He played in the Gold Cup with Mexico at the beginning of last season but he’s been able to perform very well and sustain his levels of fitness.
“And again this season, it’s always a challenge for him and for us. I see Raul very well, I see him fresh and available, and when he’s like that all the talent emerges and he’s able to help the team.
“He treats himself very well. The days that he needs to recover, he’s really committed to it. When he works during matches, he gives everything that he has. He is always able to pass that barrier of eventual fatigue.”
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Nuno and his medical staff scrutinise every minor detail about Jimenez’s fitness and share their findings with their Mexican national team counterparts.
The club have gone to great lengths to ensure Jimenez is always ready to compete and while record-signing Fabio Silva is waiting in the wings, Wolves’ number nine doesn’t look like he needs a breather.
“Raul has always been involved with the national team so we exchange information with the national team staff. (It means) they can decide better and have the information of how Raul is, not only him but all the national team players.
“It helps that both of the staff are able to take care of the players.”


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Villa fans all say the same thing about Bamford after Leeds defeat

Aston Villa 's incredible start to the Premier League season was halted by Leeds United on an evening of clinical finishing from Patrick Bamford .
Villa were riding high ahead of Friday 's clash at Villa Park having won their first four top-flight fixtures .
Sheffield United , Fulham , Liverpool and Leicester City had all succumbed to Dean Smith 's men , who would have gone top of the table going into the weekend with a draw or better .
But Leeds - and Bamford in particular - had other ideas , scoring three second-half goals without reply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the 3-0 loss at home to Manchester United in July .
First Bamford fired in the rebound after Villa goalkeeper Emilionao Martinez saved a Rodrigo shot , before doubling the visitors ' lead with a superbly taken second from the edge of the box .
The 27-year-old then wrapped up his hat-trick and the match with a smart finish following Helder Costa 's pass .
There is history between Bamford and Villa after last year 's controversial Championship clash at Elland Road and although many fans made reference to that , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
@ GaryJohnLennon : Bamford , a sublime display of how to execute .
Leeds absolutely smashed it tonight .
Fair play .
@ Munners_ : Out worked and out played .
Leeds fully deserving of this .
Their transition of play is brilliant .
@ LeeGibson6 : Embarrassing now , three defenders within a yard or so of Bamford when he received that ball .
Proper reality check here for everyone at # AVFC .
@ AstonVilla_info : We ’ ve been over run in the midfield .
Miles off it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Watkins non existent .
Mings and Konsa been shafted by Bamford tonight .
@ PaddyHennessy83 : Pure class by Bamford ... zero complaints , yes he 's a cheat ... but if you 're a Leeds fan you love him ... outworked & outclassed .
@ LiamSpencer27 : Don ’ t begrudge this score line .
# leeds have been brilliant second half .
Wish it was anyone but Bamford though !
@ Priestography : What a trio of goals from Bamford .
Leeds are such a dangerous team .
Villa were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DazzPablo : Fair play to Leeds .
Tactically spot on against us , overloaded the wide areas and we 've lacked discipline tonight .
Ca n't stand Bamford , but 2nd half he has taken his chances superbly .

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Aston Villa's incredible start to the Premier League season was halted by Leeds United on an evening of clinical finishing from Patrick Bamford.
Villa were riding high ahead of Friday's clash at Villa Park having won their first four top-flight fixtures.
Sheffield United, Fulham, Liverpool and Leicester City had all succumbed to Dean Smith's men, who would have gone top of the table going into the weekend with a draw or better.
But Leeds - and Bamford in particular - had other ideas, scoring three second-half goals without reply to inflict a first league defeat on Villa since the 3-0 loss at home to Manchester United in July.
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First Bamford fired in the rebound after Villa goalkeeper Emilionao Martinez saved a Rodrigo shot, before doubling the visitors' lead with a superbly taken second from the edge of the box.
The 27-year-old then wrapped up his hat-trick and the match with a smart finish following Helder Costa's pass.
There is history between Bamford and Villa after last year's controversial Championship clash at Elland Road and although many fans made reference to that, there was praise for the forward's performance.
@GaryJohnLennon: Bamford, a sublime display of how to execute. Leeds absolutely smashed it tonight. Fair play.
@Munners_: Out worked and out played. Leeds fully deserving of this. Their transition of play is brilliant.
@LeeGibson6: Embarrassing now, three defenders within a yard or so of Bamford when he received that ball. Proper reality check here for everyone at #AVFC.
@AstonVilla_info: We’ve been over run in the midfield. Miles off it. Had so much space over the left! Watkins non existent. Mings and Konsa been shafted by Bamford tonight.
@PaddyHennessy83: Pure class by Bamford... zero complaints, yes he's a cheat... but if you're a Leeds fan you love him... outworked & outclassed.
@LiamSpencer27: Don’t begrudge this score line. #leeds have been brilliant second half. Wish it was anyone but Bamford though!
@Priestography: What a trio of goals from Bamford. Leeds are such a dangerous team. Villa were never gonna win all 38.
@DazzPablo: Fair play to Leeds. Tactically spot on against us, overloaded the wide areas and we've lacked discipline tonight. Can't stand Bamford, but 2nd half he has taken his chances superbly.


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Aston Villa player ratings as Patrick Bamford does all the damage

Patrick Bamford rattled in a well-taken hat-trick to condemn Aston Villa to their first defeat in eight Premier League games .
Newly-promoted Leeds United were lively throughout and made Dean Smith 's depleted men pay with Bamford punishing Villa 's surprisingly lacklustre defence with a series of brilliant finishes .
The striker , hated by Villa fans for his play-acting at Elland Road back in April 2019 , could have had five or six as he continued to give the likes of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings a torrid time of it .
Villa , though , who could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , could have gone ahead through Jack Grealish not once but twice .
The skipper had a goal-bound effort cleared off the line in the first half while , prior to Bamford 's 55th-minute opener , went on a mazy run from deep before forcing Illan Meslier into a stop .
In the end , though , Leeds were by far the better team as Villa ran out of steam against the team Smith billed as the fittest in the Premier League .
Here 's how we rated the players after Villa 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible start to the season : Claimed well throughout and showed good distribution with both feet again .
Parried Rodrigo 's shot into the danger zone , though , with Patrick Bamford reacting quickest to steer the rebound in from inside the six-yard box .
Had no chance with Bamford 's thunderous second and was rooted .
The Argentinian had a watching brief once more for Bamford 's third as the Leeds No.9 nonchalantly bent one into Martinez 's top right-hand corner .
Leeds ' gutting opener must go down as a Martinez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Villa 's best player in the opening half - and he had to be to stop Leeds ' tag-team of Alioski and Harrison down their left .
Blocked balls for fun and timed his sliding challenges to perfection .
Could n't get forward as much as he would have liked but showcased he 's astute in defence as he is going forward which was a question mark by some Forest fans prior to his big Premier League move .
Allowed Harrison to advance before he picked out Rodrigo in the build-up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end , had the beating of Cash .
The birthday boy , 23 , blocked well to stop Rodrigo 's goal-bound effort just moments into proceedings and immediately called for his teammates to do better and to stop Leeds getting a foothold in the game .
Both of Bamford 's goals came on Mings ' side with Konsa doing everything in his power to keep Leeds out .
Stayed alert given Rodrigo 's ghosting runs into the box .
Was one of four players guilty of watching Bamford strike home for his hat-trick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Leeds No.9 going close twice early on as he squirmed in between Mings and Konsa and should have done better .
The Leeds ace soon scored though as he reacted quickest to Martinez 's parried save .
Bamford , though , came into his own after that and took full advantage of Mings stepping off him - not once but twice - as he finished with aplomb on both occasions to mark what was a well-taken hat-trick .
Gave Mings a torrid time , it has to be said .
The England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is credit to the way Leeds attacked .
Tried to refocus Villa but it was to no avail as Leeds continued the onslaught .
Did his job to be fair to him early on and kept Helder Costa quiet with Leeds ' other winger Jack Harrison enjoying more of the ball down Leeds ' left .
Won his battle in that sense with Bamford damaging Villa 's two centre-halves next to him .
Not a lot to shout about , mind .
The Egyptian 's 11th-consecutive Premier League start and he endured a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to take advantage of Dallas ' wild pass infield which presented him with a glorious chance .
Again , Trezeguet was picked out by Ollie Watkins but he slashed at his effort which was mopped up by Grealish who struck one on target .
Found Alioski a tough nut to crack with the Macedonian also having the ever-dangerous Jack Harrison grafting back to help .
Did nothing in the second half and was replaced by Bertrand Traore with a little over 25 minutes left .
Kept on his toes by the bright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No.10 behind Bamford whenever he could .
Douglas put some early fires out and was wasteful when he over-hit a pass over the top .
Did n't do a fat lot as Bamford made Villa pay with some clinical finishes inside the box .
Started a brilliant lung-busting move as he burst forward from deep before Targett picked him out .
Dug in deep and won crucial balls in midfield to put a halt on Leeds advancing .
Did n't stop to be fair to the Scot and made sure the likes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most-threatening player , trapped a goal-kick with the outside of his boot which would have been worth the match ticket fee alone .
Knew he had the beating of Dallas at every opportunity and went close with a left-footed drive , only for Ayling to clear well from off the line .
Tangled with Helder Costa with VAR ruling no penalty .
Went on a ridiculous run and almost put Villa ahead before the game turned into the Bamford show .
A frustrating evening nevertheless .
Guilty of trying too hard early on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of being patient .
Struggled to impose himself throughout the first half given Leeds ' pressure but , at every opportunity , he looked to play with Grealish .
Hit one from 25 yards which was claimed easily by Meslier .
Found it a struggle tonight against a good Leeds side .
Was strong - and had to be - up against Leeds pairing Ayling and Koch .
Played the majority of the first 45 with his back to goal and looked to hold the ball up allow bodies to get up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tee-up Trezeguet prior to Grealish 's goal-bound effort .
Had a watching brief for the second half as Leeds stepped it up a notch .
Did n't have a sniff in truth and found himself defending more than attacking .
Spurned a great chance at the death after being picked out by Barkley .
Went out on Villa 's right-hand side but it was all too late .
Next up : Southampton at Villa Park ; Sunday , November 1 , 12pm kick-off ; Sky Sports Box Office

Patrick Bamford rattled in a well-taken hat-trick to condemn Aston Villa to their first defeat in eight Premier League games.
Newly-promoted Leeds United were lively throughout and made Dean Smith's depleted men pay with Bamford punishing Villa's surprisingly lacklustre defence with a series of brilliant finishes.
The striker, hated by Villa fans for his play-acting at Elland Road back in April 2019, could have had five or six as he continued to give the likes of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings a torrid time of it.
Villa, though, who could have gone top tonight had they avoided defeat, could have gone ahead through Jack Grealish not once but twice. The skipper had a goal-bound effort cleared off the line in the first half while, prior to Bamford's 55th-minute opener, went on a mazy run from deep before forcing Illan Meslier into a stop.
In the end, though, Leeds were by far the better team as Villa ran out of steam against the team Smith billed as the fittest in the Premier League.
Here's how we rated the players after Villa's first blot of what's been an incredible start to the season:
Starting formation
4-4-1-1
Emiliano Martinez - 5.5
Claimed well throughout and showed good distribution with both feet again. Parried Rodrigo's shot into the danger zone, though, with Patrick Bamford reacting quickest to steer the rebound in from inside the six-yard box. Had no chance with Bamford's thunderous second and was rooted. The Argentinian had a watching brief once more for Bamford's third as the Leeds No.9 nonchalantly bent one into Martinez's top right-hand corner. Leeds' gutting opener must go down as a Martinez error - as harsh as that sounds.
Matty Cash - 5.5
Villa's best player in the opening half - and he had to be to stop Leeds' tag-team of Alioski and Harrison down their left. Blocked balls for fun and timed his sliding challenges to perfection. Couldn't get forward as much as he would have liked but showcased he's astute in defence as he is going forward which was a question mark by some Forest fans prior to his big Premier League move. Allowed Harrison to advance before he picked out Rodrigo in the build-up to the opener. Harrison, in the end, had the beating of Cash.
Ezri Konsa - 5.5
The birthday boy, 23, blocked well to stop Rodrigo's goal-bound effort just moments into proceedings and immediately called for his teammates to do better and to stop Leeds getting a foothold in the game. Both of Bamford's goals came on Mings' side with Konsa doing everything in his power to keep Leeds out. Stayed alert given Rodrigo's ghosting runs into the box. Was one of four players guilty of watching Bamford strike home for his hat-trick.
Tyrone Mings - 5
(Image: Getty Images)
Found Bamford a tricky customer with the Leeds No.9 going close twice early on as he squirmed in between Mings and Konsa and should have done better. The Leeds ace soon scored though as he reacted quickest to Martinez's parried save. Bamford, though, came into his own after that and took full advantage of Mings stepping off him - not once but twice - as he finished with aplomb on both occasions to mark what was a well-taken hat-trick. Gave Mings a torrid time, it has to be said. The England man dipped below his usual standards which is credit to the way Leeds attacked. Tried to refocus Villa but it was to no avail as Leeds continued the onslaught.
Matt Targett - 5.5
Did his job to be fair to him early on and kept Helder Costa quiet with Leeds' other winger Jack Harrison enjoying more of the ball down Leeds' left. Won his battle in that sense with Bamford damaging Villa's two centre-halves next to him. Not a lot to shout about, mind.
Trezeguet - 4
The Egyptian's 11th-consecutive Premier League start and he endured a frustrating first half, encapsulated when he failed to take advantage of Dallas' wild pass infield which presented him with a glorious chance. Again, Trezeguet was picked out by Ollie Watkins but he slashed at his effort which was mopped up by Grealish who struck one on target. Found Alioski a tough nut to crack with the Macedonian also having the ever-dangerous Jack Harrison grafting back to help. Did nothing in the second half and was replaced by Bertrand Traore with a little over 25 minutes left.
Douglas Luiz - 5.5
Kept on his toes by the bright Rodrigo who looked to play as a No.10 behind Bamford whenever he could. Douglas put some early fires out and was wasteful when he over-hit a pass over the top. Didn't do a fat lot as Bamford made Villa pay with some clinical finishes inside the box.
John McGinn - 6
Started a brilliant lung-busting move as he burst forward from deep before Targett picked him out. Dug in deep and won crucial balls in midfield to put a halt on Leeds advancing. Didn't stop to be fair to the Scot and made sure the likes of Klich had little success.
Jack Grealish - 6
Villa's most-threatening player, trapped a goal-kick with the outside of his boot which would have been worth the match ticket fee alone. Knew he had the beating of Dallas at every opportunity and went close with a left-footed drive, only for Ayling to clear well from off the line. Tangled with Helder Costa with VAR ruling no penalty. Went on a ridiculous run and almost put Villa ahead before the game turned into the Bamford show. A frustrating evening nevertheless.
Ross Barkley - 4.5
Guilty of trying too hard early on, attempting cute balls over the top instead of being patient. Struggled to impose himself throughout the first half given Leeds' pressure but, at every opportunity, he looked to play with Grealish. Hit one from 25 yards which was claimed easily by Meslier. Found it a struggle tonight against a good Leeds side.
Ollie Watkins - 6
Was strong - and had to be - up against Leeds pairing Ayling and Koch. Played the majority of the first 45 with his back to goal and looked to hold the ball up allow bodies to get up with him. Robbed Ayling's pocket to tee-up Trezeguet prior to Grealish's goal-bound effort. Had a watching brief for the second half as Leeds stepped it up a notch. Didn't have a sniff in truth and found himself defending more than attacking. Spurned a great chance at the death after being picked out by Barkley.
Bertrand Traore (on for Trezeguet 66) - 4
Went out on Villa's right-hand side but it was all too late.
Subs not used: Steer, Engels, Elmohamady, Nakamba, Hourihane, Davis.
The opposition
Leeds United, 4-1-4-1: Meslier; Dallas, Koch, Ayling, Alioski; Struijk (Shackleton, 19); Costa (Raphina, 83), Klich, Rodrigo (Hernandez, 79), Harrison; Bamford. Subs: Casilla, Poveda-Ocampo, Roberts, L.Davis.
Goals
Aston Villa: N/A
Leeds United: Bamford (55, 67, 74)
The ref: Paul Tierney
VAR: Stuart Atwell
Next up: Southampton at Villa Park; Sunday, November 1, 12pm kick-off; Sky Sports Box Office


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Douglas Luiz's Man City 'buy-back' clause and what it means for Villa

Manchester City will be keeping close tabs on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz as a potential replacement for Fernandinho , according to Emile Heskey .
The 22 year-old is starting to see his profile rise after a fine ending to the 2019-20 campaign and a strong start to the current one .
Luis was signed from Manchester City last summer for a reported fee of around £15 million .
Inserted into the deal was a 'buy-back ' clause that would allow Pep Guardiola 's side to purchase the former Vasco da Gama player back .
In our daily Aston Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Google Play Store and App Store He spent two seasons at the Etihad Stadium once he moved to Manchester in 2017 but did n't make a single appearance for City .
Both campaigns would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of issues with a work permit but now he has finally got his chance in the Premier League and he is taking it .
City were linked with interest for the midfielder in the summer and although nothing came to fruition , former Villa and England striker Heskey thinks he could be a long-term replacement for Fernandinho with the 35-year-old having entered the final year of his contract .
“ With Fernandinho at that age , ( Pep ) will probably be looking at that , ” the pundit told HITC .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at ( Luiz ) .
He had a reasonable season with Aston Villa , he ’ s really strong as a holding midfielder .
We ’ ve seen it ( the potential to replace Fernandinho ) .
” Luiz , who has made 47 appearances for Villa , was asked about the speculation over a potential return to the Etihad earlier this year .
`` About Man City , I 've been doing my job at Villa , I do n't really have conversations with City or Guardiola , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ went together , I had help from City with Villa to be able to play in the Premier League .
`` It 's a very good thing to be able to play there without any difficulty . ''
Details of the clause have not been released - although typically the fee is significantly higher than the one paid by the buying club , and grows over time .
Therefore , if reports of the £15m to be paid by Villa are true , it may be that City 's buy-back clause is set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season after .
This is all conjecture and guesswork , but is logical based on previous deals involving a buy-back clause .
However , there is , at the same time , no obligation for City to trigger the clause - and indeed it 's been suggested that clubs can work together to remove the clause from a player 's contract in the future .
This means Luiz could be a key feature at Villa Park for years to come , if indeed the transfer is finalised and City choose not to exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular overseas , it 's rare to see them in the Premier League - although a trend does appear to be emerging .
Man City themselves benefited from the terms of the clause in 2019 by re-signing their former left back Angelino from PSV Eindhoven , a year after he left for the Netherlands .
So , while the strategy has proved a success for some clubs in recent seasons , those on the receiving end - as PSV were - may curse their luck .
Angelino had just been named Eredivisie Talent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as in the Eredivisie Team of the Year for the second season in a row .
Therefore , his true market value was likely much more than the reported £5.3m City paid to bring him back to Manchester .
In the Premier League , Chelsea are reported to have used the same tactic , putting buy-back conditions on the sales of several young academy players who left the club , including Nathan Ake and current Villa winger Bertrand Traore .
This points to the increased popularity of the buyback clause in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to resign their La Masia graduate Gerard Deulofeu from Everton in 2017 for a nominal fee by triggering his buyback clause .
They then moved the winger on to Watford a year later for a profit .
Real Madrid did much better business with their Castilla graduate Alvaro Morata .
The Spanish forward departed to Juventus for £18m in 2014 - with a buyback clause .
Real Madrid activated this in 2016 - for a reported £27m - before his form in their double-winning 2016-17 season earned him a £65m move @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Richard Cusack)

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Manchester City will be keeping close tabs on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz as a potential replacement for Fernandinho, according to Emile Heskey.
The 22 year-old is starting to see his profile rise after a fine ending to the 2019-20 campaign and a strong start to the current one.
Luis was signed from Manchester City last summer for a reported fee of around £15 million.
Inserted into the deal was a 'buy-back' clause that would allow Pep Guardiola's side to purchase the former Vasco da Gama player back.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
He spent two seasons at the Etihad Stadium once he moved to Manchester in 2017 but didn't make a single appearance for City.
Both campaigns would see him loaned out to Girona because of issues with a work permit but now he has finally got his chance in the Premier League and he is taking it.
City were linked with interest for the midfielder in the summer and although nothing came to fruition, former Villa and England striker Heskey thinks he could be a long-term replacement for Fernandinho with the 35-year-old having entered the final year of his contract.
“With Fernandinho at that age, (Pep) will probably be looking at that,” the pundit told HITC.
“I think they would definitely be looking at (Luiz). He had a reasonable season with Aston Villa, he’s really strong as a holding midfielder. We’ve seen it (the potential to replace Fernandinho).”
Luiz, who has made 47 appearances for Villa, was asked about the speculation over a potential return to the Etihad earlier this year.
"About Man City, I've been doing my job at Villa, I don't really have conversations with City or Guardiola," he said.
"But it's a job that went together, I had help from City with Villa to be able to play in the Premier League.
"It's a very good thing to be able to play there without any difficulty."
Details of the clause have not been released - although typically the fee is significantly higher than the one paid by the buying club, and grows over time.
Therefore, if reports of the £15m to be paid by Villa are true, it may be that City's buy-back clause is set at £25m this summer and £30m the season after.
This is all conjecture and guesswork, but is logical based on previous deals involving a buy-back clause.
However, there is, at the same time, no obligation for City to trigger the clause - and indeed it's been suggested that clubs can work together to remove the clause from a player's contract in the future.
This means Luiz could be a key feature at Villa Park for years to come, if indeed the transfer is finalised and City choose not to exercise the clause.
While such clauses are popular overseas, it's rare to see them in the Premier League - although a trend does appear to be emerging.
(Image: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Man City themselves benefited from the terms of the clause in 2019 by re-signing their former left back Angelino from PSV Eindhoven, a year after he left for the Netherlands.
So, while the strategy has proved a success for some clubs in recent seasons, those on the receiving end - as PSV were - may curse their luck.
Angelino had just been named Eredivisie Talent of the Year for 2018-19, as well as in the Eredivisie Team of the Year for the second season in a row.
Therefore, his true market value was likely much more than the reported £5.3m City paid to bring him back to Manchester.
In the Premier League, Chelsea are reported to have used the same tactic, putting buy-back conditions on the sales of several young academy players who left the club, including Nathan Ake and current Villa winger Bertrand Traore.
This points to the increased popularity of the buyback clause in recent seasons.
A recent example is Barcelona being able to resign their La Masia graduate Gerard Deulofeu from Everton in 2017 for a nominal fee by triggering his buyback clause.
They then moved the winger on to Watford a year later for a profit.
Real Madrid did much better business with their Castilla graduate Alvaro Morata.
The Spanish forward departed to Juventus for £18m in 2014 - with a buyback clause.
Real Madrid activated this in 2016 - for a reported £27m - before his form in their double-winning 2016-17 season earned him a £65m move to Chelsea.


birminghammail--2020-10-23--M6 queues after Great Barr crash

M6 queues after Great Barr crash

Emergency services were called to A34 Birmingham Road at 7.10pm on Friday , October 23 .
The smash involved a @ @ @ @ @ is not clear if anyone was injured .
West Bromwich Fire tweeted a short clip @ @ @ @ @ can be viewed above - showing firefighters surrounding a car with severe front end damage @ @ @ @ @ : `` A busy start to our night shift for green watch .
Safe and @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable in our community , now a road traffic collision at Junction 7 M6 .
@ @ @ @ @ alert .
A spokeswoman for Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control told Black Country Live @ @ @ @ @ car had been in collision on the roadway .
`` The ambulance service was also @ @ @ @ @ queues formed on the northbound exit slip road from the M6 in the aftermath of @ @ @

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A crash partially blocked a busy Great Barr road, causing queues on the M6.
Emergency services were called to A34 Birmingham Road at 7.10pm on Friday, October 23.
The smash involved a car and van but it is not clear if anyone was injured.
West Bromwich Fire tweeted a short clip from the scene - which can be viewed above - showing firefighters surrounding a car with severe front end damage.
(Image: WMFS)
An accompanying post said: "A busy start to our night shift for green watch. Safe and well visits for the most vulnerable in our community, now a road traffic collision at Junction 7 M6.
"Please be aware and alert.
"Crews in attendance making vehicles safe."
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A spokeswoman for Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control told Black Country Live: "A van and car had been in collision on the roadway.
"Crews made the vehicles safe.
"The ambulance service was also in attendance."
Traffic queues formed on the northbound exit slip road from the M6 in the aftermath of the crash.


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Woman threatened with machete while taking shopping from car

Police are investigating after a woman out shopping with a child was threatened with a machete in broad daylight .
The victim was taking her shopping from her vehicle when she was approached by three men in Nethercote Gardens in Shirley , Solihull .
The offenders threatened her with the weapon in what police described as an attempted robbery .
Officers said the alarmed trio were sent packing when a child inside the vehicle began crying .
The incident took place at around 10am on Monday morning , October 19 .
Solihull Police has now issued a photo as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has information or who recognises the men in the picture is urged to get in touch with police .
In an appeal shared to Facebook on Friday , October 23 , officers wrote : `` APPEAL | Do you have any idea who these three men are ?
`` We want to speak to them about an attempted robbery in Nethercote Gardens , Shirley , Solihull at around 10am on Monday , October 19 .
`` A woman was approached by three men as she was getting shopping out of her vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A child in the car began to cry alarming the offenders and they ran off .
Contact us via Live Chat , or call 101 , quoting crime number 20SH/231399L/20 . ''

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Police are investigating after a woman out shopping with a child was threatened with a machete in broad daylight.
The victim was taking her shopping from her vehicle when she was approached by three men in Nethercote Gardens in Shirley, Solihull.
The offenders threatened her with the weapon in what police described as an attempted robbery.
Officers said the alarmed trio were sent packing when a child inside the vehicle began crying.
The incident took place at around 10am on Monday morning, October 19.
Solihull Police has now issued a photo as part of an appeal for information.
Anyone who has information or who recognises the men in the picture is urged to get in touch with police.
(Image: WMP)
In an appeal shared to Facebook on Friday, October 23, officers wrote: "APPEAL | Do you have any idea who these three men are?
"We want to speak to them about an attempted robbery in Nethercote Gardens, Shirley, Solihull at around 10am on Monday, October 19.
"A woman was approached by three men as she was getting shopping out of her vehicle and threatened with a machete.
"A child in the car began to cry alarming the offenders and they ran off. Contact us via Live Chat, or call 101, quoting crime number 20SH/231399L/20."


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Leeds fans fearing the worst after Villa team news confirmed

Leeds United fans have been reacting to the confirmed team news for tonight 's clash against Aston Villa .
Villa are riding the crest of a wave after a stunning start to the season with maximum points from their first four matches .
The hosts , who beat Leicester City 1-0 last time out having hammered Liverpool 7-2 before the international break , will go top of the table going into the weekend if they record another victory tonight .
Leeds , meanwhile , are 10th with two wins , one draw and two defeats from five games after Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wanderers .
Marcelo Bielsa 's side are without England international midfielder Kalvin Phillips after he picked up a shoulder injury against Wolves and in the build up to the game there were concerns over the fitness of key defender Liam Cooper .
Cooper limped out of the warm up ahead of the defeat to Wolves at Elland Road and it has now been confirmed he is not fit to face Villa having been left out of the squad .
With Cooper out , left-back Gjanni Alioski comes into the side for Leeds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Luke Ayling moving into the middle of the backline to partner Robin Koch while Stuart Dallas moves to right-back .
Cooper 's omission sparked plenty of reaction on social media , with one Leeds fan saying : `` I ’ m scared . ''
A third wrote : `` This is really weird but we move . ''
`` No Cooper + Alioski at LB is scary but we can do this , '' said another supporter .
While a fifth bleakly added : `` Oh well , we go again next @ @ @

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Leeds United fans have been reacting to the confirmed team news for tonight's clash against Aston Villa.
Villa are riding the crest of a wave after a stunning start to the season with maximum points from their first four matches.
The hosts, who beat Leicester City 1-0 last time out having hammered Liverpool 7-2 before the international break, will go top of the table going into the weekend if they record another victory tonight.
Leeds, meanwhile, are 10th with two wins, one draw and two defeats from five games after Monday's 1-0 loss at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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Marcelo Bielsa's side are without England international midfielder Kalvin Phillips after he picked up a shoulder injury against Wolves and in the build up to the game there were concerns over the fitness of key defender Liam Cooper.
Cooper limped out of the warm up ahead of the defeat to Wolves at Elland Road and it has now been confirmed he is not fit to face Villa having been left out of the squad.
With Cooper out, left-back Gjanni Alioski comes into the side for Leeds, who are forced into a defensive reshuffle with Luke Ayling moving into the middle of the backline to partner Robin Koch while Stuart Dallas moves to right-back.
Cooper's omission sparked plenty of reaction on social media, with one Leeds fan saying: "I’m scared."
"No skipper," added another.
A third wrote: "This is really weird but we move."
"No Cooper + Alioski at LB is scary but we can do this," said another supporter.
While a fifth bleakly added: "Oh well, we go again next week."


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Aston Villa team for Leeds United - Ross Barkley starts again

Ross Barkley has been handed a third-successive start by Dean Smith as he eyes his third goal in as many games against Leeds United tonight .
The 26-year-old has been nursing a niggling knee injury which almost kept him out of Sunday 's clash with Leicester City - a game he scored a 91st-minute winner in before thanking Villa 's doctor Ricky Shamji during his celebration .
`` It ’ s nothing too serious , a couple of weeks and it will be back to normal , '' was was Barkley told The Guardian in the lead upto tonight 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely to start in an advanced position behind Ollie Watkins this evening with captain Jack Grealish and right-winger Trezeguet looking to maintain their form on the flanks .
In midfield , John McGinn - who 's got four assists from four games this season - starts alongside Douglas Luiz again with the duo playing their 11th-consecutive game next to each other .
At the back Smith 's kept it simple again and has named the same back four who 've been flawless to date .
Matty Cash , Ezri Konsa , Tyrone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impressive against Leicester during Sunday 's shutout - Villa 's third in their opening four games so far .
In goal the ever-impressive Emiliano Martinez starts once more with Villa 's former No.1 Tom Heaton just weeks away from his long-awaited return .
Here 's Villa 's line-up in full , with Keinan Davis back in amongst the subs in place of Anwar El Ghazi .

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Ross Barkley has been handed a third-successive start by Dean Smith as he eyes his third goal in as many games against Leeds United tonight.
The 26-year-old has been nursing a niggling knee injury which almost kept him out of Sunday's clash with Leicester City - a game he scored a 91st-minute winner in before thanking Villa's doctor Ricky Shamji during his celebration.
"It’s nothing too serious, a couple of weeks and it will be back to normal," was was Barkley told The Guardian in the lead upto tonight's encounter with Leeds.
Villa's No.20 is likely to start in an advanced position behind Ollie Watkins this evening with captain Jack Grealish and right-winger Trezeguet looking to maintain their form on the flanks.
In midfield, John McGinn - who's got four assists from four games this season - starts alongside Douglas Luiz again with the duo playing their 11th-consecutive game next to each other.
At the back Smith's kept it simple again and has named the same back four who've been flawless to date. Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Matt Targett were all mightily impressive against Leicester during Sunday's shutout - Villa's third in their opening four games so far.
In goal the ever-impressive Emiliano Martinez starts once more with Villa's former No.1 Tom Heaton just weeks away from his long-awaited return.
Here's Villa's line-up in full, with Keinan Davis back in amongst the subs in place of Anwar El Ghazi.
Aston Villa, 4-4-1-1: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Trezeguet, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Grealish; Barkley; Watkins. Subs: Steer, Elmohamady, Engels, Hourihane, Traore, Nakamba, Davis.
Leeds United, 4-1-4-1: Meslier; Dallas, Koch, Ayling, Alioski; Struijk; Costa, Klich, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford. Subs: Casilla, Davis, Shackleton, Hernandez, Roberts, Poveda, Raphina.


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Crowds break covid rules to watch 80mph boy racers

Two men were arrested as police swooped on illegal car cruise meets that drew crowds of up to 80 people .
Boy racers hit speeds of 80mph and swerved onto the wrong side of the road in the early hours of Friday , October 23 .
An undercover patrol car spotted five vehicles driving erratically and in convoy around Heartlands Parkway .
Large groups of spectators watched on as officers chased one of the cars , which reached nearly 80mph in a 40mph zone .
The driver , a man in his 20s , was arrested for breaching a civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He later appeared at Birmingham County Court , where he was released on bail to appear at a later date .
Officers were then alerted to reports of up to 80 boy racers in Nechells and saw a motorbike , being driven dangerously on the wrong side of the road and at excessive speed , in Saltley .
Traffic officers chased for a few minutes , before the police helicopter took over and guided officers on the ground to a wooded area nearby .
A 26-year-old man was found hiding in woodland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tree .
The bike was seized for no insurance and he was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for officers .
He was released from custody while investigations continue .
Pc Paul Brant , from Central Motorway Police Group , said : “ We want these arrests to be a warning to motorists that these injunctions are very much still in place across the West Midlands .
“ We take car cruising incredibly seriously , it is not just the motorists that are a hazard , but spectators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets , making noise and encouraging these drivers become a nuisance for residents and we will take action against anyone choosing to partake in the activity .
“ We are committed to tackling this issue as we know many people are concerned about this anti-social and dangerous activity .
We carry out regular operations across the force in response to concerns raised by communities .
“ I urge anyone who hears of plans for car cruise meets , to inform us .
Your information can help us to stop these from happening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place which bans people from taking part in car cruising across Birmingham , Solihull and the Black Country .
- this includes speeding , racing and driving in convoy , performing stunts and causing an obstruction on a public highway .

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Two men were arrested as police swooped on illegal car cruise meets that drew crowds of up to 80 people.
Boy racers hit speeds of 80mph and swerved onto the wrong side of the road in the early hours of Friday, October 23.
An undercover patrol car spotted five vehicles driving erratically and in convoy around Heartlands Parkway.
Large groups of spectators watched on as officers chased one of the cars, which reached nearly 80mph in a 40mph zone.
The driver, a man in his 20s, was arrested for breaching a civil injunction currently in place around car cruising. He later appeared at Birmingham County Court, where he was released on bail to appear at a later date.
Officers were then alerted to reports of up to 80 boy racers in Nechells and saw a motorbike, being driven dangerously on the wrong side of the road and at excessive speed, in Saltley.
Traffic officers chased for a few minutes, before the police helicopter took over and guided officers on the ground to a wooded area nearby.
A 26-year-old man was found hiding in woodland after attempting to hide his bike under a tree.
The bike was seized for no insurance and he was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for officers. He was released from custody while investigations continue.
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Pc Paul Brant, from Central Motorway Police Group, said: “We want these arrests to be a warning to motorists that these injunctions are very much still in place across the West Midlands.
“We take car cruising incredibly seriously, it is not just the motorists that are a hazard, but spectators too. Lots of people on the streets, making noise and encouraging these drivers become a nuisance for residents and we will take action against anyone choosing to partake in the activity.
“We are committed to tackling this issue as we know many people are concerned about this anti-social and dangerous activity. We carry out regular operations across the force in response to concerns raised by communities.
“I urge anyone who hears of plans for car cruise meets, to inform us. Your information can help us to stop these from happening."
A High Court order is currently in place which bans people from taking part in car cruising across Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country. - this includes speeding, racing and driving in convoy, performing stunts and causing an obstruction on a public highway.


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Aston Villa have another Premier League fixture moved for TV coverage

Aston Villa have had another Premier League fixture rescheduled for live TV coverage .
The top-flight have released the TV selections for November and Villa 's trip to West Ham United is among the matches moved .
Dean Smith 's side were originally due to visit the London Stadium for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday , November 28 .
The clash has been put back to Monday , November 30 to be screened live on Sky Sports Main Event and Football with a kick-off time of 8pm .
As things stand it is the only Villa match that will feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sport channels - not pay-per-view - next month .
It was confirmed earlier in October that three Villa fixtures were selected as part of the new 'Box Office ' service costing £14.95 per match .
The 1-0 win at Leicester City on Sunday was pay-per-view on Sky Sports , Friday 's clash at home to Leeds United is on BT Sport Box Office and the home match against Southampton , now scheduled for next Sunday at midday , will also set fans back an extra fee on Sky Sports .
Villa are chasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them top of the table against Marcelo Bielsa 's Leeds .
Ahead of the match , boss Smith told avfc.co.uk : `` I 've got total respect and admiration for him and his team and what they 've done .
`` They came close in his first season and then won the league last season with excellent football .
I 've got nothing but respect for him and his team .
`` I sent him a congratulatory message at the end of the season when they got promoted .
I 've played against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once with Brentford and twice with Villa .
`` All three of them were entertaining and competitive games , and I think that 's what everyone wants to see .
He 's improved players at that football club and he ’ s rightly getting the plaudits for that . ''

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Aston Villa have had another Premier League fixture rescheduled for live TV coverage.
The top-flight have released the TV selections for November and Villa's trip to West Ham United is among the matches moved.
Dean Smith's side were originally due to visit the London Stadium for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, November 28.
The clash has been put back to Monday, November 30 to be screened live on Sky Sports Main Event and Football with a kick-off time of 8pm.
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As things stand it is the only Villa match that will feature on the main Sky Sports or BT Sport channels - not pay-per-view - next month.
It was confirmed earlier in October that three Villa fixtures were selected as part of the new 'Box Office' service costing £14.95 per match.
The 1-0 win at Leicester City on Sunday was pay-per-view on Sky Sports, Friday's clash at home to Leeds United is on BT Sport Box Office and the home match against Southampton, now scheduled for next Sunday at midday, will also set fans back an extra fee on Sky Sports.
Villa are chasing a fifth successive win that would send them top of the table against Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds.
Ahead of the match, boss Smith told avfc.co.uk: "I've got total respect and admiration for him and his team and what they've done.
"They came close in his first season and then won the league last season with excellent football. I've got nothing but respect for him and his team.
"I sent him a congratulatory message at the end of the season when they got promoted. I've played against him three times in the Championship - once with Brentford and twice with Villa.
"All three of them were entertaining and competitive games, and I think that's what everyone wants to see. He's improved players at that football club and he’s rightly getting the plaudits for that."


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Drug dealer jailed over £50k cash, narcotics and guns stash

A drug dealer found with a cache of weapons and more than £50,000 in cash and drugs has been jailed .
Two shotguns and a revolver were found in a bag at Raouf Houri 's home .
It also contained ammunition and class A drugs .
More narcotics were found by police during the bust - bringing the total street value to around £35,000 , along with £21,500 in cash .
The 41-year-old said he had been ordered to store the bag after running up a £400 drugs debt .
The haul was found when police raided his home in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs but denied any knowledge of the firearms .
He was brought to trial on Monday , October 19 , but refused to attend court .
As the case at Warwick Crown Court continued into a second day , he changed his plea to guilty and was jailed for nine years .
Speaking after the sentencing , Det Con Scott Gould , from force CID , said : “ Houri revealed at court that he had a £400 drugs debt and because of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearms , drugs and cash .
“ He is now paying a heavy price for the errors of his ways , but not only that , we will be seeking to recover more of his ill-gotten gains under the Proceeds of Crime Act . ''

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A drug dealer found with a cache of weapons and more than £50,000 in cash and drugs has been jailed.
Two shotguns and a revolver were found in a bag at Raouf Houri's home. It also contained ammunition and class A drugs.
More narcotics were found by police during the bust - bringing the total street value to around £35,000, along with £21,500 in cash.
The 41-year-old said he had been ordered to store the bag after running up a £400 drugs debt. The haul was found when police raided his home in Swan Lane, Coventry.
(Image: WMP)
Houri pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs but denied any knowledge of the firearms.
He was brought to trial on Monday, October 19, but refused to attend court.
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As the case at Warwick Crown Court continued into a second day, he changed his plea to guilty and was jailed for nine years.
Speaking after the sentencing, Det Con Scott Gould, from force CID, said: “Houri revealed at court that he had a £400 drugs debt and because of this he had been asked to hold the firearms, drugs and cash.
“He is now paying a heavy price for the errors of his ways, but not only that, we will be seeking to recover more of his ill-gotten gains under the Proceeds of Crime Act."


birminghammail--2020-10-23--Dudley Council urges cash-strapped families to call food bank this half-term

Parents with a low-income in Dudley have been urged to call food banks for help in feeding their families .
The advice has been issued by the council ahead of the autumn half-term .
Council bosses have revealed they are reviewing the option of providing free meals for children over the Christmas holidays .
In Dudley the half-term starts on October 26 and ends on October 30 .
Councillor David Vickers , deputy leader of Dudley Council , said : “ The pandemic has sadly had an impact on the health and wellbeing of some of the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our partners we are determined to provide help to those who need it the most .
“ Families in need of support to provide food this half term , can contact the Black Country Food Bank on 01384 671250 , before 1pm Monday to Friday .
“ We are looking to review and explore all possibilities of how we might be able to offer free schools meals at the end of this term , over the two-week Christmas holiday break.
” In Wolverhampton , the local authority has announced a new scheme to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household .
Food vouchers will be made available for 16,000 pupils who would normally receive free school meals .
In Birmingham , 61,000 students will receive free meal vouchers over the half-term .
It comes after MPs rejected a free kids meals campaign started by England international and Man United player Marcus Rashford .
The Black Country Bugle Annual 2021 is going on sale from October 26 , right up until March 2021 .
It provides a colourful and memorable look back at all aspects of Black Country life , from much-loved characters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports and pastimes that united the community to the firms and workplaces that provided jobs for thousands .
It ’ s all here in compelling stories and features and fascinating , rare photographs .
A vote on the measures was backed by Labour and made its way to Parliament this week , but it was defeated by 322 votes to 261 .
Black Country Live has also contacted councils in Walsall and Sandwell .

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Parents with a low-income in Dudley have been urged to call food banks for help in feeding their families.
The advice has been issued by the council ahead of the autumn half-term.
Council bosses have revealed they are reviewing the option of providing free meals for children over the Christmas holidays.
In Dudley the half-term starts on October 26 and ends on October 30.
Councillor David Vickers, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said: “The pandemic has sadly had an impact on the health and wellbeing of some of the country’s most vulnerable families and working together with our partners we are determined to provide help to those who need it the most.
“Families in need of support to provide food this half term, can contact the Black Country Food Bank on 01384 671250, before 1pm Monday to Friday.
“We are looking to review and explore all possibilities of how we might be able to offer free schools meals at the end of this term, over the two-week Christmas holiday break.”
In Wolverhampton, the local authority has announced a new scheme to provide food for children from a low-income household.
Food vouchers will be made available for 16,000 pupils who would normally receive free school meals.
In Birmingham, 61,000 students will receive free meal vouchers over the half-term.
It comes after MPs rejected a free kids meals campaign started by England international and Man United player Marcus Rashford.
Black Country Bugle Annual 2021 The Black Country Bugle Annual 2021 is going on sale from October 26, right up until March 2021. It provides a colourful and memorable look back at all aspects of Black Country life, from much-loved characters to much-missed iconic buildings, from the sports and pastimes that united the community to the firms and workplaces that provided jobs for thousands. It’s all here in compelling stories and features and fascinating, rare photographs. The Black Country Bugle Annual 2021 Get your copy here.
A vote on the measures was backed by Labour and made its way to Parliament this week, but it was defeated by 322 votes to 261.
Black Country Live has also contacted councils in Walsall and Sandwell.