birminghammail--2020-07-29--Pop up coronavirus test centre opens in Wolverhampton

A pop up walk-through coronavirus test centre has opened up in Wolverhampton - following a spike in cases .
The trial facility , located in the car park of Graiseley Strengthening Families Hub , in Pool Street , opened today ( Wednesday , July 29 ) at 11am .
It will re-open tomorrow ( July 30 ) from 10am to 4pm , Friday from 12pm to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm , and people will be offered free tests without the need for an appointment .
John Denley , Wolverhampton 's Director of Public Health , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get tested for Covid-19 is a key part of our battle against coronavirus and we are pleased to be able to increase our testing capacity still further by opening this pop up test centre .
`` The message is clear , if you have got symptoms of Covid-19 – a fever , a new , continuous cough , or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – or you feel you have put yourself at risk of exposure to Covid-19 , you simply must get a test .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointment at GOV.UK or by calling 119 or , over the next few days , by visiting our temporary walk through service in Graiseley , for which you will not need an appointment . ''
The test is quick and free , and involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat with a long cotton bud .
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will be asked to share information about people that have been close contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust 's Ask A & E tool to input and monitor their symptoms and speak to a healthcare professional via video chat if required .
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council ’ s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information .
There ’ s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS .
The council ’ s Stay Safe , Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time .
For more information , please visit Stay Safe , Be Kind .

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A pop up walk-through coronavirus test centre has opened up in Wolverhampton - following a spike in cases.
The trial facility, located in the car park of Graiseley Strengthening Families Hub, in Pool Street, opened today (Wednesday, July 29) at 11am.
It will re-open tomorrow (July 30) from 10am to 4pm, Friday from 12pm to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm, and people will be offered free tests without the need for an appointment.
John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "Ensuring residents and key workers can get tested for Covid-19 is a key part of our battle against coronavirus and we are pleased to be able to increase our testing capacity still further by opening this pop up test centre.
"The message is clear, if you have got symptoms of Covid-19 – a fever, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – or you feel you have put yourself at risk of exposure to Covid-19, you simply must get a test.
"You can do this by booking an appointment at GOV.UK or by calling 119 or, over the next few days, by visiting our temporary walk through service in Graiseley, for which you will not need an appointment."
The test is quick and free, and involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat with a long cotton bud.
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will be asked to share information about people that have been close contacts recently.
People can also use the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust's Ask A&E tool to input and monitor their symptoms and speak to a healthcare professional via video chat if required.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS.
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Merry Hill issues statement after car park disorder

Bosses at intu Merry Hill have issued a statement after violence allegedly erupted in a car park at the popular shopping centre .
Police and medics were called to Merry Hill last night ( Tuesday , July 28 ) after a disorder involving 15 people broke out .
According to intu , their security team was allegedly 'attacked by a group of young people who ’ d previously been banned from the centre for anti-social behaviour ' .
The shopping mall told BlackCountryLive the group was `` refused access and then turned violent '' , so West Midlands Police were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the security team were allegedly 'assaulted ' during the violence and the centre says it has reviewed all of the evidence and believes its staff 'acted professionally under very difficult circumstances ' .
A spokeswoman for intu said : “ Last night , our security team was attacked by a group of young people who ’ d previously been banned from the centre for anti-social behaviour .
The group was refused access and then turned violent , so West Midlands Police were called to support our officers .
“ Our staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of abuse when they come to work .
Four members of our team were assaulted for simply doing their job and we will be working with the police to press charges , where possible .
“ We have reviewed all of the available evidence and we are confident that our team acted professionally under very difficult circumstances .
We will continue to assist West Midlands Police with their inquiries and provide all the support we can to our affected team members . ''
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving around 15 people in a car park at intu Merry Hill last night .
`` Officers attended just after 8.30pm .
No one was reported to have suffered any serious injuries and the crowd was dispersed .
`` Our investigations continue with CCTV footage from the area being collated and officers on patrol for reassurance . ''
Anyone with information should contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight .
People are asked to quote crime number 20DY/177492E/20 when passing on information .

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Bosses at intu Merry Hill have issued a statement after violence allegedly erupted in a car park at the popular shopping centre.
Police and medics were called to Merry Hill last night (Tuesday, July 28) after a disorder involving 15 people broke out.
According to intu, their security team was allegedly 'attacked by a group of young people who’d previously been banned from the centre for anti-social behaviour'.
The shopping mall told BlackCountryLive the group was "refused access and then turned violent", so West Midlands Police were called to support their officers.
Four members of the security team were allegedly 'assaulted' during the violence and the centre says it has reviewed all of the evidence and believes its staff 'acted professionally under very difficult circumstances'.
A spokeswoman for intu said: “Last night, our security team was attacked by a group of young people who’d previously been banned from the centre for anti-social behaviour. The group was refused access and then turned violent, so West Midlands Police were called to support our officers.
“Our staff should not be subject to this kind of abuse when they come to work. Four members of our team were assaulted for simply doing their job and we will be working with the police to press charges, where possible.
“We have reviewed all of the available evidence and we are confident that our team acted professionally under very difficult circumstances. We will continue to assist West Midlands Police with their inquiries and provide all the support we can to our affected team members."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We were called to reports of a disorder involving around 15 people in a car park at intu Merry Hill last night.
"Officers attended just after 8.30pm. No one was reported to have suffered any serious injuries and the crowd was dispersed.
"Our investigations continue with CCTV footage from the area being collated and officers on patrol for reassurance."
Anyone with information should contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight.
Alternatively, call 101.
People are asked to quote crime number 20DY/177492E/20 when passing on information.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Cahill holds Blues talks and 'could join Karanka's backroom team'

Former Everton and Australia star Tim Cahill is a contender to join Aitor Karanka 's backroom team at Birmingham City @ @ @ @ @ .
Spanish boss Karanka is poised to take over at Blues after talks with CEO @ @ @ @ @ .
Karanka has enjoyed success at Championship level previously with Middlesbrough , but his last @ @ @ @ @ with Nottingham Forest did n't match up .
It 's been a lengthy recruitment process @ @ @ @ @ Pep Clotet would be stepping down on June 8 .
Ren has spoken to a @ @ @ @ @ emerged as the favourite .
The Mirror reports that Cahill was one of the coaches @ @ @ @ @ that the former Everton and Millwall man impressed .
The Mirror suggests Cahill , who @ @ @ @ @ the move into coaching , could form part of Karanka 's staff at St Andrew @ @

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Former Everton and Australia star Tim Cahill is a contender to join Aitor Karanka's backroom team at Birmingham City, according to The Mirror.
Spanish boss Karanka is poised to take over at Blues after talks with CEO Xuandong Ren progressed this week.
Karanka has enjoyed success at Championship level previously with Middlesbrough, but his last spell in the second tier with Nottingham Forest didn't match up.
It's been a lengthy recruitment process following the initial announcement that Pep Clotet would be stepping down on June 8.
Ren has spoken to a number of candidates before Karanka emerged as the favourite. The Mirror reports that Cahill was one of the coaches spoken to by Blues and that the former Everton and Millwall man impressed.
The Mirror suggests Cahill, who is now eager to make the move into coaching, could form part of Karanka's staff at St Andrew's.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Wesley Streete tells murder trial 'I was scared. I’ve just killed my mate'

The man accused of murdering Keeley Bunker has told a court ' I didn ’ t know how to explain I ’ ve just killed my mate ' .
Wesley Streete previously told Stafford Crown Court the pair had sex in Wigginton Park , Tamworth , where the 20 year-old 's body was later found by her uncle .
Streete continued to be cross-examined in the witness box by Jacob Hallam QC , prosecuting , on Wednesday , July 29 , as his defence case entered its second day .
The 20-year-old , of no fixed address , denies the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tamworth after they returned from a night out in Birmingham on September 19 last year .
Recalling the night Keeley died , Streete said he checked Ms Bunker ’ s pulse after what he claims was consensual sex , but could not feel one , jurors heard .
Asked why he didn ’ t call an ambulance , he said : “ I was scared .
I ’ ve never been in that position.
” Asked why he didn ’ t leave Ms Bunker ’ s body where she died , Streete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to just leave her there .
I just couldn ’ t .
I chose to move her into a different place .
I knew I couldn ’ t tell anyone what happened , so I had to put her in the pond.
” Streete said he didn ’ t think to pull up Ms Bunker ’ s underwear and trousers .
`` I was scared .
I ’ ve just killed my mate , ” he said .
Asked by the prosecutor why he picked up Ms Bunker ’ s body and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ I don ’ t know .
It was just an idea .
I just put her there.
” He told the court he was “ scared ” and that ’ s why he lied .
“ I chose that route .
That ’ s what I chose to say , ” he said .
“ I didn ’ t know how to explain I ’ ve just killed my mate by accident.
” Asked if he thought about Ms Bunker ’ s dignity , Streete said : “ I put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t see her naked.
” Streete said he “ walked up and down scared ” and was “ panicking ” after the death of Ms Bunker , the court heard .
Asked why he did not try to help her , Streete said : “ I don ’ t know why I didn ’ t. ” He said she wasn ’ t moving and denied he was holding Ms Bunker ’ s neck deliberately , the court heard .
Streete denied “ taking advantage ” of Ms Bunker or that she tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hallam said Streete “ forced himself on her sexually and with his arm around her he killed her.
” Mr Hallam said : “ You knew you were causing her real pain.
” ” You had your hand on her neck until she was unconscious .
You must have tried to cause her serious harm ?
” ” Or you intended to kill her ?
” Streete said : “ No.
” The prosecutor added : “ And you tried to hide her body hoping nobody would find her.
” Continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Police kept proving you to be a liar and you are still lying now.
” Earlier , Streete addressed having sex with Ms Bunker , which he claims was consensual .
“ I think she might have held me , but she wasn ’ t trying to loosen the grip , '' Streete told the court , adding he can not say how long they were having sex for until Ms Bunker went “ floppy.
” Streete said he had his forearm around Ms Bunker ’ s neck from behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a better position .
I felt comfortable like that.
” Asked how much pressure he had around her neck , Streete said : “ I ’ m guessing pretty tight .
I didn ’ t think it was tight , but it must have been pretty tight .
`` I had no reason to kill her.
” Streete said Ms Bunker dropped her bag in the night .
But the prosecutor said : “ The reason she dropped it , I would suggest , is that you were starting to attack her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to get it back.
” Streete denied this was the case .
Ms Bunker ’ s bag was bought by an ex , which contained a skirt inside from a concert and her iPad .
Streete said sex with Ms Bunker was “ more like a one night stand and as friends.
” The prosecutor said Streete picked Ms Bunker up and spun around in an attempt to “ keep her in the park . ''
He said Ms Bunker was “ a friend and you were trying to force yourself on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Bunker up and spun her around in an attempt to “ keep her in the park.
” “ The person who wanted sex was you , ” Mr Hallam said .
Streete said Ms Bunker “ pretended to pull his trousers down and was teasing me ” .
Streete said a “ flirtatious ” smile between them happened on a road just outside Wigginton Park .
Asked when Ms Bunker became sexually interested in him , Streete said : “ When she got close to me when we were in the park.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite Ms Bunker previously wanting to go home ahead of a job interview .
” We were touching each other .
There was nothing to say , ” he said .
Streete said he was not surprised the pair engaged in sexual activity despite them having previously been friends .
Streete earlier admitted he told lies to a psychiatrist , the police and his own lawyers .
Streete said he lied about massaging his thumbs on Keeley ’ s neck after it was discovered a pathologist found she had been strangled .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that situation , ” he said .
“ I did not want to do that .
I couldn ’ t explain what happened .
It was embarrassing .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Rodger, Ben Perrin)

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The man accused of murdering Keeley Bunker has told a court 'I didn’t know how to explain I’ve just killed my mate'.
Wesley Streete previously told Stafford Crown Court the pair had sex in Wigginton Park, Tamworth, where the 20 year-old's body was later found by her uncle.
Streete continued to be cross-examined in the witness box by Jacob Hallam QC, prosecuting, on Wednesday, July 29, as his defence case entered its second day.
The 20-year-old, of no fixed address, denies the rape and murder of Ms Bunker, in Tamworth after they returned from a night out in Birmingham on September 19 last year.
Recalling the night Keeley died, Streete said he checked Ms Bunker’s pulse after what he claims was consensual sex, but could not feel one, jurors heard.
Asked why he didn’t call an ambulance, he said: “I was scared. I’ve never been in that position.”
(Image: Staffordshire Police/PA Wire)
Asked why he didn’t leave Ms Bunker’s body where she died, Streete said: “I’m not going to just leave her there. I just couldn’t. I chose to move her into a different place. I knew I couldn’t tell anyone what happened, so I had to put her in the pond.”
Streete said he didn’t think to pull up Ms Bunker’s underwear and trousers.
"I was scared. I’ve just killed my mate,” he said.
Asked by the prosecutor why he picked up Ms Bunker’s body and put her in a pond, Streete said: “I don’t know. It was just an idea. I just put her there.” He told the court he was “scared” and that’s why he lied.
“I chose that route. That’s what I chose to say,” he said.
“I didn’t know how to explain I’ve just killed my mate by accident.”
Asked if he thought about Ms Bunker’s dignity, Streete said: “I put trees over her so you couldn’t see her naked.”
Streete said he “walked up and down scared” and was “panicking” after the death of Ms Bunker, the court heard.
Asked why he did not try to help her, Streete said: “I don’t know why I didn’t.”
He said she wasn’t moving and denied he was holding Ms Bunker’s neck deliberately, the court heard.
Streete denied “taking advantage” of Ms Bunker or that she tried to walk away from him in the park.
Mr Hallam said Streete “forced himself on her sexually and with his arm around her he killed her.”
Streete replied: “No.”
Mr Hallam said: “You knew you were causing her real pain.”
”No,” replied Streete.
”You had your hand on her neck until she was unconscious. You must have tried to cause her serious harm?”
Streete replied: “No.”
”Or you intended to kill her?” Streete said: “No.”
The prosecutor added: “And you tried to hide her body hoping nobody would find her.”
Continuing to address the defendant, the prosecutor said: “Police kept proving you to be a liar and you are still lying now.”
“No,” responded Streete.
Earlier, Streete addressed having sex with Ms Bunker, which he claims was consensual.
“I think she might have held me, but she wasn’t trying to loosen the grip," Streete told the court, adding he cannot say how long they were having sex for until Ms Bunker went “floppy.”
Streete said he had his forearm around Ms Bunker’s neck from behind, telling the court: “To get a better position. I felt comfortable like that.”
Asked how much pressure he had around her neck, Streete said: “I’m guessing pretty tight. I didn’t think it was tight, but it must have been pretty tight.
"I had no reason to kill her.”
Streete said Ms Bunker dropped her bag in the night.
But the prosecutor said: “The reason she dropped it, I would suggest, is that you were starting to attack her and she didn’t get the chance to get it back.”
Streete denied this was the case.
(Image: PA)
Ms Bunker’s bag was bought by an ex, which contained a skirt inside from a concert and her iPad.
Streete said sex with Ms Bunker was “more like a one night stand and as friends.”
The prosecutor said Streete picked Ms Bunker up and spun around in an attempt to “keep her in the park."
He said Ms Bunker was “a friend and you were trying to force yourself on her.”
Streete responded: “No.”
The prosecutor said Streete picked Ms Bunker up and spun her around in an attempt to “keep her in the park.”
“The person who wanted sex was you,” Mr Hallam said.
Streete said: “No.”
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Streete said Ms Bunker “pretended to pull his trousers down and was teasing me”.
Streete said a “flirtatious” smile between them happened on a road just outside Wigginton Park.
Asked when Ms Bunker became sexually interested in him, Streete said: “When she got close to me when we were in the park.”
Streete said “things changed” despite Ms Bunker previously wanting to go home ahead of a job interview.
”We were touching each other. There was nothing to say,” he said.
Streete said he was not surprised the pair engaged in sexual activity despite them having previously been friends.
Streete earlier admitted he told lies to a psychiatrist, the police and his own lawyers.
Streete said he lied about massaging his thumbs on Keeley’s neck after it was discovered a pathologist found she had been strangled.
”I did not know what to do in that situation,” he said. “I did not want to do that. I couldn’t explain what happened. It was embarrassing.”


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Man forced to jump from moving truck as 'brakes fail'

A city centre driver has been left injured after he was forced to jump from a moving truck .
The man was driving a fork lift truck in Stephenson Street , Birmingham city centre when the incident took place on Wednesday , July 29 .
Emergency services , including an ambulance and two fire crews , were called to the scene behind New Street just before 4pm .
The motorist had hurled himself out of the vehicle as his 'brakes failed ' , firefighters said .
He was still being assessed by paramedics at the scene at 5.30pm .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fire crews said he suffered pain to his knee .
A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service read : “ We were called at 3:50pm to an incident in Stephenson Street in Birmingham .
`` We currently have one ambulance at the scene assessing one man for injuries not believed to be serious.
” A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service added : `` We were called at 3.59pm to the rear of New Street .
We sent two appliances , a crew from Ladywood and a crew from Aston .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One man who jumped from a fork lift truck due to brakes failing .
He suffered pain to his right knee .
`` We went to make the vehicle safe .
[ He had ] a precautionary check with paramedics . ''

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From skyscrapers to HS2, get the latest on Birmingham's biggest developments as the city skyline continues to evolve
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A city centre driver has been left injured after he was forced to jump from a moving truck.
The man was driving a fork lift truck in Stephenson Street , Birmingham city centre when the incident took place on Wednesday, July 29.
Emergency services, including an ambulance and two fire crews, were called to the scene behind New Street just before 4pm.
The motorist had hurled himself out of the vehicle as his 'brakes failed', firefighters said.
(Image: Ryan Underwood)
He was still being assessed by paramedics at the scene at 5.30pm.
His injuries are not believed to be serious and fire crews said he suffered pain to his knee.
A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service read: “We were called at 3:50pm to an incident in Stephenson Street in Birmingham.
"We currently have one ambulance at the scene assessing one man for injuries not believed to be serious.”
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Fire Service added: "We were called at 3.59pm to the rear of New Street. We sent two appliances, a crew from Ladywood and a crew from Aston.
"It was logged as an RTC. One man who jumped from a fork lift truck due to brakes failing. He suffered pain to his right knee.
"We went to make the vehicle safe. [He had] a precautionary check with paramedics."


birminghammail--2020-07-29--A perfect 10 & two shockers - Aston Villa's survival squad rated

The dust is beginning to settle and the final-day hangovers have eased as Aston Villa just about confirmed their Premier League status for another year .
Dean Smith , his players and staff pulled off a miracle in truth given they remained three points and four goals adrift heading into their final two games .
In the end , captain Jack Grealish came up trumps as Villa survived by a point .
Following Sunday , it 's already been an eventful week given the abrupt departure of sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch , the man at the heart of many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Smith and chief executive Christian Purslow are due to meet this week to review the playing squad and look ahead to building for next season which starts in just six weeks .
Here , we run the rule over Villa 's entire squad that finished 17th in the Premier League 2019/20 and provide them a rating out of 10 .
The following ratings are for contributions in the Premier League only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 or more matches have been included .
Arguably top priority on Smith 's shopping list last summer , Tom Heaton ticked every box to help glue what would be an enitrely new dressing room together .
The 34-year-old signed for a bargain £8 million and he was quick to prove himself at Villa Park , even if he had a rush of blood on his debut in front of the Holte End against Bournemouth .
Heaton made four clean sheets prior to his season-ending injury at Turf Moor on New Year 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed since the turn of the year but , prior to being sidelined , he was by far one of Villa 's better performers .
He 'll pick up his No.1 shirt again for the start of this upcoming season .
A shrewd signing who was cruelly taken away from Villa in the New Year .
The Spaniard came in as Heaton 's replacement and quickly put in a string of top-quality performances , none more so than against Spurs in the unlucky 3-2 defeat .
Reina , 37 , rolled back the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AC Milan , good with his feet and a big presence at the back .
Two ricks at Southampton and Leicester stick out but , after winning his place back against Liverpool during restart , he was back to his assured best .
A bit of a cult hero now for his brilliant celebrations in the dressing room after West Ham .
The Frenchman was signed for a little under £5 million so he represents good value for money having established himself as Villa 's first-choice right-back .
Guilbert can go from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlined with his horror show in the 4-0 defeat against Leicester pre-lockdown .
The full-back , though , is a great tackler and proved his worth on his commanding return against Arsenal last week .
He 's been a bit up and down and , next season , will hope to be much more consistent .
Guilbert registered two assists from his 22 starts .
He did , though , make an impressive 74 tackles for Villa ( 20th-best in Premier League ) , with Marvelous Nakamba next best with 55 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August after helping Villa clinch promotion .
Last season , he started off as Smith 's go-to- right-back and kept Guilbert out for the first three games .
The 32-year-old is a player Smith relied on and he came good throughout the restart with a goal up at Newcastle and classy displays against Palace and Everton .
Elmohamady was used mainly in the Carabao Cup , with Smith opting for Guilbert 's pace and athleticism in the Premier League .
A decent-enough back-up option last season .
It 's a tale of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to really establish himself pre-lockdown but , during restart , grew into his own and looked every bit a Premier League centre-half .
The £12 million signing will hold his head up high following his classy finish to help Villa over the line , both at right-back and centre-half alongside Tyrone Mings .
Konsa 's had a good season and stayed patient before being given his chance .
The big Belgian was very much a Smith signing after the boss came close to signing him at Brentford .
Engels started well alongside Mings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but more than willing to take one for the team .
He lacks pace , though , which was evident when he was up against the likes of Danny Ings , Jamie Vardy and the like .
Lost his way after his injury in November .
Smith did n't trust him to play as an outside centre-back in his back-three experiment .
Achilles injury ruled him out of Villa 's final 10 games .
Not bad considering he cost just £7.2 million .
No player in the Premier League has blocked more balls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for £21 million last summer , Mings soon broke into the England team after establishing himself as a Premier League centre-half .
A commanding figure at the back , Villa would have been lost without him .
Mings averaged almost six clearances per match and , regardless of a couple of inconsistent displays , had a solid season .
OK , Villa leaked goals but that was a tactical issue and not fair on Mings given what he did to stop the ball from going beyond him and his keeper .
Did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 14 in the 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United .
Villa were struggling at this point with Smith changing tact to go three at the back as Hause played left of the trio .
Villa won just three games with Hause in defence .
Smith , though , remained a big fan of his aerial presence , yet his ability on the floor waned from time to time .
He cost £3 million after all so , like Elmo , he was a handy option from the bench .
Part of Villa 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith whenever the coach asks for a consensus among the players .
The Welshman kept £14 million Matt Targett out at the beginning of the season and did n't feature at all in the Premier League in December .
Taylor played at Burnley on New Year 's Day and again in the 6-1 loss to City - but that was it until he came back in for the 1-0 defeat by Wolves during the restart last month .
The 31-year-old 's contract expires in June 2021 and he wo n't be offered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the furniture at Bodymoor Heath and is well-liked amongst the group .
Last season , he was committed but lacked real quality whenever Villa needed it - especially going forward .
A Suso signing , the one-time England under-21 left-back arrived for a handsome fee considering he was second-fiddle to Ryan Bertrand at Southampton .
Taylor kept him out for a while .
Targett scored a crucial last-gasp goal against Brighton and registered just two assists , however , his delivery was exquisite at times .
Suffered a couple of injuries , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decent relationship with Jack Grealish ahead of him but Villa would have wanted a little bit more for their £14 million .
We 'll see if he can raise his game another level this upcoming season - he 'll need to .
Smith could well look at signing a left-back to provide Targett with much-healthier competition .
An average season as Targett flirted with being named as a future England left-back to lacking that bite needed in a relegation dogfight .
His interview post-Everton outlined his passion for the cause , mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vs West Ham .
Prior to lockdown , the Brazilian would have rated nearer 3 or 4 given his passive performances but , throughout restart , he 'd have had a case for an 8 , 9 or a 10 .
The 22-year-old was faultless in Villa 's final 10 games after Smith revealed the ex-Man City man was playing catch-up on his fitness all season before the pandemic .
Douglas Luiz has reborn himself into a vital cog in this new-era Villa and will be crucial this coming season and beyond - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy-back clause .
Douglas will get better and better .
A topsy-turvy campaign for 'Dougie ' , from his hairstyles to two humdinger goals against Bournemouth and Norwich .
Passing his English exam has certainly helped him to adapt to the Premier League .
The man from Cork gets bumped up a mark for his influential performances throughout the restart .
Hourihane revealed his frustrations throughout the campaign after he was a bit of a Hokey Cokey man , constantly in and out .
The 29-year-old was a key man throughout Villa 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the Premier League , was largely inconsistent and , to some , too passive and out-muscled in games .
He immediately lost his place to a half-fit Douglas Luiz , if you remember , but he came fighting back with match-winning - and point-proving - goals against Newcastle and Norwich .
Was out of Smith 's reckoning before lockdown but , after it , registered three assists to take his goal-creating tally to five .
Will have to kick on again if he 's to stay at this level .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Scot started off like a house on fire and was an 8 or a 9/10 during the opening few weeks .
He scored at Spurs , Arsenal and at home to Burnley and played like a one-man wrecking ball Premier League midfields simply could n't deal with .
He was Villa 's star man right up until his ankle fracture in December which was a huge part as to why Villa 's season fell off a cliff over the New Year period .
He suffered a slight shin break just before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way back in terms of fitness but , given his determined nature and will to win , Smith kept playing throughout restart - even though his fitness levels plagued his performances .
He scored three goals and assisted three in his debut season which was hampered by two severe injuries .
I think McGinn will come back with a bang this season , you wait and see .
Serenaded at Carrow Road after that emphatic 5-1 victory , Villa supporters purred at Marvelous Nakamba 's early influence as being Villa 's ball-winning midfielder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than Nakamba , who completed 90 minutes just 10 times in the Premier League .
The Zimbabwean is very much a confidence player while , during Villa 's lowest points at Southampton , Leicester and the like , he was Smith 's most-committed player with Smith making a point of his desire to the downbeat dressing room .
'Naka ' lost his place during the restart and featured mainly from off the bench late on to help see Villa over the line .
He 's still 26 and , at £11 million , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 'll see if he 's up to it this coming campaign .
Douglas Luiz , though , is the man he 's got to edge out should Smith stick with his 4-1-4-1 system .
Villa supporters , like me , probably expected a tad better but , when you put it into context , he did OK. Nakamba became a father for the first time just a few weeks ago and the lockdown away from his family and friends seemed to take its toll on him as it would anyone .
Henri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list after somehow making 10 appearances .
His two shock starts came in forgettable games at Sheffield United and Watford , the last of which was on Boxing Day .
The midfielder appears to be sticking around for squad morale and is 'one of the boys ' if you like with Mings , McGinn , Grealish and Targett .
Lansbury raised a few eyebrows last pre-season and he was finally expected to live up to all that hype he had when he was at Arsenal .
He appears not cut out for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just stick around until his contract expires next summer given his significant salary .
Grealishhhhhh !
That goal at West Ham continues to play over as it saved Villa from a possible oblivion .
He comes good at the right times does Jack and what a season he 's had in the Premier League .
To do what he 's done with a team that 's flirted with relegation pretty much all year is quite remarkable .
It 's crazy to think the 24-year-old was tentative in his first few games in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , initially as a No.8 in midfield .
Smith , though , soon pushed him up and he was outstanding against your Arsenals , Norwichs , Brightons , Man Uniteds and so on .
The eight goals he scored as well were exquisite , none more so than when he made David De Gea look like a mug at Old Trafford .
Grealish ended up with six assists , too .
He gets a 10 from me as it 's pretty crystal-clear he 's one of the best in the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's had to deal with being snubbed by England , being splashed on the front of the newspapers and ongoing transfer talk , yet he 's continued to deliver .
As for his future , Villa price him at £80 million I think his heart 's telling him to stay while his head 's possibly telling him to reach for the Champions League stars while .
We 'll see what happens but , for now , what a campaign it was for the boyhood hero .
He 'll be a tad bugged he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goals but that would have been ridiculous , even by Grealish 's standards .
10/10 , skip !
Four goals , four assists for the man from Holland who , for large parts of last season , flattered to decieve .
He scored after being dropped against Everton and continued his early form with three assists and another goal against Burnley .
El Ghazi scored just once more after that ( vs Newcastle ) before his last strike in the 6-1 hammering at home to Man City back in January .
The 25-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ striker after Wesley 's injury - simply has n't cut it in 2020 and ended up losing his place to the much more potent Trezeguet .
Six feels a tad generous but he did finish behind only Grealish as Villa 's second top-scorer with six goals from his 20 starts .
Just one assist is n't a good return for a winger , mind you .
The Egyptian cost £9 million last summer and started off looking like a real threat - especially on the counter-attack at big stadiums .
He was sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as early signs of form suddenly dipped off .
'Trez ' scored in back-to-back games in defeats to Liverpool and Wolves before really coming into his own in recent , match-winning performances against Palace and Arsenal .
He gets bumped up a mark after his restart exploits .
Much more will be needed of him this season , though .
Much more as his place on the wing is in serious jeopardy with Villa keen to bolster their attacking areas .
Well , what can we say about Jota ?
Not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first through the door last summer and performed well in pre-season .
He played well on his home debut , too , against Everton and assisted his close friend Wesley to make it 1-0 .
The 29-year-old lost his place after a no-show against West Ham in September and he did n't start another Premier League game until being dragged off at half-time at Watford in one of the worst performances of the season on Boxing Day .
Jota has played just nine minutes in the Premier League this calendar year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in truth .
Villa 's record signing scored five top-flight goals before he ruptured his knee ligaments at Burnley .
The Brazilian came in for criticism after just two games but , against Everton , silenced his critics with a well-taken finish past Jordan Pickford .
He spurned the chance to bag a hat-trick at Norwich two games later after he missed a penalty while , after that , Wesley went 1,049 minutes until he scored his next one in the game he got injured in up at Turf Moor .
Struggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time where he was beginning to show signs he was a £20 million-plus player .
Given his five-goal return , you 'd have backed him to get to double figures had he not have got injured .
Averaged a goal every four games in the end .
Looked better than compatriot Joelinton at Newcastle , at least , and cost half as much .
The hold-up merchant Villa plucked from non-league just over four years ago , Keinan Davis will look back on this campaign probably still pinching himself given just how far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of time .
At one stage last season he was primed to oust record-buy Wesley from the starting XI but got injured in a cup match against Wolves .
The first game back after lockdown vs Sheffield United was his first Premier League start , yet he missed two glorious chances to strike his first league goal since September 2017 against Burton Albion .
Davis still has n't managed a league goal since despite three further Premier League starts .
Lost his place to Mbwana Samatta in the end as Smith used Davis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Samatta shared the lone-striker burden to help Villa crawl over the survival line .
Did OK in the Carabao Cup but , given this is a Premier League-only rating , endured a difficult season given the level of opposition .
Suffered two severe hamstring injuries , too .
One solitary goal from 14 appearances is n't a good enough return given the promise surrounding his arrival in January , Champions League striker n'all .
The early signs were positive from Samatta , a quick and hungry striker who was snapping at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crowd inside Villa Park .
The striker , though , ran out of steam and struggled to play in that lone-striker role given his slightness .
Perhaps another one who struggled for confidence given the circumstances of lockdown without being able to see family or friends .
It was hard to separate Samatta and Davis ratings-wise .
They 'd probably make a decent forward if they were morphed together .
In fairness to Samatta , he did n't really have half the chances Davis was provided with .
It remains to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a somewhat disappointing start to life in B6 .
The way he took his goal against City in the cup , though , suggests there 's a striker tucked away somewhere .
Has n't got the fans ' backing at present .

The dust is beginning to settle and the final-day hangovers have eased as Aston Villa just about confirmed their Premier League status for another year.
Dean Smith, his players and staff pulled off a miracle in truth given they remained three points and four goals adrift heading into their final two games. In the end, captain Jack Grealish came up trumps as Villa survived by a point.
Following Sunday, it's already been an eventful week given the abrupt departure of sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch, the man at the heart of many of Villa's 16 transactions last term.
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Smith and chief executive Christian Purslow are due to meet this week to review the playing squad and look ahead to building for next season which starts in just six weeks.
Here, we run the rule over Villa's entire squad that finished 17th in the Premier League 2019/20 and provide them a rating out of 10.
The following ratings are for contributions in the Premier League only and only those who have featured in 10 or more matches have been included.
Tom Heaton 8
Games: 20
Arguably top priority on Smith's shopping list last summer, Tom Heaton ticked every box to help glue what would be an enitrely new dressing room together. The 34-year-old signed for a bargain £8 million and he was quick to prove himself at Villa Park, even if he had a rush of blood on his debut in front of the Holte End against Bournemouth. Heaton made four clean sheets prior to his season-ending injury at Turf Moor on New Year's Day. The England stopper was incredibly missed since the turn of the year but, prior to being sidelined, he was by far one of Villa's better performers. He'll pick up his No.1 shirt again for the start of this upcoming season. A shrewd signing who was cruelly taken away from Villa in the New Year.
Pepe Reina 7.5
Games: 12
The Spaniard came in as Heaton's replacement and quickly put in a string of top-quality performances, none more so than against Spurs in the unlucky 3-2 defeat. Reina, 37, rolled back the years at times after his arrival from AC Milan, good with his feet and a big presence at the back. Two ricks at Southampton and Leicester stick out but, after winning his place back against Liverpool during restart, he was back to his assured best. A bit of a cult hero now for his brilliant celebrations in the dressing room after West Ham.
(Image: Peter Powell/Pool via Getty Images)
Frederic Guilbert 6.5
Games: 22 (3)
The Frenchman was signed for a little under £5 million so he represents good value for money having established himself as Villa's first-choice right-back. Guilbert can go from the brilliant to the what's-he-bleeding-doing, the latter outlined with his horror show in the 4-0 defeat against Leicester pre-lockdown. The full-back, though, is a great tackler and proved his worth on his commanding return against Arsenal last week. He's been a bit up and down and, next season, will hope to be much more consistent. Guilbert registered two assists from his 22 starts. He did, though, make an impressive 74 tackles for Villa (20th-best in Premier League), with Marvelous Nakamba next best with 55.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Ahmed Elmohamady 6
Games: 11 (7)
The experienced Egyptian penned a year extension last August after helping Villa clinch promotion. Last season, he started off as Smith's go-to- right-back and kept Guilbert out for the first three games. The 32-year-old is a player Smith relied on and he came good throughout the restart with a goal up at Newcastle and classy displays against Palace and Everton. Elmohamady was used mainly in the Carabao Cup, with Smith opting for Guilbert's pace and athleticism in the Premier League. A decent-enough back-up option last season.
Ezri Konsa 7
Games: 24 (1)
It's a tale of two seasons for Ezri Konsa as he struggled to really establish himself pre-lockdown but, during restart, grew into his own and looked every bit a Premier League centre-half. The £12 million signing will hold his head up high following his classy finish to help Villa over the line, both at right-back and centre-half alongside Tyrone Mings. Konsa's had a good season and stayed patient before being given his chance.
Bjorn Engels 5
Games: 15 (2)
The big Belgian was very much a Smith signing after the boss came close to signing him at Brentford. Engels started well alongside Mings, calm and composed on the ball but more than willing to take one for the team. He lacks pace, though, which was evident when he was up against the likes of Danny Ings, Jamie Vardy and the like. Lost his way after his injury in November. Smith didn't trust him to play as an outside centre-back in his back-three experiment. Achilles injury ruled him out of Villa's final 10 games. Not bad considering he cost just £7.2 million.
(Image: TIM EASTHOPE/BIRMINGHAM MAIL)
Tyrone Mings 8
Games: 33
No player in the Premier League has blocked more balls than Mings (48). Signed for £21 million last summer, Mings soon broke into the England team after establishing himself as a Premier League centre-half. A commanding figure at the back, Villa would have been lost without him. Mings averaged almost six clearances per match and, regardless of a couple of inconsistent displays, had a solid season. OK, Villa leaked goals but that was a tactical issue and not fair on Mings given what he did to stop the ball from going beyond him and his keeper.
Kortney Hause 5
Games: 17 (1)
Didn't make a Premier League appearance up until December 14 in the 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United. Villa were struggling at this point with Smith changing tact to go three at the back as Hause played left of the trio. Villa won just three games with Hause in defence. Smith, though, remained a big fan of his aerial presence, yet his ability on the floor waned from time to time. He cost £3 million after all so, like Elmo, he was a handy option from the bench.
Neil Taylor 5
Games: 11 (3)
Part of Villa's senior group who lends a voice to Smith whenever the coach asks for a consensus among the players. The Welshman kept £14 million Matt Targett out at the beginning of the season and didn't feature at all in the Premier League in December. Taylor played at Burnley on New Year's Day and again in the 6-1 loss to City - but that was it until he came back in for the 1-0 defeat by Wolves during the restart last month. The 31-year-old's contract expires in June 2021 and he won't be offered a new one. Has become part of the furniture at Bodymoor Heath and is well-liked amongst the group. Last season, he was committed but lacked real quality whenever Villa needed it - especially going forward.
Matt Targett 6
Games: 27 (1)
A Suso signing, the one-time England under-21 left-back arrived for a handsome fee considering he was second-fiddle to Ryan Bertrand at Southampton. Taylor kept him out for a while. Targett scored a crucial last-gasp goal against Brighton and registered just two assists, however, his delivery was exquisite at times. Suffered a couple of injuries, most recently against Wolves last month. Forged a decent relationship with Jack Grealish ahead of him but Villa would have wanted a little bit more for their £14 million. We'll see if he can raise his game another level this upcoming season - he'll need to. Smith could well look at signing a left-back to provide Targett with much-healthier competition. An average season as Targett flirted with being named as a future England left-back to lacking that bite needed in a relegation dogfight. His interview post-Everton outlined his passion for the cause, mind. Was nervy in his last showing vs West Ham.
(Image: PA)
Douglas Luiz 7
Games: 28 (8)
Prior to lockdown, the Brazilian would have rated nearer 3 or 4 given his passive performances but, throughout restart, he'd have had a case for an 8, 9 or a 10. The 22-year-old was faultless in Villa's final 10 games after Smith revealed the ex-Man City man was playing catch-up on his fitness all season before the pandemic. Douglas Luiz has reborn himself into a vital cog in this new-era Villa and will be crucial this coming season and beyond - providing Man City don't trigger their buy-back clause. Douglas will get better and better. A topsy-turvy campaign for 'Dougie', from his hairstyles to two humdinger goals against Bournemouth and Norwich. Passing his English exam has certainly helped him to adapt to the Premier League.
Conor Hourihane 6
Games: 18 (9)
The man from Cork gets bumped up a mark for his influential performances throughout the restart. Hourihane revealed his frustrations throughout the campaign after he was a bit of a Hokey Cokey man, constantly in and out. The 29-year-old was a key man throughout Villa's run to the Carabao Cup final but, in the Premier League, was largely inconsistent and, to some, too passive and out-muscled in games. He immediately lost his place to a half-fit Douglas Luiz, if you remember, but he came fighting back with match-winning - and point-proving - goals against Newcastle and Norwich. Was out of Smith's reckoning before lockdown but, after it, registered three assists to take his goal-creating tally to five. Will have to kick on again if he's to stay at this level. He's a determined character, is Hourihane.
(Image: Getty Images)
John McGinn 7.5
Games: 21 (1)
The Scot started off like a house on fire and was an 8 or a 9/10 during the opening few weeks. He scored at Spurs, Arsenal and at home to Burnley and played like a one-man wrecking ball Premier League midfields simply couldn't deal with. He was Villa's star man right up until his ankle fracture in December which was a huge part as to why Villa's season fell off a cliff over the New Year period. He suffered a slight shin break just before lockdown, too, which put him way back in terms of fitness but, given his determined nature and will to win, Smith kept playing throughout restart - even though his fitness levels plagued his performances. He scored three goals and assisted three in his debut season which was hampered by two severe injuries. I think McGinn will come back with a bang this season, you wait and see.
(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Marvelous Nakamba 5
Games: 19 (10)
Serenaded at Carrow Road after that emphatic 5-1 victory, Villa supporters purred at Marvelous Nakamba's early influence as being Villa's ball-winning midfielder. Only Guilbert has won more tackles than Nakamba, who completed 90 minutes just 10 times in the Premier League. The Zimbabwean is very much a confidence player while, during Villa's lowest points at Southampton, Leicester and the like, he was Smith's most-committed player with Smith making a point of his desire to the downbeat dressing room. 'Naka' lost his place during the restart and featured mainly from off the bench late on to help see Villa over the line. He's still 26 and, at £11 million, suggests there's room to grow so we'll see if he's up to it this coming campaign. Douglas Luiz, though, is the man he's got to edge out should Smith stick with his 4-1-4-1 system. Villa supporters, like me, probably expected a tad better but, when you put it into context, he did OK. Nakamba became a father for the first time just a few weeks ago and the lockdown away from his family and friends seemed to take its toll on him as it would anyone.
Henri Lansbury 2
Games: 2 (8)
Henri Lansbury just about makes it onto this list after somehow making 10 appearances. His two shock starts came in forgettable games at Sheffield United and Watford, the last of which was on Boxing Day. The midfielder appears to be sticking around for squad morale and is 'one of the boys' if you like with Mings, McGinn, Grealish and Targett. Lansbury raised a few eyebrows last pre-season and he was finally expected to live up to all that hype he had when he was at Arsenal. He appears not cut out for the Premier League, though, and might just stick around until his contract expires next summer given his significant salary.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Jack Grealish 10
Games: 36
Grealishhhhhh! That goal at West Ham continues to play over as it saved Villa from a possible oblivion. He comes good at the right times does Jack and what a season he's had in the Premier League. To do what he's done with a team that's flirted with relegation pretty much all year is quite remarkable. It's crazy to think the 24-year-old was tentative in his first few games in the Premier League as he felt his way in, initially as a No.8 in midfield. Smith, though, soon pushed him up and he was outstanding against your Arsenals, Norwichs, Brightons, Man Uniteds and so on. The eight goals he scored as well were exquisite, none more so than when he made David De Gea look like a mug at Old Trafford. Grealish ended up with six assists, too. He gets a 10 from me as it's pretty crystal-clear he's one of the best in the Premier League who could play for anyone. He's had to deal with being snubbed by England, being splashed on the front of the newspapers and ongoing transfer talk, yet he's continued to deliver. As for his future, Villa price him at £80 million I think his heart's telling him to stay while his head's possibly telling him to reach for the Champions League stars while. We'll see what happens but, for now, what a campaign it was for the boyhood hero. He'll be a tad bugged he never made it to double figures for goals but that would have been ridiculous, even by Grealish's standards. 10/10, skip!
Anwar El Ghazi 5
Games: 26 (8)
Four goals, four assists for the man from Holland who, for large parts of last season, flattered to decieve. He scored after being dropped against Everton and continued his early form with three assists and another goal against Burnley. El Ghazi scored just once more after that (vs Newcastle) before his last strike in the 6-1 hammering at home to Man City back in January. The 25-year-old - who was used as an emergency striker after Wesley's injury - simply hasn't cut it in 2020 and ended up losing his place to the much more potent Trezeguet.
(Image: 2020 Pool)
Trezeguet 6
Games: 20 (14)
Six feels a tad generous but he did finish behind only Grealish as Villa's second top-scorer with six goals from his 20 starts. Just one assist isn't a good return for a winger, mind you. The Egyptian cost £9 million last summer and started off looking like a real threat - especially on the counter-attack at big stadiums. He was sent off at Palace, if you remember, as early signs of form suddenly dipped off. 'Trez' scored in back-to-back games in defeats to Liverpool and Wolves before really coming into his own in recent, match-winning performances against Palace and Arsenal. He gets bumped up a mark after his restart exploits. Much more will be needed of him this season, though. Much more as his place on the wing is in serious jeopardy with Villa keen to bolster their attacking areas.
Jota 2
Games: 4 (6)
Well, what can we say about Jota? Not a lot, really. The Spaniard was the first through the door last summer and performed well in pre-season. He played well on his home debut, too, against Everton and assisted his close friend Wesley to make it 1-0. The 29-year-old lost his place after a no-show against West Ham in September and he didn't start another Premier League game until being dragged off at half-time at Watford in one of the worst performances of the season on Boxing Day. Jota has played just nine minutes in the Premier League this calendar year and you suspect he won't feature again, in truth.
Wesley 5
Games: 21
Villa's record signing scored five top-flight goals before he ruptured his knee ligaments at Burnley. The Brazilian came in for criticism after just two games but, against Everton, silenced his critics with a well-taken finish past Jordan Pickford. He spurned the chance to bag a hat-trick at Norwich two games later after he missed a penalty while, after that, Wesley went 1,049 minutes until he scored his next one in the game he got injured in up at Turf Moor. Struggled to adapt and got crocked at a time where he was beginning to show signs he was a £20 million-plus player. Given his five-goal return, you'd have backed him to get to double figures had he not have got injured. Averaged a goal every four games in the end. Looked better than compatriot Joelinton at Newcastle, at least, and cost half as much. Wes gets a mark for each of his five strikes. Here's hoping he's fully behind that nasty injury for next season.
(Image: Getty Images)
Keinan Davis4
Games: 4 (14)
The hold-up merchant Villa plucked from non-league just over four years ago, Keinan Davis will look back on this campaign probably still pinching himself given just how far he's come in a short space of time. At one stage last season he was primed to oust record-buy Wesley from the starting XI but got injured in a cup match against Wolves. The first game back after lockdown vs Sheffield United was his first Premier League start, yet he missed two glorious chances to strike his first league goal since September 2017 against Burton Albion. Davis still hasn't managed a league goal since despite three further Premier League starts. Lost his place to Mbwana Samatta in the end as Smith used Davis as a 60-minute substitute man as he and Samatta shared the lone-striker burden to help Villa crawl over the survival line. Did OK in the Carabao Cup but, given this is a Premier League-only rating, endured a difficult season given the level of opposition. Suffered two severe hamstring injuries, too.
Mbwana Ally Samatta 4
Games: 11 (3)
One solitary goal from 14 appearances isn't a good enough return given the promise surrounding his arrival in January, Champions League striker n'all. The early signs were positive from Samatta, a quick and hungry striker who was snapping at the heels of defenders amid rallying cries from the crowd inside Villa Park. The striker, though, ran out of steam and struggled to play in that lone-striker role given his slightness. Perhaps another one who struggled for confidence given the circumstances of lockdown without being able to see family or friends. It was hard to separate Samatta and Davis ratings-wise. They'd probably make a decent forward if they were morphed together. In fairness to Samatta, he didn't really have half the chances Davis was provided with. It remains to be seen now if he can go again after a somewhat disappointing start to life in B6. The way he took his goal against City in the cup, though, suggests there's a striker tucked away somewhere. Hasn't got the fans' backing at present.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--The TTA promise that lured Karanka towards Birmingham City

Aitor Karanka has reportedly been promised a transfer war-chest to rebuild Birmingham City 's squad .
It was revealed earlier today that Karanka is on the verge of becoming Blues boss after productive talks with chief executive Xuandong Ren .
The Spaniard has previously won promotion from the Championship with Middlesbrough and will be tasked with achieving that feat with Blues .
But the job at St Andrew 's could be Karanka 's toughest to date with a major rebuild needed ahead of the new season .
The squad which played out the final day defeat to Derby County included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues ' books .
Owners Trillion Trophy Asia have reined in the spending since the spree of 2017 landed the club in hot water with the EFL .
However , according to our sister title The Mirror , Ren has promised Karanka ' a wedge of transfer funds ' to shape his team .
The sale of Jude Bellingham has helped the club 's finances with Borussia Dortmund agreeing to pay in excess of £26million for the 17-year-old .
The report states : `` Birmingham now have funds to reinvest but , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also looking for value in some decent frees and loans . ''

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Aitor Karanka has reportedly been promised a transfer war-chest to rebuild Birmingham City's squad.
It was revealed earlier today that Karanka is on the verge of becoming Blues boss after productive talks with chief executive Xuandong Ren.
The Spaniard has previously won promotion from the Championship with Middlesbrough and will be tasked with achieving that feat with Blues.
But the job at St Andrew's could be Karanka's toughest to date with a major rebuild needed ahead of the new season.
The squad which played out the final day defeat to Derby County included just 12 senior players who remain on Blues' books.
Owners Trillion Trophy Asia have reined in the spending since the spree of 2017 landed the club in hot water with the EFL.
However, according to our sister title The Mirror, Ren has promised Karanka 'a wedge of transfer funds' to shape his team.
The sale of Jude Bellingham has helped the club's finances with Borussia Dortmund agreeing to pay in excess of £26million for the 17-year-old.
The report states: "Birmingham now have funds to reinvest but, like most clubs affected by the pandemic, are also looking for value in some decent frees and loans."


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Villa set aside 'significant funds' to complete striker transfer

Aston Villa have reportedly set aside 'significant funds ' to complete a move for a proven goalscorer this summer .
Villa secured their Premier League status on the final day and head coach Dean Smith , along with chief executive Christian Purslow , are now planning a rebuild in the transfer market .
They will do so without sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch after he left the club earlier this week .
A key area Villa need to improve in is attack with record signing Wesley Moraes and January addition Mbwana Samatta failing to hit the heights .
Before he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had managed five goals in 21 Premier League starts .
Samatta , who also joined from the Belgian league , scored just once in 14 league outings from February onwards .
According to Sky Sports , a 'significant ' portion of Villa 's summer transfer kitty will be used to acquire a new striker ahead of next season .
The report states : `` Significant funds are available for a centre-forward and possibly for a winger as well .
`` Much depends on the future of Jack Grealish , but Villa are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a right-back and a back-up left-back .
`` And if Tyrone Mings leaves , a replacement left-sided centre-back will be sought . ''
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Speaking about the transfer window , Smith stressed the need for Villa to be 'smart ' when recruiting new players .
He said : `` I said it after the game yesterday , people had questioned the amount we 'd spent ( £130 million ) but we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( including Frederic Guilbert ) , and it worked out something like £9.5 million a player and that 's not a lot of money in the Premier League .
`` I 'm really proud of the players and how they 've adapted to the Premier League eventually .
We 've got to where we wanted to be but now we really have to be smart in the market . ''

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Aston Villa have reportedly set aside 'significant funds' to complete a move for a proven goalscorer this summer.
Villa secured their Premier League status on the final day and head coach Dean Smith, along with chief executive Christian Purslow, are now planning a rebuild in the transfer market.
They will do so without sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch after he left the club earlier this week.
A key area Villa need to improve in is attack with record signing Wesley Moraes and January addition Mbwana Samatta failing to hit the heights.
(Image: Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Before he suffered a season-ending injury in January Wesley had managed five goals in 21 Premier League starts.
Samatta, who also joined from the Belgian league, scored just once in 14 league outings from February onwards.
According to Sky Sports, a 'significant' portion of Villa's summer transfer kitty will be used to acquire a new striker ahead of next season.
The report states: "Significant funds are available for a centre-forward and possibly for a winger as well.
"Much depends on the future of Jack Grealish, but Villa are also in the market for a defensive centre-midfielder, a right-back and a back-up left-back.
"And if Tyrone Mings leaves, a replacement left-sided centre-back will be sought."
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Speaking about the transfer window, Smith stressed the need for Villa to be 'smart' when recruiting new players.
He said: "I said it after the game yesterday, people had questioned the amount we'd spent (£130 million) but we had such a big turnaround, 13 players (including Frederic Guilbert), and it worked out something like £9.5 million a player and that's not a lot of money in the Premier League.
"I'm really proud of the players and how they've adapted to the Premier League eventually. We've got to where we wanted to be but now we really have to be smart in the market."


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Fears of 'bleak' service cuts in Walsall if costs of Covid are not covered

Fears have been raised that council services for Walsall residents could take an 'enormous ' hit if the Government fails to cover costs incurred due to Covid .
Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said he continues to push Whitehall to honour pledges made by the Prime Minister in the early days of lockdown that local authorities will be recompensed pound for pound for all coronavirus related expenditure having to be made .
And , at a scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday ( July 28 ) , he was backed by opposition Labour group leader Aftab Nawaz and Liberal Democrat group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support his efforts .
Councillor Bird painted a bleak picture of the financial impact the pandemic has had on the authority 's budgets .
Walsall has been allocated almost £26 million in grants to support the Covid response as well as £54 million in business relief .
It was also confirmed that Walsall 's share of £500 million announced by the Government on July 2 would be £2.94 million .
But as well as Covid costs such as supplying PPE , stumping up Walsall 's share of the temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a loss of income from services such as leisure centres which had to be closed during lockdown .
The authority is currently looking at a budget deficit of £11 million with worst-case scenarios suggesting that could rise to £23 million .
Councillor Bird said , like other council leaders in the region , he had spoken directly to Local Government minister Robert Jenrick saying he 'd like them to honour the commitment to repatriate every penny .
He said : `` Whilst funding received to date is welcome , it is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully compensate us for the losses , we 'd need to make some potentially significant decisions which will impact on services this year and next in order to balance the books .
`` In these uncharted waters , they 've made a good fist of it but there is still a long way to go for us to get the funding to fill that gap .
`` It is a bleak picture .
We did n't ask for this but we are now lobbying hard to Government to make sure that not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is recognition we expect to be repatriated pound for pound for the expenditure we 've seen .
`` It 's not a lost cause , certainly not with me .
I 'm not one of those people who sits down and listens to the Government and do as I 'm told .
Far from it . ''
Councillor Nawaz said : `` If the Government does n't give us penny for penny what we spent then it is the people of Walsall that are going to suffer. ''
All of us want Walsall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide the services that our staff provide very well .
`` The cuts will have to be enormous if that money is n't provided and we all need to be aware of that .
`` Councillor Bird will have our support in chasing the Government trying to get the money out of them . ''
And Councillor Shires added : `` I respect the fact it is really difficult and there are some difficult decisions we 're going to have to make in the near future as a council .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he can to screw as much as he can from the Government to make sure we do n't lose out . ''

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Fears have been raised that council services for Walsall residents could take an 'enormous' hit if the Government fails to cover costs incurred due to Covid.
Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said he continues to push Whitehall to honour pledges made by the Prime Minister in the early days of lockdown that local authorities will be recompensed pound for pound for all coronavirus related expenditure having to be made.
And, at a scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday (July 28), he was backed by opposition Labour group leader Aftab Nawaz and Liberal Democrat group boss Ian Shires who said they would support his efforts.
Councillor Bird painted a bleak picture of the financial impact the pandemic has had on the authority's budgets.
Walsall has been allocated almost £26 million in grants to support the Covid response as well as £54 million in business relief.
It was also confirmed that Walsall's share of £500 million announced by the Government on July 2 would be £2.94 million.
But as well as Covid costs such as supplying PPE, stumping up Walsall's share of the temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport, and the council has been hit with a loss of income from services such as leisure centres which had to be closed during lockdown.
The authority is currently looking at a budget deficit of £11 million with worst-case scenarios suggesting that could rise to £23 million.
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Councillor Bird said, like other council leaders in the region, he had spoken directly to Local Government minister Robert Jenrick saying he'd like them to honour the commitment to repatriate every penny.
He said: "Whilst funding received to date is welcome, it is still not enough.
"Should Government not fully compensate us for the losses, we'd need to make some potentially significant decisions which will impact on services this year and next in order to balance the books.
"In these uncharted waters, they've made a good fist of it but there is still a long way to go for us to get the funding to fill that gap.
"It is a bleak picture. We didn't ask for this but we are now lobbying hard to Government to make sure that not only our normal grants come forward but there is recognition we expect to be repatriated pound for pound for the expenditure we've seen.
"It's not a lost cause, certainly not with me. I'm not one of those people who sits down and listens to the Government and do as I'm told. Far from it."
Councillor Nawaz said: "If the Government doesn't give us penny for penny what we spent then it is the people of Walsall that are going to suffer.
" All of us want Walsall to have the money it needs to provide the services that our staff provide very well.
"The cuts will have to be enormous if that money isn't provided and we all need to be aware of that.
"Councillor Bird will have our support in chasing the Government trying to get the money out of them."
And Councillor Shires added: "I respect the fact it is really difficult and there are some difficult decisions we're going to have to make in the near future as a council.
"I do know that Councillor Bird will do all he can to screw as much as he can from the Government to make sure we don't lose out."


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Wolves contracts and how long Nuno's stars have left on their deals

Wolverhampton Wanderers ended their Premier League season with a 2-0 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday .
It was a disappointing result but Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s side can be proud of their second successive seventh-place finish .
Nuno and his coaching staff will have already turned their attention towards the resumption of the Europa League in August , but will also be working on their recruitment plans after the transfer window officially opened on Monday .
The summer is not just a time for new additions , however .
Some players could leave Molineux in the coming weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down to new deals .
With that in mind , has taken a look at how long Wolves ’ first-team squad have remaining on their current contracts .
One player Wolves will be looking to tie down to a longer deal is Willy Boly .
The centre-back only has one year remaining on his current contract , although reported last month that he was set to sign a long-term extension at Molineux .
As things stand , Romain Saiss will also become a free agent next June .
Leicester City have opted against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after his loan spell at the King Power Stadium , but the defender - who has a year left on his Wolves deal - could move on this summer .
The club triggered a one-year extension option in John Ruddy ’ s contract back in May , keeping the back-up goalkeeper in the West Midlands until 2021 .
Fellow shot-stopper Will Norris also has one year left on his deal , as does 22-year-old midfielder Connor Ronan .
Joao Moutinho has been a fantastic player for Wolves over the last two seasons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the midfielder was younger than he is , Wolves would probably have already offered him an extension beyond 2022 .
However , with Moutinho set to turn 34 in September , the club will likely leave things be for now .
Rui Patricio , 32 , is in a similar situation with two years left on his contract , and Wolves may wait until next summer before deciding what to do with regard to their current No.1 Discussions over new deals for Leander Dendoncker and Morgan Gibbs-White may take place sooner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wary of the two years Diogo Jota has remaining .
Leo Bonatini , Max Kilman and the 17-year-old Luke Matheson , a January signing from Rochdale , are also on deals that expire in 2022 .
Ruben Neves , Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez have all been linked with other clubs in recent weeks , but their contract status means Wolves won ’ t be forced to sell any of them .
All three players are tied down until 2023 .
If Wolves do decide to cash in , their contractual situation means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full asking price .
Matt Doherty , Jonny Otto and Conor Coady also have three years remaining , which suggests they ’ ll still be key players for Wolves in the coming seasons .
January signing Leonardo Campana and July addition Matija Sarkic are on the same length of contract .
Daniel Podence has been given regular first-team minutes in recent weeks which , together with the four years he has remaining on his contract , suggests he could be an important player over the coming seasons .
Wolves similarly have little to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ruben Vinagre and Pedro Neto , who are both secure until 2024 - as is the 21-year-old midfielder Bruno Jordao .
Teenage midfielder Enzo Loiodice joined Wolves on loan from Dijon in January but spent the last six months with the club ’ s under-23s and returned to his parent club recently .
Patrick Cutrone is six months into an 18-month loan at Fiorentina and the Serie A club has an obligation to buy him once it ends .
Jordan Graham , Phil Ofosu-Ayeh , Connor Johnson , Callum Thompson , Ming-yang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been released , while Helder Costa completed a permanent switch to Leeds United earlier this month .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers ended their Premier League season with a 2-0 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday.
It was a disappointing result but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side can be proud of their second successive seventh-place finish.
Nuno and his coaching staff will have already turned their attention towards the resumption of the Europa League in August, but Wolves will also be working on their recruitment plans after the transfer window officially opened on Monday.
The summer is not just a time for new additions, however. Some players could leave Molineux in the coming weeks, while Wolves will attempt to tie others down to new deals.
With that in mind, Birmingham Live has taken a look at how long Wolves’ first-team squad have remaining on their current contracts.
One year left
One player Wolves will be looking to tie down to a longer deal is Willy Boly. The centre-back only has one year remaining on his current contract, although The Athletic reported last month that he was set to sign a long-term extension at Molineux.
As things stand, Romain Saiss will also become a free agent next June.
Leicester City have opted against signing Ryan Bennett on a permanent contract after his loan spell at the King Power Stadium, but the defender - who has a year left on his Wolves deal - could move on this summer.
The club triggered a one-year extension option in John Ruddy’s contract back in May, keeping the back-up goalkeeper in the West Midlands until 2021.
Fellow shot-stopper Will Norris also has one year left on his deal, as does 22-year-old midfielder Connor Ronan.
Two years left
Joao Moutinho has been a fantastic player for Wolves over the last two seasons, and he will remain integral next term.
If the midfielder was younger than he is, Wolves would probably have already offered him an extension beyond 2022. However, with Moutinho set to turn 34 in September, the club will likely leave things be for now.
Rui Patricio, 32, is in a similar situation with two years left on his contract, and Wolves may wait until next summer before deciding what to do with regard to their current No.1
Discussions over new deals for Leander Dendoncker and Morgan Gibbs-White may take place sooner, and the club will also be wary of the two years Diogo Jota has remaining.
Leo Bonatini, Max Kilman and the 17-year-old Luke Matheson, a January signing from Rochdale, are also on deals that expire in 2022.
Three years left
Ruben Neves, Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez have all been linked with other clubs in recent weeks, but their contract status means Wolves won’t be forced to sell any of them.
All three players are tied down until 2023. If Wolves do decide to cash in, their contractual situation means buying clubs will have to pay the full asking price.
Matt Doherty, Jonny Otto and Conor Coady also have three years remaining, which suggests they’ll still be key players for Wolves in the coming seasons.
January signing Leonardo Campana and July addition Matija Sarkic are on the same length of contract.
Four years left
Daniel Podence has been given regular first-team minutes in recent weeks which, together with the four years he has remaining on his contract, suggests he could be an important player over the coming seasons.
Wolves similarly have little to worry about with regard to the futures of Ruben Vinagre and Pedro Neto, who are both secure until 2024 - as is the 21-year-old midfielder Bruno Jordao.
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
Loanees returning to parent clubs / released players
Teenage midfielder Enzo Loiodice joined Wolves on loan from Dijon in January but spent the last six months with the club’s under-23s and returned to his parent club recently.
Patrick Cutrone is six months into an 18-month loan at Fiorentina and the Serie A club has an obligation to buy him once it ends.
Jordan Graham, Phil Ofosu-Ayeh, Connor Johnson, Callum Thompson, Ming-yang Yang, Jeb Abbey and Todd Parker have been released, while Helder Costa completed a permanent switch to Leeds United earlier this month.


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Swimming returns to Solihull but "family splash-arounds" ruled out

Solihull swimmers will be able to enjoy their first visit to the pool for more than four months , but `` family splash-arounds '' will be off limits for now .
Baths at both Tudor Grange and North Solihull Sports Centre will welcome their first visitors this Saturday ( August 1 ) .
But Cllr Joe Tildesley , cabinet member for leisure , tourism and sport , told the Local Democracy Reporting Service ( LDRS ) that strict guidelines meant that only lane swimming would be offered to begin with .
`` For the moment it 's not safe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a splash around , given the lockdown rules , '' he said .
`` With swimming there is very , very clear guidance that we are following .
`` But we are just glad it will be up-and-running again . ''
Cllr Tildesley said he had visited both venues with council officers to discuss the strict protocols with Everyone Active , the leisure operator which runs them on behalf of the local authority .
He said that government advice would also mean that shower and sauna facilities were out of action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept `` socially distant '' to reduce the risks of spreading Covid-19 .
While in the water , visitors will have to choose between a `` slow '' , `` medium '' or `` fast '' lane - to suit their abilities - and sessions will be restricted to 50 minutes , to allow cleaning inbetween .
Following the walkaround with leisure chiefs , the centres are also expecting visits from local swimming clubs - ahead of the opening - to talk through the various procedures .
The two venues had welcomed their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gyms reopened for the first time since March .
Over the course of the Saturday and Sunday , there were 260 visitors to Tudor Grange and 230 at North Solihull .
This is despite a pre-booking system having been put in place .
Cllr Tildesley said he hoped that the venues would play a key role in helping in the government 's newly-announced campaign to tackle obesity .
Further details on various fitness initiatives locally , including the Solihull on the Move project , will be discussed at his decision session tomorrow evening @ @ @ @

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Solihull swimmers will be able to enjoy their first visit to the pool for more than four months, but "family splash-arounds" will be off limits for now.
Baths at both Tudor Grange and North Solihull Sports Centre will welcome their first visitors this Saturday (August 1).
But Cllr Joe Tildesley, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and sport, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that strict guidelines meant that only lane swimming would be offered to begin with.
"For the moment it's not safe to have a family group for a bit of a splash around, given the lockdown rules," he said.
"With swimming there is very, very clear guidance that we are following.
"But we are just glad it will be up-and-running again."
Cllr Tildesley said he had visited both venues with council officers to discuss the strict protocols with Everyone Active, the leisure operator which runs them on behalf of the local authority.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
He said that government advice would also mean that shower and sauna facilities were out of action, while even people's clothes would be kept "socially distant" to reduce the risks of spreading Covid-19.
While in the water, visitors will have to choose between a "slow", "medium" or "fast" lane - to suit their abilities - and sessions will be restricted to 50 minutes, to allow cleaning inbetween.
Following the walkaround with leisure chiefs, the centres are also expecting visits from local swimming clubs - ahead of the opening - to talk through the various procedures.
The two venues had welcomed their first customers last weekend, when the gyms reopened for the first time since March.
Over the course of the Saturday and Sunday, there were 260 visitors to Tudor Grange and 230 at North Solihull. This is despite a pre-booking system having been put in place.
Cllr Tildesley said he hoped that the venues would play a key role in helping in the government's newly-announced campaign to tackle obesity.
Further details on various fitness initiatives locally, including the Solihull on the Move project, will be discussed at his decision session tomorrow evening (Thursday).


birminghammail--2020-07-29--Using Covid test to put microchips into brain 'beyond NHS capability'

It is 'way beyond the capability of the NHS ' to insert microchips into people 's brains during Covid-19 tests , Birmingham 's health chief has said .
And he added that it is important for people to understand the facts around Covid-19 testing so that the public can engage more with the process .
The conspiracy theory , which gained traction when a post questioning why nasal swabs were necessary received over 300,000 shares on Facebook , claims that rather than taking a sample nasal Covid-19 tests could actually 'be implanting something ' .
Similar conspiracy theories regarding Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gates was looking to implant microchips through a future Covid-19 vaccine , a claim which the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation told the BBC was 'false ' .
Speaking at today 's ( July 29 ) Local Covid Outbreak Engagement Board , Birmingham 's Director of Public Health Dr Justin Varney said it was 'absolutely not true ' that microchips were being implanted during Covid-19 nasal tests .
And he added that it was important for myths such as these to be debunked , to encourage communities to come forward when they require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the myths that are out there , '' he said .
`` There have been some incredibly technical ones - I know there ’ s one at the moment that says that , because this is quite an uncomfortable swab to the back of your nose , someone ’ s trying to insert a chip in your brain .
`` I can say that ’ s absolutely not true .
In many ways I think it ’ s way beyond the capability of the NHS to be that clever , frankly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do bust some of these myths when they ’ re coming up , and we really encourage communities to understand that the reason this is the NHS test and trace system is that it is being governed in the same way that your GP records are , that same level of confidentiality and security of your data .
`` And there ’ s been a lot of work trying to make sure that it is safe and robust for people to give their information in the same way they do their doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a health crisis , and it would be a bit like saying ‘ I ’ m not going tell my GP where I live , but I am going to tell them I ’ ve had a heart attack ' . ''

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It is 'way beyond the capability of the NHS' to insert microchips into people's brains during Covid-19 tests, Birmingham's health chief has said.
And he added that it is important for people to understand the facts around Covid-19 testing so that the public can engage more with the process.
The conspiracy theory, which gained traction when a post questioning why nasal swabs were necessary received over 300,000 shares on Facebook, claims that rather than taking a sample nasal Covid-19 tests could actually 'be implanting something'.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Similar conspiracy theories regarding Covid-19 have also suggested that Microsoft founder Bill Gates was looking to implant microchips through a future Covid-19 vaccine, a claim which the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation told the BBC was 'false'.
Speaking at today's (July 29) Local Covid Outbreak Engagement Board, Birmingham's Director of Public Health Dr Justin Varney said it was 'absolutely not true' that microchips were being implanted during Covid-19 nasal tests.
And he added that it was important for myths such as these to be debunked, to encourage communities to come forward when they require a test.
"I am concerned about the myths that are out there," he said.
"There have been some incredibly technical ones - I know there’s one at the moment that says that, because this is quite an uncomfortable swab to the back of your nose, someone’s trying to insert a chip in your brain.
"I can say that’s absolutely not true. In many ways I think it’s way beyond the capability of the NHS to be that clever, frankly.
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"But it’s really important we do bust some of these myths when they’re coming up, and we really encourage communities to understand that the reason this is the NHS test and trace system is that it is being governed in the same way that your GP records are, that same level of confidentiality and security of your data.
"And there’s been a lot of work trying to make sure that it is safe and robust for people to give their information in the same way they do their doctors. This is a health initiative, this is a health crisis, and it would be a bit like saying ‘I’m not going tell my GP where I live, but I am going to tell them I’ve had a heart attack'."


birminghammail--2020-07-30--Northern England lockdown announced - full list of places affected

People from different households in Greater Manchester , parts of East Lancashire and West Yorkshire will be banned from meeting each other indoors from midnight , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said .
Mr Hancock said `` households gathering and not abiding by the social distancing rules '' was a reason for the stricter rules and it was in order to `` keep the country safe '' .
He said : `` We take this action with a heavy heart but unfortunately it 's necessary because we 've seen that households meeting up and a lack of social distancing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of coronavirus and we 'll do whatever is necessary to keep the country safe . ''
Mr Hancock added : `` We 're constantly vigilant and we 've been looking at the data , and unfortunately we 've seen across parts of northern England an increase in the number of cases of coronavirus .
`` So , today , I held a meeting of the Government 's Gold Committee and working with local leaders , including , for instance , Andy Burnham the mayor of Greater Manchester , we 've decided that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester , East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire .
`` So , from midnight tonight ( Friday ) we are banning households meeting up indoors . ''
The new restrictions apply to the whole of Greater Manchester , parts of East Lancashire including Blackburn with Darwen , Burnley , Hyndburn , Pendle , Rossendale and parts of West Yorkshire including Bradford , Calderdale and Kirklees .
The same restrictions will also apply to Leicester , which saw the first so-called `` local lockdown '' imposed on June 29 .

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People from different households in Greater Manchester, parts of East Lancashire and West Yorkshire will be banned from meeting each other indoors from midnight, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.
Mr Hancock said "households gathering and not abiding by the social distancing rules" was a reason for the stricter rules and it was in order to "keep the country safe".
He said: "We take this action with a heavy heart but unfortunately it's necessary because we've seen that households meeting up and a lack of social distancing is one of the causes of this rising rate of coronavirus and we'll do whatever is necessary to keep the country safe."
Mr Hancock added: "We're constantly vigilant and we've been looking at the data, and unfortunately we've seen across parts of northern England an increase in the number of cases of coronavirus.
"So, today, I held a meeting of the Government's Gold Committee and working with local leaders, including, for instance, Andy Burnham the mayor of Greater Manchester, we've decided that we need to take action across Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire.
(Image: PA)
"So, from midnight tonight (Friday) we are banning households meeting up indoors."
The new restrictions apply to the whole of Greater Manchester, parts of East Lancashire including Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale and parts of West Yorkshire including Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees.
The same restrictions will also apply to Leicester, which saw the first so-called "local lockdown" imposed on June 29.