birminghammail--2020-01-15--Could Christian Benteke really save Aston Villa? The season predicted with striker's return

With summer recruit Wesley Moraes out until the end of the season , Aston Villa are in dire need of some additional firepower this January , as they look to retain their Premier League status .
Villa manager Dean Smith now has only Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis as genuine striking options after Wesley 's injury , so the club are exploring their options this month , including the possibility of bringing former Villa striiker Christian Benteke back to Villa Park from Crystal Palace , on a possible loan deal until the end of the season .
However , Benteke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal since leaving Villa , scoring just 19 league goals in 97 appearances in his time at Selhurst Park career .
So , how would Benteke perform for Villa if he signed on loan in January ?
And , would Villa stay in the Premier League ?
We used Football Manager 2020 to try and predict Villa 's possible future with Benteke back in the team .
To set up this simulation , we used the Football Manager 2020 in-game editor to arrange the loan transfer of Benteke from Crystal Palace to Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arranged the loan signings of Pepe Reina and Danny Drinkwater , whilst also adding in long-tem injuries to the profiles of Wesley and Tom Heaton to make the game more realistic .
We then simulated the entire 2019/20 season to see what kind of impact Benteke would have for Villa .
You can see how Benteke 's profile looks in Football Manager 2020 below .
Due to his lack of goals in recent years , Benteke 's Football Manager profile has been downgraded significantly , with the Belgian having only a finishing attribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he still has great physical attributes and his heading ability is something to be reckoned with .
This is what happened .
It took a while for Benteke to really make an impact for Villa , starting the majority of their games but not scoring the amount of goals that fans had been hoping for , suffering with confidence in front of goal .
But from late March onwards , the business end of the season , Benteke clicked into form and scored some hugely important goals to help Villa fight off relegation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vital 3-1 home win against Norwich City , with Trezeguet and Grealish also finding the net .
Then , in early April , Benteke netted the only goal in a fantastic 1-0 win over Leicester City at Villa Park , with Pepe Reina earning the Man of the Match after producing some extraordinary saves .
Just three days later , Benteke scored two goals in a 3-1 away win over West Ham , with Grealish also scoring .
Overall , Benteke scored five league goals in 15 league appearances from January until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registering an assist .
This is how Dean Smith 's best performing eleven looked in 2019/20 , with Benteke leading the line .
Thanks to some great results in the last part of the season , Villa amassed 45 points in the Premier League in our simulation , which was good enough for an 11th place league finish , nine points above Newcastle United in 17th .
Surely most Villa fans would take that !
Football Manager 2020 predicts that Benteke might not be the free scoring striker that left Villa Park all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be able to step up and produce for the club when it really matters , keeping Villa in the Premier League .
Why do we use the Football Manager database ?
The Football Manager database currently contains data on more than 800,000 individuals and 45,000 active clubs , with data sourced from their international on the ground scouting network which numbers roughly 1,000 people , among their ranks are some who are involved in football in professional capacities , including scouts and coaches .
In addition to the information on players , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manager database also contains a wealth of information on many other aspects of the professional game , including data on competitions , cups , team and individual awards , weather , finances , officials and more .
The database also incorporates a wealth of nation-specific details such as currency , tax rates , national team records , histories in major tournaments and so on .
All of this information combines to create an accurate representation of 'real world ' football within Football Manager .
Football Manager use a query-based system of checks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no statistical outliers within any particular club , division , league or country .
In addition , each annual iteration of Football Manager has built-in algorithms which check for outliers and data discrepancies .
Data accuracy is further ensured by input from contributors who are active within the professional game ( players , agents etc . )
who provide regular feedback .
Sports Interactive ( SI ) is the world ’ s leading developer of football management simulations through the best-selling Football Manager series .
Created by football fans , for football fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tablet , Football Manager tops the charts in almost every country where football is played .
SI has ongoing relationships with some of the biggest names in professional football , including the Bundesliga , the League Managers Association , The EFL and many other leagues and national associations .
What do you make of our Benteke simulation ?
Would you take Benteke on loan until the end of the season ?
Let us know in the comments , on Facebook or Twitter .

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With summer recruit Wesley Moraes out until the end of the season, Aston Villa are in dire need of some additional firepower this January, as they look to retain their Premier League status.
Villa manager Dean Smith now has only Jonathan Kodjia and Keinan Davis as genuine striking options after Wesley's injury, so the club are exploring their options this month, including the possibility of bringing former Villa striiker Christian Benteke back to Villa Park from Crystal Palace, on a possible loan deal until the end of the season.
However, Benteke has been hardly prolific in front of goal since leaving Villa, scoring just 19 league goals in 97 appearances in his time at Selhurst Park career.
So, how would Benteke perform for Villa if he signed on loan in January?
And, would Villa stay in the Premier League?
We used Football Manager 2020 to try and predict Villa's possible future with Benteke back in the team.
Christian Benteke's return to Villa
To set up this simulation, we used the Football Manager 2020 in-game editor to arrange the loan transfer of Benteke from Crystal Palace to Villa on January 1st 2020.
We also arranged the loan signings of Pepe Reina and Danny Drinkwater, whilst also adding in long-tem injuries to the profiles of Wesley and Tom Heaton to make the game more realistic.
We then simulated the entire 2019/20 season to see what kind of impact Benteke would have for Villa.
You can see how Benteke's profile looks in Football Manager 2020 below.
Due to his lack of goals in recent years, Benteke's Football Manager profile has been downgraded significantly, with the Belgian having only a finishing attribute of 11 out of 20, but he still has great physical attributes and his heading ability is something to be reckoned with.
This is what happened.
It took a while for Benteke to really make an impact for Villa, starting the majority of their games but not scoring the amount of goals that fans had been hoping for, suffering with confidence in front of goal.
But from late March onwards, the business end of the season, Benteke clicked into form and scored some hugely important goals to help Villa fight off relegation.
First, the Belgian scored in a vital 3-1 home win against Norwich City, with Trezeguet and Grealish also finding the net.
Then, in early April, Benteke netted the only goal in a fantastic 1-0 win over Leicester City at Villa Park, with Pepe Reina earning the Man of the Match after producing some extraordinary saves.
Just three days later, Benteke scored two goals in a 3-1 away win over West Ham, with Grealish also scoring.
Overall, Benteke scored five league goals in 15 league appearances from January until the end of the season, also registering an assist.
This is how Dean Smith's best performing eleven looked in 2019/20, with Benteke leading the line.
Thanks to some great results in the last part of the season, Villa amassed 45 points in the Premier League in our simulation, which was good enough for an 11th place league finish, nine points above Newcastle United in 17th.
Surely most Villa fans would take that!
Follow Esports and gaming writer Nathan Bliss on social media To follow Nathan on Twitter, click here. To follow Reach Gaming on Twitter, click here. To follow Nathan on Facebook, click here.
Football Manager 2020 predicts that Benteke might not be the free scoring striker that left Villa Park all those years ago, but he could still be able to step up and produce for the club when it really matters, keeping Villa in the Premier League.
The Football Manager Database Why do we use the Football Manager database? The Football Manager database currently contains data on more than 800,000 individuals and 45,000 active clubs, with data sourced from their international on the ground scouting network which numbers roughly 1,000 people, among their ranks are some who are involved in football in professional capacities, including scouts and coaches. In addition to the information on players, clubs and backroom staff, the Football Manager database also contains a wealth of information on many other aspects of the professional game, including data on competitions, cups, team and individual awards, weather, finances, officials and more. The database also incorporates a wealth of nation-specific details such as currency, tax rates, national team records, histories in major tournaments and so on. All of this information combines to create an accurate representation of 'real world' football within Football Manager. Football Manager use a query-based system of checks and balances designed to ensure that there are no statistical outliers within any particular club, division, league or country. In addition, each annual iteration of Football Manager has built-in algorithms which check for outliers and data discrepancies. Data accuracy is further ensured by input from contributors who are active within the professional game (players, agents etc.) who provide regular feedback. Sports Interactive (SI) Sports Interactive (SI) is the world’s leading developer of football management simulations through the best-selling Football Manager series. Created by football fans, for football fans, and available on computer, smartphone and tablet, Football Manager tops the charts in almost every country where football is played. SI has ongoing relationships with some of the biggest names in professional football, including the Bundesliga, the League Managers Association, The EFL and many other leagues and national associations.
What do you make of our Benteke simulation?
Would you take Benteke on loan until the end of the season?
Let us know in the comments, on Facebook or Twitter.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--West Brom loan star loving life away from The Hawthorns ahead of key summer

Goalkeeper Alex Palmer is enjoying his regular supply of minutes at Plymouth Argyle - but the West Brom academy prospect is still making sure he ’ s in the thoughts of his parent club .
Palmer , who is now 23 , is playing regular league football at senior level for the first time in his career and has been leaving a lasting impression ; Argyle are fifth in League Two and have won four of their last five games .
Palmer has played 29 times in all competitions already and has kept 11 clean sheets in that time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the summer , but he ’ s hoping to return from Home Park at the end of the season with plenty for the Baggies to think about .
This is your round up of all things West Brom ; the one-stop shop that will keep you updated on the latest goings on at the club and beyond .
Transfers , injuries , match-days and managers , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest on the Baggies throughout the week and around the clock .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our handy daily catch up ... • Jake Livermore has a warning for his teammates - READ For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our West Brom reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com In the meantime , Palmer is content with his game time and has had plenty of contact from goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh , who has been keeping a keen eye on his displays from afar .
He 's also paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training ground on his days off .
“ I feel like I ’ m a Plymouth Argyle player .
Obviously , I ’ m from West Brom but at the moment I ’ m down here , settled and playing regularly as well , ” Palmer told the Plymouth Herald .
“ I have just got to focus on that .
If you start thinking ‘ I ’ m a West Brom player ’ I feel like you isolate yourself a little bit from everything .
“ I ’ m happy down here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main thing .
“ As long as West Brom stay in touch with me and see how I ’ m doing then you have got something to fall back on .
“ I have had a few messages from them ( West Brom ) .
I spoke to the goalkeeping coach recently and he generally watches all my games .
“ He tells me to go in there when I can on days off and just see everyone so I ’ m still around it .
“ They have got contacts everywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure they will be having eyes , not just from West Brom but everywhere , letting them know how I ’ m doing.
” Promotion remains a very realistic aim for Palmer and the Pilgrims .
They ’ re on the same amount of points as third placed Cheltenham , who occupy the closest automatic promotion spot to them , with 21 matches and 63 points still to battle for .
Palmer is relishing the situation he finds himself in , on a personal level and collectively .
“ It ’ s good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have been after for a couple of years and now I ’ m finally doing it.
” he continued .
“ I think I ’ m on 29 games .
The season is ticking away now and I ’ m getting the games that I need to .
“ It ’ s helping me , and if I can help Plymouth Argyle on the way , then it ’ s even better .
”

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Goalkeeper Alex Palmer is enjoying his regular supply of minutes at Plymouth Argyle - but the West Brom academy prospect is still making sure he’s in the thoughts of his parent club.
Palmer, who is now 23, is playing regular league football at senior level for the first time in his career and has been leaving a lasting impression; Argyle are fifth in League Two and have won four of their last five games.
Palmer has played 29 times in all competitions already and has kept 11 clean sheets in that time.
The keeper sees his Albion contract expire in the summer, but he’s hoping to return from Home Park at the end of the season with plenty for the Baggies to think about.
In the meantime, Palmer is content with his game time and has had plenty of contact from goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh, who has been keeping a keen eye on his displays from afar.
He's also paying the occasional visit to the Baggies' training ground on his days off.
“I feel like I’m a Plymouth Argyle player. Obviously, I’m from West Brom but at the moment I’m down here, settled and playing regularly as well,” Palmer told the Plymouth Herald.
“I have just got to focus on that. If you start thinking ‘I’m a West Brom player’ I feel like you isolate yourself a little bit from everything.
“I’m happy down here and enjoying myself. That’s the main thing.
“As long as West Brom stay in touch with me and see how I’m doing then you have got something to fall back on.
“I have had a few messages from them (West Brom). I spoke to the goalkeeping coach recently and he generally watches all my games.
“He tells me to go in there when I can on days off and just see everyone so I’m still around it.
“They have got contacts everywhere around the country so I’m sure they will be having eyes, not just from West Brom but everywhere, letting them know how I’m doing.”
Promotion remains a very realistic aim for Palmer and the Pilgrims.
They’re on the same amount of points as third placed Cheltenham, who occupy the closest automatic promotion spot to them, with 21 matches and 63 points still to battle for.
poll loading How many players must West Brom sign this month? 5000+ VOTES SO FAR None One Two More than two
Palmer is relishing the situation he finds himself in, on a personal level and collectively.
“It’s good for me really. This is what I have been after for a couple of years and now I’m finally doing it.” he continued.
“I think I’m on 29 games. The season is ticking away now and I’m getting the games that I need to.
“It’s helping me, and if I can help Plymouth Argyle on the way, then it’s even better.”


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Court gives Macclesfield Town FC more time to settle tax debts

A judge has adjourned a bid to wind up League Two football club Macclesfield Town that was formerly managed by @ @ @ @ @ Judge Mark Mullen considered the case at a hearing in the specialist Insolvency and Companies @ @ @ @ @ .
He said it would be reconsidered on March 25 .
Tax officials have asked @ @ @ @ @ are third from bottom of League Two - football 's fourth tier - to be @ @ @ @ @ not been paid .
Former manager Campbell has supported that application .
Campbell managed Macclesfield @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , and subsequently took over at Southend United .
Judges have been told that @ @ @ @ @ very large '' amount of tax and owe Campbell more than £180,000 .
A lawyer @ @ @ @ @ asked Judge Mullen on Wednesday to adjourn the case to give Macclesfield bosses time to @ @ @ @ @ representing Macclesfield told Judge Mullen that the club intends to sell shares and an offer @ @ @ @

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A judge has adjourned a bid to wind up League Two football club Macclesfield Town that was formerly managed by ex-England star Sol Campbell.
Judge Mark Mullen considered the case at a hearing in the specialist Insolvency and Companies Court in London on Wednesday.
He said it would be reconsidered on March 25.
Tax officials have asked for the club, who are third from bottom of League Two - football's fourth tier - to be wound up because debts have not been paid.
Former manager Campbell has supported that application.
Campbell managed Macclesfield between November 2018 and August 2019, and subsequently took over at Southend United.
Judges have been told that Macclesfield bosses owe a "very large" amount of tax and owe Campbell more than £180,000.
A lawyer representing HM Revenue and Customs asked Judge Mullen on Wednesday to adjourn the case to give Macclesfield bosses time to settle debts.
A lawyer representing Macclesfield told Judge Mullen that the club intends to sell shares and an offer has been accepted.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Man denies punching ex-Aston Villa and Coventry City boss Gary McAllister

Former Villa caretaker boss and Coventry manager Gary McAllister was allegedly punched in the face , causing his teeth to go through his lip , a court has heard .
Bermudian national Damien Swan , 33 , made a brief appearance at Leeds Magistrates ' Court on Wednesday , where he indicated a not guilty plea to assaulting Mr McAllister , 55 , on March 24 last year .
The former Scotland international midfielder is now assistant boss at Rangers .
Sending the case to Leeds Crown Court , District Judge Richard Kitson said the case involved a `` nasty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged punch to the face , causing Mr McAllister 's teeth to go through his lip , and there was damage to the teeth as well . ''
Swan , wearing black jeans and a checked shirt , only spoke to confirm his name and give his date of birth , address and nationality .
The clerk asked him if he wished to indicate a plea at this stage to the offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and Swan replied : `` Not guilty . ''
The defendant , of Greenmount Terrace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until his next appearance at Leeds Crown Court on February 12 .
Mr McAllister , a former midfielder , was treated in hospital following the incident in Call Lane in the city centre at around 4am on Sunday March 24 .
He was reportedly waiting for a taxi with his wife , Hayley , when the assault took place .
He stepped into the caretaker role at Villa Park in April 2011 for a few months because of manager Gerard Houllier 's ill health .
Mr McAllister played in Leeds from 1990 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club become champions of the former First Division in 1992 .
He captained the team for two seasons before moving to Coventry City .
He joined the management team at Coventry in 2002 , after a period playing for Liverpool , and took up the post of assistant manager at Rangers last year .
Mr McAllister earned 57 caps for Scotland and captained the team to the Euro 96 finals .

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Former Villa caretaker boss and Coventry manager Gary McAllister was allegedly punched in the face, causing his teeth to go through his lip, a court has heard.
Bermudian national Damien Swan, 33, made a brief appearance at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where he indicated a not guilty plea to assaulting Mr McAllister, 55, on March 24 last year.
The former Scotland international midfielder is now assistant boss at Rangers.
Sending the case to Leeds Crown Court, District Judge Richard Kitson said the case involved a "nasty injury".
"This was an alleged punch to the face, causing Mr McAllister's teeth to go through his lip, and there was damage to the teeth as well."
(Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Swan, wearing black jeans and a checked shirt, only spoke to confirm his name and give his date of birth, address and nationality.
The clerk asked him if he wished to indicate a plea at this stage to the offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and Swan replied: "Not guilty."
The defendant, of Greenmount Terrace, Beeston, Leeds, was bailed until his next appearance at Leeds Crown Court on February 12.
Mr McAllister, a former midfielder, was treated in hospital following the incident in Call Lane in the city centre at around 4am on Sunday March 24.
He was reportedly waiting for a taxi with his wife, Hayley, when the assault took place.
He stepped into the caretaker role at Villa Park in April 2011 for a few months because of manager Gerard Houllier's ill health.
Mr McAllister played in Leeds from 1990 to 1996, a period which saw the club become champions of the former First Division in 1992.
He captained the team for two seasons before moving to Coventry City.
He joined the management team at Coventry in 2002, after a period playing for Liverpool, and took up the post of assistant manager at Rangers last year.
Mr McAllister earned 57 caps for Scotland and captained the team to the Euro 96 finals.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague blasts twin Jess and Eve trolls after vile abuse

We 're just days into the new series of Love Island and already the Islanders are unwittingly finding themselves on the receiving end of a lot of abuse .
Twins Jess and Eve Gale have found a lot of it aimed their way after viewers got frustrated at some of their habits including licking their lips and playing with their hair .
This was only made worse when an old photo resurfaced of the 20-year-olds pre-surgery and bleached blonde hair .
In response , a former Islander has slammed the trolling of the pair .
Molly-Mae Hague came runner-up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had also received an obscene amount of trolling , so she came to the defence of the girls .
Sharing one particular tweet , the influencer wrote : `` Beautiful then and beautiful now .
STOP TROLLING . ''
Her Twitter followers quickly backed her up - one wrote : `` I agree !
Not the biggest fan of the twins but they are nice . ''
Another wrote : `` It 's true , they actually do n't look bad in either . ''
`` Is it bad that I barely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eve caused a stir when they entered the villa and had to split up two couples .
They chose to 'steal ' Callum from Shaughna and Mike from Leanne , and the foursome went on a double date together .
However it was n't looking quite so rosy for Jess when Mike confessed he wanted to pursue things with Leanne , less than 24 hours after she was left single and vulnerable .

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We're just days into the new series of Love Island and already the Islanders are unwittingly finding themselves on the receiving end of a lot of abuse.
Twins Jess and Eve Gale have found a lot of it aimed their way after viewers got frustrated at some of their habits including licking their lips and playing with their hair.
This was only made worse when an old photo resurfaced of the 20-year-olds pre-surgery and bleached blonde hair.
In response, a former Islander has slammed the trolling of the pair.
Molly-Mae Hague came runner-up in the last series alongside boyfriend Tommy Fury and had also received an obscene amount of trolling, so she came to the defence of the girls.
Sharing one particular tweet, the influencer wrote: "Beautiful then and beautiful now. STOP TROLLING."
Her Twitter followers quickly backed her up - one wrote: "I agree! Not the biggest fan of the twins but they are nice."
Another wrote: "It's true, they actually don't look bad in either."
"Is it bad that I barely see a difference?"
Jess and Eve caused a stir when they entered the villa and had to split up two couples.
They chose to 'steal' Callum from Shaughna and Mike from Leanne, and the foursome went on a double date together.
However it wasn't looking quite so rosy for Jess when Mike confessed he wanted to pursue things with Leanne, less than 24 hours after she was left single and vulnerable.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Britain's oldest yoga teacher still teaching packed classes - at age 90

Britain 's oldest yoga teacher is still teaching packed classes - at the age of 90 .
Super-fit pensioner Tom Allan only picked up the pastime at the age of 55 as he did n't fancy jogging in the rain .
But more than than 30 years later Tom is still passing on his vast experience of the ancient art with his bendy joints and flexibility defying his advancing years .
He still teaches twice every week and after celebrating his 90th birthday with friends and family he said he had no plans to stop any time soon .
Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I think I will still be doing it at 100 and have no intentions of retiring in the foreseeable future .
`` The oldest yoga teacher in the world is a lady in America who is 101 and I definitely have her record in my sights .
`` I can still do most of the postures .
There are a few I am no longer able to do that I could when I was younger , but I use models to do some of the postures I can no longer do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balancing as I have an on-going eye problem .
But most of it I can still do as well as I could when I was a lot younger . ''
Taking early retirement from working at a pharmaceutical company at 60 , Tom said he wanted to keep busy and keep teaching yoga - and says that 's what 's kept him fit and healthy all these years .
He currently teaches two `` almost full '' classes a week at Plympton and has spent much of his life trying to follow `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the principles of yoga .
He says yoga is `` not just about exercise '' , it 's a `` way of life '' and he has adapted his life to reflect the 'Eastern style ' of yoga .
Tom , who has been married to wife Gwen for 67 years , was born and grew up in Scotland , and at his busiest taught six classes a week in Glasgow , including at the university .
He started his yoga journey by attending classes for two-and-a-half years , before he was offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he 's now been running classes for over 30 years .
He added : `` I first started yoga when I was 55 .
`` I was looking for some form of exercise , I was looking at people in all sorts of weathers racing around trying to get fit and that did n't appeal to me at all .
`` Somebody mentioned the word yoga so I made inquires about it and started going to classes .
`` I was a student then and I went to several classes a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was invited to take the teacher training course .
`` This all happened in Glasgow , the course was based partly Glasgow partly Edinburgh .
`` After that , when I retired at 60 from my work , I started my own classes in Glasgow .
`` I had six classes including one at the university and another one I had that was very interesting was one for people with learning difficulties .
`` I also had one for the partially sighted and those with partial hearing - they were very interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of his working life with a pharmaceutical company , except during his national service which was in the Navy .
When he left Scotland for Plymouth 20 years ago he thought he would struggle to find a new customer base .
But soon he discovered Harewood House - the site from where he now offers his classes .
He added : `` I thought Id ' have a very hard job getting six classes going in Plymouth however I heard about this building , came along and had a word with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have a yoga class here but we have n't had one for a few years ' so he told me to go to the Civic Centre and see the council about it .
`` I did and they agreed to let me have this room for teaching yoga and the two nights that the students chose were on a Monday evening like we have now and Saturday morning .
`` I just teach the two classes a week now and they are almost always full .
That is to a dozen people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more due to the limitations .
`` I still enjoy it very much .
Who would not enjoy being in the company of a dozen lovely ladies .
`` It has very much kept me in the shape I am now .
I follow the yoga lifestyle and do everything in moderation so have kept my weight very constant . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (James Dadzitis, James Rodger)

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Britain's oldest yoga teacher is still teaching packed classes - at the age of 90.
Super-fit pensioner Tom Allan only picked up the pastime at the age of 55 as he didn't fancy jogging in the rain.
But more than than 30 years later Tom is still passing on his vast experience of the ancient art with his bendy joints and flexibility defying his advancing years.
He still teaches twice every week and after celebrating his 90th birthday with friends and family he said he had no plans to stop any time soon.
Breakfast event to explore how flexible workspace is helping entrepreneurs Reach Midlands, publisher of BirminghamLive and BusinessLive, has teamed up with Spaces - the multinational serviced office provider - to host a series of breakfast events to help inform the city's business community about the benefits of co-working. The next event will take place from 8.30am to 10.30am on Thursday January 23 at Regus Victoria Square, One Victoria Square, in Birmingham city centre - the modern office space which is inspiring business success. Sign up here It will explore how technology is changing the way we work and offering people even greater flexibility in their lives. It will feature panel members who can share their experience of best practice.
Tom, of Plymouth, Devon, said: "I think I will still be doing it at 100 and have no intentions of retiring in the foreseeable future.
"The oldest yoga teacher in the world is a lady in America who is 101 and I definitely have her record in my sights.
(Image: SWNS)
"I can still do most of the postures. There are a few I am no longer able to do that I could when I was younger, but I use models to do some of the postures I can no longer do.
"That's to do with balancing as I have an on-going eye problem. But most of it I can still do as well as I could when I was a lot younger."
Taking early retirement from working at a pharmaceutical company at 60, Tom said he wanted to keep busy and keep teaching yoga - and says that's what's kept him fit and healthy all these years.
He currently teaches two "almost full" classes a week at Plympton and has spent much of his life trying to follow "the eight limbs of yoga" - the principles of yoga.
(Image: SWNS)
He says yoga is "not just about exercise", it's a "way of life" and he has adapted his life to reflect the 'Eastern style' of yoga.
Tom, who has been married to wife Gwen for 67 years, was born and grew up in Scotland, and at his busiest taught six classes a week in Glasgow, including at the university.
He started his yoga journey by attending classes for two-and-a-half years, before he was offered a place on yoga teaching course - and he's now been running classes for over 30 years.
He added: "I first started yoga when I was 55.
(Image: SWNS)
"I was looking for some form of exercise, I was looking at people in all sorts of weathers racing around trying to get fit and that didn't appeal to me at all.
"Somebody mentioned the word yoga so I made inquires about it and started going to classes.
"I was a student then and I went to several classes a week for two and a half years until I was invited to take the teacher training course.
"This all happened in Glasgow, the course was based partly Glasgow partly Edinburgh.
(Image: SWNS)
"After that, when I retired at 60 from my work, I started my own classes in Glasgow.
"I had six classes including one at the university and another one I had that was very interesting was one for people with learning difficulties.
"I also had one for the partially sighted and those with partial hearing - they were very interesting to work with."
(Image: SWNS)
Tom spent most of his working life with a pharmaceutical company, except during his national service which was in the Navy.
When he left Scotland for Plymouth 20 years ago he thought he would struggle to find a new customer base.
But soon he discovered Harewood House - the site from where he now offers his classes.
He added: "I thought Id' have a very hard job getting six classes going in Plymouth however I heard about this building, came along and had a word with the caretaker.
"He said 'we used to have a yoga class here but we haven't had one for a few years' so he told me to go to the Civic Centre and see the council about it.
"I did and they agreed to let me have this room for teaching yoga and the two nights that the students chose were on a Monday evening like we have now and Saturday morning.
"I just teach the two classes a week now and they are almost always full. That is to a dozen people each as I can not take any more due to the limitations.
"I still enjoy it very much. Who would not enjoy being in the company of a dozen lovely ladies.
"It has very much kept me in the shape I am now. I follow the yoga lifestyle and do everything in moderation so have kept my weight very constant."


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Mountain rescue team hike 26km for 'injured' man - only to discover his legs ached from walking

A 16-man mountain rescue team hiked 26km in darkness during Storm Brendan to help an 'injured ' walker who called 999 for help - to find he only had 'sore legs ' .
Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team members were left outraged after trekking for 12 hours in high winds , rain , sleet and snow .
The volunteers were scrambled to rescue a walker who dialled 999 claiming to be injured on a path near Ben Alder Cottage at around 4pm on Monday ( 13 ) .
But after battling dangerous conditions across tough terrain for six hours - they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a sleeping bag in a bothy .
He was with two pals safely tucked up in the lodge - but apparently did n't cancel his 999 call .
The three teams of rescuers were left to just turn around for their six hour return journey , in the dead of night in blizzard-like conditions .
The teams had hoped to send a helicopter to the walker but the weather was so bad they were forced to go on foot .
Willie Anderson , Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team leader , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foot .
`` We reached the grid reference he gave and he was n't there , so we thought he must have gone to the Bothy .
`` We got to him at 9pm and he was laid there in his sleeping bag .
`` They were apologetic and could see we were upset .
`` He said he had sore tendons in his legs .
His legs were sore because he had walked a long way .
`` What puzzles me is why he did n't try to call us to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't expect us not to respond .
`` We had to assume there was a risk to life and took a stretcher with us .
`` It was a huge waste of our time and resources . ''
Tayside Mountain Rescue Team were also involved in the call out , which has been described as a `` total abuse '' of services .
Willie has urged all walkers to only request emergency assistance if they are genuinely in need of help and are in danger .
He said : `` We are always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are easy to avoid .
`` People need to realise what dialling 999 involves . ''

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A 16-man mountain rescue team hiked 26km in darkness during Storm Brendan to help an 'injured' walker who called 999 for help - to find he only had 'sore legs'.
Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team members were left outraged after trekking for 12 hours in high winds, rain, sleet and snow.
The volunteers were scrambled to rescue a walker who dialled 999 claiming to be injured on a path near Ben Alder Cottage at around 4pm on Monday (13).
But after battling dangerous conditions across tough terrain for six hours - they found the 'injured' man tucked up in a sleeping bag in a bothy.
He was with two pals safely tucked up in the lodge - but apparently didn't cancel his 999 call.
(Image: GariochT / SWNS)
The three teams of rescuers were left to just turn around for their six hour return journey, in the dead of night in blizzard-like conditions.
The teams had hoped to send a helicopter to the walker but the weather was so bad they were forced to go on foot.
Willie Anderson, Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team leader, said: "It was a 26km round trip on foot.
"We reached the grid reference he gave and he wasn't there, so we thought he must have gone to the Bothy.
"We got to him at 9pm and he was laid there in his sleeping bag.
"They were apologetic and could see we were upset.
(Image: GariochT / SWNS)
"He said he had sore tendons in his legs. His legs were sore because he had walked a long way.
"What puzzles me is why he didn't try to call us to say everything was ok. Surely he didn't expect us not to respond.
"We had to assume there was a risk to life and took a stretcher with us.
"It was a huge waste of our time and resources."
(Image: SWNS)
Tayside Mountain Rescue Team were also involved in the call out, which has been described as a "total abuse" of services.
Willie has urged all walkers to only request emergency assistance if they are genuinely in need of help and are in danger.
He said: "We are always happy to respond and situations like this are easy to avoid.
"People need to realise what dialling 999 involves."


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Chaos as BBC News reporter cuts himself shaving moments before going on air

A BBC reporter had an unfortunate mishap after he cut himself shaving just before going on live TV .
Business journalist Simon Jack was being interviewed on BBC One 's flagship 1pm news programme about troubled airline Flybe .
He carried out a `` two-way live '' at Exeter Airport close to the airline 's headquarters .
But he made the mistake of deciding to have a quick shave before going on screen .
Simon accidentally nicked himself and in the interview was seen trying to stem the blood flow - but failed to stop it trickling down his chin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he `` bled his way through a two way [ interview ] '' on the one o'clock bulletin and users branded it `` top TV '' .
He wrote : `` The perils of shaving with a cheap razor before doing a live .
Bled my way through a 2 way on the one o clock news .
[ sic ] '' Twitter users were quick to notice , and joked that it became suspenseful viewing .
One viewer wrote : `` Top TV !
The suspense was enormous - will the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even a stream ? ''
Another added : `` It looked like a bad one .
We 've all been there ... perhaps without the national audience . ''
But fellow television reporter Hannah McNulty said Simon `` handled it brilliantly ! ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Alex Richards and John Bett, James Rodger)

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A BBC reporter had an unfortunate mishap after he cut himself shaving just before going on live TV.
Business journalist Simon Jack was being interviewed on BBC One's flagship 1pm news programme about troubled airline Flybe.
He carried out a "two-way live" at Exeter Airport close to the airline's headquarters.
But he made the mistake of deciding to have a quick shave before going on screen.
Simon accidentally nicked himself and in the interview was seen trying to stem the blood flow - but failed to stop it trickling down his chin.
After the interview, Simon tweeted that he "bled his way through a two way [interview]" on the one o'clock bulletin and users branded it "top TV".
He wrote: "The perils of shaving with a cheap razor before doing a live. Bled my way through a 2 way on the one o clock news. [sic]"
Twitter users were quick to notice, and joked that it became suspenseful viewing.
One viewer wrote: "Top TV! The suspense was enormous - will the drop turn into a drip, or even a stream?"
Another added: "It looked like a bad one. We've all been there... perhaps without the national audience."
But fellow television reporter Hannah McNulty said Simon "handled it brilliantly!"


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Girl told she'd 'never walk' strides onto This Morning leaving Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofiel

Girl told she'd 'never walk' strides onto This Morning leaving Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield wowed

A four-year-old told she would never walk has proudly strode onto This Morning today - leaving viewers teary .
The child , Sophia , was heartbreakingly informed by medics she would never be able to walk .
But she has battled back after spending the first six months of her life in hospital due to severe heart problems .
Today , Sophie appeared alongside her mum and dad on the ITV1 daytime favourite , where she wowed Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield .
At just seven weeks old , doctors told her parents , Chantelle and Samuel , that their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant she would never walk , reports WalesOnline .
Appearing on This Morning , Chantelle said : “ When she was born they said she was a happy and healthy child , and then she was discharged at two days old .
She ’ d been home for an hour and had a cardiac arrest.
” She added : “ It was quite traumatic .
When she was five days old she had her first open heart surgery .
“ She was on life support in intensive care .
“ We got told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would get life support because she had quite a lot of brain damage .
They didn ’ t think she would be able to survive the ventilator.
” Sophia ’ s dad , Samuel , said : “ One of the nurses noticed that her anatomy didn ’ t look how ours would , and they did a scan and diagnosed her with sacral agenesis.
” Sophia ’ s parents were left with the options of giving their daughter a wheelchair in the future , or amputating both of her legs .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out their own daily physiotherapy using helium balloons to strengthen Sophia ’ s legs .
The parents explained how their daughter started to try to kick a balloon while she was in hospital , which they then carried on using as physio .
Thanks to their perseverance , Sophia managed to take her first steps in October 2018 .
Samuel said : “ She was always lifting up against the sofa , but she decided she was off into the kitchen .
“ It was like she ’ d always been walking behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phil how she wants to be a magician when older , and was given a special magic set from the presenters .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Sian Filcher, James Rodger)

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A four-year-old told she would never walk has proudly strode onto This Morning today - leaving viewers teary.
The child, Sophia, was heartbreakingly informed by medics she would never be able to walk.
But she has battled back after spending the first six months of her life in hospital due to severe heart problems.
Today, Sophie appeared alongside her mum and dad on the ITV1 daytime favourite, where she wowed Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
At just seven weeks old, doctors told her parents, Chantelle and Samuel, that their daughter had a rare birth defect that meant she would never walk, reports WalesOnline.
(Image: ITV)
Appearing on This Morning, Chantelle said: “When she was born they said she was a happy and healthy child, and then she was discharged at two days old. She’d been home for an hour and had a cardiac arrest.”
She added: “It was quite traumatic. When she was five days old she had her first open heart surgery.
“She was on life support in intensive care.
“We got told that they didn’t think she would get life support because she had quite a lot of brain damage. They didn’t think she would be able to survive the ventilator.”
(Image: ITV)
Sophia’s dad, Samuel, said: “One of the nurses noticed that her anatomy didn’t look how ours would, and they did a scan and diagnosed her with sacral agenesis.”
Sophia’s parents were left with the options of giving their daughter a wheelchair in the future, or amputating both of her legs.
But Chantelle and Samuel instead decided to carry out their own daily physiotherapy using helium balloons to strengthen Sophia’s legs.
The parents explained how their daughter started to try to kick a balloon while she was in hospital, which they then carried on using as physio.
Thanks to their perseverance, Sophia managed to take her first steps in October 2018.
(Image: ITV)
Samuel said: “She was always lifting up against the sofa, but she decided she was off into the kitchen.
“It was like she’d always been walking behind our backs.”
Sophia told Holly and Phil how she wants to be a magician when older, and was given a special magic set from the presenters.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Stan Kirsch dies aged 51 as tributes for Friends star pour in

A star of the hit sitcom Friends has tragically died , it has been confirmed .
Stan Kirsch , an actor who played Ethan in the smash hit sitcom , has been found dead at his home .
The actor , who appeared in Friends as well as Highlander , was discovered at his property in Los Angeles , in California .
Kirsch played a love interest for Monica in the sitcom , which aired from 1994 to 2004 .
Kirsch appeared in one episode of friends in 1995 and in Highlander from 1992 to 1998 .
He was found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is reported that he took his own life and paramedics were unable to revive him at the scene .
He also played Lieutenant Ferrari in JAG for five seasons .
In a message on Facebook wife Kristyn wrote : `` I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support .
`` I have n't been able to respond to all the texts , calls , emails -- but have read or listened to every single one of them .
`` I feel surrounded by love and am forever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you . ''
The official Highlander Facebook group paid tribute to Stan writing : “ It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Stan Kirsch .
“ Without Stan Kirsch , Highlander : The Series would have been far less .
He brought a sense of humor , kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons .
”

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A star of the hit sitcom Friends has tragically died, it has been confirmed.
Stan Kirsch, an actor who played Ethan in the smash hit sitcom, has been found dead at his home.
The actor, who appeared in Friends as well as Highlander, was discovered at his property in Los Angeles, in California.
Kirsch played a love interest for Monica in the sitcom, which aired from 1994 to 2004.
Kirsch appeared in one episode of friends in 1995 and in Highlander from 1992 to 1998.
He was found by his wife Kristyn Green on Saturday.
It is reported that he took his own life and paramedics were unable to revive him at the scene.
He also played Lieutenant Ferrari in JAG for five seasons.
In a message on Facebook wife Kristyn wrote: "I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support.
"I haven't been able to respond to all the texts, calls, emails -- but have read or listened to every single one of them.
"I feel surrounded by love and am forever grateful to each and every one of you."
The official Highlander Facebook group paid tribute to Stan writing: “It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Stan Kirsch.
“Without Stan Kirsch, Highlander: The Series would have been far less. He brought a sense of humor, kindness and youthful enthusiasm to the character of Richie Ryan for six seasons.”


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Aston Villa transfer news LIVE: New goalkeeper rumour and Nketiah, Benteke & Piatek updates

Hello and welcome to Wednesday 's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive .
Villa completed their first signing of the @ @ @ @ @ former England international Danny Drinkwater joining in a loan deal from Chelsea until the end @ @ @ @ @ made his debut as Dean Smith 's side were beaten 6-1 by Manchester City on @ @ @ @ @ work to be done in the transfer market as Villa look for a replacement for @ @ @ @ @ is out for the season .
Yesterday , goalkeeper Pepe Reina completed his move to @ @ @ @ @ of the season and more transfer activity is expected .
We will have all the @ @ @ @ @ links on any transfer news on incomings and outgoings at Villa Park .
Follow all @ @ @ @

Thank you for following Saturday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
Villa have already completed two signings this window and a third is well on the way.
Danny Drinkwater and Pepe Reina have both joined until the end of the season but a new striker is the priority for Dean Smith.
And Villa have set their sights on Mbwana Ally Samatta from Belgian club Genk. The 27-year-old is set to sign in a deal worth around £8.5m as a replacement for Wesley Moraes who won't play again this season.
With Samatta poised to join, we will also have all the latest news and rumours on any other incomings and outgoings at Villa Park.
Follow all the action below...


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Love Island twins' dad issues huge swipe at trolls abusing Eve and Jess Gale

The father of Love Island 's late arrivals has spoken out after tensions flared in the ITV2 show as twins Eve and Jess Gale clashed over a boy .
The pair already sent shockwaves through the villa when they made a late arrival after the 10 new singletons had coupled up , and were told they had the power to split up two couples by picking whichever boys they wanted to be with .
Brian Gale , dad to new contestants , twins Eve and Jess , has stuck up for his daughters amid social media criticism after they entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unexpected twist .
Jake Quickenden tweeted to his 500,000 followers : `` The twins : 'we never argue over a man ' .
The twins 10mins in : 'you 're doing my f**king head in I like that one ' # loveisland '' .
The tweet had thousands of likes and lots of replies - one of which was from Jess and Eve 's dad .
Brian Gale responded : `` I have seen them have a bigger disagreement over a t-shirt '' .
As the deadline looms in Monday 's episode , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As Eve reveals to her sister who she wants to choose , Jess says : `` I ca n't believe you made that decision .
How come you made that decision ? ''
`` I do n't know , that 's just the way I feel , '' Eve replies .
`` Eve , can I just please explain ? ''
Jess says .
But her sister responds : `` We 're not arguing over a guy , Jess , this is n't happening . ''
`` You 're annoying me so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contestants are also tense about who the twins might pick .
Mike Boateng tries to reassure Leanne Amaning of his feelings towards her after she worries he will be stolen by one of the sisters .
`` I have come in here to find love , to find that someone , '' he tells her .
`` My initial thoughts of you is that you could be that someone .
And you 're a beautiful girl . ''
Worried , Shaughna Phillips asks her `` partner '' Callum Jones for a parting kiss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She says in the Beach Hut : `` I 've done what the dogs do with the lamppost .
I 've left my scent . ''
Love Island returned on Sunday with a new host in Laura Whitmore , who took over from regular presenter Caroline Flack after she stepped down following an assault charge .
The new series is being held in Cape Town , South Africa , and will see the winning couple in with a chance of pocketing £50,000 .

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The father of Love Island's late arrivals has spoken out after tensions flared in the ITV2 show as twins Eve and Jess Gale clashed over a boy.
The pair already sent shockwaves through the villa when they made a late arrival after the 10 new singletons had coupled up, and were told they had the power to split up two couples by picking whichever boys they wanted to be with.
Brian Gale, dad to new contestants, twins Eve and Jess, has stuck up for his daughters amid social media criticism after they entered the villa on Sunday night in an unexpected twist.
Jake Quickenden tweeted to his 500,000 followers: "The twins: 'we never argue over a man'. The twins 10mins in: 'you're doing my f**king head in I like that one' #loveisland".
(Image: ITV)
The tweet had thousands of likes and lots of replies - one of which was from Jess and Eve's dad.
Brian Gale responded: "I have seen them have a bigger disagreement over a t-shirt".
As the deadline looms in Monday's episode, the pair clash over their choice.
As Eve reveals to her sister who she wants to choose, Jess says: "I can't believe you made that decision. How come you made that decision?"
(Image: ITV)
"I don't know, that's just the way I feel," Eve replies.
"Eve, can I just please explain?" Jess says.
But her sister responds: "We're not arguing over a guy, Jess, this isn't happening."
"You're annoying me so much!" storms Jess.
The other contestants are also tense about who the twins might pick.
Mike Boateng tries to reassure Leanne Amaning of his feelings towards her after she worries he will be stolen by one of the sisters.
"I have come in here to find love, to find that someone," he tells her.
"My initial thoughts of you is that you could be that someone. And you're a beautiful girl."
Worried, Shaughna Phillips asks her "partner" Callum Jones for a parting kiss in case they are split up.
She says in the Beach Hut: "I've done what the dogs do with the lamppost. I've left my scent."
Love Island returned on Sunday with a new host in Laura Whitmore, who took over from regular presenter Caroline Flack after she stepped down following an assault charge.
The new series is being held in Cape Town, South Africa, and will see the winning couple in with a chance of pocketing £50,000.
Love Island airs tonight at 9pm on ITV2.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Slipknot return to venue of iconic Ozzy Osbourne festival performance for first UK Knotfest - how to

Slipknot return to venue of iconic Ozzy Osbourne festival performance for first UK Knotfest - how to get tickets

Slipknot are returning to the venue of one of their most famous performances for the first ever UK Knotfest rock and heavy metal music festival this year .
The Grammy Award-winning band will take to the stage on Saturday August 22 at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes .
It will be the first time Slipknot has returned to The National Bowl since their legendary set at Ozzfest in 2001 - the festival founded by Birmingham rock icon and Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne .
Knotfest has been held in America , Japan , Mexico and Columbia - but 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
Tickets go on general sale for Knotfest from 10am on January 16 from The Ticket Factory and you can get yours here .
Famous for their chaotic and masked performances , Slipknot created the Knotfest music festival - billed as a `` mind-altering collision of music , art and culture '' - in 2012 in a two-city event in Council Bluffs , Iowa , and Somerset , Wisconsin .
Since then it has rapidly spread around the world and featured performers from Napalm Death to Limp Bizkit and Judas Priest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ France with a special Knotfest Meets Hellfest last year and 2020 marks the inaugural Knotfest At Sea cruise from Barcelona on August 10 with Slipknot as headliners .
There 's a huge demand to see Slipknot and their latest UK tour sold out quickly - in just eight minutes for The 02 in London .
The tour includes a stop-off at Arena Birmingham on January 24 , 2020 .
The band from Iowa , whose latest single is Unsainted , is famous for tracks including Wait and Bleed , Duality and The Negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tour on the back of latest album We Are Not Your Kind .
Renowned for their live performances , Slipknot headlined the Main Stage at Download Festival 2019 at Donnington Park and entertained fans in Birmingham at the Genting Arena in 2016 .
The full line-up for the music festival is yet to be announced .
Tickets cost from £95.60 from The Ticket Factory and you can get yours here .

Slipknot are returning to the venue of one of their most famous performances for the first ever UK Knotfest rock and heavy metal music festival this year.
The Grammy Award-winning band will take to the stage on Saturday August 22 at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes.
It will be the first time Slipknot has returned to The National Bowl since their legendary set at Ozzfest in 2001 - the festival founded by Birmingham rock icon and Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne.
(Image: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Knotfest has been held in America, Japan, Mexico and Columbia - but 2020 will be its long-awaited debut in the UK.
Tickets go on general sale for Knotfest from 10am on January 16 from The Ticket Factory and you can get yours here .
Famous for their chaotic and masked performances, Slipknot created the Knotfest music festival - billed as a "mind-altering collision of music, art and culture" - in 2012 in a two-city event in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Somerset, Wisconsin.
Since then it has rapidly spread around the world and featured performers from Napalm Death to Limp Bizkit and Judas Priest.
There has even been a presence in France with a special Knotfest Meets Hellfest last year and 2020 marks the inaugural Knotfest At Sea cruise from Barcelona on August 10 with Slipknot as headliners.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
There's a huge demand to see Slipknot and their latest UK tour sold out quickly - in just eight minutes for The 02 in London. The tour includes a stop-off at Arena Birmingham on January 24, 2020.
The band from Iowa, whose latest single is Unsainted, is famous for tracks including Wait and Bleed, Duality and The Negative One and they are currently on a tour on the back of latest album We Are Not Your Kind.
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Renowned for their live performances, Slipknot headlined the Main Stage at Download Festival 2019 at Donnington Park and entertained fans in Birmingham at the Genting Arena in 2016.
The full line-up for the music festival is yet to be announced.
Tickets cost from £95.60 from The Ticket Factory and you can get yours here .


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Live updates as four go on trial for murder of James Teer in Erdington

Two men and two women have gone on trial charged with the murder of an Erdington man who was shot dead while playing football in the street .
James Teer was killed in Goosemoor Lane on August 8 .
Sharn Miles , 19 , of Gowan Road , Alum Rock ; Ty Blake , 18 , of Shustoke Road , Shard End ; Lauren Malin , 20 , of Community Close and Kiri Jolliffe , 21 , of William Bree Road , both Coventry , have denied murder .
The are appearing at Birmingham Crown Court today .
Follow updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are on the go , the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live .
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Breaking news , the latest on your football club , the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you .
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first .
Download it on iPhone and Android .

Two men and two women have gone on trial charged with the murder of an Erdington man who was shot dead while playing football in the street.
James Teer was killed in Goosemoor Lane on August 8.
Sharn Miles, 19, of Gowan Road, Alum Rock; Ty Blake, 18, of Shustoke Road, Shard End; Lauren Malin, 20, of Community Close and Kiri Jolliffe, 21, of William Bree Road, both Coventry, have denied murder.
The are appearing at Birmingham Crown Court today.
Follow updates from the trial below.
If you are on the go, the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live.
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you.
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.
Download it on iPhone and Android .
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from Birmingham Courts by joining of Facebook group here


birminghammail--2020-01-15--The top Championship players Birmingham City could sign for free this year

We are halfway through the January transfer window - and Birmingham City are yet to make a signing .
With the Championship table finely poised , both at the top and bottom ends , there could be plenty of movement throughout the next month .
Similarly , the free-agent market is also heating up for the 2020 summer window , with a host of big names currently set to leave for nothing in a couple of months time .
With that in mind , clubs could be forced to cash in on their star names in January or risk allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a list of the best Championship free agents that are set to be available this summer , though some clubs have options .
If you want to follow all things Birmingham City via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest Blues news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Brian Dick on Twitter , and his email address is Brian.Dick @ reachplc.com

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Connor O’Neill , Brian Dick)

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We are halfway through the January transfer window - and Birmingham City are yet to make a signing.
With the Championship table finely poised, both at the top and bottom ends, there could be plenty of movement throughout the next month.
Similarly, the free-agent market is also heating up for the 2020 summer window, with a host of big names currently set to leave for nothing in a couple of months time.
With that in mind, clubs could be forced to cash in on their star names in January or risk allowing them to depart for free.
Here’s a list of the best Championship free agents that are set to be available this summer, though some clubs have options.
Goalkeepers
Declan Rudd - Preston North End
Kristoffer Nordfeldt - Swansea City
Bartosz Bialkowski - Millwall
Ali Al-Habsi - West Brom
Vito Mannone - Reading
Niki Maenpaa - Bristol City
Ben Amos - Charlton Athletic
Adam Federici - Stoke City
Cameron Dawson - Sheffield Wednesday
James Shea - Luton Town
Jordan Smith - Nottingham Forest
Jonathan Bond - West Brom
Defenders
Daniel Ayala - Middlesbrough
Mike van der Hoorn - Swansea City
Kyle Naughton - Swansea City
Jake Cooper - Millwall
Ryan Shotton - Middlesbrough
Denis Odoi - Fulham
Stephen Kingsley - Hull City
Jack Robinson - Nottingham Forest
Henrik Dalsgaard - Brentford
Ashley Williams - Bristol City
(Image: PA)
Danny Simpson - Huddersfield Town
Stephen Ward - Stoke City
George Friend - Middlesbrough
Eric Lichaj - Hull City
Tyler Blackett - Reading
Chris Gunter - Reading
Chey Dunkley - Wigan Athletic
Lee Peltier - Cardiff City
Alex Pearce - Millwall
Jordan Obita - Reading
Grant Hall - Queens Park Rangers
Sol Bamba - Cardiff City
Bailey Wright - Bristol City
Morgan Fox - Sheffield Wednesday
Jazz Richards - Cardiff City
Craig Forsyth - Derby County
Curtin Davies - Derby County
Michael Dawson - Nottingham Forest
Gaetano Berardi - Leeds United
Midfielders
Markus Henriksen - Hull City
Kevin Stewart- Hull City
Jackson Irvine - Hull City
Jonny Howson - Middlesbrough
Jonathan Hogg - Huddersfield Town
Kevin McDonald - Fulham
Tom Carroll - Swansea City
Kamohelo Mokotjo - Brentford
Tom Huddlestone - Derby County
Sam Hutchinson - Sheffield Wednesday
Niclas Eliasson - Bristol City
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/WBA FC via Getty Images)
Chris Brunt - West Brom
Kyle Edwards - West Brom
Jon Toral - Hull City
Jonny Williams - Charlton Athletic
Alex Mowatt - Barnsley
Josh Scowen - Barnsley
Korey Smith - Bristol City
Ben Watson - Nottingham Forest
Kieran Lee - Sheffield Wednesday
Attackers
Jarrod Bowen - Hull City
Borja Baston - Swansea City
Kamil Grosicki - Hull City
Elias Kachunga - Huddersfield Town
Jordan Rhodes - Sheffield Wednesday
Sam Winnall - Sheffield Wednesday
Steven Fletcher - Sheffield Wednesday
Fernando Forestieri - Sheffield Wednesday
Chris Martin - Derby County
Mame Diouf - Stoke City
Lee Tomlin - Cardiff City
Rudy Gestede - Middlesbrough
Hal Robson-Kanu - West Brom
Nathan Dyer - Swansea City
Danny Ward - Cardiff City
Colin Quaner - Huddersfield Town
Lyle Taylor - Charlton Athletic
Michael Jacobs - Wigan Athletic
Anthony Pilkington - Wigan Athletic


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Council tax bills to triple for Birmingham homes left empty for five years

Council tax bills are set to be tripled for more than 360 homes which have sat empty in Birmingham for five or more years .
The city council is proposing the measure in a bid to bring as many disused properties into use as possible amidst a housing crisis .
It is also expected to generate an extra £500,000 for the authority which as it stands will be looking to make around £27m worth of cuts overall in 2020/21 , according to its draft budget plans .
The proposal is included in a report establishing the council tax base for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to cabinet next Tuesday ( January 21 ) .
If approved it will follow on from the introduction of a double ( 100 per cent ) rate applied previously to homes empty for more than two years .
In total 2,257 properties are set to be affected by both premiums .
Last year 1,888 were hit by the double premium therefore it is calculated 369 will be charged the triple rate .
Under the 50 per cent premium in place since 2013 the council generated £1.15m per year by 2018/19 in additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bolster funding for day-to-day services .
That figure doubled in 2019/20 with the introduction of the double premium .
The Birmingham Development Plan set out the need for 89,000 more homes in the city between 2011 and 2031 , while thousands of people are currently sitting on the housing waiting list .
Cllr Tristan Chatfield ( Lab , Weoley and Selly Oak ) , cabinet member for finance and resources , said : `` We have a housing crisis locally , regionally and nationally , whilst local councils have suffered a decade of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it increasingly difficult for us to meet the needs and expectations of citizens , but this proposed policy is one way in which we can partially redress the balance , by incentivising property owners who are sitting on homes with no obvious intended use to get them back into circulation for people that are in need of a roof over their heads .
`` For those who don ’ t take any action , we will be in a position to bill them and use the income that is generated on the services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis .
This policy strikes a good balance and I hope it sees more homes come back into use . ''
Carl Jackson is the Local Democracy Reporter covering Birmingham City Council .
My role , which is funded by the BBC , involves scrutinising the decisions made by the council , holding its elected members and executives to account , and unearthing issues buried in reports .
But most importantly it 's about how the council impacts on the lives of you , the taxpayer .
Have you got a local issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doing about it ?
Please get in touch : Follow my social media pages to keep up to date with all things Birmingham City Council Read more of my stories HERE The recommendation in next week 's cabinet report states : `` Approves the implementation of a change permitted by legislation as stated in the Rating ( Property in Common Occupation ) and Council Tax ( Empty Dwellings ) Act 2018 , that allows the Council to charge a premium on long term empty properties , that have been empty for at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent of Council Tax from 1st April 2020 .
`` This follows on from the implementation of a 100 per cent premium for all long-term empty properties that was approved in the 2019/20 Tax Base report . ''

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Council tax bills are set to be tripled for more than 360 homes which have sat empty in Birmingham for five or more years.
The city council is proposing the measure in a bid to bring as many disused properties into use as possible amidst a housing crisis. It is also expected to generate an extra £500,000 for the authority which as it stands will be looking to make around £27m worth of cuts overall in 2020/21, according to its draft budget plans.
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The proposal is included in a report establishing the council tax base for the year, which is due to go to cabinet next Tuesday (January 21). If approved it will follow on from the introduction of a double (100 per cent) rate applied previously to homes empty for more than two years.
In total 2,257 properties are set to be affected by both premiums. Last year 1,888 were hit by the double premium therefore it is calculated 369 will be charged the triple rate.
Under the 50 per cent premium in place since 2013 the council generated £1.15m per year by 2018/19 in additional council tax income which has helped to bolster funding for day-to-day services. That figure doubled in 2019/20 with the introduction of the double premium.
The Birmingham Development Plan set out the need for 89,000 more homes in the city between 2011 and 2031, while thousands of people are currently sitting on the housing waiting list.
Cllr Tristan Chatfield (Lab, Weoley and Selly Oak), cabinet member for finance and resources, said: "We have a housing crisis locally, regionally and nationally, whilst local councils have suffered a decade of funding cuts.
"That has made it increasingly difficult for us to meet the needs and expectations of citizens, but this proposed policy is one way in which we can partially redress the balance, by incentivising property owners who are sitting on homes with no obvious intended use to get them back into circulation for people that are in need of a roof over their heads.
"For those who don’t take any action, we will be in a position to bill them and use the income that is generated on the services that people desperately need on a day-to-day basis. This policy strikes a good balance and I hope it sees more homes come back into use."
About the author: Carl Jackson Carl Jackson is the Local Democracy Reporter covering Birmingham City Council. My role, which is funded by the BBC, involves scrutinising the decisions made by the council, holding its elected members and executives to account, and unearthing issues buried in reports. But most importantly it's about how the council impacts on the lives of you, the taxpayer. Have you got a local issue and want to know what the council is doing about it? Please get in touch: Telephone: 07584 591273 Email: carl.jackson@reachplc.com Follow my social media pages to keep up to date with all things Birmingham City Council Facebook - Carl Jackson - Brum council news Twitter - @CarlJacksonLDR Read more of my stories HERE
The recommendation in next week's cabinet report states: "Approves the implementation of a change permitted by legislation as stated in the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018, that allows the Council to charge a premium on long term empty properties, that have been empty for at least 5 years, of 200 per cent of Council Tax from 1st April 2020.
"This follows on from the implementation of a 100 per cent premium for all long-term empty properties that was approved in the 2019/20 Tax Base report."


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Cyber criminal who hacked National Lottery with Birmingham man for just £13 jailed

A cyber criminal who concocted a hack on the National Lottery database alongside a Birmingham man has been jailed .
Anwar Batson , from West London , orchestrated a hack into the Lottery website in November 2016 .
He gained access and information to its nine million customer accounts .
A court heard Batson gave the username and password of one lottery player to Idris Kayode Akinwunm , from Birmingham , who in turn stole £13 from the victim 's account before sending Batson £5 .
Batson was arrested in May 2017 , reports MyLondon , our sister title .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the victim of online trolling and his devices had been cloned or hacked .
Batson , of Lancaster Road , was arrested by police before any more money could be stolen .
Batson , 29 , was jailed for nine months at at Southwark Crown Court on Friday ( January 10 ) .
The court heard that Batson was responsible for using a widely available hacking tool - Sentry MBA - to create a file that launched the attack .
Using the online name 'Rosegold ' , he told others they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool against Camelot , which runs the National Lottery .
When National Crime Agency ( NCA ) officers seized his devices they discovered conversations between Rosegold and others about hacking , buying and selling of username and password lists , configuration files and personal details .
His computer also contained the conversation with Akinwunmi about stealing £13 .
Officers also found clothes at Batson 's flat which had been dispatched to 'Rosegold ' on the address label .
Batson was jailed after admitting four offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thompson , 27 , of Millfield Avenue , Newcastle , and Akinwunmi , 21 , of Kingston Road , Birmingham were jailed for eight months and four months respectively at Birmingham Crown Court for their roles in the hack .
NCA senior investigating officer Andrew Shorrock said : `` Even the most basic forms of cyber crime can have a substantial impact on victims .
`` No one should think cyber crime is victimless or that they can get away with it .
`` The NCA will pursue and identify offenders and any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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A cyber criminal who concocted a hack on the National Lottery database alongside a Birmingham man has been jailed.
Anwar Batson, from West London, orchestrated a hack into the Lottery website in November 2016.
He gained access and information to its nine million customer accounts.
A court heard Batson gave the username and password of one lottery player to Idris Kayode Akinwunm, from Birmingham, who in turn stole £13 from the victim's account before sending Batson £5.
Batson was arrested in May 2017, reports MyLondon , our sister title.
He denied any involvement and claimed he was the victim of online trolling and his devices had been cloned or hacked.
Batson, of Lancaster Road, was arrested by police before any more money could be stolen.
Batson, 29, was jailed for nine months at at Southwark Crown Court on Friday (January 10).
The court heard that Batson was responsible for using a widely available hacking tool - Sentry MBA - to create a file that launched the attack.
Using the online name 'Rosegold', he told others they could make quick cash by using the hacking tool against Camelot, which runs the National Lottery.
When National Crime Agency (NCA) officers seized his devices they discovered conversations between Rosegold and others about hacking, buying and selling of username and password lists, configuration files and personal details.
His computer also contained the conversation with Akinwunmi about stealing £13.
Stay up to date with live updates from your postcode area Looking for the latest news in your postcode? We have launched a brand new website InYourArea.co.uk allowing you to stay up to date with what's happening near you. It also has an app. Search the latest news, property listings, jobs, planning applications, public notices and more. To get breaking news sent to your phone, download the BirminghamLive app here.
Officers also found clothes at Batson's flat which had been dispatched to 'Rosegold' on the address label.
Batson was jailed after admitting four offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and one fraud charge.
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In July 2018 Daniel Thompson, 27, of Millfield Avenue, Newcastle, and Akinwunmi, 21, of Kingston Road, Birmingham were jailed for eight months and four months respectively at Birmingham Crown Court for their roles in the hack.
NCA senior investigating officer Andrew Shorrock said: "Even the most basic forms of cyber crime can have a substantial impact on victims.
"No one should think cyber crime is victimless or that they can get away with it.
"The NCA will pursue and identify offenders and any conviction can be devastating to their futures.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--‘Sign him up’ - Fans go wild over Aston Villa transfer contact

Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia is being linked with a January departure to Nottingham Forest .
Kodjia has struggled to force his way into Dean Smith ’ s plans this season , making just nine appearances in all competitions including just two starts .
He became Smith ’ s only option upfront at the start of January when Wesley Moraes was ruled out for the rest of the season with Keinan Davis still recovering from a hamstring injury .
But he has missed Villa ’ s last two matches – the 6-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draw at Leicester – through illness .
Several clubs are understood to hold an interest in Kodjia and Smith last week refused to rule out a sale for the 30-year-old .
Asked whether Kodjia could leave Villa Park this month , the head coach said : “ Any player at any club , if a deal is given and it ’ s right for the selling club and buying club , then any of the players could ( leave ) .
But , will he go ?
I don ’ t know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forest are believed to have contacted Villa over a potential move for Kodjia , which would see the forward link up with former B6 teammates Albert Adomah and Lewis Grabban .
Here 's what fans of the Championship side are saying : Nick Glover : I ’ d be happy with him , also knows a couple of the lads which would help him settle quicker !
Tim Faulkner : He 's what we need .
If fit and up for the promotion battle at Forest .
Rory Kerry : Be very happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Sinden : Just sign him up action speaks louder than words .
We 've been hearing we need another striker for months and months , act now .
Stuart Rowe : You have to ask why Villa would rather play without a striker than pick him .
Aaron Witts : He 's an absolute beast - he 's a 'get in behind ' player for sure

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Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia is being linked with a January departure to Nottingham Forest.
Kodjia has struggled to force his way into Dean Smith’s plans this season, making just nine appearances in all competitions including just two starts.
He became Smith’s only option upfront at the start of January when Wesley Moraes was ruled out for the rest of the season with Keinan Davis still recovering from a hamstring injury.
But he has missed Villa’s last two matches – the 6-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg draw at Leicester – through illness.
Several clubs are understood to hold an interest in Kodjia and Smith last week refused to rule out a sale for the 30-year-old.
Asked whether Kodjia could leave Villa Park this month, the head coach said: “Any player at any club, if a deal is given and it’s right for the selling club and buying club, then any of the players could (leave). But, will he go? I don’t know, that’s the honest answer.”
Forest are believed to have contacted Villa over a potential move for Kodjia, which would see the forward link up with former B6 teammates Albert Adomah and Lewis Grabban.
Here's what fans of the Championship side are saying:
Nick Glover: I’d be happy with him, also knows a couple of the lads which would help him settle quicker!
Tim Faulkner: He's what we need. If fit and up for the promotion battle at Forest.
Rory Kerry: Be very happy with him and a speedy winger.
Mike Sinden: Just sign him up action speaks louder than words. We've been hearing we need another striker for months and months, act now.
Stuart Rowe: You have to ask why Villa would rather play without a striker than pick him.
Aaron Witts: He's an absolute beast - he's a 'get in behind' player for sure


birminghammail--2020-01-15--West Brom transfer news: Orsic wants Baggies move as Bilic targets striker, Dwight Gayle latest

Thank you for following Wednesday 's transfer blog for West Brom fans .
With the transfer deadline fast approaching , @ @ @ @ @ all the latest news and rumours surrounding Albion .
From morning until night we will @ @ @ @ @ breaking news , gossip , analysis and opinion .
With Slaven Bilic looking to strengthen @ @ @ @ @ of the campaign , it promises to be a busy period of transfer activity at @ @ @ @ @ every day until the transfer window closes .

Welcome to our LIVE coverage of West Bromwich Albion, brought to you by Birmingham Live.
We will be providing you with all of the reaction to transfer deadline day right here, so make sure you stay tuned.
In addition, we will also be looking ahead to today’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Luton Town, ads the Baggies continue their quest for promotion to the Premier League.
Deadline day saw Albion make a number of moves in the transfer market, starting with the arrival of Kamil Grosicki from Hull City.
Albion also signed defender Lee Peltier on a free transfer from Cardiff City, with the 33-year-old signing a short-term deal at The Hawthorns until the end of the season.
Chris Willock joined Championship rivals Huddersfield Town, having had his loan spell with the Baggies cut short.
There was also drama as Nathan Ferguson’s proposed move to Crystal Palace fell through at the eleventh hour
Join us as we provide you with all of the reaction to deadline day, as well as looking ahead to today’s match against the Hatters.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Birmingham City transfers: Italian midfielder linked, Villalba, Gavranovic and Bellingham latest

Thank you for following Wednesday 's transfer blog for Birmingham City fans .
With the transfer deadline fast approaching , @ @ @ @ @ all the latest news and rumours surrounding Blues .
From morning until night we will @ @ @ @ @ breaking news , gossip , analysis and opinion .
With Pep Clotet looking to strengthen @ @ @ @ @ of the campaign , it promises to be a busy period of transfer activity at @ @ @ @ @ every day until the transfer window closes .

Welcome to our deadline day transfer blog for Birmingham City fans.
With the transfer window closing today, we take a look at all the latest news and rumours surrounding Blues.
From morning until night we will be here with all the breaking news, gossip, analysis and opinion.
With Pep Clotet looking to strengthen his side for the rest of the campaign, it promises to be an interesting day of transfer activity at the club.
Jude Bellingham continues to be of interest to Manchester United, with reports suggesting that a £25 million bid has been turned down.
Join us today until the transfer window closes.
Follow all the action below...


birminghammail--2020-01-15--Wolves transfer news - latest striker links, VAR and Man Utd FA Cup reaction

Thank you for following our Wednesday transfer blog for Wolves fans .
With the January transfer window already halfway through @ @ @ @ @ all the latest news and rumours surrounding Wolverhampton Wanderers .
From morning until night we @ @ @ @ @ the breaking news , gossip , analysis and opinion .
And with Nuno Espírito Santo @ @ @ @ @ for the rest of the Premier League campaign , it promises to be a busy @ @ @ @ @ the club .
Join us every day until the transfer window closes .
For all @ @ @ @ @ opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jonny Bonell, Keith Wales)

Welcome to our live Wolverhampton Wanderers coverage, brought to you by BirminghamLive.
The January transfer window has now closed after Friday night's 11pm deadline came and went.
Wolves signed four players during the month, with Daniel Podence, Leonardo Campana, Enzo Loiodice and Luke Matheson all signing up.
Matheson arrived on deadline day before being loaned straight back to Rochdale. Elsewhere, a host of players went out on loan, including Ryan Bennett to Leicester City.
We will bring you all the reaction and fallout from the end of the transfer window right, plus build-up to Wolves' Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford (5.30pm).
Seventh-placed Wanderers only trail fifth-placed United on goal difference.
You can follow events as they unfolded in our live blog below...


birminghammail--2020-01-15--'Working on an offer' - Aston Villa linked with Uruguay attacking midfielder

PSV Eindhoven 's Gastón Pereiro namedropped Aston Villa as a potential destination during an interview on Uruguayan radio tonight .
Speaking to Sport 890 , Pereiro stated that while his club have sealed a deal with MLS outfit FC Cincinnati , his agent is currently working on an offer from Villa : '' PSV told me that they have already come to an agreement with Cincinnati .
I told my representative that if there is a chance to stay in Europe I prefer that .
He is working on an offer from Aston Villa . ''
The attacking midfielder has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season after a number of positive campaigns .
A collarbone injury has kept the playmaker out of contention .
He has been heavily linked with a move to 'Queen City ' to join Cincinnati this month , who are a team in heavy need of improvements after a poor start to life in Major League Soccer .
If Cincinnati can beat Villa to the punch - the midfielder would become the biggest presence in the team .
However , it is Villa who seem to be the spanner in the works , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the meantime , Villa will continue their ongoing search for a striker .

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PSV Eindhoven's Gastón Pereiro namedropped Aston Villa as a potential destination during an interview on Uruguayan radio tonight.
Speaking to Sport 890 , Pereiro stated that while his club have sealed a deal with MLS outfit FC Cincinnati, his agent is currently working on an offer from Villa:
"PSV told me that they have already come to an agreement with Cincinnati. I told my representative that if there is a chance to stay in Europe I prefer that. He is working on an offer from Aston Villa."
The attacking midfielder has barely featured for PSV in the Eredivisie this season after a number of positive campaigns. A collarbone injury has kept the playmaker out of contention.
He has been heavily linked with a move to 'Queen City' to join Cincinnati this month, who are a team in heavy need of improvements after a poor start to life in Major League Soccer. If Cincinnati can beat Villa to the punch - the midfielder would become the biggest presence in the team.
However, it is Villa who seem to be the spanner in the works, according to Pereiro's radio interview.
In the meantime, Villa will continue their ongoing search for a striker.


birminghammail--2020-01-15--'Something is wrong' - Nuno vents after Manchester United edge past Wolves

Nuno Espirito believes ‘ something is wrong ’ with VAR after it worked against Wolverhampton Wanderers again in their defeat to Manchester United .
Juan Mata ’ s second half strike eventually decided the FA Cup third round replay at Old Trafford but Wolves were left feeling aggrieved once more after VAR ruled out Pedro Neto ’ s 10th minute strike .
The Portuguese attacker - whose goal at Anfield last month was also disallowed by VAR - finished well but the ball struck Raul Jimenez ’ s hand in the build-up .
There was no intention by Jimenez to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any contact between an attacking player ’ s arm and the ball inside the penalty area is illegal .
“ I didn ’ t see the images but it ’ s VAR , ” shrugged Nuno in his post-match press conference .
“ We are afraid to celebrate .
We don ’ t celebrate no more and then Old Trafford celebrates a no goal .
It ’ s VAR - something is wrong.
” Nuno added : “ Don ’ t tell me it was harsh because it makes me even more frustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extending to five matches , Nuno felt his team performed well against United .
“ When you go out of a competition you are sad , you are frustrated - but how we played can help us moving forward .
We need to try to sustain this level of performance and take our chances .
”

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Nuno Espirito believes ‘something is wrong’ with VAR after it worked against Wolverhampton Wanderers again in their defeat to Manchester United.
Juan Mata’s second half strike eventually decided the FA Cup third round replay at Old Trafford but Wolves were left feeling aggrieved once more after VAR ruled out Pedro Neto’s 10th minute strike.
The Portuguese attacker - whose goal at Anfield last month was also disallowed by VAR - finished well but the ball struck Raul Jimenez’s hand in the build-up.
There was no intention by Jimenez to handle the ball but new laws mean any contact between an attacking player’s arm and the ball inside the penalty area is illegal.
“I didn’t see the images but it’s VAR,” shrugged Nuno in his post-match press conference. “We are afraid to celebrate. We don’t celebrate no more and then Old Trafford celebrates a no goal. It’s VAR - something is wrong.”
Nuno added: “Don’t tell me it was harsh because it makes me even more frustrated!”
Despite Wolves’ winless run extending to five matches, Nuno felt his team performed well against United.
“When you go out of a competition you are sad, you are frustrated - but how we played can help us moving forward. We need to try to sustain this level of performance and take our chances.”


birminghammail--2020-01-15--National Lottery jackpot rolls over to £4.1m after Wednesday numbers

The National Lottery jackpot has risen to £4.1 million after no-one won the top prize on Wednesday night .
But @ @ @ @ @ after a player matched five out of six balls and the bonus ball .
The @ @ @ @ @ , 25 , 50 , 52 , 54 , 55 , with the bonus ball @ @ @ @ @ was used with set of balls 11 .
Another 20 ticket-holders scooped £1,750 each by @ @ @ @ @ 1,694 players netted £140 by predicting four balls correctly .
No-one won the top prize @ @ @ @ @ although four people won £13,000 for matching four of the five numbers .
There were @ @ @ @ @ Thunderball draw either , but one person scooped £5,000 by matching five numbers .
The @ @ @ @ @ were 08 , 12 , 14 , 16 , 39 , with the Thunderball 14 @

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The National Lottery jackpot has risen to £4.1 million after no-one won the top prize on Wednesday night.
But one new millionaire was created after a player matched five out of six balls and the bonus ball.
The Lotto winning numbers were 15, 25, 50, 52, 54, 55, with the bonus ball 28.
Draw machine Guinevere was used with set of balls 11.
Another 20 ticket-holders scooped £1,750 each by matching five balls, while 1,694 players netted £140 by predicting four balls correctly.
No-one won the top prize in the Lotto HotPicks, although four people won £13,000 for matching four of the five numbers.
There were no top winners in the Thunderball draw either, but one person scooped £5,000 by matching five numbers.
The National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers were 08, 12, 14, 16, 39, with the Thunderball 14.