birminghammail--2020-08-07--Aston Villa's new-look backroom staff: Meet Dean Smith's 20-man support team

Dust has barely settled on the elongated 2019/20 season and Aston Villa already have a new-look backroom staff with which to tackle the upcoming campaign .
After finding more duds than gems in he transfer market , Jesus Garcia Pitarch paid with his job to be quickly replaced as sporting director by Johan Lange .
There 's set to be another addition in that space with top scout Rob Mackenzie , the man who helped Leicester City to find and sign N'Golo Kante , Anthony Knockaert , Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy , expected to join as head of recruitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one with the arrival of popular former Leicester City boss Craig Shakespeare .
Yes , Villa now have THREE assistant head coaches , but no noses are believed to have been pushed out of joint by this appointment .
Shakespeare will compliment the knowledge and nous that exists in the form of John Terry and Richard O'Kelly .
But , as with any major operation , there 's a backroom team behind the backroom team .
A collection of trusted , but lesser-known advisors whom Smith places great faith in .
Here is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : He 's the man who makes Villa fans purr every time he speaks , such is his enthusiasm to drive the club forward .
Put in charge of the day-to-day running of Villa by owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris .
Purslow , previously of Chelsea and Liverpool , has been Smith 's go-to man ever since arriving last season .
Helped construct transfer dealings throughout this summer and the pair enjoy a strong and close relationship where communication is constant .
One of Lange 's first tasks , after he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to sit down with Purslow and Smith and thrash out lists of transfer targets .
Villa took a scattergun approach last summer , signing 12 players for around £120 million .
Lange will be asked to streamline the recruitment process , with quality not quantity likely to be his mantra .
The 40-year-old Norwegian , who has worked in English football before as Stale Solbakken 's assistant at Wolves in 2012 , brought some top talent to FC Copenhagen during his six years as technical director .
And Lange will be expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midlands .
Villa can ill-afford to make the same transfer market mistakes as they did when Pitarch was so heavily involved .
The newest member of the stable .
Shakespeare is an incredibly well-liked and well-respected figure in the game having served in both assistant manager and manager roles for nearly 20 years at Premier League and Championship level .
Smith already had plenty of knowledge and expertise at his disposal , but 56-year-old Shakespeare , assistant to Claudio Ranieri when Leicester City won the Premier League in 2016 , should add a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken in over 500 games .
`` I was keen to add some additional Premier League know-how onto my coaching team and Craig certainly has that in abundance , '' Smith said .
`` He ’ s a vastly experienced coach who will add another dimension to our team .
I 've known Craig for many years since our Walsall playing days and I ’ m really looking forward to working with him . ''
Smith ’ s tried and trusted right-hand man .
The talented and experienced assistant manager is somewhat in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s presence but don ’ t under-estimate the cap-wearing coach 's impact .
O ’ Kelly deserves his share of credit for Villa 's remarkable turnaround to date .
The former forward spends time with Villa 's strikers and wide players , mustering up game sceneries in which Villa can attack from .
An important cog in the Villa back room machine , it has to be said , and a really warm and likeable character .
Growing into such a brilliant coach after swapping his boots and shin pads for pens and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep-ball warm-up drills and helps get players fine-tuned and focused ready for games .
Given a remit of coaching the club 's defenders and has already built up a really strong bond with the likes of Tyrone Mings and Bjorn Engels .
Absolutely loves being out on the training field at Bodymoor Heath and ca n't help himself by getting involved sometimes during training games .
Will go onto have a successful management career but , in the meantime , is loving life under Smith while working closely with the playing squad .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vacancy at Bournemouth , following Eddie Howe 's departure , but is said to be staying put in a bid to drive Villa to the next level .
Signed from rivals West Bromwich Albion back in November , 'Cuts ' reunited with Smith who first employed the ex-goalie during his time at Walsall .
The 43-year-old is a big part of Smith 's back-room team and is often up and out of his seat in the touchline area , offering wise words of wisdom to the likes of Smith , ROK and JT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who works with the club 's four goalkeepers : Tom Heaton , Jed Steer , Lovre Kalinic and Orjan Nyland .
Villa ’ s performance director moved over from Australia and has played a big part to date , introduced pyrotechnics previously seen at Villa Park and he ’ s regularly seen watching over the warm-ups before games while , last season , joined in the dressing room celebrations , too .
Has spent a considerable amount of time with Villa 's new signings this summer following their respective arrivals .
A hard-working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
Highly thought-of at Villa and is in the thick of the action on the practice pitches .
His detailed analysis on player performance helps massively while he 's often in charge of putting the substitutes through their paces after matches , making them sprint and run long distances to keep up fitness levels .
An unsung hero of the group , Oli is the fitness trainer who can be seen on match days warming up the players .
He also spends long hours in the gym with injured and improving players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John McGinn , Oli forms part of the trio that made up the ‘ Thursday night food club ’ - a pre-match ritual that became a superstition throughout the play-off winning run last term .
A talented right-sided defender , Stevenson was released by Villa in the summer of 2013 and , with the support of the club , embarked upon a career as a coach .
After completing a Sports Science degree at Loughborough University and working with the younger age-groups at Bodymoor Heath , he is now a Strength and Conditioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Doc ’ has been at Villa since 2015 .
He first worked in football for Walsall in 2008 .
He 's also a consultant in sport and exercise medicine at the Centre for Musculoskeletal Medicine , Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham .
The highly-regarded Aman Singh Shergill joined Dean Smith 's performance analysis team in November , becoming the club 's physical performance scientist .
Shergill spent the last four-and-a-half years at Birmingham City previously after originally joining as an intern in the summer of 2015 .
Over at Bodymoor Heath , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jack Sharkey , Villa 's lead sports scientist , and Jeremy Oliver , Villa 's chief performance director .
Shergill will be primarily in charge of gathering and analysing performance date from devices including GPS vests A long-serving member of the Villa backroom team having spent almost 20 years now at Bodymoor Heath .
He ’ s skilled in sports injuries , strength training , injury prevention and exercise physiology .
The New Zealand native worked for Hearts and Sheffield Wednesday before joining Villa in 2015 .
Was head of sports medicine at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February 2012 .
Works hard with those coming back from injuries , including captain James Chester this summer who 's now back in and around the first team .
Worked alongside Jack Grealish last term as well as the midfielder worked back from a nasty shin injury .
Vital in Villa 's medical department , ensuring players are back to full fitness sooner rather than later .
Consultant nutritionist who has worked with the club since 2014 .
Works closely with other Premier League clubs and world champion boxers including Callum Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Butler had a close shave in April after suffering life-threatening symptoms of coronavirus .
Rushed to intensive care , doctors considered putting him into a three-week coma to manage his ventilation , so bad was his condition .
Thankfully he made a recovery and was allowed to leave hospital , as reported by close friend and former Villa star James Chester .
A friendly and popular figure who you can ’ t miss , Butler sports a long ginger beard - and the playing staff love him .
Crucial for recovery after gruelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in muscles while ensuring players are feeling fresh for the next challenge ahead .
He ’ s a soft tissue therapist and a man who performs 'cupping ' treatment on players while working in tandem with Alex Butler .
Joined from QPR in 2016 and leads up the performance analysis team , providing videos and in-depth reports on the playing squad as well as the opposition , helping Smith and his staff prepare for the games ahead as best as possible while leaving no stone unturned .
He helps Smith and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing video analysis and player reports .
Hired from Tottenham in April 2019 , where he spent almost three years previously .
Works underneath David Stewart and alongside Scott Adey-Lynforth in helping Villa prepare for matches week by week .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Paul Suart, Ashley Preece)

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Aston Villa have recruited another member of staff to Dean Smith's backroom team.
Frederik Leth has become the club's latest arrival as Johan Lange is reunited with his former FC Copenhagen colleague.
Leth confirmed on his LinkedIn account that he has joined Villa having left his role as Copenhagen's sporting director in December.
He replaced Lange, who had left the Danish capital for the same job at Villa in the summer, stepping up into the role for a couple of months before leaving.
Lange is heading up Villa's off-field team which centres on transfers and developing strategy.
He replaced Jesus Garcia Pitarch, known as Susom in the summer after the Spaniard left the club.
Here's a complete rundown of the team behind the head coach...
Christian Purslow - Chief Executive
He's the man who makes Villa fans purr every time he speaks, such is his enthusiasm to drive the club forward. Purslow was put in charge of the day-to-day running of Villa by owners Edens and Sawiris following their successful takeover in July 2018.
Purslow, previously of Chelsea and Liverpool, has been Smith's go-to man ever since arriving. He helps get transfer dealings over the line, is involved in contract discussions and is Villa representative at Premier League meetings. Purslow and Smith enjoy a strong and close relationship where communication is constant.
Johan Lange - Sporting Director
One of Lange's first tasks, after he was hired at the start of August, was to sit down with Purslow and Smith and thrash out lists of transfer targets.
Villa took a scattergun approach following promotion in the summer of 2019 and signed 12 players for around £130 million. Lange has since streamlined the recruitment process, with identifying and signing quality over quantity.
The 41-year-old Dane, who has worked in English football before as Stale Solbakken's assistant at Wolves in 2012, brought some top talent to FC Copenhagen during his six years as technical director.
Lange, meanwhile, oversees the first-team and academy and works extensively with Purslow, Smith, academy manager Mark Harrison and head of recruitment, Rob Mackenzie.
Rob Mackenzie - Head of Recruitment
Rob Mackenzie joined up in August 2020 as head of recruitment following similar roles at OH Leuven, Derby, Tottenham and Leicester. Mackenzie is the man who helped Leicester find and sign N'Golo Kante, Anthony Knockaert and Riyad Mahrez while, at Spurs, he was behind the deals to bring in Heung-Min Son and Toby Alderweireld.
Bryn Davies - Head of Scouting Operations
An economics graduate at Leeds Metropolitan University in 2011, Davies started his career as a performance analyst at Sheffield Wednesday before moving to Leicester City as a technical scout and then Tottenham as their recruitment analyst. Davies joined Villa as their head of scouting operations in May 2019 and links up once again with Mackenzie.
Frederik Leth - Head of Football Research
Frederik Leth has officially joined the club this month as the club's head of football research. Leth has joined the club from FC Copenhagen after he left the Danish giants in December. Leth worked with Lange at Copenhagen and took on the role of sporting director in the Danish capital when his old boss left for Villa in the summer. According to website Training Ground Guru, Leth's job is to make sure that Villa's 'evidence-based practice is as relevant and contemporary as possible'. It is being reported that Villa are one of only three clubs in the Premier League to employ such a position, the others being Manchester City and Chelsea.
Craig Shakespeare - Assistant Head Coach
(Image: Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Among the newest member of the Villa stable. Shakespeare is an incredibly well-liked and well-respected figure in the game having served in both assistant manager and manager roles for nearly 20 years at Premier League and Championship level.
Smith already had plenty of knowledge and expertise at his disposal, but 57-year-old Shakespeare, assistant to Claudio Ranieri when Leicester City won the Premier League in 2016, should add a whole new dimension as someone who has taken in over 500 games.
"I was keen to add some additional Premier League know-how onto my coaching team and Craig certainly has that in abundance," Smith said.
"He’s a vastly experienced coach who will add another dimension to our team. I've known Craig for many years since our Walsall playing days and I’m really looking forward to working with him."
Shakespeare is an understated figure behind the scenes at Villa and, to many, is one of the reasons behind Villa's successful start to 2020/21.
Richard O’Kelly - Assistant Head Coach
Smith’s tried and trusted right-hand man. The talented and experienced assistant manager is somewhat in the shadows because of John Terry’s presence but don’t under-estimate the cap-wearing coach's impact.
O’Kelly deserves his share of credit for Villa's remarkable turnaround to date. The former forward spends time with Villa's strikers and wide players, mustering up game sceneries in which Villa can attack from.
An important cog in the Villa back room machine, it has to be said, and a really warm and likeable character who hails from West Bromwich.
John Terry - Assistant Head Coach
Growing into such a brilliant coach after swapping his boots and shin pads for pens and pads last October. Leads all the keep-ball warm-up drills and helps get players fine-tuned and focused ready for games.
Given a remit of coaching the club's defenders and has already built up a really strong bond with the likes of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa and others.
Absolutely loves being out on the training field at Bodymoor Heath and can't help himself by getting involved sometimes during training games. Will go onto have a successful management career but, in the meantime, is loving life under Smith while working closely with the playing squad.
Terry was linked with the managerial vacancies at Bournemouth and Bristol City last summer but has stayed put to help drive Villa to the next level. JT is a massive reason behind Villa's defensive exploits this season.
Neil Cutler - Head Goalkeeping Coach
Signed from rivals West Bromwich Albion back in November, 'Cuts' reunited with Smith who first employed the ex-goalie during his time at Walsall.
The 44-year-old is a big part of Smith's back-room team and is often up and out of his seat in the touchline area, offering wise words of wisdom to the likes of Smith, ROK, JT and Shakespeare.
An incredibly infectious and popular character who works with the club's goalkeepers: Emi Martinez, Tom Heaton and Jed Steer as well as Villa's youth-team stoppers including Akos Onodi.
Jeremy Oliver - Performance Director
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Villa’s performance director (behind Freddie Guilbert, above) moved over from Australia and has played a big part to date, introduced pyrotechnics previously seen at Villa Park and he’s regularly seen watching over the warm-ups before games while, last season, joined in the dressing room celebrations, too.
He spends a considerable amount of time with Villa's new signings following their respective arrivals. Oliver remains a big and influential figure behind the scenes at Bodymoor Heath with the club set to open their new performance centre facility in the coming weeks, a facility that will be primarily headed up by 'Jez'.
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Jack Sharkey - Lead Sports Scientist
A hard-working, well-respected and likeable member of the team. Highly thought-of at Villa and is in the thick of the action on the practice pitches.
His detailed analysis on player performance helps massively while he's often in charge of putting the substitutes through their paces after matches, making them sprint and run long distances to keep up fitness levels. The man behind Villa's warm-ups before each half. Sharkey joined from QPR back in 2017.
Oli Stevenson - Strength and Conditioning Coach
An unsung hero of the group, Oli is the fitness trainer who can be seen on match days warming up the players. He also spends long hours in the gym with injured and improving players.
Close friends with Jack Grealish and John McGinn, Oli forms part of the trio that previously made up the 'Thursday night food club' - a pre-match ritual that became a superstition throughout the play-off winning run.
A talented right-sided defender, Stevenson was released by Villa in the summer of 2013 and, with the support of the club, embarked upon a career as a coach.
After completing a Sports Science degree at Loughborough University and working with the younger age-groups at Bodymoor Heath, he is now a Strength and Conditioning coach with the first team.
Ricky Shamji - Head of Sport Medicine and Science
'The Doc' has been at Villa since 2015. He first worked in football for Walsall in 2008. He's also a consultant in sport and exercise medicine at the Centre for Musculoskeletal Medicine, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham.
Head coach Smith praised Shamji this past week following the club's coronavirus outbreak, and said: "Ricky has been outstanding in all of this. The be-all and end-all is our duty of care to our players, our staff and also the families they go home to as well."
Aman Singh Shergill - Physical Performance Scientist
The highly-regarded Aman Singh Shergill joined Dean Smith's performance analysis team in November 2019, becoming the club's physical performance scientist.
Shergill spent four-and-a-half years at Birmingham City previously after originally joining as an intern in the summer of 2015.
Over at Bodymoor Heath, though, Shergill works alongside Jack Sharkey, Villa's lead sports scientist, and Jeremy Oliver, Villa's chief performance director.
Shergill will be primarily in charge of gathering and analysing performance date from devices including GPS vests.
Patrick Moore - Strength and Conditioning Coach
Patrick 'Paddy' Moore joined Villa in January 2019 from Brentford where he had worked for three-and-a-half years. Moore's another key figure behind the scenes at Villa and is currently working with injured striker Wesley as he battles back from knee ligament damage.
Alan Smith - Lead Physio
A long-serving member of the Villa backroom team having spent more than 20 years at Bodymoor Heath. He’s skilled in sports injuries, strength training, injury prevention and exercise physiology.
Rob Marshall - Physio
The New Zealand native, above, worked for Hearts and Sheffield Wednesday before joining Villa in 2015.
Steve Polley - Physio
Polley was promoted from Villa's academy following the departure of John Hartley who left to become head physio at Derby County in December 2020.
Marcus Hannon - Head of Nutrition
Hannon was performance nutritionist at Everton's academy for three years as well as Northampton Saints rugby before joining Villa in January last year.
Alex Butler - Masseur
Butler had a close shave in April 2020 after suffering life-threatening symptoms of coronavirus.
Rushed to intensive care, doctors considered putting him into a three-week coma to manage his ventilation, so bad was his condition.
Thankfully he made a full recovery and was allowed to leave hospital, as reported by close friend and former Villa star James Chester.
(Image: atb_therapy via Instagram)
A friendly and popular figure who you can’t miss, Butler sports a long ginger beard - and the playing staff love him.
Crucial for recovery after gruelling fixtures, helping to alleviate tension built up in muscles while ensuring players are feeling fresh for the next challenge ahead.
Andrew Smith - Masseur
He’s a soft tissue therapist and a man who performs 'cupping' treatment on players while working in tandem with Alex Butler, above.
David Stewart - Head of Performance Analysis
Joined from QPR in 2016 and leads up the performance analysis team, providing videos and in-depth reports on the playing squad as well as the opposition, helping Smith and his staff prepare for the games ahead as best as possible while leaving no stone unturned.
Scott Adey-Lynforth - First Team Performance Analyst
He helps Smith and his coaching staff prepare for the games, providing video analysis and player reports. Was the first analyst to work with Villa Ladies and was promoted to academy and then first team.
Joseph Ure - First Team Performance Analyst
Hired from Tottenham in April 2019, where he spent almost three years previously. Works underneath David Stewart and alongside Scott Adey-Lynforth in helping Villa prepare for matches week by week.


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Wolves will be competing for a Europa semi-final place - drink that in

Sometimes you have to dig in and defend and sometimes you need a little good fortune , but last night at Molineux , Wolves needed both .
Throughout this long season , Wolves have been on the unlucky side of multiple decisions with the “ it levels itself out ” line wearing very thin with the old gold faithful .
Having ruined many a weekend , the dreaded VAR line of doom has broken many a Black Country heart this season , but last night it may have saved Wolves and by the finest of margins .
Yes Wolves had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside the favourable VAR decision was an excellent performance by Rui Patricio .
The Portuguese international goalkeeper put on his best display in a Wolves shirt , with assured handling and excellent saves .
His embrace with Nuno at full time told you what the Wolves boss thought of the £16m man ’ s performance .
For whatever reason , the former Sporting No.1 probably doesn ’ t get the credit he deserves , but make no mistake , he ’ s one of the best in the business .
The victory against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ luck story with a goalkeeper saving the day .
Wolves had another standout performer and it ’ s no surprise it was the Mexican No.9 .
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 - it looks just like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Raul Jimenez lead the line superbly well and as usual from the spot , he looked like the calmest man in Molineux as he nonchalantly rolled the home his 27th goal of the season .
But as well as his goal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'rabona ' attempt showed the confidence he ’ s playing with and why he ’ s being linked with some of the footballing goliaths .
For whatever reason , Wolves were a few gears short of what they are capable of and although in the end it didn ’ t matter , the victory over Olympiakos shouldn ’ t be underestimated as we are talking about a side who had only lost once in the league they won and a side who have been playing European football on a regular basis over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sevilla on Tuesday , it is going to be hard , but we aren ’ t asking for something they aren ’ t capable of .
In fact we are asking for a performance level they ’ ve produced a few times this season already .
Man City ( home/away ) and Spurs at home were probably the best showings this season and not far behind that are the Liverpool games , so if Wolves can find those performance levels again , then they will give themselves a very good chance .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the likely absence of Jonny will likely have Nuno considering a possible switch back to 3-5-2 or , if he is to stick with 3-4-3 , he may consider moving Willy Boly back to left centre-back to offer extra protection for Ruben Vinagre .
On Tuesday evening Wolves will be competing for a place in the Europa League semi-finals , drink that in .
You can follow @ MrRyanLeister on Twitter .

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Sometimes you have to dig in and defend and sometimes you need a little good fortune, but last night at Molineux, Wolves needed both.
Throughout this long season, Wolves have been on the unlucky side of multiple decisions with the “it levels itself out” line wearing very thin with the old gold faithful.
Having ruined many a weekend, the dreaded VAR line of doom has broken many a Black Country heart this season, but last night it may have saved Wolves and by the finest of margins.
Yes Wolves had some very rare good fortune, but alongside the favourable VAR decision was an excellent performance by Rui Patricio.
(Image: Getty Images)
The Portuguese international goalkeeper put on his best display in a Wolves shirt, with assured handling and excellent saves. His embrace with Nuno at full time told you what the Wolves boss thought of the £16m man’s performance.
For whatever reason, the former Sporting No.1 probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves, but make no mistake, he’s one of the best in the business.
The victory against Olympiakos wasn’t just a good luck story with a goalkeeper saving the day. Wolves had another standout performer and it’s no surprise it was the Mexican No.9.
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
Raul Jimenez lead the line superbly well and as usual from the spot, he looked like the calmest man in Molineux as he nonchalantly rolled the home his 27th goal of the season.
But as well as his goal, some of his touches and an audacious 'rabona' attempt showed the confidence he’s playing with and why he’s being linked with some of the footballing goliaths.
For whatever reason, Wolves were a few gears short of what they are capable of and although in the end it didn’t matter,the victory over Olympiakos shouldn’t be underestimated as we are talking about a side who had only lost once in the league they won and a side who have been playing European football on a regular basis over the last three decades.
When Wolves face Sevilla on Tuesday, it is going to be hard, but we aren’t asking for something they aren’t capable of. In fact we are asking for a performance level they’ve produced a few times this season already.
Man City (home/away) and Spurs at home were probably the best showings this season and not far behind that are the Liverpool games, so if Wolves can find those performance levels again, then they will give themselves a very good chance.
The loss of Daniel Podence through suspension and the likely absence of Jonny will likely have Nuno considering a possible switch back to 3-5-2 or, if he is to stick with 3-4-3, he may consider moving Willy Boly back to left centre-back to offer extra protection for Ruben Vinagre.
On Tuesday evening Wolves will be competing for a place in the Europa League semi-finals, drink that in.
Dreaming is for free.
You can follow @MrRyanLeister on Twitter.


birminghammail--2020-08-07--'A good chuckle' - Aston Villa fans dismiss Wesley exit links

Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes has been bizarrely linked with a move to Italian club Lazio this summer .
The Brazilian forward , who hasn ’ t played since January after suffering a season-ending injury in the win at Burnley , is still rehabilitating ahead of his anticipated return beyond the start of the campaign next month .
Serie A outfit Lazio are reportedly keen on Wesley this window , however , and are preparing a bid in the region of £13m .
That mooted fee , a little over half what Villa paid for him 12 months ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fanbase who immediately ridiculed the speculation .
Indeed , Wesley enjoyed a purple patch before his unfortunate injury and Lions fans are largely looking forward to seeing him the don the claret and blue once more .
MG : Selling Wesley for less than we bought him for flies in the face of this buying players to sell on for a profit type model we ’ ve got going on .
Might be wrong but can ’ t see him leaving ... RossaC : This would be terrible business .
Villa need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 1 more season .
Then they can re-assess Phil Shepherd : No way would I consider letting Wesley go .
If he desperately wants to go , that ’ s one thing ; but we don ’ t need the money , and when he ’ s fit again he ’ ll be an important part of our squad .
I like him a lot .
Mr Thompson : £13m for Wesley .
I like a good chuckle heading into the weekend .
Thanks Chris C : Why would Lazio bid for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injury and won ’ t be back to full fitness for a good while yet .
Chrsmo : Unless we get at least our money back , i wouldn ’ t sell him .
Still think he can turn a good player for us and selling him for £12-13m seems madness Victor : Sounds made up .
Bidding on a striker whose injured , wouldn ’ t be able to pass a medical in all likelihood and is unlikely to be full fit till November for £13 million .
Next ... .
Matthew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a 9 million pound loss after half a season , and with no one else signed .
He was improving and adjusting prior to the injury .
Gary Glasgow : Far from a dud .
Young striker from abroad asked to do a job up top in the Premier League on his own , 6 goals in 22 games ain ’ t that bad .
Still learning and I reckon will get better .
Need to stop judging players over half a season and give them time to settle .
Squiggs1995 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strikers I have any faith in making it at this level , no chance I ’ d let him go for £13m .

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Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes has been bizarrely linked with a move to Italian club Lazio this summer.
The Brazilian forward, who hasn’t played since January after suffering a season-ending injury in the win at Burnley, is still rehabilitating ahead of his anticipated return beyond the start of the campaign next month.
Serie A outfit Lazio are reportedly keen on Wesley this window, however, and are preparing a bid in the region of £13m.
That mooted fee, a little over half what Villa paid for him 12 months ago, certainly raised a smile among the Villa fanbase who immediately ridiculed the speculation.
Indeed, Wesley enjoyed a purple patch before his unfortunate injury and Lions fans are largely looking forward to seeing him the don the claret and blue once more.
Fans sceptical of Wesley links
MG : Selling Wesley for less than we bought him for flies in the face of this buying players to sell on for a profit type model we’ve got going on. Might be wrong but can’t see him leaving...
RossaC : This would be terrible business. Villa need to keep the faith with Wesley for at least 1 more season. Then they can re-assess
Phil Shepherd: No way would I consider letting Wesley go. If he desperately wants to go, that’s one thing; but we don’t need the money, and when he’s fit again he’ll be an important part of our squad. I like him a lot.
Mr Thompson : £13m for Wesley. I like a good chuckle heading into the weekend. Thanks
Chris C: Why would Lazio bid for Wesley when he is still recovering from injury and won’t be back to full fitness for a good while yet.
Chrsmo : Unless we get at least our money back, i wouldn’t sell him. Still think he can turn a good player for us and selling him for £12-13m seems madness
Victor : Sounds made up. Bidding on a striker whose injured, wouldn’t be able to pass a medical in all likelihood and is unlikely to be full fit till November for £13 million. Next....
Matthew : Too early in his contract to take a 9 million pound loss after half a season, and with no one else signed. He was improving and adjusting prior to the injury.
Gary Glasgow: Far from a dud. Young striker from abroad asked to do a job up top in the Premier League on his own, 6 goals in 22 games ain’t that bad. Still learning and I reckon will get better. Need to stop judging players over half a season and give them time to settle.
Squiggs1995 : Wesley is the only one of our strikers I have any faith in making it at this level, no chance I’d let him go for £13m.


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Man arrested as motorcyclist seriously hurt in crash

A man has been arrested after a motorcyclist was seriously hurt following a crash on a busy West Bromwich dual carriageway .
The 55-year-old man was detained on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs after the crash on A41 Black Country New Road on Thursday , August 6 .
Part of the carriageway was closed off between New Swan Lane and the Navigation Roundabout , near KFC , just after 2pm .
The motorcyclist was treated by paramedics before being taken to Birmingham 's Queen Elizabeth Hospital .
A full road closure was in place until around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs .
He has been released under investigation . ''
Speaking at the time , a spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : “ We were called at 2.09pm to reports of a collision involving a car and motorbike on the Black Country New Road in West Bromwich .
`` We treated one man , the motorcyclist , for serious injuries .
`` He was then conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jordan Coussins, Kelly Ashmore)

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A man has been arrested after a motorcyclist was seriously hurt following a crash on a busy West Bromwich dual carriageway.
The 55-year-old man was detained on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs after the crash on A41 Black Country New Road on Thursday, August 6.
Part of the carriageway was closed off between New Swan Lane and the Navigation Roundabout, near KFC, just after 2pm.
The motorcyclist was treated by paramedics before being taken to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
A full road closure was in place until around 4.30pm.
A spokesman for the force said: "A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He has been released under investigation."
Speaking at the time, a spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 2.09pm to reports of a collision involving a car and motorbike on the Black Country New Road in West Bromwich.
"Two ambulances attended.
"We treated one man, the motorcyclist, for serious injuries.
"He was then conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.”


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Craig Shakespeare loves Aston Villa - and here's the proof

`` Yes , I 'm a Villa fan . ''
- it 's the five word admission that Aston Villa fans will love .
It transpires that Villa have got in another 'One of our own ' in new coach Craig Shakespeare .
Not content with having manager Dean Smith and captain Jack Grealish as fully fledged Villa fans , Shakespeare has also revealed his claret and blue allegiances .
Shakespeare might have started out as a player at Walsall , played and coached at West Bromwich Albion and enjoyed his greatest career achievement across the Midlands at Leicester City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Villa through and through .
And there 's more , he ended up celebrating Villa 's 1981 First Division title triumph so much that he had to sleep in his brother-in-law 's car .
The Brummie disclosed his affinity for Villa in an interview with the Watford official webiste during his spell assisting Nigel Pearson with the Hornets .
Asked to name the best game for the team he supports , he replied : “ Yes , I 'm a Villa fan !
`` The best game was actually a game they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league .
It was at Highbury against Arsenal [ in May 1981 ] .
Villa lost the game 2-0 but Ipswich did n't get the result they needed so Villa won the league .
I slept in my brother-in-law 's car that night !
” Shakespeare also has fond memories of Villa winning the League Cup against Everton in 1977 .
He picked it as the best game he has been to , saying : `` Probably when Aston Villa won the League Cup in a replay against Everton in 1977 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first game at Wembley and then in the replay at Hillsborough .
It was a high-quality game and I knew some of the Villa players , like Gordon Cowans .
He was excellent.
” Shakespeare and Smith go back a long way to their playing days together at Fellows Park in the late 1980s .
When Nigel Pearson 's shock sacking in the final stages of the season meant his assistant Shakespeare was out of a job , it was too good an opportunity for the Villa boss to pass up .
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watford and hand the survival initiative to Villa , but it also paved the way for Smith to bring in a coach he has admired for a long time .
“ I was keen to add some additional Premier League know-how onto my coaching team and Craig certainly has that in abundance , ” Smith said .
“ He ’ s a vastly experienced coach who will add another dimension to our team .
I ’ ve known Craig for many years since our Walsall playing days and I ’ m really looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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"Yes, I'm a Villa fan." - it's the five word admission that Aston Villa fans will love.
It transpires that Villa have got in another 'One of our own' in new coach Craig Shakespeare.
Not content with having manager Dean Smith and captain Jack Grealish as fully fledged Villa fans, Shakespeare has also revealed his claret and blue allegiances.
Shakespeare might have started out as a player at Walsall, played and coached at West Bromwich Albion and enjoyed his greatest career achievement across the Midlands at Leicester City, but the 56-year-old assistant head coach is Villa through and through.
And there's more, he ended up celebrating Villa's 1981 First Division title triumph so much that he had to sleep in his brother-in-law's car.
The Brummie disclosed his affinity for Villa in an interview with the Watford official webiste during his spell assisting Nigel Pearson with the Hornets.
Asked to name the best game for the team he supports, he replied: “Yes, I'm a Villa fan!
"The best game was actually a game they lost but they ended up winning the league. It was at Highbury against Arsenal [in May 1981]. Villa lost the game 2-0 but Ipswich didn't get the result they needed so Villa won the league. I slept in my brother-in-law's car that night!”
poll loading What do you think about Craig Shakespeare joining Aston Villa? 2000+ VOTES SO FAR Delighted Unimpressed Don't care either way
Shakespeare also has fond memories of Villa winning the League Cup against Everton in 1977.
He picked it as the best game he has been to, saying: "Probably when Aston Villa won the League Cup in a replay against Everton in 1977.
"It was a great occasion in the first game at Wembley and then in the replay at Hillsborough. It was a high-quality game and I knew some of the Villa players, like Gordon Cowans. He was excellent.”
Shakespeare and Smith go back a long way to their playing days together at Fellows Park in the late 1980s.
When Nigel Pearson's shock sacking in the final stages of the season meant his assistant Shakespeare was out of a job, it was too good an opportunity for the Villa boss to pass up.
Not only did the decision spectacularly backfire for Watford and hand the survival initiative to Villa, but it also paved the way for Smith to bring in a coach he has admired for a long time.
“I was keen to add some additional Premier League know-how onto my coaching team and Craig certainly has that in abundance,” Smith said.
“He’s a vastly experienced coach who will add another dimension to our team. I’ve known Craig for many years since our Walsall playing days and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Shakespeare, a Leicester legacy and what he'll bring to Villa

`` Hands on right the way through . ''
That 's the Leicester City verdict on the latest addition to Aston Villa ’ s backroom team , Craig Shakespeare .
The former Foxes boss was today confirmed as a new member of Dean Smith 's Bodymoor Heath coaching team .
He has been given the title of assistant head coach and will work alongside Smith , John Terry and Richard O'Kelly as Villa plan for a season of Premier League consolidation .
Shakespeare knew Smith when they played together at Walsall and then went on to represent clubs including West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaching career has taken in roles at Albion , Hull , Everton , the England national team and most recently Watford .
But it 's at the King Power stadium where he enjoyed his greatest achievement as part of Leicester 's 2016 Premier League title win .
Having helped Nigel Pearson take the Foxes from League One to the Premier League , Shakespeare stayed on to assist Claudio Ranieri in the remarkable success story four years ago .
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Google Play Store and App Store He replaced Ranieri in the manager 's seat in February 2017 , but it was only a temporary stint as he was sacked in the October .
But what legacy did the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of operator can Villa expect at Bodymoor Heath ?
We spoke to LeicestershireLive 's Foxes writer Jordan Blackwell to get the lowdown : '' The defining image of Craig Shakespeare at Leicester City is him on the pitch before a match with a ball under each arm , taking the players through their drills , '' he explained .
`` Even when he moved from assistant to the main man , he still did the pre-game warm-ups , unlike most bosses , who finalise their tactics in the changing room or watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands-on right the way through his City career .
During training sessions , he coached the side alongside Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri , although his role grew in importance under the latter .
`` The title-winning Italian was more aloof than Pearson , and the players often went to Shakespeare to discuss team matters .
`` Hence , when Ranieri was sacked , Shakespeare was a very popular appointment and he sparked an immediate response in the team .
He became the first British boss to win their first five Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personality probably makes him a better fit as a first team coach or an assistant than as the main man and he really thrives as a conduit between the manager 's office and the dressing room .
`` Tactically , he was better than many expected , '' added Jordan .
`` In the Champions League quarter-final against an Atletico Madrid side at the peak of their powers , he made a double half-time substitution and formation change that had Diego Simeone ’ s side on the ropes .
`` When he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off ” as assistant Michael Appleton diplomatically put it , such was his popularity .
`` He was always honest with the players and asked for feedback on training sessions , so the squad were always happy with the work they did during the week .
`` He always seemed a reluctant number one though .
He was pleasant with the press , but didn ’ t thrive on it .
`` And because of how he was with players , he perhaps didn ’ t possess the authority that more stand-offish managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of fixtures , led to his downfall at the King Power Stadium . ''
Speaking about the appointment , Smith spoke highly about what Shakespeare will bring to Villa .
“ I was keen to add some additional Premier League know-how onto my coaching team and Craig certainly has that in abundance , ” Smith said , explaining the decision to bring Shakespeare to the club .
“ He ’ s a vastly experienced coach who will add another dimension to our team .
I ’ ve known Craig for many years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m really looking forward to working with him .
”

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"Hands on right the way through."
That's the Leicester City verdict on the latest addition to Aston Villa’s backroom team, Craig Shakespeare.
The former Foxes boss was today confirmed as a new member of Dean Smith's Bodymoor Heath coaching team.
He has been given the title of assistant head coach and will work alongside Smith, John Terry and Richard O'Kelly as Villa plan for a season of Premier League consolidation.
Shakespeare knew Smith when they played together at Walsall and then went on to represent clubs including West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday.
His coaching career has taken in roles at Albion, Hull, Everton, the England national team and most recently Watford.
But it's at the King Power stadium where he enjoyed his greatest achievement as part of Leicester's 2016 Premier League title win.
Having helped Nigel Pearson take the Foxes from League One to the Premier League, Shakespeare stayed on to assist Claudio Ranieri in the remarkable success story four years ago.
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He replaced Ranieri in the manager's seat in February 2017, but it was only a temporary stint as he was sacked in the October.
But what legacy did the highly-rated coach leave at Leicester and what kind of operator can Villa expect at Bodymoor Heath?
We spoke to LeicestershireLive's Foxes writer Jordan Blackwell to get the lowdown:
"The defining image of Craig Shakespeare at Leicester City is him on the pitch before a match with a ball under each arm, taking the players through their drills," he explained.
"Even when he moved from assistant to the main man, he still did the pre-game warm-ups, unlike most bosses, who finalise their tactics in the changing room or watch from a distance.
"He was hands-on right the way through his City career. During training sessions, he coached the side alongside Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri, although his role grew in importance under the latter.
"The title-winning Italian was more aloof than Pearson, and the players often went to Shakespeare to discuss team matters.
"Hence, when Ranieri was sacked, Shakespeare was a very popular appointment and he sparked an immediate response in the team. He became the first British boss to win their first five Premier League matches in charge."
Shakespeare's personality probably makes him a better fit as a first team coach or an assistant than as the main man and he really thrives as a conduit between the manager's office and the dressing room.
"Tactically, he was better than many expected," added Jordan. "In the Champions League quarter-final against an Atletico Madrid side at the peak of their powers, he made a double half-time substitution and formation change that had Diego Simeone’s side on the ropes.
"When he was sacked, the players were “cheesed off” as assistant Michael Appleton diplomatically put it, such was his popularity.
"He was always honest with the players and asked for feedback on training sessions, so the squad were always happy with the work they did during the week.
"He always seemed a reluctant number one though. He was pleasant with the press, but didn’t thrive on it.
"And because of how he was with players, he perhaps didn’t possess the authority that more stand-offish managers have. That, and an unlucky set of fixtures, led to his downfall at the King Power Stadium."
Speaking about the appointment, Smith spoke highly about what Shakespeare will bring to Villa.
“I was keen to add some additional Premier League know-how onto my coaching team and Craig certainly has that in abundance,” Smith said, explaining the decision to bring Shakespeare to the club.
“He’s a vastly experienced coach who will add another dimension to our team. I’ve known Craig for many years since our Walsall playing days and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Albion linked Osayi-Samuel's move abroad collapses - reports

Bright Osayi-Samuel , the Queens Park Rangers winger who West Brom have an interest in , has reportedly turned down a move to Club Brugge .
The former Blackpool wide man has really caught the eye in the Hoops ’ colours this term , and interest from elsewhere was inevitable ahead of the summer transfer window .
QPR star Osayi-Samuel , who played against Albion in their final match of last season - a promotion clinching 2-2 draw at The Hawthorns - is a player who Albion have had an interest in for many months .
If you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com He did miss , though , the Rs ’ penultimate game of the campaign , a win over Millwall , because he was permitted the chance to cross over to Belgium and explore the offer on the table .
Now reports have emerged that Osayi-Samuel ’ s camp have decided to turn down the offer from Brugge , believed to be worth almost £5m to QPR , because they ’ d hoped that such developments might catch the attention of top flight suitors .
Crystal Palace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in Osayi-Samuel , but movement from elsewhere has been minimal .
QPR are now planning on re-opening talks with Osayi-Samuel ’ s representatives over a new contract , but it ’ s understood that the player himself remains eager to test himself at the highest level .
Speaking of his future recently , boss Mark Warburton said of the player : “ Every player in the world has got a price , whoever they are .
If that valuation is met then everyone should win .
“ I hope very much that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But if we lose one or two it ’ s on QPR ’ s terms , that ’ s for sure .
”

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Bright Osayi-Samuel, the Queens Park Rangers winger who West Brom have an interest in, has reportedly turned down a move to Club Brugge.
The former Blackpool wide man has really caught the eye in the Hoops’ colours this term, and interest from elsewhere was inevitable ahead of the summer transfer window.
QPR star Osayi-Samuel, who played against Albion in their final match of last season - a promotion clinching 2-2 draw at The Hawthorns - is a player who Albion have had an interest in for many months.
He did miss, though, the Rs’ penultimate game of the campaign, a win over Millwall, because he was permitted the chance to cross over to Belgium and explore the offer on the table.
Now reports have emerged that Osayi-Samuel’s camp have decided to turn down the offer from Brugge, believed to be worth almost £5m to QPR, because they’d hoped that such developments might catch the attention of top flight suitors.
Crystal Palace and Burnley are both known to be particularly interested in Osayi-Samuel, but movement from elsewhere has been minimal.
QPR are now planning on re-opening talks with Osayi-Samuel’s representatives over a new contract, but it’s understood that the player himself remains eager to test himself at the highest level.
Speaking of his future recently, boss Mark Warburton said of the player: “Every player in the world has got a price, whoever they are. If that valuation is met then everyone should win.
“I hope very much that everyone returns in 20 days’ time. But if we lose one or two it’s on QPR’s terms, that’s for sure.”


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Brother of Wolves star signs for Premier League rivals

There ’ ll be two Dendonckers gracing the Premier League next season .
Wolves midfielder Leander , who has proven himself to be a dependable figure in midfield and in defence since walking through the doors of Molineux , will be joined by his younger brother Lars , who has been snapped up by Brighton and Hove Albion .
Dendoncker Jr , 19 , has been picked up from Club Brugge in his native Belgium and he will join the Seagulls ’ U23s side .
He reveals he spoke to big brother ahead of his jump across to England and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had good things to say about life in this country .
“ It ’ s always been a dream of mine to play in England , ” Lars told the Argus .
“ I spoke with him and he told me England is something you have to experience .
“ He said there are a lot of good coaches that will help you and make you a better player – not just tactically but physically and every other aspect of the game .
He said it was a lot of fun and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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There’ll be two Dendonckers gracing the Premier League next season.
Wolves midfielder Leander, who has proven himself to be a dependable figure in midfield and in defence since walking through the doors of Molineux, will be joined by his younger brother Lars, who has been snapped up by Brighton and Hove Albion.
Dendoncker Jr, 19, has been picked up from Club Brugge in his native Belgium and he will join the Seagulls’ U23s side.
He reveals he spoke to big brother ahead of his jump across to England and the Premier League - and Leander only had good things to say about life in this country.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play in England,” Lars told the Argus. “I spoke with him and he told me England is something you have to experience.
“He said there are a lot of good coaches that will help you and make you a better player – not just tactically but physically and every other aspect of the game. He said it was a lot of fun and that I had to do it.”


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Breaking: Wolves hit with UEFA sanctions for breaching FFP rules

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been fined and slapped with a squad limit in European competition next season after breaching FFP rules , it has been revealed .
Wolves have been ordered to stump up €200,000 for contravening profitability and sustainability rules .
UEFA say the fine will rise by a further €400,000 if the club does not get its finances in order by the year ending 2021 .
Wolves have also been told it will have to stick to a 23-man squad cap , rather 25 , if the club qualifies for next season 's Champions League , by winning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must also comply with a set spending pattern after reaching a settlement with UEFA .
UEFA 's Club Financial Control Body ( CFCB ) Adjudicatory Chamber said the club must 'report a maximum break-even deficit of €30 million ( £27 million ) in the financial year ending 2020' The club has pledged to record 'an aggregate break-even result ' for the financial years ending in 2019 , 2020 and 2021 , in accordance with UEFA 's directive .
And it has also vowed that for 'the financial year ending in 2020 , its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chamber said .
The fine and squad cap will not be viewed as too debilitating by the Wolves hierarchy .
The real issue is how the £27 million losses Wolves are restricted to in the 2020/21 season , impact on the club 's transfer budget and approach to the summer window .
As perilous as the situation has become for UEFA to take this step , it 's thought the club is on relatively strong financial footing having reportedly made a £20 million profit last season despite spending big .
FFP rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Premier League adopting a very different policy on spending to the English Football League .
UEFA 's interpretation is to 'prohibit clubs from making an aggregate loss in excess of €30 million over three seasons ' .
The application and enforcement of these rules is the responsibility of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body , which can 'impose a wide range of penalties for non-compliance , including bans from European competitions ' , with final decisions of the CFCB appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport ( CAS ) in @ @

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have been fined and slapped with a squad limit in European competition next season after breaching FFP rules, it has been revealed.
Wolves have been ordered to stump up €200,000 for contravening profitability and sustainability rules.
UEFA say the fine will rise by a further €400,000 if the club does not get its finances in order by the year ending 2021.
Wolves have also been told it will have to stick to a 23-man squad cap, rather 25, if the club qualifies for next season's Champions League, by winning the Europa League later this month.
They must also comply with a set spending pattern after reaching a settlement with UEFA.
UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) Adjudicatory Chamber said the club must 'report a maximum break-even deficit of €30 million (£27 million) in the financial year ending 2020'
The club has pledged to record 'an aggregate break-even result' for the financial years ending in 2019, 2020 and 2021, in accordance with UEFA's directive.
And it has also vowed that for 'the financial year ending in 2020, its employee benefits expenses are restricted', the Chamber said.
The fine and squad cap will not be viewed as too debilitating by the Wolves hierarchy.
The real issue is how the £27 million losses Wolves are restricted to in the 2020/21 season, impact on the club's transfer budget and approach to the summer window.
As perilous as the situation has become for UEFA to take this step, it's thought the club is on relatively strong financial footing having reportedly made a £20 million profit last season despite spending big.
FFP rules vary across different leagues and competitions, with the Premier League adopting a very different policy on spending to the English Football League.
UEFA's interpretation is to 'prohibit clubs from making an aggregate loss in excess of €30 million over three seasons'.
The application and enforcement of these rules is the responsibility of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body, which can 'impose a wide range of penalties for non-compliance, including bans from European competitions', with final decisions of the CFCB appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Best and worst deals made by Villa's new player recruitment chief

Aston Villa have appointed Johan Lange as their new sporting director .
The 40-year-old arrives at Villa Park after six years with FC Copenhagen in his native Denmark .
It marks a significant change for the Premier League club , who dismissed Jesus Garcia Pitarch from the same role after a review of their transfer operations over the last two years .
While deemed unsatisfactory , his business did ultimately help get the club into the Premier League and then stay there , just .
However , Villa have ambitions far above avoiding relegation on the final day of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big reputation and a history of success in the market with Copenhagen .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter at the top of the page or click here Lange and his recruitment team had a clear strategy - identify players through data who could be developed to play at the highest level and then sign them with that exact promise , improve and be sold .
It might not be quite the same at Villa in terms of resales , but they will certainly hope to exploit underlying value in the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best and worst deals so far ?
We ’ ve taken a look ...
There are many variables to consider here , both on and off the pitch .
Denis Vavro was signed for a little over £1.2m in 2017 , arriving from Zilina in Slovakia .
Three years later , he ’ s a squad member with Lazio , a centre-back who has taken gradual steps into the team this year and played regularly in the Europa League after a deal worth up to €10m .
A great turnaround in both profit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is another success story along the same lines .
The midfielder joined from fellow Danish side Silkeborg midway through 2017/18 for less than €1m .
He was sold to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim last summer for €9m after a 32-goal season with Copenhagen .
Robin Olsen follows the same pattern - low-cost signing from an under-the-radar side , PAOK Salonika in this case , before a big-money sale to a much bigger club .
For Olsen , that meant an £8m move to Roma to replace the Liverpool-bound Alisson .
Andreas Cornelius has twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduate striker first moved to Cardiff for about £8m , was signed back a year later with the Welsh club admitting they had lost most of the money they paid for him , before being sold again , this time to Atalanta for another larger sum , rumoured to be around £3m .
Daniel Amartey and Federico Santander were also sold on for big profits to Leicester City and Bologna respectively .
Regarding those still at FC Copenhagen , centre-back Victor Nelsson looks set to be the next player out of the door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nordsjaelland last year and has been a formidable part of the side this term , clocking up almost 5,000 minutes , including 14 appearances in European competitions .
Nelsson has also broken into the Denmark national team set-up , and while he ’ s yet to make his international debut , he will be on the radar of bigger clubs sooner rather than later .
Comparatively speaking , there have been far fewer poor buys , and what there are have been for modest amounts .
That ’ s good news for Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buys for the likes of Mbwana Samatta and Marvelous Nakamba with one eyebrow raised .
Even so , no transfer recruitment process is flawless , especially when not all players have had sufficient time at a club to make their mark .
Kenan Kodro is very much a journeyman striker , as his record of one goal in La Liga this season suggests .
He ’ s now with Athletic Club , his seventh side at age 26 .
Copenhagen signed him in the summer of 2018 , but he managed just one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being sold to the Basque club for around half the £1.5m fee the Danes initially paid .
Robert Mudrazija was a £2.5m arrival from Osijek last season , but has barely made a mark so far , mostly due to injuries .
He has faced several spells on the sidelines , and made only two brief appearances in the league in 2018/19 before needing knee surgery .
The recovery from that , plus a couple of other shorter absences , have meant the midfielder playing no more than 200 minutes in 2019/20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next season .
Andrija Pavlovic was another who didn ’ t pan out .
A £2m arrival , he bagged three regular season goals before a championship-round flurry of five .
Then came eight goals in 30 games the following season , starting with a hat-trick against Slovakian opposition in a European qualifier .
He was eventually sold to Rapid Vienna for a £1m loss .
There ’ s no question there have been more successes than flops for Lange , and VIlla will hope he comes with a list of potential acquisitions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Aston Villa have appointed Johan Lange as their new sporting director. The 40-year-old arrives at Villa Park after six years with FC Copenhagen in his native Denmark.
It marks a significant change for the Premier League club, who dismissed Jesus Garcia Pitarch from the same role after a review of their transfer operations over the last two years.
While deemed unsatisfactory, his business did ultimately help get the club into the Premier League and then stay there, just.
However, Villa have ambitions far above avoiding relegation on the final day of the season, so Lange now arrives with a big reputation and a history of success in the market with Copenhagen.
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Lange and his recruitment team had a clear strategy - identify players through data who could be developed to play at the highest level and then sign them with that exact promise, improve and be sold. It might not be quite the same at Villa in terms of resales, but they will certainly hope to exploit underlying value in the market.
So what are Lange’s best and worst deals so far? We’ve taken a look...
The best
There are many variables to consider here, both on and off the pitch.
Denis Vavro was signed for a little over £1.2m in 2017, arriving from Zilina in Slovakia. Three years later, he’s a squad member with Lazio, a centre-back who has taken gradual steps into the team this year and played regularly in the Europa League after a deal worth up to €10m. A great turnaround in both profit and improving the player.
Roberto Skov is another success story along the same lines. The midfielder joined from fellow Danish side Silkeborg midway through 2017/18 for less than €1m. He was sold to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim last summer for €9m after a 32-goal season with Copenhagen.
Robin Olsen follows the same pattern - low-cost signing from an under-the-radar side, PAOK Salonika in this case, before a big-money sale to a much bigger club. For Olsen, that meant an £8m move to Roma to replace the Liverpool-bound Alisson.
Andreas Cornelius has twice earned Lange decent profits. The academy graduate striker first moved to Cardiff for about £8m, was signed back a year later with the Welsh club admitting they had lost most of the money they paid for him, before being sold again, this time to Atalanta for another larger sum, rumoured to be around £3m.
Daniel Amartey and Federico Santander were also sold on for big profits to Leicester City and Bologna respectively.
(Image: Getty Images / PA)
Regarding those still at FC Copenhagen, centre-back Victor Nelsson looks set to be the next player out of the door. The 21-year-old was brought in from Nordsjaelland last year and has been a formidable part of the side this term, clocking up almost 5,000 minutes, including 14 appearances in European competitions.
Nelsson has also broken into the Denmark national team set-up, and while he’s yet to make his international debut, he will be on the radar of bigger clubs sooner rather than later.
The worst
Comparatively speaking, there have been far fewer poor buys, and what there are have been for modest amounts. That’s good news for Villa fans who will have looked at big-money buys for the likes of Mbwana Samatta and Marvelous Nakamba with one eyebrow raised. Even so, no transfer recruitment process is flawless, especially when not all players have had sufficient time at a club to make their mark.
Kenan Kodro is very much a journeyman striker, as his record of one goal in La Liga this season suggests. He’s now with Athletic Club, his seventh side at age 26. Copenhagen signed him in the summer of 2018, but he managed just one league goal in half a season before being sold to the Basque club for around half the £1.5m fee the Danes initially paid.
Robert Mudrazija was a £2.5m arrival from Osijek last season, but has barely made a mark so far, mostly due to injuries. He has faced several spells on the sidelines, and made only two brief appearances in the league in 2018/19 before needing knee surgery. The recovery from that, plus a couple of other shorter absences, have meant the midfielder playing no more than 200 minutes in 2019/20, so they’ll hope for more next season.
Andrija Pavlovic was another who didn’t pan out. A £2m arrival, he bagged three regular season goals before a championship-round flurry of five. Then came eight goals in 30 games the following season, starting with a hat-trick against Slovakian opposition in a European qualifier. He was eventually sold to Rapid Vienna for a £1m loss.
There’s no question there have been more successes than flops for Lange, and VIlla will hope he comes with a list of potential acquisitions who can have a similarly impressive impact.


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Luxury 'party house shutdown after illegal raves and underage sex'

A 'luxury party house ' in Halesowen blighted with 'knife crime , underage sexual activity and drug-taking ' has been shutdown by police West Midlands Police said they have closed down the three-bedroom flat on Peckingham Street after dozens of complaints .
The three-bedroom flat was rented out as a 'party house ' with guests paying up to £700 to hire the property for an entire weekend .
Listings on Airbnb and Fatsoma claimed the small flat could sleep 14 people and host many , many more , but the location has been consistently blighted with issues since the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to at least 20 reports of anti-social behaviour at the property including allegations of knife crime , underage drinking , underage sexual activity , robbery and drug-taking in the last 12 months alone .
Many more concerns have been raised with the local authority by troubled residents .
And the ongoing issues have been exacerbated by the current Covid-19 restrictions .
Police said they are aware that several illegal parties have taken place at the flat , and they have evidence that it has been used to host club nights , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety measures in place to do so .
Wolverhampton Magistrates ' Court granted a three month closure of the property on Friday , August 7 .
The order was granted for three months and states that anyone other than those named on the order are prohibited from entering the address .
Anyone found breaching the order may be arrested .
Local Inspector Pete Sandhu said : `` We applied for the closure order to protect the local area from ongoing criminality and hope that it will help to prevent any further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Residents are likely to see an increased police presence in the area in the coming weeks as we continue to monitor the address and ensure the order is being adhered to – please do not be alarmed .
`` This closure order could not have been obtained without the help of the community and hopefully this will go some way in tackling the anti-social behaviour in the area .
We will continue to ensure that we work with our partners and the courts to close addresses when issues are reported to @ @ @

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A 'luxury party house' in Halesowen blighted with 'knife crime, underage sexual activity and drug-taking' has been shutdown by police
West Midlands Police said they have closed down the three-bedroom flat on Peckingham Street after dozens of complaints.
The three-bedroom flat was rented out as a 'party house' with guests paying up to £700 to hire the property for an entire weekend.
Listings on Airbnb and Fatsoma claimed the small flat could sleep 14 people and host many, many more, but the location has been consistently blighted with issues since the beginning of 2019.
Officers say they have responded to at least 20 reports of anti-social behaviour at the property including allegations of knife crime, underage drinking, underage sexual activity, robbery and drug-taking in the last 12 months alone.
Many more concerns have been raised with the local authority by troubled residents. And the ongoing issues have been exacerbated by the current Covid-19 restrictions.
Police said they are aware that several illegal parties have taken place at the flat, and they have evidence that it has been used to host club nights, despite not having any type of licence or health and safety measures in place to do so.
Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court granted a three month closure of the property on Friday, August 7.
The order was granted for three months and states that anyone other than those named on the order are prohibited from entering the address.
Anyone found breaching the order may be arrested.
Local Inspector Pete Sandhu said: "We applied for the closure order to protect the local area from ongoing criminality and hope that it will help to prevent any further breaches of the Covid-19 guidelines in Halesowen.
(Image: WMP)
"Residents are likely to see an increased police presence in the area in the coming weeks as we continue to monitor the address and ensure the order is being adhered to – please do not be alarmed.
"This closure order could not have been obtained without the help of the community and hopefully this will go some way in tackling the anti-social behaviour in the area. We will continue to ensure that we work with our partners and the courts to close addresses when issues are reported to us.”


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Man wins lottery to become a millionaire on day after he was made redundant

A man has won the lottery and become a millionaire - the day after he was made redundant .
David Adams , 61 , was let go from his job as a wood machinist on Friday , July 31 .
It was the latest piece of bad news in an already tough year that has seen his brother die of coronavirus and his sister-in-law die of a heart attack .
But everything changed when he checked his lottery numbers in the early hours of Sunday ( August 2 ) - and discovered he had won a prize of a million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Chipping Norton , Oxforshire , plan to be cautious with their winnings but will buy a new car and book a holiday - when appropriate .
David said : `` Many people would think the redundancy was the worst news but in fact it ’ s just the final straw in a catalogue of difficulties we have experienced .
`` Just last year Shelley was diagnosed with MS and had to give up the job she loved as a community carer , putting a strain on our finances and heightening her clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost my sister-in-law due to a massive heart attack , then two weeks in early May we received the news that sadly so many families have received this year - her husband , my brother , had passed due to Covid-19 .
`` It ’ s been a really tough time but we stick together and try to keep smiling , whatever life has thrown at us .
`` Never in our wildest dreams did we think the next thing thrown our way would be £1 million quid . ''
Shelley , 52 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from time to time , always using two lines of numbers which are important to us .
`` On Sunday morning , about 1.30am , David came into our bedroom saying : 'Are you awake ' - to which I pretty grumpily replied : 'Well I am now ! '
.
`` But as he switched on the light I could see he was shaking so my grumpiness turned to worry as I asked him what was up , whereupon he told me we ’ d won the lottery .
Shelley looked at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shaking hand - and saw a long line of zeros .
It was only then that it started to dawn on her that maybe they had won big .
Shelley said she grabbed David ’ s phone and burst into her son ’ s bedroom to ask him to check .
She said : `` The poor man , he was meant to be up at 6am to get to work and there am I , waving a phone in his face and telling him we ’ ve won £1 million .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slept well the rest of the night and we were relieved to confirm the win with Camelot in the morning . ''
David and Shelley have been cautious in their celebrations but are slowly coming to terms with the magnitude of their win .
He said : `` We ’ ve always worked hard and know the value of money but this is a number far beyond anything we could ever comprehend .
`` We are not going to rush any of our decisions and will take things slowly but there are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Firstly a new car is on the cards , a Nissan Qashqai is top of the list , although as I currently drive a Ford Mondeo which has always seen me right , I might take a little browse around the Ford dealership too . ''
The couple said they may also take a trip - when coronavirus rules allow it .
Shelley added : `` We have friends and family in Canada who we thought we would only ever see online , certainly never in person .
`` I ’ ve never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country before , it ’ s crazy to think the first time I do it will be first class all the way ! ''
The winning Lotto numbers for the draw on the Saturday , August 1 , when David won , were 4 , 10 , 13 , 24 , 53 , 56 and the bonus ball was 22 .

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A man has won the lottery and become a millionaire - the day after he was made redundant.
David Adams, 61, was let go from his job as a wood machinist on Friday, July 31.
It was the latest piece of bad news in an already tough year that has seen his brother die of coronavirus and his sister-in-law die of a heart attack.
But everything changed when he checked his lottery numbers in the early hours of Sunday (August 2) - and discovered he had won a prize of a million pounds.
(Image: Camelot / SWNS.COM)
He and wife Shelley, from Chipping Norton, Oxforshire, plan to be cautious with their winnings but will buy a new car and book a holiday - when appropriate.
David said: "Many people would think the redundancy was the worst news but in fact it’s just the final straw in a catalogue of difficulties we have experienced.
"Just last year Shelley was diagnosed with MS and had to give up the job she loved as a community carer, putting a strain on our finances and heightening her clinical anxiety.
(Image: Camelot / SWNS.COM)
"In April we sadly lost my sister-in-law due to a massive heart attack, then two weeks in early May we received the news that sadly so many families have received this year - her husband, my brother, had passed due to Covid-19.
"It’s been a really tough time but we stick together and try to keep smiling, whatever life has thrown at us.
"Never in our wildest dreams did we think the next thing thrown our way would be £1 million quid."
Shelley, 52, added: "David plays online from time to time, always using two lines of numbers which are important to us.
"On Sunday morning, about 1.30am, David came into our bedroom saying: 'Are you awake' - to which I pretty grumpily replied: 'Well I am now!'.
"But as he switched on the light I could see he was shaking so my grumpiness turned to worry as I asked him what was up, whereupon he told me we’d won the lottery.
"I was furious, I thought he meant a tenner!"
(Image: Camelot / SWNS.COM)
Shelley looked at the phone David was holding in his shaking hand - and saw a long line of zeros.
It was only then that it started to dawn on her that maybe they had won big.
Shelley said she grabbed David’s phone and burst into her son’s bedroom to ask him to check.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
She said: "The poor man, he was meant to be up at 6am to get to work and there am I, waving a phone in his face and telling him we’ve won £1 million.
"Needless to say, none of us slept well the rest of the night and we were relieved to confirm the win with Camelot in the morning."
David and Shelley have been cautious in their celebrations but are slowly coming to terms with the magnitude of their win.
He said: "We’ve always worked hard and know the value of money but this is a number far beyond anything we could ever comprehend.
"We are not going to rush any of our decisions and will take things slowly but there are a few plans for our winnings.
"Firstly a new car is on the cards, a Nissan Qashqai is top of the list, although as I currently drive a Ford Mondeo which has always seen me right, I might take a little browse around the Ford dealership too."
The couple said they may also take a trip - when coronavirus rules allow it.
Shelley added: "We have friends and family in Canada who we thought we would only ever see online, certainly never in person.
"I’ve never even been on a plane or left the country before, it’s crazy to think the first time I do it will be first class all the way!"
David bought the winning Lotto ticket online.
The winning Lotto numbers for the draw on the Saturday, August 1, when David won, were 4, 10, 13, 24, 53, 56 and the bonus ball was 22.


birminghammail--2020-08-07--Thousands back plea to keep Solihull cancer centre open

Thousands of people have backed an appeal to keep a cancer support centre open .
Breast Cancer Haven has helped huge numbers of patients and their families cope with the disease .
The charity 's Olton visitor centre opened only in 2017 , supported by £2.5 million government funding .
But the charity announced last week that it was closing this centre in response to financial pressures caused by Covid-19 , which it said had placed it in `` an impossible situation . ''
More than 5,000 people have now signed a petition urging the organisation to reconsider its decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from borough support group Breast Friends Solihull , said the site had been set up in response to the huge demand for emotional and practical support locally .
And she warned that the need had only grown because of the patients across the region who had been treated by the rogue breast surgeon Ian Paterson and were being recalled .
Paterson was previously jailed for 20 years for 17 counts of wounding with intent and an independent inquiry into his actions reported in February , finding that victims had been `` lied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking this week , Ms Douglas said the news of the closure had come as a `` complete bolt from the blue '' and there were grave concerns about what it would mean for women in need of support .
`` For them to close is a real blow , '' said the 61-year-old .
`` This area has one of the highest instances of breast cancer and you are are aware that Ian Paterson operated in this area .
`` There is going to be the biggest recall of breast cancer patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall Green , had joined Breast Friends after being diagnosed with the illness herself in 2003 and is now the chair .
She said the group had previously raised £20,000 for a new kitchen at the property in St Bernards Road and there was frustration that the `` investment '' and a key place to signpost residents would now be lost .
Her petition has already attracted more than 5,000 signatures over the past week , with supporters urging a reprieve .
Greg Shilton wrote : `` Centres like this are essential for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more facilities like this , not less . ''
While another signatory , Doreen Yarnold , said : `` This is such an important place for those battling the toughest time in their life . ''
Ms Douglas said the groundswell of support for the campaign showed how strongly people felt .
`` Some of the comments have been really moving - 'this place saved my life ' , 'it was a lifeline ' .
`` So many people have had support from it and it 's been a complete life-changer .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer , but if you have got support you can cope better . ''
In its announcement last week , Breast Cancer Haven said that it had been left with no choice but to shut the Solihull centre and another site , in Titchfield , Hampshire , after its revenue plummeted in the current crisis .
Four Solihull-based staff have already been made redundant , with five other roles at risk following the announcement .
In a fresh statement this week , the charity said it was continuing to offer support over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outreach work in the region once `` it 's absolutely safe to do so . ''
Chief executive Sally Hall said it was `` terrible '' to lose the Solihull centre , but the organisation had to reduce its operating costs .
Responding to the petition , she said : `` We hugely appreciate the show of support for what we do as a charity but the financial restrictions placed on us by the pandemic have put us in an impossible situation by severely impacting our ability to raise funds .
`` At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps to reduce our costs to try to weather the storm .
All staff took voluntary salary reductions , we took advantage of the government furlough scheme and we launched an urgent appeal .
`` These actions provided relief in the short term , but we now need to safeguard the long term future of the charity . ''
Asked about concerns over the knock-on effect the closure would have on the likes of Breast Friends , Ms Hall added : `` We are so grateful for the support of local fundraising groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge difference to people ’ s lives in the West Midlands through their donations over the years . ''
She said she had spoken to Ms Douglas to discuss the plans for future support and she hoped that the charity could continue to work closely with Breast Friends .
Anyone affected by breast cancer can contact Breast Cancer Haven on 0300 012 0112 , email support @ breastcancerhaven.org.uk or visit www .
breastcancerhaven.org.uk .

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Thousands of people have backed an appeal to keep a cancer support centre open.
Breast Cancer Haven has helped huge numbers of patients and their families cope with the disease.
The charity's Olton visitor centre opened only in 2017, supported by £2.5 million government funding.
But the charity announced last week that it was closing this centre in response to financial pressures caused by Covid-19, which it said had placed it in "an impossible situation."
More than 5,000 people have now signed a petition urging the organisation to reconsider its decision to shut the premises.
Deborah Douglas, from borough support group Breast Friends Solihull, said the site had been set up in response to the huge demand for emotional and practical support locally.
And she warned that the need had only grown because of the patients across the region who had been treated by the rogue breast surgeon Ian Paterson and were being recalled.
Paterson was previously jailed for 20 years for 17 counts of wounding with intent and an independent inquiry into his actions reported in February, finding that victims had been "lied to, deceived and exploited."
Speaking this week, Ms Douglas said the news of the closure had come as a "complete bolt from the blue" and there were grave concerns about what it would mean for women in need of support.
"For them to close is a real blow," said the 61-year-old. "This area has one of the highest instances of breast cancer and you are are aware that Ian Paterson operated in this area.
"There is going to be the biggest recall of breast cancer patients ever."
Ms Douglas, from Hall Green, had joined Breast Friends after being diagnosed with the illness herself in 2003 and is now the chair.
She said the group had previously raised £20,000 for a new kitchen at the property in St Bernards Road and there was frustration that the "investment" and a key place to signpost residents would now be lost.
Her petition has already attracted more than 5,000 signatures over the past week, with supporters urging a reprieve.
Greg Shilton wrote: "Centres like this are essential for the support of patients. We need more facilities like this, not less."
While another signatory, Doreen Yarnold, said: "This is such an important place for those battling the toughest time in their life."
Ms Douglas said the groundswell of support for the campaign showed how strongly people felt.
"Some of the comments have been really moving - 'this place saved my life', 'it was a lifeline'.
"So many people have had support from it and it's been a complete life-changer.
"It's hard enough to deal with cancer, but if you have got support you can cope better."
In its announcement last week, Breast Cancer Haven said that it had been left with no choice but to shut the Solihull centre and another site, in Titchfield, Hampshire, after its revenue plummeted in the current crisis.
Four Solihull-based staff have already been made redundant, with five other roles at risk following the announcement.
In a fresh statement this week, the charity said it was continuing to offer support over the phone and online and would be doing outreach work in the region once "it's absolutely safe to do so."
(Image: Publicity handout)
Chief executive Sally Hall said it was "terrible" to lose the Solihull centre, but the organisation had to reduce its operating costs.
Responding to the petition, she said: "We hugely appreciate the show of support for what we do as a charity but the financial restrictions placed on us by the pandemic have put us in an impossible situation by severely impacting our ability to raise funds.
"At the outset of the pandemic we took steps to reduce our costs to try to weather the storm. All staff took voluntary salary reductions, we took advantage of the government furlough scheme and we launched an urgent appeal.
Breast Friends Solihull social Breast Friends are holding a socially distanced social event for members next week. Meet at the Warwick Road car park, in Brueton Park, on Tuesday (August 11). The tea, chat and stroll will start from 11.45am and last an hour. People who intend to take part should contact the group in advance. For more details about the group visit www.breastfriends-solihull.org.uk
"These actions provided relief in the short term, but we now need to safeguard the long term future of the charity."
Asked about concerns over the knock-on effect the closure would have on the likes of Breast Friends, Ms Hall added: "We are so grateful for the support of local fundraising groups and Breast Friends have helped us make a huge difference to people’s lives in the West Midlands through their donations over the years."
She said she had spoken to Ms Douglas to discuss the plans for future support and she hoped that the charity could continue to work closely with Breast Friends.
Anyone affected by breast cancer can contact Breast Cancer Haven on 0300 012 0112, email support@breastcancerhaven.org.uk or visit www. breastcancerhaven.org.uk.