birminghammail--2020-09-19--Aston Villa sent Tammy Abraham message after Ollie Watkins deal

Aston Villa 'missed a trick ' this summer over a potential move for Tammy Abraham , Paul Merson has said .
Abraham , 22 , played a vital role in helping Villa back to the Premier League in the 2018/19 season with 26 goals during an impressive loan spell .
It ’ s no secret that head coach Dean Smith would have loved to have brought Abraham back to Villa Park last summer before he made the step up into Frank Lampard 's squad at Chelsea .
The England striker has fresh competition this term in the form of Timo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of £50million from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig .
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Google Play Store and App Store Former Villa man Merson told the Daily Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trick .
If they had waited before spending all that money on Ollie Watkins , they could have got Tammy Abraham .
Spending £28million for a player who has never kicked a ball in the Premier League is a lot of money .
It ’ s a gamble .
“ He scored a lot of goals last season but I like to see what players do when the pressure ’ s on , and at the back end of the season , I didn ’ t see too much .
If they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his debut for Chelsea , they probably could have got Abraham for free for the season .
“ I don ’ t see how Tammy Abraham plays now for Chelsea .
Timo Werner has got that position sewn up .
And he ’ s played for Villa before .
He ticks the boxes.
” Abraham netted 15 top-flight goals last season but had to make do with a place on the bench for Chelsea 's 3-1 win against Brighton on Monday .
Watkins , 24 , was Villa 's top target throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expensive player ever .
After his debut goal against Burton in the Carabao Cup this week , Smith said : `` I told him not to even worry about the price tag .
You are only worth what anybody is going to pay for you .
`` It 's an undisclosed price tag so I do n't know how everyone knows how much it is !
He is a really sound lad .
He is a great character , personality and someone I have worked with before .
`` He scored against Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was disappointed it did n't add to his goal tally .
He will be pleased tonight he has got one tonight that goes in the record books .
`` I have no doubts he will score goals for us this season and be a very much loved Aston Villa centre-forward . ''

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Aston Villa 'missed a trick' this summer over a potential move for Tammy Abraham, Paul Merson has said.
Abraham, 22, played a vital role in helping Villa back to the Premier League in the 2018/19 season with 26 goals during an impressive loan spell.
It’s no secret that head coach Dean Smith would have loved to have brought Abraham back to Villa Park last summer before he made the step up into Frank Lampard's squad at Chelsea.
The England striker has fresh competition this term in the form of Timo Werner who joined Chelsea for just shy of £50million from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Former Villa man Merson told the Daily Star: “Aston Villa have missed a trick. If they had waited before spending all that money on Ollie Watkins, they could have got Tammy Abraham. Spending £28million for a player who has never kicked a ball in the Premier League is a lot of money. It’s a gamble.
“He scored a lot of goals last season but I like to see what players do when the pressure’s on, and at the back end of the season, I didn’t see too much. If they had waited until after Timo Werner had made his debut for Chelsea, they probably could have got Abraham for free for the season.
“I don’t see how Tammy Abraham plays now for Chelsea. Timo Werner has got that position sewn up. And he’s played for Villa before. He ticks the boxes.”
Abraham netted 15 top-flight goals last season but had to make do with a place on the bench for Chelsea's 3-1 win against Brighton on Monday.
Watkins, 24, was Villa's top target throughout the summer before becoming the club's most expensive player ever.
After his debut goal against Burton in the Carabao Cup this week, Smith said: "I told him not to even worry about the price tag. You are only worth what anybody is going to pay for you.
"It's an undisclosed price tag so I don't know how everyone knows how much it is! He is a really sound lad. He is a great character, personality and someone I have worked with before.
"He scored against Manchester United in a friendly on Saturday and was disappointed it didn't add to his goal tally. He will be pleased tonight he has got one tonight that goes in the record books.
"I have no doubts he will score goals for us this season and be a very much loved Aston Villa centre-forward."


birminghammail--2020-09-19--'Disgusting!' Photos reveal dirty state of Bull Ring Indoor Market

A Bull Ring Indoor Market trader is lifting the lid on the `` filthy conditions '' he says have driven him out .
U-Juice founder JP Martinez has been taking photographs and videos of parts of the Indoor Market the public never sees in order to back up his claims they are `` disgusting '' .
He also recorded video footage , seen above , shot inside Bull Ring Market The pictures and video include evidence of what he claims are : • staff toilets with tiles missing and faeces smeared on walls • rodents not being removed quickly even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • working temperatures of more than 30C during heatwaves • graffiti not cleared off outside walls • heavy rain likely to cause flooding on various units including his own Birmingham City Council said it is investigating .
Mr Martinez has quit the Indoor Market after six years .
Mr Martinez 's video highlights at the top of this report include clips from a seven-minute long FacebookLive rant as he walked around his part of the market on Tuesday , June 16 , the day it reopened after lockdown .
The day before , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC Midlands Today to encourage customers to come back .
But the final straw came a day after the Bullring was back in business after lockdown when a heavy storm flooded his side of the market .
Mr Martinez claims that has happened several times before .
He now plans to open a shop unit - close to Birmingham Cathedral - where he can control the standards .
After visiting the site during lockdown , Mr Martinez emailed Birmingham City Council on May 11 when he wrote : `` ...
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and hygiene issues I saw when I visited the markets .
`` Surely Birmingham City Council would be utilising this long period to totally clean the indoor market from top to bottom , resolving all environmental health issues and getting maintenance completed with no distractions from traders and the public ?
`` Can you confirm that this is being done ? ''
After fighting many battles with Birmingham City Council via social media , on June 16 he broadcast himself on FacebookLive telling anybody watching : `` Yesterday I was being very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to know the truth about Birmingham City Council .
`` This has been going on for five years now , floods .
My shop is now flooded .
`` We 're all now paying full rent to be back in this market , yet they do not care .
`` They 've had three months to get this s*** sorted .
`` All of this water is now flooding into the market , into my shop , into the new fridges I 've spent money on .
`` What do you guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now planning to open a Colmore Business District shop near to Birmingham Cathedral in the next few weeks .
When we talked to Mr Martinez near to his former stall on September 8 , the outside walls nearby looked like this : On that day he claimed other problems on the market included `` infestations , broken and dirty loos , rodents not being removed quickly even when dead , working temperatures of more than 30C during heatwaves and uncovered meat being placed close to fruit and vegetables . ''
Mr Martinez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think I 'm aggressive for the way I 've gone about using social media to try to get them to improve the market .
`` They could not be more mistaken .
`` I am not aggressive .
I am just very passionate about what I do - and angry , very angry , about what they 've done to me and my business .
`` I am more than happy to pay the rent , as that is totally reasonable , the service charge is up for discussion as and when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've just got to the point where I could n't do it any more . ''
Birmingham City Council said in a statement : `` The Markets Service ensures that there is a programme of continuous cleaning , pest control and maintenance of the Indoor Market .
`` Traders are responsible for maintenance , cleaning and pest control within their own units .
`` We see traders on a daily basis and more formally through liaison meetings .
These contacts provide communication channels that highlight any areas of concern and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are sorry that Mr Martinez has chosen to leave the market and he has raised various matters with us .
`` Given that we are currently looking into these matters it would not be appropriate to comment further .
”

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A Bull Ring Indoor Market trader is lifting the lid on the "filthy conditions" he says have driven him out.
U-Juice founder JP Martinez has been taking photographs and videos of parts of the Indoor Market the public never sees in order to back up his claims they are "disgusting".
He also recorded video footage, seen above, shot inside Bull Ring Market
The pictures and video include evidence of what he claims are:
mice and cockroach infestations
uncovered meat close to fruit and vegetables
staff toilets with tiles missing and faeces smeared on walls
dirty loos with handles that won't flush
rodents not being removed quickly even when dead - one even became emaciated
working temperatures of more than 30C during heatwaves
windows left dirty with fly droppings
graffiti not cleared off outside walls
heavy rain likely to cause flooding on various units including his own
Birmingham City Council said it is investigating.
Mr Martinez has quit the Indoor Market after six years.
Mr Martinez's video highlights at the top of this report include clips from a seven-minute long FacebookLive rant as he walked around his part of the market on Tuesday, June 16, the day it reopened after lockdown.
The day before, Mr Martinez had recorded an interview for BBC Midlands Today to encourage customers to come back.
But the final straw came a day after the Bullring was back in business after lockdown when a heavy storm flooded his side of the market.
(Image: Courtesy of JP Martinez)
Mr Martinez claims that has happened several times before. He now plans to open a shop unit - close to Birmingham Cathedral - where he can control the standards.
After visiting the site during lockdown, Mr Martinez emailed Birmingham City Council on May 11 when he wrote: "... I’m also very concerned with the environmental and health and hygiene issues I saw when I visited the markets.
"Surely Birmingham City Council would be utilising this long period to totally clean the indoor market from top to bottom, resolving all environmental health issues and getting maintenance completed with no distractions from traders and the public?
"Can you confirm that this is being done?"
(Image: Courtesy of JP Martinez)
After fighting many battles with Birmingham City Council via social media, on June 16 he broadcast himself on FacebookLive telling anybody watching: "Yesterday I was being very positive on BBC News, but people need to know the truth about Birmingham City Council.
"This has been going on for five years now, floods. My shop is now flooded.
"We're all now paying full rent to be back in this market, yet they do not care.
"They've had three months to get this s*** sorted.
(Image: Courtesy of JP Martinez)
"All of this water is now flooding into the market, into my shop, into the new fridges I've spent money on.
"What do you guys think about this?"
Mr Martinez is now planning to open a Colmore Business District shop near to Birmingham Cathedral in the next few weeks.
When we talked to Mr Martinez near to his former stall on September 8, the outside walls nearby looked like this:
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
On that day he claimed other problems on the market included "infestations, broken and dirty loos, rodents not being removed quickly even when dead, working temperatures of more than 30C during heatwaves and uncovered meat being placed close to fruit and vegetables."
Mr Martinez added: "People at the council think I'm aggressive for the way I've gone about using social media to try to get them to improve the market.
"They could not be more mistaken.
"I am not aggressive. I am just very passionate about what I do - and angry, very angry, about what they've done to me and my business.
(Image: Courtesy of JP Martinez)
"I am more than happy to pay the rent, as that is totally reasonable, the service charge is up for discussion as and when I see changes and services done and completed.
"I've just got to the point where I couldn't do it any more."
Birmingham City Council said in a statement: "The Markets Service ensures that there is a programme of continuous cleaning, pest control and maintenance of the Indoor Market.
"Traders are responsible for maintenance, cleaning and pest control within their own units.
(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
"We see traders on a daily basis and more formally through liaison meetings. These contacts provide communication channels that highlight any areas of concern and ensure we tackle them quickly.
"We are sorry that Mr Martinez has chosen to leave the market and he has raised various matters with us.
"Given that we are currently looking into these matters it would not be appropriate to comment further.”


birminghammail--2020-09-19--8 things that probably won't exist in your home in five years' time

During the coronavirus pandemic , most of us have made our homes into a haven where we can feel safe and relaxed , away from the worries of Covid-19 .
We 've been forced to stay indoors for much of the time and so have made our pads more self-contained and comfortable .
Many people added exercise equipment to their homes when all the gyms closed at the start of lockdown .
And during free time including while on furlough , people have taken the opportunity to catch up on DIY , do lots of de-cluttering and carry out makeovers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household is changing as times move on .
Accelerated by lockdown , digital technology and online services are bringing greater convenience and making a lot of things so much simpler .
As a result , many familiar objects in the home are becoming obsolete and probably wo n't be around in a few years ' time .
Here 's a few that could become extinct - or at least much rarer sights in a typical home .
Having to buy a separate alarm clock and set it each night is already a thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Remember how , twice a year , we had to press the buttons repeatedly to move it back or forward one hour when the clocks changed ?
And we also had to adjust the brightness if it created too much glare in the room - if it was even possible to do so .
Some models lit up the whole bedroom in an eerie light from the LCD display and it was like trying to sleep next to a glowing mass of kryptonite .
But some are useful and more modern , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge your phone - and even special lighting displays to help those with Seasonal Affective Disorder cope with winter blues .
These days , though , many people rely on the alarm functions on their phones to give them a wake-up call instead .
These were a revelation when they first appeared .
No more having to balance a local road atlas on your lap while driving , or rely on interpreting instructions from a passenger who was reading a map and shouting 'left ' or 'right ' at you all the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we wanted but sat-navs just seemed to take the stress out of it , as well as save time on planning journeys .
However , GPS devices were not without their problems , such as falling off the windscreen during a journey ( usually on a motorway where you could n't just stop to stick the thing back on ) or not having the latest data on changes to road layouts , so you ended up going the wrong way down a one-way street .
Even worse , some people drove into rivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge trucks ended up stuck down tiny country lanes and narrow alleys .
Sat-navs also became a fixation for thieves who had moved on from targeting car stereos .
We had to make sure to keep them in the house , rather than the glove compartment , as the suction cup left a mark on the glass that indicated to potential crooks that you 'd been using one .
These days our phones all have map apps that can be used for directions and many cars have GPS systems built in .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and TV box sets are easily available on your telly via an internet connection thanks to Netflix , Disney+ , Apple TV , Amazon Prime Video , Sky and other services .
It became even more obvious when we were confined to our homes during lockdown , a time when cinemas and DVD retailers like HMV were closed .
Experts say that as families took to the sofa during the pandemic , they have chosen , increasingly , to watch content delivered to their TV screens via an internet connection .
So , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy DVDs and Blu-rays .
And they therefore no longer need a player for the discs , or racks of shelving to store them all on .
Of course , avid fans who love all the extras on the DVD or Blu-ray release - deleted scenes , commentaries , interviews and behind-the-scene documentaries - will still be buying favourites for their collection .
But for a lot of people , being able to watch something on their TV via streaming is enough .
A similar argument applies to CD players too .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spotify , Amazon Prime or Apple Music on their phone or tablet , or via voice-controlled speakers like the Amazon Echo just by asking Alexa to play something .
Of course , not all music is available online and the market for CD deluxe editions as well as a huge surge of interest in vinyl pressings shows there is still a lot of enthusiasm for music on a physical format .
Vinyl records are outselling compact discs in the United States for the first time in more than 30 years , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But this remains a niche market in the USA and streaming accounted for 85 per cent of revenue in the first six months of this year .
In the UK , sales of CDs and records halved during the coronavirus pandemic .
But the physical format remains important and seven of the 14 number one albums in the UK this year generated more in sales through CD and vinyl than via streaming .
However , for many households , streaming seems to be enough and they are n't keen to add a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many of us have takeaway menus stuffed in a drawer or pinned to the kitchen noticeboard .
In some cases , phoning up to order food used to be the only option , and that meant paying the driver with cash when it arrived .
Can you recall the frantic discussions in the household to get together the right money as the delivery man stood waiting at the front door ?
But lockdown changed all that and almost all takeaways quickly set up their own websites or joined food delivery apps like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view the menus online , pay there and then , and just wait for it to arrive .
Find out what 's going on in your area by typing your postcode into the box below : Gone are the days of taking photos on a camera and then taking the film to a shop and waiting a week or two for it to be developed , hoping the pictures would come out okay .
We never knew for ages if red eye , blurring or a clumsy thumb straying on to the lens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days we all use the cameras on our smartphones , which also have editing functions so we can get that selfie or other snap looking just perfect and then post to social media in just a few clicks .
The best part is checking a picture looks okay just after taking it and just deleting and doing another one if it is n't exactly what we want .
Professional photographers still need proper cameras for their work but for the rest of us , a phone will do just fine most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on your old landline phone these days ?
Chances are it 's not very many .
Of course we still need to pay line rental in order to get an internet connection so most of us still have a phone plugged into that line as well .
But it often looks like a museum piece , sat there in its cradle and hardly ever ringing .
As we use our smartphones more and more , landline phones will just vanish .
Try to buy a new one and you 'll see how limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PC World or Tesco .
Flicking through phone directories already seems like a thing of yesteryear although they still seem to lurk around the house .
Yellow Pages stopped printing its directory of business listings in the UK in January 2019 .
BT still prints a phone book in local editions , with classifieds , business listings and residential listings all in one much slimmer volume - we have one here for 2020/2021 .
But there 's no doubt such books are dying out as the years go by .
BT is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so people can still access the information on the internet for family tree research to track down relatives and previous occupants of an address .
So the books are already becoming part of history .
• Any more household objects that you think will go the way of the dodo in a post-lockdown world ?
Let us know in the comments below .

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During the coronavirus pandemic, most of us have made our homes into a haven where we can feel safe and relaxed, away from the worries of Covid-19.
We've been forced to stay indoors for much of the time and so have made our pads more self-contained and comfortable.
Many people added exercise equipment to their homes when all the gyms closed at the start of lockdown.
And during free time including while on furlough, people have taken the opportunity to catch up on DIY, do lots of de-cluttering and carry out makeovers.
But the look of the traditional household is changing as times move on. Accelerated by lockdown, digital technology and online services are bringing greater convenience and making a lot of things so much simpler.
As a result, many familiar objects in the home are becoming obsolete and probably won't be around in a few years' time. Here's a few that could become extinct - or at least much rarer sights in a typical home.
1. Alarm clocks
Having to buy a separate alarm clock and set it each night is already a thing of the past for many of us.
Remember how, twice a year, we had to press the buttons repeatedly to move it back or forward one hour when the clocks changed?
And we also had to adjust the brightness if it created too much glare in the room - if it was even possible to do so. Some models lit up the whole bedroom in an eerie light from the LCD display and it was like trying to sleep next to a glowing mass of kryptonite.
But some are useful and more modern, with docking stations or USB ports to charge your phone - and even special lighting to help those with Seasonal Affective Disorder cope with winter blues.
These days, though, many people rely on the alarm functions on their phones to give them a wake-up call instead.
(Image: PA)
2. Sat-nav devices
These were a revelation when they first appeared. No more having to balance a local road atlas on your lap while driving, or rely on interpreting instructions from a passenger who was reading a map and shouting 'left' or 'right' at you all the time.
We still managed to go where we wanted but sat-navs just seemed to take the stress out of it, as well as save time on planning journeys.
However, GPS devices were not without their problems, such as falling off the windscreen during a journey (usually on a motorway where you couldn't just stop to stick the thing back on) or not having the latest data on changes to road layouts, so you ended up going the wrong way down a one-way street.
Even worse, some people drove into rivers or on to pedestrian precincts, and huge trucks ended up stuck down tiny country lanes and narrow alleys.
Sat-navs also became a fixation for thieves who had moved on from targeting car stereos.
We had to make sure to keep them in the house, rather than the glove compartment, as the suction cup left a mark on the glass that indicated to potential crooks that you'd been using one.
These days our phones all have map apps that can be used for directions and many cars have GPS systems built in.
(Image: Handout)
3. DVD players
The age of streaming has meant that movies and TV box sets are easily available on your telly via an internet connection thanks to Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Sky and other services.
It became even more obvious when we were confined to our homes during lockdown, a time when cinemas and DVD retailers like HMV were closed.
Experts say that as families took to the sofa during the pandemic, they have chosen, increasingly, to watch content delivered to their TV screens via an internet connection.
So, many people are no longer bothering to buy DVDs and Blu-rays. And they therefore no longer need a player for the discs, or racks of shelving to store them all on.
Of course, avid fans who love all the extras on the DVD or Blu-ray release - deleted scenes, commentaries, interviews and behind-the-scenes documentaries - will still be buying favourites for their collection.
But for a lot of people, being able to watch something on their TV via streaming is enough.
4. CD players
A similar argument applies to CD players too. Many people listen to music via streaming from Spotify, Amazon Prime or Apple Music on their phone or tablet, or via voice-controlled speakers like the Amazon Echo just by asking Alexa to play something.
Of course, not all music is available online and the market for CD deluxe editions as well as a huge surge of interest in vinyl pressings shows there is still a lot of enthusiasm for music in a physical format.
Vinyl records are outselling compact discs in the United States for the first time in more than 30 years, according to an industry report released last week. But this remains a niche market in the USA and streaming accounted for 85 per cent of revenue in the first six months of this year.
In the UK, sales of CDs and records halved during the coronavirus pandemic. But the physical format remains important and seven of the 14 number one albums in the UK this year generated more in sales through CD and vinyl than via streaming.
However, for many households, streaming seems to be enough and they aren't using their CD player any more, let alone wanting to add a record player to the living room once again.
(Image: Bath Chronicle)
5. Takeaway menus
Many of us have takeaway menus stuffed in a drawer or pinned to the kitchen noticeboard.
In some cases, phoning up to order food used to be the only option, and that meant paying the driver with cash when it arrived.
Can you recall the frantic discussions in the household to get together the right money as the delivery man stood waiting at the front door?
But lockdown changed all that and almost all takeaways quickly set up their own websites or joined food delivery apps like Deliveroo and Just Eat.
We can view the menus online, make and amend our order, pay there and then, and just wait for it to arrive.
Find out what's going on in your area by typing your postcode into the box below:
6. Cameras
Gone are the days of taking photos on a camera and then taking the film to a shop and waiting a week or two for it to be developed, hoping the pictures would come out okay.
We never knew for ages if red eye, blurring or a clumsy thumb straying on to the lens would ruin the holiday snaps.
These days we all use the cameras on our smartphones, which also have editing functions so we can get that selfie or other snap looking just perfect and then post to social media in just a few clicks.
The best part is checking a picture looks okay just after taking it and just deleting and doing another one if it isn't exactly what we want.
Professional photographers still need proper cameras for their work but for the rest of us, a phone will do just fine most of the time.
(Image: David Bentley)
7. Landline phones
How many people call you on your old landline phone these days? Chances are it's not very many.
Of course we still need to pay line rental in order to get an internet connection so most of us still have a phone plugged into that line as well. But it often looks like a museum piece, sat there in its cradle and hardly ever ringing.
As we use our smartphones more and more, landline phones will just vanish.
Try to buy a new one and you'll see how limited the selection is in places like Currys PC World - while Tesco doesn't even stock them any more.
(Image: David Bentley)
8. Phone books
Flicking through phone directories to look up a number or find a local plumber already seems like a thing of yesteryear although they still seem to lurk around the house.
Yellow Pages stopped printing its directory of business listings in the UK in January 2019.
BT still prints a phone book in local editions, with classifieds, business listings and residential listings all in one much slimmer volume - we have one here for 2020/2021. But there's no doubt such books are dying out as the years go by.
BT is now putting all its old phone books online so people can still access the information on the internet for family tree research to track down relatives and previous occupants of an address. So the books are already becoming part of history.


birminghammail--2020-09-19--'Big lads have been bringing flowers' - Tributes to legendary butcher

Butcher Keith Emery spent his whole life deftly chopping up the finest cuts of meat but his last day at work ended like so many others - with a big clean up , a bottle of Stella , a laugh and a smile .
This time it was his assistant Colin Reynolds who was the source of some mirth when he dropped his keys at the end of trade on Saturday , September 5 .
The next day , Keith suffered a stroke and passed away after decades spent working next to Stratford Road 's A34 Robin Hood Island .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much he 'd carried on working until he was 75 - the same age as the year he started out in 1975 .
At the height of the pandemic , he 'd said this would be his last Christmas at 4 , Solihull Lane , but for anyone who loved his dynamism , they probably could n't be sure .
Colin had worked alongside Keith for more than 35 years , ever since leaving school .
`` I was quite shy when I started , '' says Colin .
`` I reckon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start to master the trade .
`` We 've had some people in who 've claimed they are butchers , but they never lasted long given Keith 's standards - and he really loved his job and customers .
`` People would find it funny that as Saturday afternoons wore on , he 'd had a Stella going in the counter fridge .
`` He just enjoyed life and he loved his holidays .
`` For a long time he used to enjoy going in the Robin Hood ( now a Toby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One day when I was young some big lads carried the butcher model from outside of the shop and propped it up at the bar in the Robin .
`` I was n't sure what to do , but after a while Keith said we should just go in .
`` He said to them : ' I think he 's had enough to drink now , do n't you lads ? '
and we took him back to the shop . ''
Although Keith was English , he treasured his local Emerald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish biscuits kept on the shelf behind those serving .
And that last night 's humorous farewell ?
`` Keith was outside and it was my turn to lock up , '' says Colin .
`` For some reason the keyring fell apart and some of the keys fell to the floor .
`` I thought : ' I 've done this for years and that 's never happened before .
`` We said our farewells and that was the last time I saw him . ''
Since Keith died , the shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them are on display in the front window where his choice cuts would once have been .
There is also an opened bottle of his favourite Stella , too .
As the morning sun rises from the Solihull direction , the red canopy and flowers alike glow in the golden light and from the shop you get a fascinating panoramic view of the world outside .
`` We 've had big lads coming in to the shop bringing some of these flowers in , '' says Colin .
`` These are people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever since they were little children .
`` They 've grown up in here and knew Keith as a friend .
They ca n't believe he 's gone . ''
While we were talking , the shop was receiving its regular delivery of Lashford 's sausages , made by the city firm founded more than 130 years ago in 1889 .
The delivery driver dropped off his box but then paused to look at the flowers .
`` Still ca n't believe it , '' he said .
Keith is survived by long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , daughters Alison and Sarah and six grandchildren .
Colin does not know what the future entails but naturally hopes the shop will keep trading to ensure more happy customers .
The shop 's Facebook page says : `` Established in 1975 , we are proud to have gained a following of loyal customers who we continue to provide our quality meats to at value for money prices . ''
A hint of Keith 's humour comes with a posting ahead of Christmas , 2018 which said : `` Christmas is a-coming , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yerself around to Keith 's , yer wunt do better than that ! ''
Colin said : `` When it 's time for his funeral , I think a lot of people will be outside here paying their respects to Keith , socially distanced of course , he was that sort of character . ''
Earlier this year , BirminghamLive revealed that Alan Doherty had retired from the Bull Ring Indoor Market after a career that had lasted 60 years during which time he served everyone from celebrities to murderers who had come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met Keith he certainly knew of him and said : `` He got a Bentley out of it , which is more than I did , so he did all right .
`` I had much more fridge space than he had , so I was able to serve more restaurants than he could - I could keep hind quarters hanging for a month .
`` But then I 'd be driving in to town and see his shop open as early as 5.30am .
`` He really put the hours in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was probably controlled by the job .
`` But that 's what the job does to you ... it takes over your life and you do n't see enough of your family .
`` I feel really sorry for them that he has n't got to retire like I 've just done .
`` And while Hall Green will have lost not just a proprietor with a reputable business , but the customers will have lost a friend , too .
`` The people who become friends like that are hard to replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you would have been able to phone up , ask for whatever and he would have it all ready for you .
`` Today , if you go into a store like B & Q and ask 'Where are the screws , please ? '
they 'll say something like 'Aisle five ' and that 's the level of service .
`` I know Keith was a proper butcher whereas there are some who are just playing at it , nothing in the window , that sort of thing .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are taking over .
`` But what do you get there ... the likes of Tesco are having to compete with Aldi and Lidl .
`` Over at Waitrose , you wo n't necessarily get a better product , just better service .
`` You need a proper , local butcher like Keith who knows the trade and where his meat has come from but they are getting few and far between . ''
Among the many cards in the window is one from Mandy , Giovanni and family which has the verse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say , so hard to find the words ' .
They wrote : `` To Keith 's family , so sorry you have lost such a lovely man . ''
David Holmes wrote : `` I was heartbroken when I heard the news that my friend for a long time Keith had passed away .
I will treasure the memories I have of Keith on our many adventures together .
I will you well at this sad time . ''
A lady called Mary wrote : `` To Mrs Emery and family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the passing of your husband and dad .
Thinking of you at this sad time .
RIP Keith . ''
Louis and Virginia wrote : `` Our sincere condolences to all your family .
What a loss - Keith will be sadly missed . ''
John and Ann Bird said : `` So sorry to hear of the passing of Keith .
He was a gentleman and worked so hard for us all in Hall Green . ''
Staff at 'The Grove ' added : `` We are all so sad for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a generous man with free produce for our fates etc which we really appreciated .
Love from all the staff . ''
Heidi Goslng : `` So sad to hear this devastating news .
RIP Keith , such a wonderful gentleman with a great sense of humour , a local legend who will be missed by all . ''
June Morris : `` So sad , lovely person .
RIP Keith .
Thoughts are with the family . ''
Kelly Spindley : `` Oh my goodness !
I used to go there when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was such a lovely man and will be missed by the community . ''
Sue Cox : `` Oh wow .
We 've been going there for years and years .
So very sorry . ''
Nuala Murphy : `` Absolutely gutted .
A true gentleman who will be truly missed . ''
Sarah Kelly : `` I am so shocked to hear this very sad news , I first met Keith in 2005 when he used to drink in Behan 's pub as it was called then .
Thoughts to his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` RIP Keith - amazing person always had time for all his customers , thoughts are with his family and friends . ''

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Butcher Keith Emery spent his whole life deftly chopping up the finest cuts of meat but his last day at work ended like so many others - with a big clean up, a bottle of Stella, a laugh and a smile.
This time it was his assistant Colin Reynolds who was the source of some mirth when he dropped his keys at the end of trade on Saturday, September 5.
The next day, Keith suffered a stroke and passed away after decades spent working next to Stratford Road's A34 Robin Hood Island.
Keith loved his job and loyal customers so much he'd carried on working until he was 75 - the same age as the year he started out in 1975.
At the height of the pandemic, he'd said this would be his last Christmas at 4, Solihull Lane, but for anyone who loved his dynamism, they probably couldn't be sure.
(Image: Courtesy of Keith Emery's family)
Colin had worked alongside Keith for more than 35 years, ever since leaving school.
"I was quite shy when I started," says Colin.
"I reckon it took me at least five years to start to master the trade.
"We've had some people in who've claimed they are butchers, but they never lasted long given Keith's standards - and he really loved his job and customers.
"People would find it funny that as Saturday afternoons wore on, he'd had a Stella going in the counter fridge.
"He just enjoyed life and he loved his holidays.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
"For a long time he used to enjoy going in the Robin Hood (now a Toby Carvery) across the road.
"One day when I was young some big lads carried the butcher model from outside of the shop and propped it up at the bar in the Robin.
"I wasn't sure what to do, but after a while Keith said we should just go in.
"He said to them: 'I think he's had enough to drink now, don't you lads?' and we took him back to the shop."
Although Keith was English, he treasured his local Emerald Isle customers so much he even sold Irish biscuits kept on the shelf behind those serving.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
And that last night's humorous farewell?
"Keith was outside and it was my turn to lock up," says Colin.
"For some reason the keyring fell apart and some of the keys fell to the floor.
"I thought: 'I've done this for years and that's never happened before.
"We said our farewells and that was the last time I saw him."
The floral tributes
Since Keith died, the shop has been inundated with flowers and many of them are on display in the front window where his choice cuts would once have been.
There is also an opened bottle of his favourite Stella, too.
As the morning sun rises from the Solihull direction, the red canopy and flowers alike glow in the golden light and from the shop you get a fascinating panoramic view of the world outside.
"We've had big lads coming in to the shop bringing some of these flowers in," says Colin.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
"These are people who have been coming in for meat ever since they were little children.
"They've grown up in here and knew Keith as a friend. They can't believe he's gone."
While we were talking, the shop was receiving its regular delivery of Lashford's sausages, made by the city firm founded more than 130 years ago in 1889.
The delivery driver dropped off his box but then paused to look at the flowers.
"Still can't believe it," he said.
Keith is survived by long-term partner Jean as well as son Peter, daughters Alison and Sarah and six grandchildren.
Colin does not know what the future entails but naturally hopes the shop will keep trading to ensure more happy customers.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
The shop's Facebook page says: "Established in 1975, we are proud to have gained a following of loyal customers who we continue to provide our quality meats to at value for money prices."
A hint of Keith's humour comes with a posting ahead of Christmas, 2018 which said: "Christmas is a-coming, the turkey's getting fat, get yerself around to Keith's, yer wunt do better than that!"
Colin said: "When it's time for his funeral, I think a lot of people will be outside here paying their respects to Keith, socially distanced of course, he was that sort of character."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Kind words from a rival
Earlier this year, BirminghamLive revealed that Alan Doherty had retired from the Bull Ring Indoor Market after a career that had lasted 60 years during which time he served everyone from celebrities to murderers who had come back out.
Although Solihull-based Alan never met Keith he certainly knew of him and said: "He got a Bentley out of it, which is more than I did, so he did all right.
"I had much more fridge space than he had, so I was able to serve more restaurants than he could - I could keep hind quarters hanging for a month.
"But then I'd be driving in to town and see his shop open as early as 5.30am.
"He really put the hours in, probably even more than me, and was probably controlled by the job.
"But that's what the job does to you... it takes over your life and you don't see enough of your family.
"I feel really sorry for them that he hasn't got to retire like I've just done.
"And while Hall Green will have lost not just a proprietor with a reputable business, but the customers will have lost a friend, too.
"The people who become friends like that are hard to replace.
"Once he knew you, you would have been able to phone up, ask for whatever and he would have it all ready for you.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
"Today, if you go into a store like B&Q and ask 'Where are the screws, please?' they'll say something like 'Aisle five' and that's the level of service.
"I know Keith was a proper butcher whereas there are some who are just playing at it, nothing in the window, that sort of thing.
"It's a really hard job and the supermarkets are taking over.
"But what do you get there... the likes of Tesco are having to compete with Aldi and Lidl.
"Over at Waitrose, you won't necessarily get a better product, just better service.
"You need a proper, local butcher like Keith who knows the trade and where his meat has come from but they are getting few and far between."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Sympathy cards
Among the many cards in the window is one from Mandy, Giovanni and family which has the verse, 'So much the heart would like to say, so hard to find the words'. They wrote: "To Keith's family, so sorry you have lost such a lovely man."
David Holmes wrote: "I was heartbroken when I heard the news that my friend for a long time Keith had passed away. I will treasure the memories I have of Keith on our many adventures together. I will you well at this sad time."
A lady called Mary wrote: "To Mrs Emery and family - our hearts go out to all on the passing of your husband and dad. Thinking of you at this sad time. RIP Keith."
Louis and Virginia wrote: "Our sincere condolences to all your family. What a loss - Keith will be sadly missed."
John and Ann Bird said: "So sorry to hear of the passing of Keith. He was a gentleman and worked so hard for us all in Hall Green."
Staff at 'The Grove' added: "We are all so sad for your loss. Keith was always such a generous man with free produce for our fates etc which we really appreciated. Love from all the staff."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
Hall Green Residents - Facebook comments
Heidi Goslng: "So sad to hear this devastating news. RIP Keith, such a wonderful gentleman with a great sense of humour, a local legend who will be missed by all."
Andrew Hennessy: "RIP Keith. Great bloke, great butchers. Sadly missed. Condolences to the family."
June Morris: "So sad, lovely person. RIP Keith. Thoughts are with the family."
Kelly Spindley: "Oh my goodness! I used to go there when we first bought our house. He was such a lovely man and will be missed by the community."
Sue Cox: "Oh wow. We've been going there for years and years. So very sorry."
Nuala Murphy: "Absolutely gutted. A true gentleman who will be truly missed."
Sarah Kelly: "I am so shocked to hear this very sad news, I first met Keith in 2005 when he used to drink in Behan's pub as it was called then. Thoughts to his family at this time."
Raj Chaggar: "RIP Keith - amazing person always had time for all his customers, thoughts are with his family and friends."


birminghammail--2020-09-19--Thug who shot dogs stabbed HMP Birmingham inmate during art class

A sadistic thug has been jailed for 11 years after stabbing a fellow inmate at HMP Birmingham with a pair of scissors during art class .
A court heard Kerney Grantham , 25 , had a long history of offences and was someone who experienced `` pleasure in inflicting pain on others '' .
He had been serving a six-year sentence for attempted robbery in Birmingham city centre during which he stabbed the victim .
He was also previously jailed for stabbing another inmate and warder - and for shooting two dogs .
Birmingham Crown Court heard the art class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
`` For the previous two weeks the defendant and the complainant had sat next to each other in the same class without probl2em , `` said Caroline Harris , prosecuting .
But he Grantham launched the attack `` without provocation or warning '' and without saying a word .
The victim , she said , initially thought someone had just nudged him in the back while he was sitting on his chair .
He then turned to see the defendant standing over him who then stabbed him to the cheek , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told police : `` I was terrified .
He could have attacked anybody . ''
The victim suffered a large cut to his cheek , a puncture wound through his tongue and a cut to his back .
In 2014 he prowled a woodland popular and shot two dogs , injuring them both , one seriously .
When his house was searched police found a `` chilling '' note books about killing and dismembering people .
While serving a jail sentence in December of that year Grantham stabbed another inmate and a prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had fashioned himself .
He was subsequently sentenced to five years detention with an extended licence of five years .
On January 24 last year he was handed a further six year sentence after attempting to rob a man in Hurst Street of a wallet and cash , then stabbing him twice in the back .
Miss Harris said that his antecedent history showed an interest in weapons , in particular knives .
In passing sentence Judge Avik Mukherjee said : `` I am satisfied that you present a significant risk to members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You have limited insight and remorse and you have repeatedly used weapons both in prison and in public . ''
Jas Mann , defending , said that the art class attack had been a short lived incident .
`` If he wanted to he had every opportunity of inflicting more serious injury , '' he said .
He said the victim had interfered with Grantham 's work and that he had `` lost it . ''

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A sadistic thug has been jailed for 11 years after stabbing a fellow inmate at HMP Birmingham with a pair of scissors during art class.
A court heard Kerney Grantham, 25, had a long history of offences and was someone who experienced "pleasure in inflicting pain on others".
He had been serving a six-year sentence for attempted robbery in Birmingham city centre during which he stabbed the victim.
He was also previously jailed for stabbing another inmate and warder - and for shooting two dogs.
Birmingham Crown Court heard the art class attack took place on September 17 last year.
"For the previous two weeks the defendant and the complainant had sat next to each other in the same class without probl2em, " said Caroline Harris, prosecuting.
But he Grantham launched the attack "without provocation or warning" and without saying a word.
The victim, she said, initially thought someone had just nudged him in the back while he was sitting on his chair.
He then turned to see the defendant standing over him who then stabbed him to the cheek, back and collar bone.
Another inmate told police: "I was terrified. He could have attacked anybody."
The victim suffered a large cut to his cheek, a puncture wound through his tongue and a cut to his back.
Grantham had a long history of offences.
In 2014 he prowled a woodland popular and shot two dogs, injuring them both, one seriously.
When his house was searched police found a "chilling" note books about killing and dismembering people.
While serving a jail sentence in December of that year Grantham stabbed another inmate and a prison officer, using a crude weapon he had fashioned himself.
He was subsequently sentenced to five years detention with an extended licence of five years.
On January 24 last year he was handed a further six year sentence after attempting to rob a man in Hurst Street of a wallet and cash, then stabbing him twice in the back.
Miss Harris said that his antecedent history showed an interest in weapons, in particular knives.
In passing sentence Judge Avik Mukherjee said: "I am satisfied that you present a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm.
"You have limited insight and remorse and you have repeatedly used weapons both in prison and in public."
Jas Mann, defending, said that the art class attack had been a short lived incident. "If he wanted to he had every opportunity of inflicting more serious injury," he said.
He said the victim had interfered with Grantham's work and that he had "lost it."


birminghammail--2020-09-19--Aston Villa fans have Liverpool transfer theory after £45m Wolves deal

The signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers ' Diogo Jota at Liverpool could open the door for a Divock Origi exit from Anfield , with the latter linked with a move to Aston Villa .
Jota has sealed a £45 million move to Jurgen Klopp 's Premier League champions and that is likely to further limit opportunities for Origi at the Reds .
Origi , who has been linked with a move to Villa as well as Premier League rivals Newcastle United , Brighton and Hove Albion , Fulham and Leeds United , has been on the fringes of Liverpool 's squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre-forward .
Indeed , the Belgian international has earned himself a reputation for scoring big goals at crucial times , with strikes against Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League sticking out .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Villa head coach Dean Smith is looking for a new striker to join the club after the arrival of club-record signing Ollie Watkins .
Wesley Moraes is out injured until January and Mbwana Samatta looks set for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to see Origi move to Villa Park with reports last night claiming that an exit is likely given Jota 's arrival .
`` Gon na be Origi is n't it ? ''
one fan asked .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
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Simply type your email address into the box at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign up .
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If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store A third fan said : `` If Liverpool are close to Jota , then I 'd be having another attempt at Origi . ''
`` I think our system would work even better for him than Liverpool 's , '' said a fourth fan while another added : `` Milot Rashica , Origi and a young backup left-back and this window is perfect . ''

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The signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers' Diogo Jota at Liverpool could open the door for a Divock Origi exit from Anfield, with the latter linked with a move to Aston Villa.
Jota has sealed a £45 million move to Jurgen Klopp's Premier League champions and that is likely to further limit opportunities for Origi at the Reds.
Origi, who has been linked with a move to Villa as well as Premier League rivals Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Fulham and Leeds United, has been on the fringes of Liverpool's squad with Roberto Firmino ahead of him at centre-forward.
Indeed, the Belgian international has earned himself a reputation for scoring big goals at crucial times, with strikes against Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League sticking out.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Villa head coach Dean Smith is looking for a new striker to join the club after the arrival of club-record signing Ollie Watkins.
Wesley Moraes is out injured until January and Mbwana Samatta looks set for an exit.
And some Villa fans would like to see Origi move to Villa Park with reports last night claiming that an exit is likely given Jota's arrival.
"Gonna be Origi isn't it?" one fan asked.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
"100%," another replied.
A third fan said: "If Liverpool are close to Jota, then I'd be having another attempt at Origi."
"Hopeful," another added.
"I think our system would work even better for him than Liverpool's," said a fourth fan while another added: "Milot Rashica, Origi and a young backup left-back and this window is perfect."


birminghammail--2020-09-19--The truth about those Bale to Blues transfer rumours as Spurs return confirmed

Gareth Bale is back at Tottenham Hotspur seven years after he left North London for Real Madrid .
The Wales international has signed a season-long loan deal with Jose Mourinho 's side having seen his relationship with Real boss Zinedine Zidane deterioate .
Bale left Spurs in 2013 for a then world-record fee of £85 million after a fine 2012-13 season that saw him score 26 times and set up 15 goals for his team-mates .
He flourished at White Hart Lane but it could have been so different .
Bale was close to leaving Spurs having endured a torrid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose academy he came through , in 2007 .
And he could have even ended up at Birmingham City .
Here 's the story of how Blues made an approach for Bale ... Having signed for an initial £5m from Southampton in May 2007 , Bale went a record 24 Premier League games without a win .
The winless run had stretched over two years and in October 2009 , it was thought that then Tottenham boss , Harry Redknapp , was ready to offload the injury-prone Welshman .
Bale had spent large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an ankle injury and then with a knee ligament problem .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest transfer news and comment Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Birmingham City bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region .
Google Play Store and App Store In the wake of the Carson Yeung takeover , McLeish was promised backing from the new board and a war chest of £40 million .
Rumour had it , that Birmingham and Alex McLeish were waiting in the wings to snap up the Spurs ‘ flop , ’ for just £3 million in the upcoming transfer window .
Birmingham were languishing in 17th at the time and McLeish wanted Bale as the first signing of Carson Yeung ’ s tenure .
Unfortunately for Bluenoses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bale became Tottenham ’ s talisman .
Bale broke the curse , coming on as a substitute in a 5-0 home win against Burnley and from there , he never looked back .
The Welsh winger went on to score 42 goals in 146 appearances for spurs , winning the PFA Player ’ s Player of the Year award twice .
Then in 2013 , Real Madrid came calling with a then- world record transfer fee of €100.8 million and Bale became a Galactico .
He has since gone on to win major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no less than four Champions League medals .
As for Birmingham and McLeish , they went on to lift the Carling Cup trophy in 2011 but were also relegated that same year .
The Blues have been in the Championship ever since .
The club has endured several off-the pitch financial problems and they received a nine-point deduction this season .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here What they said : Alex McLeish '' I chanced my arm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry a ring and asking whether we could take Gareth on loan .
`` We thought , maybe we could take the pressure off , with him coming to a smaller club , help him find his feet .
`` If he did really well , Harry could take him back or we could put in a cheeky bid .
`` He said , Alex , I 've got no problem with him coming out to get games but I just cant let him out because we 've got a few injuries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would sell him , he is a kid with a big future and is learning the game .
`` He should be a fantastic player and I 've told him if he stops messing about with his barnet , he has a chance .
`` He has everything to be a top player .
He has to learn how to defend , learn how not to let people play balls inside him , learn to recover .
But it 's all there . ''
`` I just want to keep playing and hopefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team now . ''
`` You ca n't pick him , he 's jinxed . ''
How the Press Reported It The Mirror : Bale is behind first choice left back Benoit-Assou Ekotto in the pecking order at Tottenham .
He knows he will have to leave White Hart Lane if he is to resurrect his career .
Harry Redknapp could be prepared to sell Bale if McLeish puts in a decent bid - and Spurs are able to bring in defensive cover .
Mail Online : Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tottenham defender Gareth Bale .
He has had a torrid time at Tottenham and has only made one start in the Premier League this season .
The Telegraph : On his way out ?
Gareth Bale could be set for a move to Birmingham after a poor two years at Tottenham .
Sky Sports : Alex McLeish is keeping tabs on Gareth Bale as he hopes to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window .
It ’ s believed that Harry Redknapp is willing to listen to offers for the Welsh left @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Bradley Rice , Richard Cusack)

Gareth Bale is back in the news after confirming he has hung up his boots and ended his long and glittering career.
That means the 33-year-old's last competitive matches will have been for his country in the Qatar World Cup, a tournament in which the gilded superstar earned his 111th and final international cap.
He has taken to social media to confirm his decision, writing: "After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football. I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love.
"It (football) has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me."
One of those 17 seasons might even have brought him to Birmingham City.
READ: Manager 'absolutely gutted' after Birmingham City loan decision
READ: Birmingham City given Reda Khadra boost as Bristol City hover
Bale left Spurs in 2013 for Real Madrid for a then world-record fee of £85 million after a fine 2012-13 season that saw him score 26 times and set up 15 goals for his team-mates. But for a loan spell back at Tottenham a couple of years ago he spent the bulk of his career at Real, winning four Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles.
Now his fantastic career has eventually ended it will be his time Spurs for which he is best remembered in this country. He flourished at the old White Hart Lane but it could have been so different. Bale was close to leaving Spurs having endured a torrid time since he arrived from Southampton in 2007.
Here's the story of how Blues made an approach for Bale...
The Context
Having signed for an initial £5m from Southampton in May 2007, Bale went a record 24 Premier League games without a win. The winless run had stretched over two years and in October 2009, it was thought that then Tottenham boss, Harry Redknapp, was ready to offload the injury-prone Welshman. Bale had spent large spells on the treatment table, first with an ankle injury and then with a knee ligament problem.
Prepared to Pounce
In the wake of the Carson Yeung takeover in 2009, McLeish was promised backing from the new board and a war chest of £40 million. Rumour had it, that Birmingham and Alex McLeish were waiting in the wings to snap up the Spurs ‘flop,’ for just £3 million in the upcoming transfer window. Birmingham were languishing in 17th at the time and McLeish wanted Bale as the first signing of Carson Yeung’s tenure.
What Happened?
Unfortunately for Bluenoses, the move never materialised, and Bale became Tottenham’s talisman. Bale broke the curse, coming on as a substitute in a 5-0 home win against Burnley and from there, he never looked back. The Welsh winger went on to score 42 goals in 146 appearances for spurs, winning the PFA Player’s Player of the Year award twice.
Then in 2013, Real Madrid came calling with a then- world record transfer fee of €100.8 million and Bale became a Galactico. He has since gone on to win major honours with the Spanish giants even if recent years have been less memorable As for Birmingham and McLeish, they went on to lift the Carling Cup trophy in 2011 but were also relegated that same year.
Blues have been in the Championship ever since. The club has endured several off-the pitch financial problems, constant manager changes and only now do they seem to be stabilising - even if supporters remain largely against the club's owners.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
What they said: Alex McLeish
"I chanced my arm early on in the week, giving Harry a ring and asking whether we could take Gareth on loan.
"We thought, maybe we could take the pressure off, with him coming to a smaller club, help him find his feet.
"If he did really well, Harry could take him back or we could put in a cheeky bid.
"He said, Alex, I've got no problem with him coming out to get games but I just cant let him out because we've got a few injuries."
Harry Redknapp
"Not a chance that I would sell him, he is a kid with a big future and is learning the game.
"He should be a fantastic player and I've told him if he stops messing about with his barnet, he has a chance.
"He has everything to be a top player. He has to learn how to defend, learn how not to let people play balls inside him, learn to recover. But it's all there."
Gareth Bale
"I just want to keep playing and hopefully I’ll get a run in the team now."
How the Press Reported It
The Mirror: Bale is behind first choice left back Benoit-Assou Ekotto in the pecking order at Tottenham. He knows he will have to leave White Hart Lane if he is to resurrect his career. Harry Redknapp could be prepared to sell Bale if McLeish puts in a decent bid - and Spurs are able to bring in defensive cover.
Mail Online: Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is lining up a January transfer move for Tottenham defender Gareth Bale. He has had a torrid time at Tottenham and has only made one start in the Premier League this season.
The Telegraph: On his way out? Gareth Bale could be set for a move to Birmingham after a poor two years at Tottenham.
Sky Sports: Alex McLeish is keeping tabs on Gareth Bale as he hopes to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window. It’s believed that Harry Redknapp is willing to listen to offers for the Welsh left back.
READ NEXT:


birminghammail--2020-09-19--Liverpool fans react as Diogo Jota's £45m transfer confirmed

Liverpool fans have been reacting to the news that Diogo Jota has joined the Anfield club from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £45 million .
Jota has left Molineux after three years in the West Midlands , tasting Championship title success in 2017-18 before helping Nuno Espirito Santo 's side into the Europa League the following campaign .
He hit two hat-tricks in the competition last season and has impressed Reds boss Jurgen Klopp sufficiently to warrant a move to the Premier League champions .
Klopp has remodeled his squad for another tilt at top flight success , bringing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jota in the space of a couple of days .
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here It is the second deal between the two clubs today , with defender Ki-Jana Hoever moving to Wolves for a fee reported to be around £13.5m earlier today .
And Reds fans have been reacting to the arrival of Jota .
`` Great weekend so far , '' said one .
`` We have the League , come get it if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
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You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store A third fan said : `` Completely made up with the transfer window . ''
`` Is this really my club ? ''
another fan asked .
`` Brilliant couple of days in the transfer market , '' a fifth supporter asked .

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Liverpool fans have been reacting to the news that Diogo Jota has joined the Anfield club from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported £45 million.
Jota has left Molineux after three years in the West Midlands, tasting Championship title success in 2017-18 before helping Nuno Espirito Santo's side into the Europa League the following campaign.
He hit two hat-tricks in the competition last season and has impressed Reds boss Jurgen Klopp sufficiently to warrant a move to the Premier League champions.
Klopp has remodeled his squad for another tilt at top flight success, bringing in Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich and now Jota in the space of a couple of days.
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
It is the second deal between the two clubs today, with defender Ki-Jana Hoever moving to Wolves for a fee reported to be around £13.5m earlier today.
And Reds fans have been reacting to the arrival of Jota.
"Great weekend so far," said one.
"We have the League, come get it if you can," said another.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
A third fan said: "Completely made up with the transfer window."
"Is this really my club?" another fan asked.
"Brilliant couple of days in the transfer market," a fifth supporter asked.


birminghammail--2020-09-19--'Oh my God!' - Jurgen Klopp reacts as Liverpool seal £45m Wolves transfer

Jurgen Klopp has been reacting to Liverpool 's £45 million move for Diogo Jota .
The Portugal international has left Wolverhampton Wanderers after three seasons at Molineux and has linked up with the 2019-20 Premier League champions .
Klopp has revealed why he opted to move for Jota , who has become the Anfield club 's second signing in as many days following the arrival of Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich yesterday .
News of Liverpool 's interest in Jota was greeted with surprise , the former Atletico Madrid forward a mainstay of Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo 's side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Klopp thinks that age is on Jota and Liverpool 's side and that he will fit into Liverpool 's system that utilises a high press and has also said that his versatility is a major factor in his arrival .
`` Oh my god , plenty of reasons ! ''
Klopp told Liverpool 's website when asked why he has moved for Jota .
`` He 's a player who gives us so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He ’ s 23 years old , still far away from being kind of a finished article , so much potential .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store '' He has the speed , he can combine , can defend , can press .
`` It makes it just more unpredictable and gives us real options for different systems because he can play pretty much all three positions up front in a 4-3-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he can play both wings .
`` So , these kinds of things .
It 's just nice .
And he has some natural things which we have in our game , like this desire and the greed and the direction .
`` He is part of this unbelievable Portuguese generation in the moment , where they have really a lot of obviously quite skilled players .
We saw the Portuguese team last time , it ’ s quite impressive .
So , I ’ m really happy to have him here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ really good guy and really happy to be here . ''

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Jurgen Klopp has been reacting to Liverpool's £45 million move for Diogo Jota.
The Portugal international has left Wolverhampton Wanderers after three seasons at Molineux and has linked up with the 2019-20 Premier League champions.
Klopp has revealed why he opted to move for Jota, who has become the Anfield club's second signing in as many days following the arrival of Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich yesterday.
News of Liverpool's interest in Jota was greeted with surprise, the former Atletico Madrid forward a mainstay of Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo's side for the past three seasons.
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Klopp thinks that age is on Jota and Liverpool's side and that he will fit into Liverpool's system that utilises a high press and has also said that his versatility is a major factor in his arrival.
"Oh my god, plenty of reasons!" Klopp told Liverpool's website when asked why he has moved for Jota.
"He's a player who gives us so many options to use him."
"He’s 23 years old, still far away from being kind of a finished article, so much potential.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
"He has the speed, he can combine, can defend, can press.
"It makes it just more unpredictable and gives us real options for different systems because he can play pretty much all three positions up front in a 4-3-3, if we play with four midfielders he can play both wings.
"So, these kinds of things. It's just nice. And he has some natural things which we have in our game, like this desire and the greed and the direction.
"He is part of this unbelievable Portuguese generation in the moment, where they have really a lot of obviously quite skilled players. We saw the Portuguese team last time, it’s quite impressive. So, I’m really happy to have him here. And on top of that, a really good guy and really happy to be here."


birminghammail--2020-09-19--Blues and Swansea bosses have their say on Jon Toral shove

Aitor Karanka was pleased with Birmingham City ’ s goalless draw at Swansea City as Blues continued their positive start to the season .
A largely uneventful match saw both teams cancel each other out as Blues kept a clean sheet , rounded off by a sharp late save from Neil Etheridge .
However , the one incident of note – a push by Swansea coach Alan Tate on Blues ’ Jon Toral seemed largely missed by both Karanka and his opposite number Steve Cooper .
“ I didn ’ t see anything because I was in the tunnel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing I told them at half time was to forget what happened .
I don ’ t care about what happened in the tunnel – the players showed their spirit on the pitch .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here “ I can ’ t tell you because I didn ’ t see anything .
I don ’ t know what happened .
`` The referee has done what he has done .
If the referee has seen something and not done anything then I don ’ t think he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t say anything it ’ s because he didn ’ t see anything.
” Cooper was similarly tight-lipped : “ What incident ?
I didn ’ t see anything .
It certainly didn ’ t carry on down the tunnel .
I am more interested in the game to be honest.
” Karanka was more effusive about his team ’ s display .
“ I am really pleased it is the second game , another game against a team which was in the playoffs last year , ” the Spaniard continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good performance again .
I could see a really committed and organised team on the pitch .
It is time to build and it is good to have that commitment .
“ For me a clean sheet means much more than to not concede goals , it means commitment , it means to have our ‘ keepers not having a lot of work – when we needed them they were there .
“ The commitment is to have 11 players on the pitch and seven on the bench all supporting each other .
@

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Aitor Karanka was pleased with Birmingham City’s goalless draw at Swansea City as Blues continued their positive start to the season.
A largely uneventful match saw both teams cancel each other out as Blues kept a clean sheet, rounded off by a sharp late save from Neil Etheridge.
However, the one incident of note – a push by Swansea coach Alan Tate on Blues ’ Jon Toral seemed largely missed by both Karanka and his opposite number Steve Cooper.
“I didn’t see anything because I was in the tunnel,” Karanka said.
“The only thing I told them at half time was to forget what happened. I don’t care about what happened in the tunnel – the players showed their spirit on the pitch.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here
“I can’t tell you because I didn’t see anything. I don’t know what happened.
"The referee has done what he has done. If the referee has seen something and not done anything then I don’t think he’s doing his job. If he didn’t say anything it’s because he didn’t see anything.”
Cooper was similarly tight-lipped: “What incident? I didn’t see anything. It certainly didn’t carry on down the tunnel. I am more interested in the game to be honest.”
Karanka was more effusive about his team’s display.
“I am really pleased it is the second game, another game against a team which was in the playoffs last year,” the Spaniard continued.
“It has been a really good performance again. I could see a really committed and organised team on the pitch. It is time to build and it is good to have that commitment.
“For me a clean sheet means much more than to not concede goals, it means commitment, it means to have our ‘keepers not having a lot of work – when we needed them they were there. “The commitment is to have 11 players on the pitch and seven on the bench all supporting each other.”


birminghammail--2020-09-19--Steve Cooper picks out Birmingham City's two key players

Steve Cooper believes Swansea City deserved the victory despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Birmingham City .
The Swans head coach identified the contributions of Neil Etheridge and Lukas Jutkiewicz as Blues built on last weekend ’ s success against Brentford .
However , he insists the hosts controlled the second half but were unable to find their way past the Blues goalkeeper .
“ We are frustrated not to win the game , we should always be if we don ’ t win home games - not from a lack of trying .
“ We had some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t quite carry the momentum and let them get on the ball Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here “ Second half I thought we completely controlled the game in their half but just didn ’ t do enough to get chances at their goal .
“ The goalkeeper has made an excellent save from Marc [ Guehi ] late on and we got in good positions but the frustration is we didn ’ t do more .
“ We are still getting up to speed we have only been in four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-thirds of your pre-season .
We can ’ t expect everything , we should be pleased about a clean sheet .
They aren ’ t easy to get .
“ There were games like that last year that we lost , you think about Forest , you think about Stoke .
It is a game we should have won and a game we want to be winning .
“ Jutkiewicz is as good as it gets of his type , experienced , obviously Birmingham use him a lot , any free kick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they will .
`` It is a constant threat , he is good at it , whether it is hard to play again or not he is good at that type of football .
He has a handful .
`` To think that we kept a clean sheet and minimised them to very few if any clear-cut chances is a positive .
“ In terms of how the games went they were similar games , what didn ’ t happen is we didn ’ t get the breakthrough , we thought if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , three or four .
“ But we couldn ’ t get the first one – that ended up being our Achilles Heel on the day .
They were very similar in terms of their general play – but we didn ’ t manage to score .
”

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Steve Cooper believes Swansea City deserved the victory despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Birmingham City.
The Swans head coach identified the contributions of Neil Etheridge and Lukas Jutkiewicz as Blues built on last weekend’s success against Brentford.
However, he insists the hosts controlled the second half but were unable to find their way past the Blues goalkeeper.
“We are frustrated not to win the game, we should always be if we don’t win home games - not from a lack of trying.
“We had some good moments, started well didn’t quite carry the momentum and let them get on the ball
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here
“Second half I thought we completely controlled the game in their half but just didn’t do enough to get chances at their goal.
“The goalkeeper has made an excellent save from Marc [Guehi] late on and we got in good positions but the frustration is we didn’t do more.
“We are still getting up to speed we have only been in four weeks now, that’s only two-thirds of your pre-season. We can’t expect everything, we should be pleased about a clean sheet. They aren’t easy to get.
“There were games like that last year that we lost, you think about Forest, you think about Stoke. It is a game we should have won and a game we want to be winning.
“Jutkiewicz is as good as it gets of his type, experienced, obviously Birmingham use him a lot, any free kick, where the goalkeeper can hit the box, they will.
(Image: PA)
"It is a constant threat, he is good at it, whether it is hard to play again or not he is good at that type of football. He has a handful.
"To think that we kept a clean sheet and minimised them to very few if any clear-cut chances is a positive.
“In terms of how the games went they were similar games, what didn’t happen is we didn’t get the breakthrough, we thought if we got one we would get two, three or four.
“But we couldn’t get the first one – that ended up being our Achilles Heel on the day. They were very similar in terms of their general play – but we didn’t manage to score.”


birminghammail--2020-09-19--ITV and Ashley Banjo say change is coming ahead of BGT return

Diversity star Ashley Banjo has spoken out to reveal a defiant message supporting change ahead of his Britain 's Got Talent return tonight .
The star , 31 , will return as a judge to the hit ITV show after fielding a barrage of abuse from some viewers over a controversial performance from his dance troupe .
Ashley led the stars of Diversity in a dramatic retelling of some of the biggest news events of the year - including the killing of George Floyd - for a routine aired on the first BGT semi-final on September 5 .
Since then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24,000 complaints to regulator Ofcom and is on the way to becoming the most protested TV event of the decade .
Not to be beaten down by the mounting complaints or by what he has called 'racist ' abuse on social media , Banjo took to Instagram hours before his live TV return to share an important message .
Alongside a shot of himself taking the knee in the routine in the dance - as a homage to the Black Lives Matter movement - Ashley penned : `` This is what change looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to everyone that has supported us .
# Diversity `` The black and white picture carried the slogan : `` We are changed by what we see .
Just as we are changed when we are seen . ''
The move doubles down on the statement released from ITV earlier this week where the broadcaster positioned themselves on Diversity 's defence despite viewer complaints soaring above 20k and a drop in ratings following the performance .
Former BGT winners Diversity were caught up in a media storm after their Black Lives Matter inspired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The performance included a moment where a white police officer appeared to kneel on Banjo 's neck while his fellow dancers took pictures , as a reference to the killing of George Flloyd in America in May .
Ashley said that while he had received some criticism for the performance online , the hate was nothing compared to the positive reviews he 'd been sent .
He also claimed that the backlash showed him how much the conversation he and his Diversity pals sparked needed to be had .
TV also backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying BGT had always been a show that supports diversity and inclusivity .
An ITV spokesman : `` Britain 's Got Talent has always been an inclusive show , which showcases diversity and supports strong storytelling in all forms and ITV stands behind the decision to broadcast Diversity 's performance on BGT .
`` Ashley and the group are a great example of the talent , creativity and diversity of modern Britain and their performance was an authentic , heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surpassing Ofcom 's most complained about TV event , the watchdog have said they will not be investigating the performance as it does not breach guidelines .
The ruling on the website stated : `` Ofcom received approximately 24,500 complaints about the above programme .
Complainants outlined a range of concerns about Diversity ’ s performance , including that the themes of violence and racism were inappropriate for family viewing , that it expressed support for the political organisation ‘ Black Lives Matter ’ and that it was racist towards White people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages of support and praise for the performance .
Ofcom has assessed this programme against the relevant rules in the Broadcasting Code ( “ the Code ” ) .
`` Our assessment is that this programme did not raise any issues which warranted investigation .
In our view , Diversity ’ s performance was an artistic expression of topical social issues and did not contain any content which was racist , unsuitably violent or otherwise inappropriate in the context of this programme .
`` Given the significant publicity surrounding this case and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have decided to publish our reasons for this assessment . ''
Britain 's Got Talent returns tonight on ITV at 8pm

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Lucy Needham, Andy Richardson)

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Diversity star Ashley Banjo has spoken out to reveal a defiant message supporting change ahead of his Britain's Got Talent return tonight.
The star, 31, will return as a judge to the hit ITV show after fielding a barrage of abuse from some viewers over a controversial performance from his dance troupe.
Ashley led the stars of Diversity in a dramatic retelling of some of the biggest news events of the year - including the killing of George Floyd - for a routine aired on the first BGT semi-final on September 5.
Since then, the episode has received more than 24,000 complaints to regulator Ofcom and is on the way to becoming the most protested TV event of the decade.
Not to be beaten down by the mounting complaints or by what he has called 'racist' abuse on social media, Banjo took to Instagram hours before his live TV return to share an important message.
Alongside a shot of himself taking the knee in the routine in the dance - as a homage to the Black Lives Matter movement - Ashley penned: "This is what change looks like."
(Image: Instagram)
"Thank you again to everyone that has supported us. #Diversity "
The black and white picture carried the slogan: "We are changed by what we see. Just as we are changed when we are seen."
Underneath was written: "ITV stands by Diversity."
The move doubles down on the statement released from ITV earlier this week where the broadcaster positioned themselves on Diversity's defence despite viewer complaints soaring above 20k and a drop in ratings following the performance.
Former BGT winners Diversity were caught up in a media storm after their Black Lives Matter inspired routine on the talent show poloarised viwers.
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The performance included a moment where a white police officer appeared to kneel on Banjo's neck while his fellow dancers took pictures, as a reference to the killing of George Flloyd in America in May.
Ashley said that while he had received some criticism for the performance online, the hate was nothing compared to the positive reviews he'd been sent.
(Image: SJM Concerts)
He also claimed that the backlash showed him how much the conversation he and his Diversity pals sparked needed to be had.
TV also backed the stand-in judge and his troupe, saying BGT had always been a show that supports diversity and inclusivity.
An ITV spokesman: "Britain's Got Talent has always been an inclusive show, which showcases diversity and supports strong storytelling in all forms and ITV stands behind the decision to broadcast Diversity's performance on BGT.
"Ashley and the group are a great example of the talent, creativity and diversity of modern Britain and their performance was an authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020."
Despite the complaints almost surpassing Ofcom's most complained about TV event, the watchdog have said they will not be investigating the performance as it does not breach guidelines.
The ruling on the website stated: "Ofcom received approximately 24,500 complaints about the above programme. Complainants outlined a range of concerns about Diversity’s performance, including that the themes of violence and racism were inappropriate for family viewing, that it expressed support for the political organisation ‘Black Lives Matter’ and that it was racist towards White people.
"Ofcom also received a number of messages of support and praise for the performance. Ofcom has assessed this programme against the relevant rules in the Broadcasting Code (“the Code”).
"Our assessment is that this programme did not raise any issues which warranted investigation. In our view, Diversity’s performance was an artistic expression of topical social issues and did not contain any content which was racist, unsuitably violent or otherwise inappropriate in the context of this programme.
"Given the significant publicity surrounding this case and the high volume of complaints received, we have decided to publish our reasons for this assessment."
Britain's Got Talent returns tonight on ITV at 8pm