birminghammail--2020-06-29--A £76,000 Premier League grant boost for Tamworth FC

Tamworth FC has been awarded a £76,000 cash boost for ground improvements which will provide a boost for the club and whole community .
An LED Floodlight Project , launched by the Lambs , has been awarded funding by the Premier League , through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund ( FSIF ) .
The FSIF - the largest funders of non-league football in the country - have given the club a grant of £76,475 , which is 70 per cent of the costs of the project .
It means the Lambs , who compete in the Southern Premier Central League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50-year-old nine column floodlight structure with a state-of-the-art four column 200 Lux powered system .
This will fully meet the requirements of the FA National Ground Grading criteria and enable the club to continue the upgrade of their facilities , building on the new FIFA specification 3G playing surface that was installed nearly 4 years ago .
When finished , the club will benefit from a new sustainable system that will improve the facilities offered to the local community in Tamworth and the surrounding area .
Mark Maybury , who spearheaded the grant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited that the club is now able to continue with the upgrading of the Lamb Ground with new state of the art LED floodlights .
“ These will be in place for the start of the new 2020/21 season and we are grateful for the grant provided by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and Premier League which willbenefit all those that use the ground and improve access to grassroots sports in the local community.
” Tamworth general manager Rich Wassall said the move was the ‘ next step for the club ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club , not only in terms of on the pitch but also the surrounding area .
“ This will be Eco friendly , improving the club ’ s carbon footprint , and the lights housed on four columns will be dimable using mobile technology.
” The floodlights , which will be set up by Flick Lighting who are based in Birmingham , will be fully focused on the pitch , thus reducing the current light spillage that impacts local housing and road junctions .
The new system will reduce the club ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 the ground has moved from a facility that is used two nights a week and a Saturday afternoon to seven days a week all year round .
The club has grown from one competitive team to 25 teams ranging from under-7s to the first team .
There is also a full-time scholarship programme for 60 students aged 16-19 .
Last season saw the introduction of a Ladies section with junior and adult teams representing Tamworth FC and a full-time scholarship programme for girls is commencing this coming September .
As a result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multi-team football club in the area and also benefits other community teams in the area .

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Tamworth FC has been awarded a £76,000 cash boost for ground improvements which will provide a boost for the club and whole community.
An LED Floodlight Project, launched by the Lambs, has been awarded funding by the Premier League, through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF).
The FSIF - the largest funders of non-league football in the country - have given the club a grant of £76,475, which is 70 per cent of the costs of the project.
It means the Lambs, who compete in the Southern Premier Central League, will be able to replace their 50-year-old nine column floodlight structure with a state-of-the-art four column 200 Lux powered system.
This will fully meet the requirements of the FA National Ground Grading criteria and enable the club to continue the upgrade of their facilities, building on the new FIFA specification 3G playing surface that was installed nearly 4 years ago.
When finished, the club will benefit from a new sustainable system that will improve the facilities offered to the local community in Tamworth and the surrounding area.
Mark Maybury, who spearheaded the grant application, said: “We are excited that the club is now able to continue with the upgrading of the Lamb Ground with new state of the art LED floodlights.
“These will be in place for the start of the new 2020/21 season and we are grateful for the grant provided by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and Premier League which willbenefit all those that use the ground and improve access to grassroots sports in the local community.”
Tamworth general manager Rich Wassall said the move was the ‘next step for the club’s development’.
“This will help the club, not only in terms of on the pitch but also the surrounding area.
“This will be Eco friendly, improving the club’s carbon footprint, and the lights housed on four columns will be dimable using mobile technology.”
The floodlights, which will be set up by Flick Lighting who are based in Birmingham, will be fully focused on the pitch, thus reducing the current light spillage that impacts local housing and road junctions.
The new system will reduce the club’s running and maintenance costs.
Since 2016 the ground has moved from a facility that is used two nights a week and a Saturday afternoon to seven days a week all year round.
The club has grown from one competitive team to 25 teams ranging from under-7s to the first team.
There is also a full-time scholarship programme for 60 students aged 16-19.
Last season saw the introduction of a Ladies section with junior and adult teams representing Tamworth FC and a full-time scholarship programme for girls is commencing this coming September.
As a result, Tamworth FC is now the largest multi-team football club in the area and also benefits other community teams in the area.


birminghammail--2020-06-29--Peaky Blinders' director shares spoilers for season six

The director of hit series Peaky Blinders has revealed the first spoilers for season six - and it could spell serious trouble for Tommy Shelby .
Season five of the smash BBC show ended with Cillian Murphy 's character held at gunpoint in a field as he screamed before the screen cut to black .
Fans were left desperate to know his fate following the 'unresolved ' breakdown and now director Anthony Byrne has revealed what state Tommy is in at the start of season six .
He told Digital Spy : `` Yeah , it picks up directly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will see will be back in that field… Tommy , with a gun to his head .
`` Then , we will move on from there , we resolve that amazing moment… it ’ s great . ''
The spoilers came after it was revealed Peaky Blinders almost cast somebody else in the iconic role of Tommy Shelby .
Murphy was given the role of the Birmingham gangster in the runaway success drama when it aired in 2013 .
But it was so very nearly somebody else , according to Peaky Blinders creator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - which has now enjoyed five seasons on the BBC , and currently streams on Netflix - nearly cast Jason Statham .
Knight has told Esquire in an interview this month how he had always envisaged Mean Machine and Lock , Stock actor Statham in the main role .
But Cillian , a star of Inception , Dunkirk and Batman Begins , convinced him otherwise .
“ I met them both in LA to talk about the role and opted for Jason , ” Knight has said .
`` One of the reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Jason.
” He continued : “ Cillian , when you meet him , isn ’ t Tommy , obviously , but I was stupid enough not to understand that . ''
And it was a text message from the Irish actor which convinced Knight to change course , the writer has revealed .
“ He sent me a text saying , ‘ Remember , I ’ m an actor ’ , ” Knight remembered .
“ Which is absolutely the thing , because he can transform himself .
If you meet him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different human being .
”

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The director of hit series Peaky Blinders has revealed the first spoilers for season six - and it could spell serious trouble for Tommy Shelby.
Season five of the smash BBC show ended with Cillian Murphy's character held at gunpoint in a field as he screamed before the screen cut to black.
Fans were left desperate to know his fate following the 'unresolved' breakdown and now director Anthony Byrne has revealed what state Tommy is in at the start of season six.
He told Digital Spy : "Yeah, it picks up directly. So, the very first image you will see will be back in that field… Tommy, with a gun to his head.
"Then, we will move on from there, we resolve that amazing moment… it’s great."
The spoilers came after it was revealed Peaky Blinders almost cast somebody else in the iconic role of Tommy Shelby.
Murphy was given the role of the Birmingham gangster in the runaway success drama when it aired in 2013.
But it was so very nearly somebody else, according to Peaky Blinders creator and writer Steven Knight.
The series - which has now enjoyed five seasons on the BBC, and currently streams on Netflix - nearly cast Jason Statham.
Knight has told Esquire in an interview this month how he had always envisaged Mean Machine and Lock, Stock actor Statham in the main role.
But Cillian, a star of Inception, Dunkirk and Batman Begins, convinced him otherwise.
“I met them both in LA to talk about the role and opted for Jason,” Knight has said.
"One of the reasons was because physically in the room Jason is Jason.”
He continued: “Cillian, when you meet him, isn’t Tommy, obviously, but I was stupid enough not to understand that."
And it was a text message from the Irish actor which convinced Knight to change course, the writer has revealed.
“He sent me a text saying, ‘Remember, I’m an actor’,” Knight remembered. “Which is absolutely the thing, because he can transform himself. If you meet him in the street he is a totally different human being.”


birminghammail--2020-06-29--'Absolutely ridiculous' -  Reaction at couple's £10k summerhouse row

A couple who face tearing down their £10k summerhouse have sparked huge debate online - with one reader branding the planning row 'absolutely ridiculous ' .
Amjad Butt , 70 , and his 65-year-old wife Tina splashed out last year on the luxurious timber building at the bottom of their garden in Iris Close , Bournville .
But they were told the summerhouse contravenes local planning restrictions of the Bournville Village Trust ( BVT ) - because at three metres tall , it is one metre too high .
The couple now face having to take down the building , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws , or radically slash its height and design .
Devastated Tina , a retired nursing manager , had said : “ We spent £10,000 on the summer house , labour , paint and plants and now we don ’ t know what to do .
We can ’ t enjoy it.
” The BVT said its aim was to work with householders `` who want to submit applications for alterations to their homes ” .
It added the Butts had been invited to appeal against the summerhouse decision but had declined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divided opinion on the BirminghamLive Facebook page .
David Banks posted : `` Absolutely ridiculous .
What harm is it possibly causing to anyone or anything ?
This country and some of its people are becoming a complete and utter joke and embarrassment . ''
Cheryl Wright said : `` The summer house looks delightful and doesn ’ t appear to be intrusive .
Surely a compromise could be made by the Trust and the neighbour who complained ?
The building is in keeping with the Bournville Trust Estate and not an eyesore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There ’ s enough anxiety with the Coronavirus without creating more ! ''
Carli McConnell said : `` You would probably only understand this article fully if you knew Bournville .
The trust is extremely strict . ''
Yet not everyone agreed with the couple - and backed BVT .
Adrian Nock said : `` Understand completely the need for planning permission , but this is hardly a modification to the house .
It ’ s not even what building control would class as a permanent structure .
It ’ s sympathetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials . ''
But Graham Broadbent said : `` Rules are rules if you do n't know them find out .
Ignorance is n't bliss .
They make them to safe guard all the resident 's who live on Bournville Trust Estate . ''
And Craig Archer said : `` Sorry , rules is rules !
They know they live in a conservation area and they would be more than aware that bournville trust are quite stringent with things like this , that ’ s probably why they live there ! ''
WHAT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his wife had moved to picturesque Bournville - a protected conservation area - from London six years ago to enjoy their retirement .
Last year they bought the wooden summerhouse from manufacturers Forest and the building was erected at the bottom of their sprawling garden .
Amjad said : “ The ( national planning ) law says a summerhouse can be four metres high and single storey and we have done everything to communicate with the Trust .
“ It has been manufactured according to ( national ) planning laws .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the dimensions that it can be four metres high .
The manufacturer has used all those dimensions to manufacture it .
“ All you have to do is check a couple of things , for example the summer house must not take more than 50 per cent of your garden .
” So our garden is 120 feet , and this summer house has taken only 13 feet of the garden.
” The couple claim they thoroughly researched the planning laws around outbuildings and believed the trust 's Bournville Design Guide rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The BVT launched an investigation after receiving a complaint about the summerhouse from a neighbour .
Two officials made a site visit in October and the couple were later told the structure was one metre too high and contravened strict planning rules of the Bournville Design Guide .
Amjad said he understood the BVT was there to protect the heritage of the area and ensure `` nothing is distorted or tampered with without the permission of the Bournville Trust .
`` That is their main role .
But we have not touched our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is only a summer house , or you could say a glorified shed at the back of the garden which has been put up strictly according to the law.
” The couple claim they thoroughly researched the planning laws around outbuildings and believed the trust 's guide related only to the main house .
WHAT THE TRUST SAID Arthur Tsang , Director of Communities at Bournville Village Trust , said : “ We are sorry that Mr and Mrs Butt are unhappy with the handling of their application for a summerhouse .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with customers who want to submit applications for alterations to their homes to make sure they meet the guidance in the Bournville Design Guide and are therefore successful .
” The Design Guide is partly in place to help manage the balance of buildings and green space that the area and people who live in Bournville enjoy and benefit from .
“ Mr and Mrs Butt did not submit an application for the summerhouse and following a complaint from a neighbour , we asked them to lower the building ’ s size to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Design Guide .
“ We offered Mr and Mrs Butt the option to appeal this decision by the 3rd May to which they did not respond .
“ Officers did , however , make representation on their behalf .
The original decision to request that the building was reduced in height was upheld and Mr and Mrs Butt were asked to lower its size or remove it .
“ We would ask Mr and Mrs Butt to contact us so that we can work with them to resolve the matter .
”

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A couple who face tearing down their £10k summerhouse have sparked huge debate online - with one reader branding the planning row 'absolutely ridiculous'.
Amjad Butt, 70, and his 65-year-old wife Tina splashed out last year on the luxurious timber building at the bottom of their garden in Iris Close, Bournville.
But they were told the summerhouse contravenes local planning restrictions of the Bournville Village Trust (BVT) - because at three metres tall, it is one metre too high.
The couple now face having to take down the building, which they claim adheres to national planning laws, or radically slash its height and design.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Devastated Tina, a retired nursing manager, had said: “We spent £10,000 on the summer house, labour, paint and plants and now we don’t know what to do. We can’t enjoy it.”
The BVT said its aim was to work with householders "who want to submit applications for alterations to their homes”. It added the Butts had been invited to appeal against the summerhouse decision but had declined to do so.
WHAT READERS SAID
The planning row has divided opinion on the BirminghamLive Facebook page.
David Banks posted: "Absolutely ridiculous. What harm is it possibly causing to anyone or anything? This country and some of its people are becoming a complete and utter joke and embarrassment."
Cheryl Wright said: "The summer house looks delightful and doesn’t appear to be intrusive. Surely a compromise could be made by the Trust and the neighbour who complained? The building is in keeping with the Bournville Trust Estate and not an eyesore. Hopefully the summer house can stay. There’s enough anxiety with the Coronavirus without creating more!"
Carli McConnell said: "You would probably only understand this article fully if you knew Bournville. The trust is extremely strict."
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Yet not everyone agreed with the couple - and backed BVT.
Adrian Nock said: "Understand completely the need for planning permission, but this is hardly a modification to the house. It’s not even what building control would class as a permanent structure. It’s sympathetic to the garden, built of natural materials."
But Graham Broadbent said: "Rules are rules if you don't know them find out. Ignorance isn't bliss. They make them to safe guard all the resident's who live on Bournville Trust Estate."
And Craig Archer said: "Sorry, rules is rules! They know they live in a conservation area and they would be more than aware that bournville trust are quite stringent with things like this, that’s probably why they live there!"
WHAT THE COUPLE SAID
Retired chartered accountant Amjad and his wife had moved to picturesque Bournville - a protected conservation area - from London six years ago to enjoy their retirement.
Last year they bought the wooden summerhouse from manufacturers Forest and the building was erected at the bottom of their sprawling garden.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Amjad said: “The (national planning) law says a summerhouse can be four metres high and single storey and we have done everything to communicate with the Trust.
“It has been manufactured according to (national) planning laws. The law gave the permission to the industry for the dimensions that it can be four metres high. The manufacturer has used all those dimensions to manufacture it.
“All you have to do is check a couple of things, for example the summer house must not take more than 50 per cent of your garden.
”So our garden is 120 feet, and this summer house has taken only 13 feet of the garden.”
The couple claim they thoroughly researched the planning laws around outbuildings and believed the trust's Bournville Design Guide rules related only to the main house.
The BVT launched an investigation after receiving a complaint about the summerhouse from a neighbour.
Two officials made a site visit in October and the couple were later told the structure was one metre too high and contravened strict planning rules of the Bournville Design Guide.
Amjad said he understood the BVT was there to protect the heritage of the area and ensure "nothing is distorted or tampered with without the permission of the Bournville Trust.
"That is their main role. But we have not touched our main house, the building.
“It is only a summer house , or you could say a glorified shed at the back of the garden which has been put up strictly according to the law.”
The couple claim they thoroughly researched the planning laws around outbuildings and believed the trust's guide related only to the main house.
WHAT THE TRUST SAID
Arthur Tsang, Director of Communities at Bournville Village Trust, said: “We are sorry that Mr and Mrs Butt are unhappy with the handling of their application for a summerhouse.
“Our aim is always to work with customers who want to submit applications for alterations to their homes to make sure they meet the guidance in the Bournville Design Guide and are therefore successful.
”The Design Guide is partly in place to help manage the balance of buildings and green space that the area and people who live in Bournville enjoy and benefit from.
“Mr and Mrs Butt did not submit an application for the summerhouse and following a complaint from a neighbour, we asked them to lower the building’s size to meet the guidance on garden buildings in the Design Guide.
“We offered Mr and Mrs Butt the option to appeal this decision by the 3rd May to which they did not respond.
“Officers did, however, make representation on their behalf. The original decision to request that the building was reduced in height was upheld and Mr and Mrs Butt were asked to lower its size or remove it.
“We would ask Mr and Mrs Butt to contact us so that we can work with them to resolve the matter.”


birminghammail--2020-06-29--Alex Pritchard tears into Terriers as Birmingham City loom

Alex Pritchard admits it will be tough for Huddersfield Town to put the disappointment of defeat against Nottingham Forest behind them and quickly refocus on Wednesday ’ s trip to Birmingham City .
The Terriers were beaten 3-1 at the City Ground and slipped into the Championship relegation zone – following Hull City ’ s draw at St Andrew ’ s .
Huddersfield have now lost both of their matches since the competition resumed and will arrive at Blues desperate to improve that .
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All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Play Store and App Store “ It ’ s difficult to take .
We can ’ t dwell on it , we need to move on very quickly , we ’ ve got a massive game midweek , ” Pritchard told # HTTV .
“ We know it ’ s tough , we know we ’ re in a difficult position but only us can get ourselves out of this .
“ We have to go back , look at stuff , make things right and work as hard as we can to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Quality means nothing , we ’ re third from bottom of the league .
It ’ s not good enough .
“ We have to come together and work hard .
We have to keep working hard and hopefully we can get our results .
“ It ’ s really difficult because you have to think about the last game , but you also have to think about the game coming so you have to try and forget about it .
“ We have to look to the future now and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and do it for ourselves and the fans .
“ They played a massive part for us when they were here and obviously it ’ s a difficult time at the moment.
” Blues will have Jeremie Bela in the starting line-up against Huddersfield – for the first time since recovering from illness .
The winger was in sparkling form when he came off the bench against the Tigers on Saturday , claiming two assists as Blues fought back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 .

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Alex Pritchard admits it will be tough for Huddersfield Town to put the disappointment of defeat against Nottingham Forest behind them and quickly refocus on Wednesday’s trip to Birmingham City.
The Terriers were beaten 3-1 at the City Ground and slipped into the Championship relegation zone – following Hull City’s draw at St Andrew’s.
Huddersfield have now lost both of their matches since the competition resumed and will arrive at Blues desperate to improve that.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City 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
“It’s difficult to take. We can’t dwell on it, we need to move on very quickly, we’ve got a massive game midweek,” Pritchard told #HTTV.
“We know it’s tough, we know we’re in a difficult position but only us can get ourselves out of this.
“We have to go back, look at stuff, make things right and work as hard as we can to get ourselves out of this position.
“Quality means nothing, we’re third from bottom of the league. It’s not good enough.
“We have to come together and work hard. We have to keep working hard and hopefully we can get our results.
“It’s really difficult because you have to think about the last game, but you also have to think about the game coming so you have to try and forget about it.
“We have to look to the future now and to Birmingham. We have to be on it and do it for ourselves and the fans.
“They played a massive part for us when they were here and obviously it’s a difficult time at the moment.”
Blues will have Jeremie Bela in the starting line-up against Huddersfield – for the first time since recovering from illness. The winger was in sparkling form when he came off the bench against the Tigers on Saturday, claiming two assists as Blues fought back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3.


birminghammail--2020-06-29--Aston Villa urged to make key appointment by former striker

Aston Villa have been urged to seek out a head of recruitment after a season where their significant recruitment drive has not had the desired effect .
Villa , who required an overhaul last summer after bidding farewell to a number of senior stars including Alan Hutton , Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan , spent around £140m to cover all bases of their squad , in order to best prepare themselves for a return to the Premier League .
Smith and his recruitment team , led by sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch , oversaw the business last summer and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league matches left to play , though , Villa are in the relegation mire and battling to avoid an immediate return to the Championship .
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Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Villa news , views , gossip and opinion .
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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 Amid suggestions that boss Dean Smith is coming under pressure , former striker Tony Cascarino believes that it ’ s a different area of the management team that the club ’ s hierarchy should be addressing .
“ I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that John Terry might step up and replace Dean Smith as Aston Villa manager if they can not turn their form around , ” Cascarino wrote in his column in the Times .
“ Terry was one of the best and most influential Premier League defenders of his generation , so if there is anything he ought to be showing as Smith ’ s assistant at Villa Park , it ’ s that he can coach and organise a defensive unit .
`` But Villa have conceded more goals than any other team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am left scratching my head at the idea Terry has made any sort of case to be in the running for Smith ’ s job .
“ Ultimately , the role that most needs filling by someone who knows what they are doing is head of recruitment .
“ Compare that to Wolves , who beat them on Saturday .
Almost all of their signings have improved their team , and the ratio of successful signings to poor ones is so much higher than Villa ’ s .
There is not a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a roaring success.
” Cascarino , who spent a season at Villa in the 1990s , also wants to see Jack Grealish better utilised in the remaining matches ; the pundit feels as though the Lions captain is dropping too deep too often and so isn ’ t as effective as he otherwise would be in the final third of the pitch .
“ For me , Jack Grealish is picking the ball up off players and he ’ s too close to them ; I want Jack to do things that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third part of the pitch , more often , ” Cascarino said on talkSPORT .
“ Too often now he ’ s picking up the ball from a full-back who is five yards away from him , from a midfielder who is two yards away from him .
He ’ s trying to do things from there , and it ’ s not going to work .
“ They look like they ’ re playing a pre-season friendly to me , not a relegation battle .
“ I ’ m just looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laughing , as I see that in every position that they ’ ve bought a player or two .
“ £140m .
They ’ ve bought centre halves , at least a couple of them , they ’ ve bought a couple of centre forwards , they ’ ve bought a left-back in Matt Targett , they ’ ve brought in Douglas Luiz a central midfielder , they ’ ve bought goalkeepers ... they ’ ve brought in a player for every position and I think they ’ ve just looked terrible this @ @ @

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Aston Villa have been urged to seek out a head of recruitment after a season where their significant recruitment drive has not had the desired effect.
Villa, who required an overhaul last summer after bidding farewell to a number of senior stars including Alan Hutton, Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan, spent around £140m to cover all bases of their squad, in order to best prepare themselves for a return to the Premier League.
Smith and his recruitment team, led by sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch, oversaw the business last summer and in the January transfer window.
With six league matches left to play, though, Villa are in the relegation mire and battling to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
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
Amid suggestions that boss Dean Smith is coming under pressure, former striker Tony Cascarino believes that it’s a different area of the management team that the club’s hierarchy should be addressing.
“I don’t understand why people are speculating that John Terry might step up and replace Dean Smith as Aston Villa manager if they cannot turn their form around,” Cascarino wrote in his column in the Times.
“Terry was one of the best and most influential Premier League defenders of his generation, so if there is anything he ought to be showing as Smith’s assistant at Villa Park, it’s that he can coach and organise a defensive unit.
"But Villa have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League, so I am left scratching my head at the idea Terry has made any sort of case to be in the running for Smith’s job.
“Ultimately, the role that most needs filling by someone who knows what they are doing is head of recruitment.
“Compare that to Wolves, who beat them on Saturday. Almost all of their signings have improved their team, and the ratio of successful signings to poor ones is so much higher than Villa’s. There is not a single player Villa have signed who has been a roaring success.”
Cascarino, who spent a season at Villa in the 1990s, also wants to see Jack Grealish better utilised in the remaining matches; the pundit feels as though the Lions captain is dropping too deep too often and so isn’t as effective as he otherwise would be in the final third of the pitch.
“For me, Jack Grealish is picking the ball up off players and he’s too close to them; I want Jack to do things that are going to make a difference in the third part of the pitch, more often,” Cascarino said on talkSPORT.
(Image: (Laurence Griffiths/NMC Pool/PA Wire))
“Too often now he’s picking up the ball from a full-back who is five yards away from him, from a midfielder who is two yards away from him. He’s trying to do things from there, and it’s not going to work.
“They look like they’re playing a pre-season friendly to me, not a relegation battle.
“I’m just looking at Aston Villa’s spending, and laughing, as I see that in every position that they’ve bought a player or two.
“£140m. They’ve bought centre halves, at least a couple of them, they’ve bought a couple of centre forwards, they’ve bought a left-back in Matt Targett, they’ve brought in Douglas Luiz a central midfielder, they’ve bought goalkeepers...they’ve brought in a player for every position and I think they’ve just looked terrible this season.”


birminghammail--2020-06-29--'Dreaming is free' - why the sky is the limit for Wolves and their fans

Project restart couldn ’ t have started any better for Nuno and his Champions League chasing Wolves , but the hard work starts now .
Three wins and three clean sheets in the opening week of the restart for Wolverhampton Wanderers , you couldn ’ t have asked for much more .
However , if you have aspirations of fencing with Europe ’ s elite , the achievement of beating a lower half side becomes more of a requirement .
With all due respect to West Ham , Bournemouth & Villa , the fixtures did fall very kind for Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can only beat what ’ s in front of you ( although I ’ d have still been very happy with seven points from nine ) .
Over the last 270 minutes of football , without the ball , Wolves have been nothing short of superb .
The shape , positioning , defending and desire to defend has been as good as it ’ s been in the last three years .
With the ball and understandably after such a long break from the competition , Wolves still have a few gears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make it to the promised land , they ’ ll probably have to take it up a few notches as the fixtures get tougher .
What hasn ’ t changed since the lockdown , is the belief in the plan and in each other .
Each game since the restart has been 0-0 at half time , with three solid first half performances but little in the way of creativity , but that didn ’ t phase anyone as at no point has Nuno ’ s side deviated from the plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then striking at the end of some well worked opportunities .
Since the return some sides have talked about fatigue , but during Saturday ’ s game with Villa , Wolves only used two substitutes and one of them was on 85 minutes .
Plus for the Wolves goal , it was Jonny , Dendoncker & Doherty who were the furthest players up the pitch , which tells you all you need to know about the conditioning that has taken place at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground .
One game at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , next up it ’ s Arsenal at Molineux .

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Project restart couldn’t have started any better for Nuno and his Champions League chasing Wolves, but the hard work starts now.
Three wins and three clean sheets in the opening week of the restart for Wolverhampton Wanderers, you couldn’t have asked for much more.
However, if you have aspirations of fencing with Europe’s elite, the achievement of beating a lower half side becomes more of a requirement.
With all due respect to West Ham, Bournemouth & Villa, the fixtures did fall very kind for Wolves, but as the saying goes, you can only beat what’s in front of you (although I’d have still been very happy with seven points from nine).
Over the last 270 minutes of football, without the ball, Wolves have been nothing short of superb.
The shape, positioning, defending and desire to defend has been as good as it’s been in the last three years.
With the ball and understandably after such a long break from the competition, Wolves still have a few gears in the locker and if they wish to make it to the promised land, they’ll probably have to take it up a few notches as the fixtures get tougher.
What hasn’t changed since the lockdown, is the belief in the plan and in each other.
Each game since the restart has been 0-0 at half time, with three solid first half performances but little in the way of creativity, but that didn’t phase anyone as at no point has Nuno’s side deviated from the plan, with the team remaining patient in possession and then striking at the end of some well worked opportunities.
Since the return some sides have talked about fatigue, but during Saturday’s game with Villa, Wolves only used two substitutes and one of them was on 85 minutes.
Plus for the Wolves goal, it was Jonny, Dendoncker & Doherty who were the furthest players up the pitch, which tells you all you need to know about the conditioning that has taken place at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.
One game at a time and after a weeks rest, next up it’s Arsenal at Molineux.
Dreaming is for free.
@MrRyanLeister


birminghammail--2020-06-29--Danny Buijs rules himself out of Birmingham City running

Danny Buijs has rejected speculation linking him with the Birmingham City job and committed to staying at FC Groningen .
The 38-year-old emerged as a contender to succeed Pep Clotet last week and is regarded as one of the rising coaching stars in the Eredivisie .
However , speaking to Fox Sports in the Netherlands Buijs insisted Groningen had not been officially approached and that Blues need not bother .
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Google Play Store and App Store He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here two or three months ago .
`` I am grateful to FC Groningen for the opportunity I had and for the support ... '' That ’ s why I want to show loyalty by continuing .
I see a lot of perspective at FC Groningen to further develop myself as a trainer.
” It is now two weeks since Blues revealed Clotet will be leaving at the end of the season and they have been linked with names like Slavisa Jokanovic and Chris Hughton - but there seems little interest from either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hughton would be a popular choice but BirminghamLive understands he does not want to return at this stage and that links with Nigel Clough are unlikely to result in an agreement .
Steven Gerrard was also a contender but he has restated his desire to stay at Rangers , while Lee Carsley is currently the favourite with bookmakers .
Lee Bowyer remains in the frame and Coventry City boss Mark Robins was connected on Sunday morning .

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Danny Buijs has rejected speculation linking him with the Birmingham City job and committed to staying at FC Groningen.
The 38-year-old emerged as a contender to succeed Pep Clotet last week and is regarded as one of the rising coaching stars in the Eredivisie.
However, speaking to Fox Sports in the Netherlands Buijs insisted Groningen had not been officially approached and that Blues need not bother.
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He said: “I deliberately renewed my contract here two or three months ago.
"I am grateful to FC Groningen for the opportunity I had and for the support.
"That’s why I want to show loyalty by continuing. I see a lot of perspective at FC Groningen to further develop myself as a trainer.”
It is now two weeks since Blues revealed Clotet will be leaving at the end of the season and they have been linked with names like Slavisa Jokanovic and Chris Hughton - but there seems little interest from either in coming to St Andrew’s.
Hughton would be a popular choice but BirminghamLive understands he does not want to return at this stage and that links with Nigel Clough are unlikely to result in an agreement.
Steven Gerrard was also a contender but he has restated his desire to stay at Rangers, while Lee Carsley is currently the favourite with bookmakers.
Lee Bowyer remains in the frame and Coventry City boss Mark Robins was connected on Sunday morning.


birminghammail--2020-07-01--UK coronavirus death toll rises by 176 just 72 hours before Super Saturday

The Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) said 43,906 people had died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Tuesday , up by 176 from 43,730 the day before .
The Government figures do not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK , which are thought to have passed 54,000 .
The DHSC also said in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Wednesday , 226,398 tests were carried out or dispatched , with 829 positive results .
Overall , a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 313,483 cases have been confirmed positive .
The figure for the number of people tested has been `` temporarily paused to ensure consistent reporting '' across all methods of testing .
A further 50 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,759 , NHS England said Patients were aged between 52 and 97 years old .
Two patients , aged 52 and 63 , had no known underlying health conditions .
No deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the latest figures - and there were no deaths in West Midlands hospitals for the second time in three days .

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The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said 43,906 people had died in hospitals, care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Tuesday, up by 176 from 43,730 the day before.
The Government figures do not include all deaths involving Covid-19 across the UK, which are thought to have passed 54,000.
The DHSC also said in the 24-hour period up to 9am on Wednesday, 226,398 tests were carried out or dispatched, with 829 positive results. Overall, a total of 9,662,051 tests have been carried out and 313,483 cases have been confirmed positive.
The figure for the number of people tested has been "temporarily paused to ensure consistent reporting" across all methods of testing.
A further 50 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,759, NHS England said
Patients were aged between 52 and 97 years old. Two patients, aged 52 and 63, had no known underlying health conditions.
No deaths were recorded in the South West region in the latest figures - and there were no deaths in West Midlands hospitals for the second time in three days.


birminghammail--2020-07-01--A triple boost for Tamworth FC

A triple boost for Tamworth FC

Three former Leicester City players are the first to put pen to paper on new deals at Tamworth .
Skipper Ryan Beswick has agreed to remain with the Lambs for another season while defensive partnership Joe Magunda and Lathaniel Rowe-Turner have also committed their futures to the Lambs .
Two more signings are expected to be announced today .
On Beswick , joint Lambs boss Gary Smith said : “ He led by example last season .
He took on the captain ’ s role and scored 18 goals .
“ He was our Captain Fantastic and deserves all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a fantastic footballer and someone we were desperate to keep on board and build around .
He ’ s certainly not a player you want to lose at this level .
“ He ’ s a fantastic personality around the dressing room as well .
He was a big priority for us and we are thrilled to get the deal across the line .
“ I ’ m sure we ’ ll get more fantastic goals from Ryan this season as well.
” On Magunda , Smith added : “ He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very vocal on the pitch .
“ He also leads by example and has a great attitude and approach to the game .
He wants to win and be a winner and he ’ s shown he can o that .
He ’ s an integral part of the defensive jigsaw .
“ He takes no prisoners , which is what you want.
” Magunda will be joined by fellow centre back Rowe-Turner .
And Smith added : “ They were together as young boys at Leicester and know each other very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season as a pairing was top drawer and a big reason why we challenged for the title .
“ They hardly gave anything away .
Lathaniel was class , no-one got past him .
He ’ s a massive signing , a great player .
”

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Three former Leicester City players are the first to put pen to paper on new deals at Tamworth.
Skipper Ryan Beswick has agreed to remain with the Lambs for another season while defensive partnership Joe Magunda and Lathaniel Rowe-Turner have also committed their futures to the Lambs.
Two more signings are expected to be announced today.
(Image: Paul Barber)
On Beswick, joint Lambs boss Gary Smith said: “He led by example last season. He took on the captain’s role and scored 18 goals.
“He was our Captain Fantastic and deserves all the plaudits he got.
“He’s a fantastic footballer and someone we were desperate to keep on board and build around. He’s certainly not a player you want to lose at this level.
“He’s a fantastic personality around the dressing room as well. He was a big priority for us and we are thrilled to get the deal across the line.
“I’m sure we’ll get more fantastic goals from Ryan this season as well.”
(Image: Paul Barber Tamworth Herald)
On Magunda, Smith added: “He was a big player for us last season, very vocal on the pitch.
“He also leads by example and has a great attitude and approach to the game. He wants to win and be a winner and he’s shown he can o that. He’s an integral part of the defensive jigsaw.
“He takes no prisoners, which is what you want.”
Magunda will be joined by fellow centre back Rowe-Turner.
And Smith added: “They were together as young boys at Leicester and know each other very well.
“What they had last season as a pairing was top drawer and a big reason why we challenged for the title.
“They hardly gave anything away. Lathaniel was class, no-one got past him. He’s a massive signing, a great player.”


birminghammail--2020-07-01--Garden bonfire spreads to neighbour's property destroying fence and trees

A garden bonfire got out of control and spread to a neighbouring property in Sutton Coldfield .
Fire crews received a 999 call at 4.15 am today ( July 1 ) and were sent to a property on Stonehouse Road .
A fire engine from Sutton Coldfield Fire Station and a Brigade Response Vehicle from Perry Barr attended .
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said a bonfire had spread to a fence and trees and reached the neighbouring property .
Eight firefighters battled the blaze and brought it under control in just over 45 minutes .
The spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 4:15am this morning to a property on Stonehouse Road in Sutton Coldfield .
A fire engine from Sutton Coldfield and a Brigade Response Vehicle from Perry Barr ( 8 firefighters in total ) attended .
First engine at the scene in under 5 minutes .
`` Stop message came through at 5:02am .
Was a bonfire that had spread to a fence and trees and reached the neighbouring property .
Crews put the fire out using a main water jet and a hose reel jet . ''
Sutton Coldfield Fire tweeted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the blaze .
They posted ; `` Sutton Red Watch attended a garden fire out of control at 4am and stopped it spreading to nearby properties .
Recycle you rubbish safely # firekills # staysafestayalert

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A garden bonfire got out of control and spread to a neighbouring property in Sutton Coldfield.
Fire crews received a 999 call at 4.15 am today (July 1 ) and were sent to a property on Stonehouse Road. A fire engine from Sutton Coldfield Fire Station and a Brigade Response Vehicle from Perry Barr attended.
(Image: WMFS)
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said a bonfire had spread to a fence and trees and reached the neighbouring property.
Eight firefighters battled the blaze and brought it under control in just over 45 minutes.
The spokesman said: "We received a 999 call at 4:15am this morning to a property on Stonehouse Road in Sutton Coldfield. A fire engine from Sutton Coldfield and a Brigade Response Vehicle from Perry Barr (8 firefighters in total) attended. First engine at the scene in under 5 minutes.
"Stop message came through at 5:02am. Was a bonfire that had spread to a fence and trees and reached the neighbouring property. Crews put the fire out using a main water jet and a hose reel jet."
(Image: WMFS)
Sutton Coldfield Fire tweeted a number of pictures showing the devastation caused by the blaze.
They posted; "Sutton Red Watch attended a garden fire out of control at 4am and stopped it spreading to nearby properties. Recycle you rubbish safely #firekills#staysafestayalert


birminghammail--2020-07-01--Wagamama announces first phase of reopening-the full list

Wagamama is set to reopen a number of its restaurants with 18 throwing open their doors in July .
The first to open will be the Royal Festival Hall restaurant in London on July 4 where the chain will trial sliding screens to separate its communal tables as well as bench seating to adhere to the new one metre plus distancing guideline , reports the M.E.N .
The screens will then be rolled out to the Trafford Centre in Manchester , Stevenage and Swindon from July 6 .
The Japanese-style partitions are on rollers which can be moved up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diners .
There is no news yet when its branches in Birmingham and Solihull will reopen .
Design director Mark Standing said : “ Sliding screens ( shoji ) are at the very heart of the Japanese architectural aesthetic .
They have been used for hundreds of years to divide spaces in buildings and rooms .
I took my inspiration for the design of screen dividers for our long sharing tables and benches from this tradition . ''
The pan-Asian chain is also implementing distanced queuing as well as disposable menus on place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment system payable by phone at the end of the meal .
The system will also see the restaurant chain taking the name and phone number of at least one person in the group help NHS Test and Trace efforts .
Wagamama hopes to have 18 restaurants open by the end of July followed by a phased return of its chain by early September .
CEO Emma Woods said : “ The main question we have been working on as a team is how can our guests feel safe but still have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benches .
`` The team have applied our philosophy of kaizen - good change - to this challenge and I am delighted we have found a design solution which provides social distancing for our guests in a way which is true to the design ethos of the brand .
“ We are looking forward to getting our guests back in and obtaining their feedback in the first 18 sites .
If these tests go well , we will reopen the remainder of our restaurants throughout August and September.
” The full list of @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Emily Heward, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

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Wagamama is set to reopen a number of its restaurants with 18 throwing open their doors in July.
The first to open will be the Royal Festival Hall restaurant in London on July 4 where the chain will trial sliding screens to separate its communal tables as well as bench seating to adhere to the new one metre plus distancing guideline, reports the M.E.N.
The screens will then be rolled out to the Trafford Centre in Manchester, Stevenage and Swindon from July 6.
The Japanese-style partitions are on rollers which can be moved up and down the tables to separate groups of diners.
There is no news yet when its branches in Birmingham and Solihull will reopen.
Design director Mark Standing said: “Sliding screens (shoji) are at the very heart of the Japanese architectural aesthetic. They have been used for hundreds of years to divide spaces in buildings and rooms. I took my inspiration for the design of screen dividers for our long sharing tables and benches from this tradition."
The pan-Asian chain is also implementing distanced queuing as well as disposable menus on place mats.
Diners will use a cashless payment system payable by phone at the end of the meal.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The system will also see the restaurant chain taking the name and phone number of at least one person in the group help NHS Test and Trace efforts.
Wagamama hopes to have 18 restaurants open by the end of July followed by a phased return of its chain by early September.
CEO Emma Woods said: “The main question we have been working on as a team is how can our guests feel safe but still have a communal wagamama experience, sitting on our benches.
"The team have applied our philosophy of kaizen - good change - to this challenge and I am delighted we have found a design solution which provides social distancing for our guests in a way which is true to the design ethos of the brand.
“We are looking forward to getting our guests back in and obtaining their feedback in the first 18 sites. If these tests go well, we will reopen the remainder of our restaurants throughout August and September.”
The full list of Wagamama restaurants reopening in July
Saturday, July 4
Royal Festival Hall
Monday, July 6
Stevenage
Manchester Trafford Centre
Swindon
Monday, July 20
Westfield Stratford
Bluewater
Cheshire Oaks
GMS
Exeter
Monday, July 27
Metrocentre
Bridgend
Bolton
Didsbury
Lincoln
Kensington
Wimbledon
Camden
Chelmsford


birminghammail--2020-07-01--The Covid infection rate in each part of Birmingham and West Midlands

The latest and most complete information on new Covid-19 cases in England , by local authority area , shows the rate of new cases in Birmingham .
Birmingham has nine new cases per 100,000 of the population , according to the latest figures from the Department of Health .
Nowhere in the West Midlands is anywhere near the number of cases per 100,000 population in Leicester , which has 140.2 .
The figures , published by Public Health England , show the rate of new cases in each area .
This is based on tests that have been carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government 's testing programme ) and in the wider community ( 'pillar 2 ' ) .
As such the figures gives a more comprehensive overview of the country than the daily figures for local areas that are published on the Department of Health website , which are based only on pillar 1 testing .
The figure for Birmingham is 9.6 , with a similar figure in both Wolverhampton ( 9.9 ) and Staffordshire ( 9.4 ) .
Walsall and Solihull rank lowest , with 4.6 and 4.7 cases per 100,000 people respectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Coventry , at 5.7 , which is the exact same as in Worcestershire .
In the region , the highest number is in Shopshire , at 13.7 , with 10.3 in Warwickshire , the second highest .
The latest Public Health England snapshot is for the week ending June 21 .
Here is the full list , showing the number of cases per 100,000 population :

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The latest and most complete information on new Covid-19 cases in England, by local authority area, shows the rate of new cases in Birmingham.
Birmingham has nine new cases per 100,000 of the population, according to the latest figures from the Department of Health.
Nowhere in the West Midlands is anywhere near the number of cases per 100,000 population in Leicester, which has 140.2.
The figures, published by Public Health England, show the rate of new cases in each area.
This is based on tests that have been carried out in laboratories ('pillar 1' of the Government's testing programme) and in the wider community ('pillar 2').
As such the figures gives a more comprehensive overview of the country than the daily figures for local areas that are published on the Department of Health website, which are based only on pillar 1 testing.
(Image: PA)
The figure for Birmingham is 9.6, with a similar figure in both Wolverhampton (9.9) and Staffordshire (9.4). Walsall and Solihull rank lowest, with 4.6 and 4.7 cases per 100,000 people respectively.
The number is a little higher in Coventry, at 5.7, which is the exact same as in Worcestershire.
Sandwell has a figure of 7.3.
In the region, the highest number is in Shopshire, at 13.7, with 10.3 in Warwickshire, the second highest.
The latest Public Health England snapshot is for the week ending June 21.
Here is the full list, showing the number of cases per 100,000 population:
Leicester 140.2
Shropshire 13.7
Warwickshire 10.3
Wolverhampton 9.9
Birmingham 9.6
Staffordshire 9.4
Telford & Wrekin 8.4
Sandwell 7.3
Worcestershire 5.7
Coventry 5.7
Solihull 4.7
Walsall 4.6


birminghammail--2020-07-01--West Midlands hospitals record no new coronavirus deaths

For the second time in three days there were no deaths in West Midlands hospitals from coronavirus .
June 29 was the first date in 111 days where the region recorded no new deaths from Covid-19 .
The death toll stands at above 3,800 for the region .
A further 50 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,759 , NHS England said .
Patients were aged between 52 and 97 years old .
Two patients , aged 52 and 63 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No deaths were recorded in the South West region in the latest figures .
There have been no further coronavirus linked deaths reported in Northern Ireland , with the toll recorded by the Department of Health remaining at 551 .
There was one new case of the virus confirmed , bringing the total in the region to 5,761 .
Public Health Wales said a further six people had died after testing positive for Covid-19 , taking the total number of deaths to 1,516 , while the total number of cases in Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 2,486 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus , up by one from Tuesday , Nicola Sturgeon said .
Speaking at the Scottish Government 's coronavirus briefing , the First Minister said eight more people had tested positive for the virus in 24 hours , taking the total to 18,259 .
A total of 785 patients are in Scottish hospitals with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 , a fall of 100 in 24 hours , she added .
Of these , 17 are intensive care , a drop of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the First Minister differs from the weekly statistics released on Wednesday by the National Records of Scotland , as the former covers patients who have tested positive and the latter involves all registered deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate , whether confirmed or suspected .

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For the second time in three days there were no deaths in West Midlands hospitals from coronavirus.
June 29 was the first date in 111 days where the region recorded no new deaths from Covid-19. The death toll stands at above 3,800 for the region.
A further 50 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 28,759, NHS England said.
Patients were aged between 52 and 97 years old. Two patients, aged 52 and 63, had no known underlying health conditions.
No deaths were recorded in the South West region in the latest figures.
There have been no further coronavirus linked deaths reported in Northern Ireland, with the toll recorded by the Department of Health remaining at 551.
There was one new case of the virus confirmed, bringing the total in the region to 5,761.
Public Health Wales said a further six people had died after testing positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of deaths to 1,516, while the total number of cases in Wales increased by 32 to 15,775.
A total of 2,486 patients have died in Scotland after testing positive for coronavirus, up by one from Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon said.
Speaking at the Scottish Government's coronavirus briefing, the First Minister said eight more people had tested positive for the virus in 24 hours, taking the total to 18,259.
A total of 785 patients are in Scottish hospitals with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, a fall of 100 in 24 hours, she added.
Of these, 17 are intensive care, a drop of two.
The death figure announced by the First Minister differs from the weekly statistics released on Wednesday by the National Records of Scotland, as the former covers patients who have tested positive and the latter involves all registered deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned on the death certificate, whether confirmed or suspected.


birminghammail--2020-07-01--Manager 'attracted' to prospect of joining Villa this summer

Sean Dyche 'would be attracted ' to the idea of joining Aston Villa this summer amid suggestions he 's become unsettled at Premier League rivals Burnley , according to the Daily Mail .
The Burnley boss has been linked with the managerial hotseat at B6 if Villa decide to part ways with current head coach Dean Smith .
Smith led the club to promotion last term but he 's struggled to find a winning formula in the Premier League this term despite Villa spending £140million on new players last summer .
Villa have n't won in their last eight Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday .
Reports on Saturday evening suggested Smith 's position was under immediate threat but it now looks as though owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will trust him to lead the team for their final six games .
However , if Villa do decide to make a managerial change at some point in the near future , the Daily Mail claims Dyche would be keen on the move 'in the right circumstances ' .
Jesus Garcia Pitarch - the man tasked with leading Villa 's recruitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under threat following a season of struggle .

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Sean Dyche 'would be attracted' to the idea of joining Aston Villa this summer amid suggestions he's become unsettled at Premier League rivals Burnley, according to the Daily Mail.
The Burnley boss has been linked with the managerial hotseat at B6 if Villa decide to part ways with current head coach Dean Smith.
Smith led the club to promotion last term but he's struggled to find a winning formula in the Premier League this term despite Villa spending £140million on new players last summer.
Villa haven't won in their last eight Premier League games with their latest defeat coming against local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Reports on Saturday evening suggested Smith's position was under immediate threat but it now looks as though owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will trust him to lead the team for their final six games.
However, if Villa do decide to make a managerial change at some point in the near future, the Daily Mail claims Dyche would be keen on the move 'in the right circumstances'.
Jesus Garcia Pitarch - the man tasked with leading Villa's recruitment - is also seeing his position come under threat following a season of struggle.


birminghammail--2020-07-01--Martin Lewis issues warning to every furloughed worker as rules change

Martin Lewis has issued a warning to every furloughed Brit as the rules change from TODAY .
`` Today is a big day for those who are furloughed , '' Mr Lewis told his Instagram followers in a 60-second guide to how the pay works if you head back to work today .
From July 1 , changes to the furlough scheme see companies bringing back furloughed staff part-time under new guidance .
The scheme , set up by the government in mid-March , is set to be wound down by October , with further changes coming next month and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the first day you are allowed to go back to work part-time for your employer while you are on furlough . ''
He added , in a 60 second guide : `` In a nutshell , when you work for your employer , you should get your full contract rate and the rest of the time you are n't working , you should get your furlough rate .
`` If you were to work a quarter of your hours , you 'll get a quarter of your pay , and the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that . ''
Mr Lewis then gave an example , saying : `` Let 's imagine somebody who earns £1,000 a month and on furlough taking £800 home a month .
`` If they worked a quarter of their hours , they 'd get £250 for the quarter of their hours they work .
`` The rest of their furlough pay - three quarters of £800 - would be £600 , so they would receive £850 a month , rather than £800 on furlough , and £1,000 working full-time . ''

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Martin Lewis has issued a warning to every furloughed Brit as the rules change from TODAY.
"Today is a big day for those who are furloughed," Mr Lewis told his Instagram followers in a 60-second guide to how the pay works if you head back to work today.
From July 1, changes to the furlough scheme see companies bringing back furloughed staff part-time under new guidance.
The scheme, set up by the government in mid-March, is set to be wound down by October, with further changes coming next month and September.
Martin added: "Today is the first day you are allowed to go back to work part-time for your employer while you are on furlough."
He added, in a 60 second guide: "In a nutshell, when you work for your employer, you should get your full contract rate and the rest of the time you aren't working, you should get your furlough rate.
"If you were to work a quarter of your hours, you'll get a quarter of your pay, and the rest of your furlough pay will be three-quarters of that."
Mr Lewis then gave an example, saying: "Let's imagine somebody who earns £1,000 a month and on furlough taking £800 home a month.
"If they worked a quarter of their hours, they'd get £250 for the quarter of their hours they work.
"The rest of their furlough pay - three quarters of £800 - would be £600, so they would receive £850 a month, rather than £800 on furlough, and £1,000 working full-time."


birminghammail--2020-07-01--Manchester City sent transfer demand after Jack Grealish claim

Manchester City have reportedly entered the race for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish .
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a stunning season , where despite his club ’ s struggles , he has shined in the Premier League .
It ’ s that form that has seen him extensively linked with a summer exit – especially if Villa fail in their battle against the drop .
Manchester United are believed to be leading the race , with reports claiming they are ‘ on the verge ’ of sealing a summer move .
Villa are expected to play hard-ball over the claret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of £80m placed on the midfielder .
However , Grealish remains a Villa player for the time being and City could still hope to gate crash their pursuit , particularly after the departure of Leroy Sane .
Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Grealish and reports have said he could look to him as a replacement for Sane , who is set for Bayern Munich at the end of the season .
Our colleagues at Manchester Evening News , asked City fans on social media how they feel about Grealish replacing Sane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all positive , the vast majority would back a move .
Neil England : Most definitely sign Grealish if he wants to genuinely play for City .
He is a brilliant talent .
Christian DeSalvo : His work rate is unbelievable .
If he plays wing , he would be inverted , because he needs to cut inside often , which is his game ( more of a CAM ) .
Think of Bernardo Silva ’ s role .
Pep doesn ’ t really play inverted wingers too often , that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hug the touch line as often as possible .
Grealish is a Swiss Army knife , though .
Simon Kerr : Top player , not a Sane at all , different but yes get him in .
Gary Wroe : I ’ d quite happily have Grealish at City .
Not as a replacement for Sane though .
I ’ d have him to be an anchor to KDB and Foden .
The 3 of them would be deadly I think .
Add Sterling to the mix too with Ilkay , deadly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and let Utd buy him for £90 million Paul Dewe : Jack Grealish is not good enough for city and Can not be a replacement for a winger either David John Robinson : Buy him if kdb gets injured ready made replacement also got carabo cup fa cup cl kdb can ’ t play every match Ben Curbishley : He ’ s 24 years off age therefor if we signed a 4 year deal I reckon city would see the best of jack grealish .
The term ‘ he ’ s getting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d have him in squad at city any day John Shaw : He would thrive with better players around him .
He has too much pressure on him at Villa .

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Manchester City have reportedly entered the race for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a stunning season, where despite his club’s struggles, he has shined in the Premier League.
It’s that form that has seen him extensively linked with a summer exit – especially if Villa fail in their battle against the drop.
(Image: (Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images))
Manchester United are believed to be leading the race, with reports claiming they are ‘on the verge’ of sealing a summer move.
Villa are expected to play hard-ball over the claret and blue talisman, with a valuation of £80m placed on the midfielder.
However, Grealish remains a Villa player for the time being and City could still hope to gate crash their pursuit, particularly after the departure of Leroy Sane.
Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Grealish and reports have said he could look to him as a replacement for Sane, who is set for Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
Our colleagues at Manchester Evening News, asked City fans on social media how they feel about Grealish replacing Sane – and while it wasn’t all positive, the vast majority would back a move.
Neil England: Most definitely sign Grealish if he wants to genuinely play for City. He is a brilliant talent.
Christian DeSalvo: His work rate is unbelievable. If he plays wing, he would be inverted, because he needs to cut inside often, which is his game (more of a CAM). Think of Bernardo Silva’s role. Pep doesn’t really play inverted wingers too often, that’s more Klopp. Pep’s wingers hug the touch line as often as possible. Grealish is a Swiss Army knife, though.
Simon Kerr: Top player, not a Sane at all, different but yes get him in.
Gary Wroe: I’d quite happily have Grealish at City. Not as a replacement for Sane though. I’d have him to be an anchor to KDB and Foden. The 3 of them would be deadly I think. Add Sterling to the mix too with Ilkay, deadly.
Matthew Kay: Start the bidding war and let Utd buy him for £90 million
Paul Dewe: Jack Grealish is not good enough for city and Cannot be a replacement for a winger either
David John Robinson: Buy him if kdb gets injured ready made replacement also got carabo cup fa cup cl kdb can’t play every match
Ben Curbishley: He’s 24 years off age therefor if we signed a 4 year deal I reckon city would see the best of jack grealish. The term ‘he’s getting to old’ is pathetic, I’d have him in squad at city any day
John Shaw: He would thrive with better players around him. He has too much pressure on him at Villa.


birminghammail--2020-07-01--Scandal of veterans living in poverty and denied Government support

Hundreds of veterans living in extreme poverty are still not receiving financial support from the Government despite promises to help them .
Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill MP , Labour ’ s Shadow International Development Secretary , said : `` It ’ s shocking that members of our armed forces are living in extreme poverty and without support from the UK government .
`` We owe so much to those who have risked their lives for our country , and it ’ s heart-breaking that the government has failed hundreds of British Army veterans by not providing them with such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 that a new scheme called the Commonwealth Veterans Programme would help veterans from Commonwealth countries who served in the British Armed Forces , or their widows .
Ministers said 7,000 people would receive two meals a day through UK aid .
The aim is to support people who fought for the Commonwealth , or what may at the time have been called the British Empire , before their countries gained independence .
But in response to questions from Ms Gill , the Government has revealed that in the last financial year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veterans were supported through a scheme .
Between April and June this year , 1,815 veterans and 1,960 widows of veterans have received support .
The Government has also published figures showing around 6,200 people from Commonwealth or former Commonwealth countries , who served in the British Armed Forces prior to their countries gaining independence , are living in absolute poverty .
It means that hundreds of veterans need help but are not getting it .
Ms Gill said : `` This programme would not have been possible if it were not for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool in protecting some of the world ’ s poorest and most vulnerable people when they need our support most .
`` Two meals a day is the very least our veterans deserve from this government .
This government must step up now to protect our veterans and their families and provide them with the support they so desperately need .
`` This abandonment of hundreds of those who have fought for our country is sad reminder that this government has failed to respect the incredible service of our armed forces and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of civilian life they have earned . ''
The Department for International Development , which runs the scheme , said it would help 7,000 people by March 2024 .
A spokesperson said : “ The UK is proud to support those Commonwealth veterans who bravely made sacrifices for this country .
The programme , which ends in 2024 , will help up to 7,000 veterans and widows in total and so far we have supported more than 5,700 people .
”

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Hundreds of veterans living in extreme poverty are still not receiving financial support from the Government despite promises to help them.
Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill MP, Labour’s Shadow International Development Secretary, said: " It’s shocking that members of our armed forces are living in extreme poverty and without support from the UK government.
"We owe so much to those who have risked their lives for our country, and it’s heart-breaking that the government has failed hundreds of British Army veterans by not providing them with such basic support."
The Government announced in 2018 that a new scheme called the Commonwealth Veterans Programme would help veterans from Commonwealth countries who served in the British Armed Forces, or their widows. Ministers said 7,000 people would receive two meals a day through UK aid.
The aim is to support people who fought for the Commonwealth, or what may at the time have been called the British Empire, before their countries gained independence.
But in response to questions from Ms Gill, the Government has revealed that in the last financial year, 2,490 veterans and 3,229 widows of veterans were supported through a scheme.
Between April and June this year, 1,815 veterans and 1,960 widows of veterans have received support.
The Government has also published figures showing around 6,200 people from Commonwealth or former Commonwealth countries, who served in the British Armed Forces prior to their countries gaining independence, are living in absolute poverty.
It means that hundreds of veterans need help but are not getting it.
Ms Gill said: "This programme would not have been possible if it were not for UK aid, which is a vital tool in protecting some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people when they need our support most.
"Two meals a day is the very least our veterans deserve from this government. This government must step up now to protect our veterans and their families and provide them with the support they so desperately need.
"This abandonment of hundreds of those who have fought for our country is sad reminder that this government has failed to respect the incredible service of our armed forces and has failed to provide veterans the proper standard of civilian life they have earned ."
The Department for International Development, which runs the scheme, said it would help 7,000 people by March 2024.
A spokesperson said: “The UK is proud to support those Commonwealth veterans who bravely made sacrifices for this country. The programme, which ends in 2024, will help up to 7,000 veterans and widows in total and so far we have supported more than 5,700 people.”


birminghammail--2020-07-01--Health boss' prediction comes as lockdown rules are relaxed

Coronavirus infections rates and outbreaks will increase after pubs and stores reopen , Sandwell ’ s director of public health has warned .
Dr Lisa McNally ’ s stark message came as she explained the next three months are critical in preventing a second wave of Covid-19 this winter .
Pleading with people to stick to social distancing rules , she said the frontline of coronavirus has moved from hospitals to the wider community .
“ I would say to anybody looking to go for a drink this weekend to remember that this is not just a case of keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Coronavirus is spread by contact with other people and will not just affect you but also anyone you have contact within your family , workplace or other social settings .
“ So if you do go the pub , please stay at least one metre away for other customers and don ’ t think that after two pints it is okay to stand at a crowded bar waiting for your next pint.
” Sandwell has dealt with four outbreaks of Covid-19 in the last month – including two in schools – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs and stores in Leicester to remain closed .
Dr McNally denied reports the rate of infections in Sandwell is increasing but added cases are going down ‘ very slowly ’ in comparison to other areas .
Commenting on the impact of relaxing lockdown , she said : “ The reopening of more retail and workplaces will have an effect .
“ This virus increases as the amount of social contact increases .
It is spread by person to person , so the more people come together with other people the more the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic mechanics to say the rate of infections will increase as the rate of people coming together increases.
” She spoke out as councils across the country published their plans to deal with localised outbreaks .
Saying as hospital cases declined local and regional authorities were now the frontline in preventing a second wave of Covid-19 , she added : “ This isn ’ t the time to take off the gas when it comes to prevention and think ‘ let ’ s take a breather because it is okay now ’ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all that cases can accelerate at any time , often without warning .
“ In the winter , I want to be able to look back at what we did in July , August and September and say we did use that time effectively to build our preventive response .
”

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Coronavirus infections rates and outbreaks will increase after pubs and stores reopen, Sandwell’s director of public health has warned.
Dr Lisa McNally’s stark message came as she explained the next three months are critical in preventing a second wave of Covid-19 this winter.
Pleading with people to stick to social distancing rules, she said the frontline of coronavirus has moved from hospitals to the wider community.
“I would say to anybody looking to go for a drink this weekend to remember that this is not just a case of keeping yourself safe.,” she said.
“Coronavirus is spread by contact with other people and will not just affect you but also anyone you have contact within your family, workplace or other social settings.
“So if you do go the pub, please stay at least one metre away for other customers and don’t think that after two pints it is okay to stand at a crowded bar waiting for your next pint.”
Sandwell has dealt with four outbreaks of Covid-19 in the last month – including two in schools – and her remarks coincided with the government ordering pubs and stores in Leicester to remain closed.
Dr McNally denied reports the rate of infections in Sandwell is increasing but added cases are going down ‘very slowly’ in comparison to other areas.
Commenting on the impact of relaxing lockdown, she said: “The reopening of more retail and workplaces will have an effect.
“This virus increases as the amount of social contact increases. It is spread by person to person, so the more people come together with other people the more the virus will spread.
“It is basic mechanics to say the rate of infections will increase as the rate of people coming together increases.”
She spoke out as councils across the country published their plans to deal with localised outbreaks.
Saying as hospital cases declined local and regional authorities were now the frontline in preventing a second wave of Covid-19, she added: “This isn’t the time to take off the gas when it comes to prevention and think ‘let’s take a breather because it is okay now’.
“Examples such as Leicester show us all that cases can accelerate at any time, often without warning.
“In the winter, I want to be able to look back at what we did in July, August and September and say we did use that time effectively to build our preventive response.”


birminghammail--2020-07-01--DWP insists Universal Credit 'passed test with flying colours' during  pandemic

The DWP says that Universal Credit has `` passed the test with flying colours '' during the coronavirus pandemic .
More than three million people have applied for the new benefit since the Government advised people to stay at home .
Work and pensions minister Will Quince says over 3.2 million people have made Universal Credit claims since March 16 , when lockdown measures were enforced , and that 90 per cent of claimants have been paid `` in full and on time '' .
Mr Quince added that the Government has invested `` close to £7 billion '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , money which is benefiting `` approximately 10 million families '' .
Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits , including income support , child tax credit , working tax credit , income-based Jobseeker 's Allowance ( JSA ) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance ( ESA ) .
Mr Quince insisted the old benefits system would not have coped with the huge demand for state help during the coronavirus crisis .
Asked how many people have received Universal Credit payments during the coronavirus pandemic by Tory former work and pensions minister Mark Harper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't been easy over the course of the past six weeks , six or so weeks , and I have to say that the system and our people across the DWP have worked incredibly hard .
`` But also the system has worked exactly as it should have done with around 90 per cent of claimants consistently paid in full and on time , over 3.2 million people since 16 March . ''
Fellow Tory MP Richard Holden ( North West Durham ) later asked how many families have benefited from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during Covid-19 .
Mr Quince explained : `` We have introduced a series of changes during the Covid-19 pandemic which are targeted at those facing the most financial disruption that could be operationalised as quickly as possible , ensuring that people get the support that they need .
`` And he 's right , that is close to £7 billion in the welfare system alone and it will benefit approximately 10 million families . ''
Facing calls from shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds to change the system due to its failings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's broken legacy benefit system simply would n't have coped with the unprecedented demand that we have seen during Covid-19 .
`` Universal Credit has passed that test with flying colours . ''
The new benefit is available to those who are on a low income , out of work or unable to work .
It 's paid monthly and includes a component towards housing costs , the equivalent of the old housing benefit .
Everyone still on any of the legacy benefits will be moved across to Universal Credit by September 2024 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the DWP that has already begun with a pilot scheme in Harrogate .

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The DWP says that Universal Credit has "passed the test with flying colours" during the coronavirus pandemic.
More than three million people have applied for the new benefit since the Government advised people to stay at home.
Work and pensions minister Will Quince says over 3.2 million people have made Universal Credit claims since March 16, when lockdown measures were enforced, and that 90 per cent of claimants have been paid "in full and on time".
(Image: PA)
Mr Quince added that the Government has invested "close to £7 billion" in the welfare system since the pandemic began, money which is benefiting "approximately 10 million families".
Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits, including income support, child tax credit, working tax credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Mr Quince insisted the old benefits system would not have coped with the huge demand for state help during the coronavirus crisis.
Asked how many people have received Universal Credit payments during the coronavirus pandemic by Tory former work and pensions minister Mark Harper, Mr Quince said: "It hasn't been easy over the course of the past six weeks, six or so weeks, and I have to say that the system and our people across the DWP have worked incredibly hard.
"But also the system has worked exactly as it should have done with around 90 per cent of claimants consistently paid in full and on time, over 3.2 million people since 16 March."
Fellow Tory MP Richard Holden (North West Durham) later asked how many families have benefited from the extra financial support offered through Universal Credit during Covid-19.
Mr Quince explained: "We have introduced a series of changes during the Covid-19 pandemic which are targeted at those facing the most financial disruption that could be operationalised as quickly as possible, ensuring that people get the support that they need.
"And he's right, that is close to £7 billion in the welfare system alone and it will benefit approximately 10 million families."
Facing calls from shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds to change the system due to its failings, Mr Quince added: "Labour's broken legacy benefit system simply wouldn't have coped with the unprecedented demand that we have seen during Covid-19.
"Universal Credit has passed that test with flying colours."
The new benefit is available to those who are on a low income, out of work or unable to work.
It's paid monthly and includes a component towards housing costs, the equivalent of the old housing benefit.
Everyone still on any of the legacy benefits will be moved across to Universal Credit by September 2024, in a 'managed migration' by the DWP that has already begun with a pilot scheme in Harrogate.