birminghammail--2020-07-08--Pep Clotet leaves Birmingham City as the slide continues

Pep Clotet ’ s has left Birmingham City following Wednesday night ’ s 3-1 defeat to Swansea City .
The head coach was due to leave at the end of the season – in another four games ’ time .
But with Blues in free-fall , without a win in their last ten Championship matches , the 43-year-old 's tenure has been cut short early .
Although he spoke with club TV and radio outlets Clotet did not hold a post-match press conference with the written media .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ click here Blues are four points and four places above the bottom three and still needing to add to their tally to guarantee their second tier status for next season .
The result means Clotet has won 13 of his 47 games in charge since replacing Garry Monk last summer .
He arrived at Blues as Monk ’ s assistant in March 2018 and was a valuable part of the back-room team that overcame a points deduction to enjoy what was a relatively straightforward 2018/2019 campaign .
Thrust into the top job following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was tasked with a footballing makeover , introducing young players and mounting a play-off charge .
He did well enough to see his caretaker status upgraded into permanent head coach in December but things have tailed off since the season resumed .
A failure to win any of their five matches since has left the club with a huge decision to make .
Blues ’ search for a permanent replacement started when they announced his intention to quit at the end of the season .
A club statement said : `` It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role immediately .
`` The board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Pep for his efforts during the past two years .
We will be making no further comment at this time . ''

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Pep Clotet’s has left Birmingham City following Wednesday night’s 3-1 defeat to Swansea City.
The head coach was due to leave at the end of the season – in another four games’ time.
But with Blues in free-fall, without a win in their last ten Championship matches, the 43-year-old's tenure has been cut short early.
Although he spoke with club TV and radio outlets Clotet did not hold a post-match press conference with the written media.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Blues are four points and four places above the bottom three and still needing to add to their tally to guarantee their second tier status for next season.
The result means Clotet has won 13 of his 47 games in charge since replacing Garry Monk last summer.
He arrived at Blues as Monk’s assistant in March 2018 and was a valuable part of the back-room team that overcame a points deduction to enjoy what was a relatively straightforward 2018/2019 campaign.
Thrust into the top job following Monk’s sacking last June he was tasked with a footballing makeover, introducing young players and mounting a play-off charge.
He did well enough to see his caretaker status upgraded into permanent head coach in December but things have tailed off since the season resumed.
A failure to win any of their five matches since has left the club with a huge decision to make.
Blues’ search for a permanent replacement started when they announced his intention to quit at the end of the season.
A club statement said: "It was mutually agreed that he should relinquish the role immediately.
"The board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Pep for his efforts during the past two years. We will be making no further comment at this time."


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Pep Clotet on the brink as Birmingham City's slide continues

Pep Clotet ’ s future as Birmingham City head coach is hanging by a thread following Wednesday night ’ s 3-1 defeat to Swansea City .
The head coach was due to leave at the end of the season – in another four games ’ time .
But with Blues in free-fall , without a win in their last ten Championship matches , it seems the 43-year-old is on the brink of his St Andrew ’ s tenure being cut short .
Although he spoke with club TV and radio outlets Clotet did not hold a post-match press conference with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Blues are four points and four places above the bottom three and still needing to add to their tally to guarantee their second tier status for next season .
Last night ’ s result means Clotet has won 13 of his 47 games in charge since replacing Garry Monk last summer .
He arrived at Blues as Monk ’ s assistant in March 2018 and was a valuable part of the back-room team that overcame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relatively straightforward 2018/2019 campaign .
Thrust into the top job following Monk ’ s sacking last June he was tasked with a footballing makeover , introducing young players and mounting a play-off charge .
He did well enough to see his caretaker status upgraded into permanent head coach in December but things have tailed off since the season resumed .
A failure to win any of their five matches since has left the club with a huge decision to make .
Blues ’ search for a permanent replacement started when they announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the season .

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Pep Clotet’s future as Birmingham City head coach is hanging by a thread following Wednesday night’s 3-1 defeat to Swansea City.
The head coach was due to leave at the end of the season – in another four games’ time.
But with Blues in free-fall, without a win in their last ten Championship matches, it seems the 43-year-old is on the brink of his St Andrew’s tenure being cut short.
Although he spoke with club TV and radio outlets Clotet did not hold a post-match press conference with the written media.
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Blues are four points and four places above the bottom three and still needing to add to their tally to guarantee their second tier status for next season.
Last night’s result means Clotet has won 13 of his 47 games in charge since replacing Garry Monk last summer.
He arrived at Blues as Monk’s assistant in March 2018 and was a valuable part of the back-room team that overcame a points deduction to enjoy what was a relatively straightforward 2018/2019 campaign.
Thrust into the top job following Monk’s sacking last June he was tasked with a footballing makeover, introducing young players and mounting a play-off charge.
He did well enough to see his caretaker status upgraded into permanent head coach in December but things have tailed off since the season resumed.
A failure to win any of their five matches since has left the club with a huge decision to make.
Blues’ search for a permanent replacement started when they announced his intention to quit at the end of the season.


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Dean Smith talks mistakes and transfers in most honest interview yet

Dean Smith has pointed the finger at the club 's frantic summer as one of the reasons for Aston Villa 's Premier League plight .
Villa look to be sinking without a trace and , following Watford 's win over Norwich in midweek , find themselves four points adrift at the bottom ahead of Thursday 's encounter with in-form Manchester United .
Villa , of course , purchased an entire new playing squad last summer after making 12 permanent additions for a combined total of £130 million .
A dozen ageing first-team players left , meaning Villa 's business had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time this season , Smith has blamed Villa 's costly slow start down to new recruits `` taking a while '' to get up to the required fitness and standard level in the Premier League - and also revealed how he never quite envisaged being in a relegation scrap .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Smith was asked what his biggest learning curves have been in his first season as a big-league boss , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition that you ’ re playing against week-in , week-out .
There are no easy games in this league and you have to be on it every game .
`` The fitness levels have been a big one as well .
I just felt , pre-lockdown , we weren ’ t as fit as we could have been , or should have been .
But a lot of that was down to the fact Douglas ( Luiz ) came in two days before , ( Marvelous ) Nakamba took a while , ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We had a lot of changes during the summer and to get them up to speed has taken time . ''
On being potential relegation candidates , he said : `` No , I thought we would have a little bit more if I 'm honest .
I did n't think we would be a top-six team !
I knew it would be tough .
`` We 've also experienced some big injuries during the season as well that have hampered us .
To lose Tom Heaton and Wes on New Year 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose Tyrone Mings against Leicester , to lose John McGinn against Southampton .
We lost some of our big players and did n't handle it well enough at the time . ''
Since lockdown was lifted last month , Smith 's Villa have improved defensively and concede far fewer chances on their goal .
Given what was a shrewd 72-minute game plan at Anfield , the head coach believes he is improving as a manager - despite Villa 's nine-game win-less run .
`` I ’ d like to think so , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact we ’ re 33 games in .
My job is to keep improving as a manager , as a person and , also , to improve the staff and players underneath me as well .
`` Douglas Luiz is someone who probably epitomises that .
Somebody who walked in the building two days before our first Premier League start and has had to play catch-up ever since .
The period during the lockdown , we ’ ve done a lot of work with him and I think you can see the fruits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last five games .
`` I think we ’ re all getting better and , hopefully , time doesn ’ t run out for us .
We ’ ve got five games and a belief that we can still stay in this league . ''
Smith added : `` It ’ s definitely crunch time .
We ’ ve only got five games left .
But I think everybody can see that home advantage at the moment has disappeared massively .
You don ’ t have your home fans there dragging us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` You rely then on team spirit and the camaraderie of the squad .
I feel we ’ ve shown we ’ ve got that but we haven ’ t got a points tally to go with it .
We need scoreboard pressure now .
We need to go and get some points . ''
The Villa head coach 's current mood is a far cry from how he was feeling 12 months ago after guiding his beloved club back to the big time .
Smith , though , is remaining cool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are finding the pressure tougher than he is .
`` I 'm handling it fine , '' Smith told us .
`` I 've been in this position before at a different level against different quality opposition .
Whichever club I 've worked with , I 've loved that club when I 've been there .
`` The added pressure I have here is that most of the family are Villa fans so they probably find the pressure tougher than I do . ''

Dean Smith has pointed the finger at the club's frantic summer as one of the reasons for Aston Villa's Premier League plight.
Villa look to be sinking without a trace and, following Watford's win over Norwich in midweek, find themselves four points adrift at the bottom ahead of Thursday's encounter with in-form Manchester United.
Villa, of course, purchased an entire new playing squad last summer after making 12 permanent additions for a combined total of £130 million. A dozen ageing first-team players left, meaning Villa's business had to be busy.
However, for the first time this season, Smith has blamed Villa's costly slow start down to new recruits "taking a while" to get up to the required fitness and standard level in the Premier League - and also revealed how he never quite envisaged being in a relegation scrap.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Smith was asked what his biggest learning curves have been in his first season as a big-league boss, and said: "The quality of the opposition that you’re playing against week-in, week-out. There are no easy games in this league and you have to be on it every game.
"The fitness levels have been a big one as well. I just felt, pre-lockdown, we weren’t as fit as we could have been, or should have been. But a lot of that was down to the fact Douglas (Luiz) came in two days before, (Marvelous) Nakamba took a while, (Matt) Targett took a while. We had a lot of changes during the summer and to get them up to speed has taken time."
On being potential relegation candidates, he said: "No, I thought we would have a little bit more if I'm honest. I didn't think we would be a top-six team! I knew it would be tough.
(Image: 2020 Pool)
"We've also experienced some big injuries during the season as well that have hampered us. To lose Tom Heaton and Wes on New Year's Day was a massive blow. To lose Tyrone Mings against Leicester, to lose John McGinn against Southampton. We lost some of our big players and didn't handle it well enough at the time."
Since lockdown was lifted last month, Smith's Villa have improved defensively and concede far fewer chances on their goal. Given what was a shrewd 72-minute game plan at Anfield, the head coach believes he is improving as a manager - despite Villa's nine-game win-less run.
"I’d like to think so," Smith told BirminghamLive. "Just the fact we’re 33 games in. My job is to keep improving as a manager, as a person and, also, to improve the staff and players underneath me as well.
"Douglas Luiz is someone who probably epitomises that. Somebody who walked in the building two days before our first Premier League start and has had to play catch-up ever since. The period during the lockdown, we’ve done a lot of work with him and I think you can see the fruits of our labour with his performances in the last five games.
"I think we’re all getting better and, hopefully, time doesn’t run out for us. We’ve got five games and a belief that we can still stay in this league."
Smith added: "It’s definitely crunch time. We’ve only got five games left. But I think everybody can see that home advantage at the moment has disappeared massively. You don’t have your home fans there dragging us through, so you certainly miss that.
"You rely then on team spirit and the camaraderie of the squad. I feel we’ve shown we’ve got that but we haven’t got a points tally to go with it. We need scoreboard pressure now. We need to go and get some points."
The Villa head coach's current mood is a far cry from how he was feeling 12 months ago after guiding his beloved club back to the big time.
Smith, though, is remaining cool - and says his family and friends are finding the pressure tougher than he is.
"I'm handling it fine," Smith told us. "I've been in this position before at a different level against different quality opposition. Whichever club I've worked with, I've loved that club when I've been there.
"The added pressure I have here is that most of the family are Villa fans so they probably find the pressure tougher than I do."


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Lotto results: Winning National Lottery numbers for Wednesday

No lucky winners scooped the National Lottery 's top prize , making Saturday 's jackpot an estimated £7.5 million .
@ @ @ @ @ and the bonus ball to win £1 million in Wednesday 's draw .
The winning @ @ @ @ @ , 05 , 22 , 18 , 50 and the bonus number was 30 .
@ @ @ @ @ and draw machine Merlin were used , Camelot said .
Forty-three ticketholders matched five numbers @ @ @ @ @ while 2,553 matched four numbers to win £140 each .
A total of 63,562 players @ @ @ @ @ £30 each .
There were no top prize winners in the Lotto HotPicks or Thunderball @ @ @ @ @ numbers were 36 , 23 , 14 , 12 , 17 and the Thunderball number @ @ @

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No lucky winners scooped the National Lottery's top prize, making Saturday's jackpot an estimated £7.5 million.
One ticketholder matched five numbers and the bonus ball to win £1 million in Wednesday's draw.
The winning numbers were 59, 31, 05, 22, 18, 50 and the bonus number was 30.
Set of balls number 10 and draw machine Merlin were used, Camelot said.
Forty-three ticketholders matched five numbers to win £1,750 each, while 2,553 matched four numbers to win £140 each.
A total of 63,562 players matched three numbers to win £30 each.
There were no top prize winners in the Lotto HotPicks or Thunderball draws.
The winning Thunderball numbers were 36, 23, 14, 12, 17 and the Thunderball number was 10.


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Bilic delivers Diangana injury update after West Brom win

Grady Diangana was withdrawn as a precaution , despite initial concerns that the West Brom loanee might ’ ve suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury , Slaven Bilic has confirmed .
Diangana opened the scoring in Albion ’ s excellent 2-0 victory over Derby County on Wednesday , but shortly after the restart he was forced off .
That immediately sparked fears that the winger might ’ ve relapsed after making his second comeback from the injury that has wreaked havoc on the second half of his campaign at The Hawthorns .
Diangana knocked knees with a Rams defender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicated that there were no worries and that he ’ d be looked at on Thursday .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com “ Hopefully , and I think so , it ’ s not an injury , just a precaution .
He will be assessed , it looks okay but it would be instrumental to keep him , ” Bilic said .
“ He is one of the reasons why we played so well , not only offensively , but defensively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused .
He won a lot of balls from them high up the pitch .
He scored a goal and every time he got on the ball he had short runs or long runs - he was Grady at his best.
” This was a significant win ; not just because of the quality of opponent , or even that the Baggies had once again responded to pressure piled on by Brentford .
It was the manner of the victory , the display that was as professional as it was entertaining .
Albion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and simultaneously made them pay at the other end .
Bilic , delighted , gushed about his side ’ s desire and ability to rise to the occasion .
“ I can ’ t feel any better , ” he enthused .
“ Of course it is all about the points at this stage of the season , but there is a way to get the points and we were magnificent to be fair .
“ We were fantastic in every aspect of the game .
We played against a very offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did , against a good team and against a team that is in form and who like to play , to defend like that , to be organised like that .
“ To win so many balls high up the pitch and to basically give them nothing , but at the same time to keep the ball well when needed , to switch sides , to create so many chances .
“ The only thing that was missing was an earlier second goal .
Everything else , from everything player was there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan - but you always have a game plan .
They way they executed it , I would call it fantastic to be fair .
“ I am so proud of them .
That was us in the best possible way .
”

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Grady Diangana was withdrawn as a precaution, despite initial concerns that the West Brom loanee might’ve suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury, Slaven Bilic has confirmed.
Diangana opened the scoring in Albion’s excellent 2-0 victory over Derby County on Wednesday, but shortly after the restart he was forced off.
That immediately sparked fears that the winger might’ve relapsed after making his second comeback from the injury that has wreaked havoc on the second half of his campaign at The Hawthorns.
Diangana knocked knees with a Rams defender and immediately made way, though Bilic indicated that there were no worries and that he’d be looked at on Thursday.
“Hopefully, and I think so, it’s not an injury, just a precaution. He will be assessed, it looks okay but it would be instrumental to keep him,” Bilic said.
“He is one of the reasons why we played so well, not only offensively, but defensively he was unbelievable.
“He was focused. He won a lot of balls from them high up the pitch. He scored a goal and every time he got on the ball he had short runs or long runs - he was Grady at his best.”
This was a significant win; not just because of the quality of opponent, or even that the Baggies had once again responded to pressure piled on by Brentford.
(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
It was the manner of the victory, the display that was as professional as it was entertaining. Albion didn’t give Derby and inch, and simultaneously made them pay at the other end.
Bilic, delighted, gushed about his side’s desire and ability to rise to the occasion.
“I can’t feel any better,” he enthused. “Of course it is all about the points at this stage of the season, but there is a way to get the points and we were magnificent to be fair.
“We were fantastic in every aspect of the game. We played against a very offensive team, but to defend as we did, against a good team and against a team that is in form and who like to play, to defend like that, to be organised like that.
“To win so many balls high up the pitch and to basically give them nothing, but at the same time to keep the ball well when needed, to switch sides, to create so many chances.
“The only thing that was missing was an earlier second goal. Everything else, from everything player was there.
“You can talk about a game plan - but you always have a game plan. They way they executed it, I would call it fantastic to be fair.
“I am so proud of them. That was us in the best possible way.”


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Wilder makes Wolves admission after damaging Nuno's top-four hopes

Chris Wilder rates Sheffield United ’ s win over Wolves as one of his best as Blades boss .
John Egan headed home deep into injury time to give United a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane to boost their own European hopes and dent their opponents ’ .
The Blades are now just one point behind Wolves , who are still sixth in the Premier League but their Champions League dreams are fading rapidly .
And a jubilant Wilder was understandably very pleased with his players after they beat one of their immediate rivals .
“ It was really tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t expecting anything different .
We were really stretched up against one of the stand-out sides in the Premier League .
“ Out of possession I thought we were really good .
We wrapped up some really big players at the top of the pitch .
We rode our luck a couple of times but we didn ’ t want to just sit and wait to be defeated .
“ This is top 10 Premier League football , nothing is going to be handed to you .
That ’ s right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve had ) .
“ If you look through their line-up , internationals on the pitch , Adama , Jimenez , Jota , the two midfielders , this is an incredibly powerful football club which has been brilliant this year and we ’ ve gone toe-to-toe with them and managed to come out in front .
”

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Chris Wilder rates Sheffield United’s win over Wolves as one of his best as Blades boss.
John Egan headed home deep into injury time to give United a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane to boost their own European hopes and dent their opponents’.
The Blades are now just one point behind Wolves, who are still sixth in the Premier League but their Champions League dreams are fading rapidly.
And a jubilant Wilder was understandably very pleased with his players after they beat one of their immediate rivals.
“It was really tight,” said Wilder. “I wasn’t expecting anything different. We were really stretched up against one of the stand-out sides in the Premier League.
“Out of possession I thought we were really good. We wrapped up some really big players at the top of the pitch. We rode our luck a couple of times but we didn’t want to just sit and wait to be defeated.
“This is top 10 Premier League football, nothing is going to be handed to you. That’s right up there in terms of performance/result (we’ve had).
“If you look through their line-up, internationals on the pitch, Adama, Jimenez, Jota, the two midfielders, this is an incredibly powerful football club which has been brilliant this year and we’ve gone toe-to-toe with them and managed to come out in front.”


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Aston Villa and Dean Smith handed Premier League lifeline

The battle against Premier League relegation took another twist , with West Ham losing 1-0 to Burnley at the London Stadium .
West Ham had the chance to open up a seven point gap on Aston Villa , who currently occupy the final spot in the bottom three .
But a first-half Jay Rodriguez goal condemned them to defeat , in turn giving Villla 's chances of survival a timely boost .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Dean Smith 's men face Manchester United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a win will see them move to just one point behind the Hammers and Watford .
The Hornets picked up a vital win on Tuesday , heightening relegation fears , although Smith is pleased that is still within his team 's hands .
`` It was a game everyone expected Watford to win , '' he said.There was a tinge of disappointment given the chances Norwich had .
I was more interested in watching Palace .
It 's still in our hands . ''
And fans on social media have a renewed sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Manchester United showdown .
@ LukeSugg19 : behind West Ham .
Remembering we play them on the last day of the season !
!
@ JaceOMac : West Ham losing today gives us more hope .
Now to capitalise on them helping us out with a point or 3 tomorrow !
@ RW44AVFC : Good result for us if we can pull something out of the hat tomorrow night .
@ JMCgod7 : Imagine just for a second if we somehow got 3 points tommorow .
We ’ d drag West Ham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a winnable few games coming up .
If only Villa could actually win games , don ’ t even wan na get my hopes up @ R1Chuk : Yes Burnley !
!
!
West Ham still in touching distance @ Marshallavfc : West Ham and Watford could be on 34 points and us on 30 after the weekend .
They then play each other while we play Everton West Ham then have Man Utd and us , Watford have Man City and Arsenal @ RHUTV170 : It ’ s not Watford we wan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Ham .
It ’ s gon na go down to last game of the season .

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The battle against Premier League relegation took another twist, with West Ham losing 1-0 to Burnley at the London Stadium.
West Ham had the chance to open up a seven point gap on Aston Villa, who currently occupy the final spot in the bottom three.
But a first-half Jay Rodriguez goal condemned them to defeat, in turn giving Villla's chances of survival a timely boost.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Dean Smith's men face Manchester United on Thursday, where they now know a win will see them move to just one point behind the Hammers and Watford.
The Hornets picked up a vital win on Tuesday, heightening relegation fears, although Smith is pleased that is still within his team's hands.
"It was a game everyone expected Watford to win," he said.There was a tinge of disappointment given the chances Norwich had. I was more interested in watching Palace. It's still in our hands."
And fans on social media have a renewed sense of optimism, ahead of tomorrow night's Manchester United showdown.
(Image: Marc Aspland NMCPool)
@LukeSugg19: behind West Ham. Remembering we play them on the last day of the season!!
@JaceOMac: West Ham losing today gives us more hope. Now to capitalise on them helping us out with a point or 3 tomorrow!
@RW44AVFC: Good result for us if we can pull something out of the hat tomorrow night.
@AVFCFaithful_: Up the Burnley
@JMCgod7: Imagine just for a second if we somehow got 3 points tommorow. We’d drag West Ham and Watford right back into it with a winnable few games coming up. If only Villa could actually win games, don’t even wanna get my hopes up
@R1Chuk: Yes Burnley !!! West Ham still in touching distance
@Marshallavfc: West Ham and Watford could be on 34 points and us on 30 after the weekend. They then play each other while we play Everton West Ham then have Man Utd and us, Watford have Man City and Arsenal
@RHUTV170: It’s not Watford we wanna be chasing. It’s West Ham. It’s gonna go down to last game of the season.


birminghammail--2020-07-08--'What's Pulis up to?' - Birmingham City fans fume after Swansea City defeat

Birmingham City fans have been reacting to tonight 's 3-1 defeat to Swansea City .
Pep Clotet 's side are now winless in 11 matches in all competitions and recorded their third defeat in a row tonight .
It was also the fourth game in a row that Blues have conceded three goals and they are now just four points clear of Hull City , who occupy the final relegation place .
Lukas Jutkiewicz opened the scoring five minutes in but Swansea quickly turned it around through Rhian Brewster seven minutes later .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of the page or click here Ben Cabango put Steve Cooper 's side ahead on the stroke of half-time and Jay Fulton added a third seven minutes later .
That 's left Blues fans despondent ahead of a crunch clash with Stoke City , who are three points behind them in 20th .
`` Time to ask major questions , '' one fan said .
`` Serious questions now need to be asked of Pep , the players are n't performing for him , '' said another .
`` We need answers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
! ''
said a third fan .
`` We played so bad it was untrue . ''
`` What 's Pulis up to ? ''
another fan asked .
`` I know the football is dire but at least he 'd maybe stop us shopping three at home every time . ''
`` We are on our way down this year , '' a fifth fan said .

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Birmingham City fans have been reacting to tonight's 3-1 defeat to Swansea City.
Pep Clotet's side are now winless in 11 matches in all competitions and recorded their third defeat in a row tonight.
It was also the fourth game in a row that Blues have conceded three goals and they are now just four points clear of Hull City, who occupy the final relegation place.
Lukas Jutkiewicz opened the scoring five minutes in but Swansea quickly turned it around through Rhian Brewster seven minutes later.
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Ben Cabango put Steve Cooper's side ahead on the stroke of half-time and Jay Fulton added a third seven minutes later.
That's left Blues fans despondent ahead of a crunch clash with Stoke City, who are three points behind them in 20th.
"Time to ask major questions," one fan said.
"Serious questions now need to be asked of Pep, the players aren't performing for him," said another.
"We need answers to why we can't defend whatsoever?!" said a third fan. "We played so bad it was untrue."
"What's Pulis up to?" another fan asked. "I know the football is dire but at least he'd maybe stop us shopping three at home every time."
"We are on our way down this year," a fifth fan said.
Another added: "Fed up."


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Self-employed workers have five days to apply for coronavirus grant worth £7.5k

Self-employed workers that have been affected by coronavirus pandemic have just five days to apply for the first set of government grants – which could be worth up to £7,500 .
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme is designed to help people who have lost work because of Covid-19 .
This could mean because custom has dried up or because of shielding or care responsibilities .
The grant provides 80 per cent of three months ' profits up to a cap of £7,500 or £2,500 per month .
The first cash boost , which is closing on Wednesday , July 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April and May .
The MoneySavingExpert.com founder , Martin Lewis , revealed that 2.7 million claims , which is worth more than £7.7 billion , have been made so far .
But said 800,000 eligible for the first grant still have n't applied .
A second grant has also been introduced to help self-employed workers that struggle in June , July and August .
Many self-employed people will qualify for both grants , if their business continue to be affected by coronavirus and lockdown .
But anyone who is already losing income must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before it closes for good .
Missing the deadline for the first grant will not disqualify you from the second , but it will mean you lose out on any help for troubles in the earlier part of the year .
Who qualifies for the Self-employed Income Support Scheme ?
To be eligible for the financial help , workers need to have traded in the tax year 2019 to 2020 and intend to carry on trading .
You must also : • Earn at least 50 per cent of your income through self-employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than £50,000 You 'll also need to show that your business has been adversely affected by coronavirus .
This could be because : • You 're on sick leave because of coronavirus .
• You have caring responsibilities because of coronavirus .
• You ’ ve had to scale down , temporarily stop trading or have incurred additional costs because : - your supply chain has been interrupted - you have fewer or no customers - your staff ca n't come in to work - one or more of your contracts has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment so you could follow social distancing rules You ca n't claim the grant if you ’ re a limited company or operating a trade through a trust .
How much will you get ?
How much you 'll get will depend on how much your business made over the last three years .
The taxable grant is based on your average trading profit over the years : The first grant will be worth 80 per cent of your average monthly trading profits , paid out in a single instalment covering all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will be capped at £7,500 in total .
The grant amount HMRC calculates will be paid directly into your bank account , in one instalment .
The payments you get will be taxable .

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Self-employed workers that have been affected by coronavirus pandemic have just five days to apply for the first set of government grants – which could be worth up to £7,500.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme is designed to help people who have lost work because of Covid-19.
This could mean because custom has dried up or because of shielding or care responsibilities.
The grant provides 80 per cent of three months' profits up to a cap of £7,500 or £2,500 per month.
The first cash boost, which is closing on Wednesday, July 13, covers lost profits from March, April and May.
The MoneySavingExpert.com founder, Martin Lewis, revealed that 2.7 million claims, which is worth more than £7.7 billion, have been made so far. But said 800,000 eligible for the first grant still haven't applied.
A second grant has also been introduced to help self-employed workers that struggle in June, July and August.
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Many self-employed people will qualify for both grants, if their business continue to be affected by coronavirus and lockdown.
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But anyone who is already losing income must apply for the first grant quickly, before it closes for good.
Missing the deadline for the first grant will not disqualify you from the second, but it will mean you lose out on any help for troubles in the earlier part of the year.
Who qualifies for the Self-employed Income Support Scheme?
To be eligible for the financial help, workers need to have traded in the tax year 2019 to 2020 and intend to carry on trading.
You must also:
Earn at least 50 per cent of your income through self-employment
Have annual trading profits of no more than £50,000
You'll also need to show that your business has been adversely affected by coronavirus.
This could be because:
You're shielding.
You're self-isolating.
You're on sick leave because of coronavirus.
You have caring responsibilities because of coronavirus.
You’ve had to scale down, temporarily stop trading or have incurred additional costs because:
- your supply chain has been interrupted
- you have fewer or no customers
- your staff can't come in to work
- one or more of your contracts has been cancelled
- you had to buy protective equipment so you could follow social distancing rules
You can't claim the grant if you’re a limited company or operating a trade through a trust.
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How much will you get?
How much you'll get will depend on how much your business made over the last three years.
The taxable grant is based on your average trading profit over the years:
2016 to 2017
2017 to 2018
2018 to 2019
The first grant will be worth 80 per cent of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering all three months from March to May.
It will be capped at £7,500 in total.
The grant amount HMRC calculates will be paid directly into your bank account, in one instalment.
The payments you get will be taxable.


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Birmingham City are sleepwalking their way into danger

Birmingham City are sleepwalking their way towards the danger zone .
No wins in ten , conceding goals – particularly at home – with almost powerless regularity , the end of the season can not come quickly enough .
What , before lockdown , had seemed a campaign of the odd positive here and there , is turning into a wasted one , potentially worse .
This defeat to Swansea City was even more dispiriting then the 3-0 reverse at the Liberty Stadium in August – and that is saying something about a day in which they failed to throw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , starting brightly and taking the lead but then showing their glass jaw .
Sign up for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here They invited the Swans back into proceedings .
It ’ s only fair to point out that Swansea are a decent team , they move the ball well and in Rhian Brewster have the cutting edge to their attractive build-up .
But when they ’ ve played Blues this season , they ’ ve looked like Barcelona .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of tonight ’ s weak offering Blues are now four points above the bottom three and in free-fall , falling without yet losing any height .
They remain 17th and there are four clubs between them and the relegation places , but since restart all of those rivals have shown more ability to help themselves than Pep Clotet ’ s team have .
Defensively , at St Andrew 's in particular , they are all over the place , they are a soft touch at set pieces and in attack Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most lethal striker in the division to utterly peripheral .
It has fallen to pieces and it ’ s difficult to see the current coaching set-up and squad of players winning any of their remaining home games .
They might scrap their way to the odd point , even a win away from home - but on their own patch it 's gone badly wrong .
When they are asked to both attack and defend , it 's almost as if it 's too much .
Of course there ’ s the chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bag to haul themselves over the line but they are playing a very dangerous game .
If the plan was to rely on the problems of clubs like Wigan and Sheffield Wednesday to save them a few quid then it might yet come to fruition , probably will in fact .
But this isn ’ t good enough and as they watch on Blues TV , Birmingham City supporters have been shortchanged .

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Birmingham City are sleepwalking their way towards the danger zone.
No wins in ten, conceding goals – particularly at home – with almost powerless regularity, the end of the season cannot come quickly enough.
What, before lockdown, had seemed a campaign of the odd positive here and there, is turning into a wasted one, potentially worse.
This defeat to Swansea City was even more dispiriting then the 3-0 reverse at the Liberty Stadium in August – and that is saying something about a day in which they failed to throw a punch.
They threw one here, starting brightly and taking the lead but then showing their glass jaw.
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They invited the Swans back into proceedings. It’s only fair to point out that Swansea are a decent team, they move the ball well and in Rhian Brewster have the cutting edge to their attractive build-up.
But when they’ve played Blues this season, they’ve looked like Barcelona. And they’re not.
As a result of tonight’s weak offering Blues are now four points above the bottom three and in free-fall, falling without yet losing any height.
They remain 17th and there are four clubs between them and the relegation places, but since restart all of those rivals have shown more ability to help themselves than Pep Clotet’s team have.
Defensively, at St Andrew's in particular, they are all over the place, they are a soft touch at set pieces and in attack Scott Hogan has gone from looking like the most lethal striker in the division to utterly peripheral.
It has fallen to pieces and it’s difficult to see the current coaching set-up and squad of players winning any of their remaining home games.
They might scrap their way to the odd point, even a win away from home - but on their own patch it's gone badly wrong.
When they are asked to both attack and defend, it's almost as if it's too much.
(Image: PA)
Of course there’s the chance Blues already have enough points in the bag to haul themselves over the line but they are playing a very dangerous game.
If the plan was to rely on the problems of clubs like Wigan and Sheffield Wednesday to save them a few quid then it might yet come to fruition, probably will in fact.
But this isn’t good enough and as they watch on Blues TV, Birmingham City supporters have been shortchanged.


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Nuno offers worrying injury update on Wolves star Adama Traore

Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed Adama Traore dislocated his shoulder for the FOURTH time this season against Sheffield United - and the Wolves boss admits it is playing on his star man ’ s mind Traore first dislocated his left shoulder against Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux in December and it ’ s happened on two further occasions since against Manchester United and Spurs again in March .
And it happened for the fourth time this term just minutes into Wolves ’ defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane as Enda Stevens brushed past the Spaniard .
While Traore was able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done previously , it ’ s obviously affecting his performance .
“ It ’ s the same issue that he had before , ” Nuno said in his post-match press conference .
“ Now let 's see how he can overcome that .
He is now in pain , but he ’ s a strong boy .
“ The moment that he has his shoulder dislocated , of course it is in his mind .
What I saw is after that he keeps on going , fighting , jumping .
It is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overcome that.
” Wolves are going to have to keep patching up Traore until the season has concluded with the 24-year-old central to their Premier League and Europa League ambitions .

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Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed Adama Traore dislocated his shoulder for the FOURTH time this season against Sheffield United - and the Wolves boss admits it is playing on his star man’s mind
Traore first dislocated his left shoulder against Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux in December and it’s happened on two further occasions since against Manchester United and Spurs again in March.
And it happened for the fourth time this term just minutes into Wolves’ defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane as Enda Stevens brushed past the Spaniard.
While Traore was able to carry on, just as he has done previously, it’s obviously affecting his performance.
“It’s the same issue that he had before,” Nuno said in his post-match press conference. “Now let's see how he can overcome that. He is now in pain, but he’s a strong boy.
“The moment that he has his shoulder dislocated, of course it is in his mind. What I saw is after that he keeps on going, fighting, jumping. It is in his mind but he is able to overcome that.”
Wolves are going to have to keep patching up Traore until the season has concluded with the 24-year-old central to their Premier League and Europa League ambitions.


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Hegazi turns up and Rooney is parked as West Brom dismiss Derby

For 24 hours , at least , West Brom returned to the top of the Championship table with a 2-0 victory over Derby County that was married with an excellent display across the pitch .
Grady Diangana opened the scoring from a tight angle early doors , before Dara O ’ Shea headed home his second goal of the season in the later stages of the game to ease the nerves as Derby pressed for an equaliser .
There ’ ll be concerns over Diangana , who departed just after half time with another injury , but this was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colours .
Louis Sibley was sent off late on as the Rams , chasing a play-off spot , finished the game with ten men .
Here are the things you might ’ ve missed from a drenched Hawthorns .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be bringing the very latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Curtis Davies , well travelled around the Midlands , took his place among the substitutes for the visitors .
Hard to think it was 13 years ago that the then captain of Albion left , rather acrimoniously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , Davies has joined Blues , won the League Cup , been relegated , returned to the top flight with Hull City and then joined Derby in 2017 and has made near 100 appearances for the Rams .
Nowadays , at the ripe old age of 35 , he ’ s a bit part player at Pride Park and juggles his playing career with his prospective punditry ventures .
He might ’ ve been suspended , but Ahmed Hegazi - the player who adorned the front cover of the match-day programme , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his teammates in action .
The Egyptian , who has been in excellent form himself either side of the break , received a second yellow card late into Albion ’ s 4-2 win over Hull on Sunday and as a result was forced to sit this game out .
Hegazi took his place in the West Stand , above the dug-out , alongside watching sporting director Luke Dowling .
Semi Ajayi took his place in the back-line alongside regular Kyle Bartley .
How many matches in Championship history have involved two English internationals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t have been too many .
Here , it was a pleasure to see Wayne Rooney back at The Hawthorns ; despite being in the twilight of his career , the former Three Lions skipper still has so much talent with the ball at his feet .
He actually played further forwards , here , behind lone striker Chris Martin as opposed to his usual deeper role .
On the opposing side of the midfield , Jake Livermore was granted a start again ; the Albion captain , who picked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was back to his tenacious best , winning the ball high .
Safe to say that , on the day , Livermore got the better of the heavyweights .
It ’ s not something that Bilic is afforded an opportunity to do usually , chat to his players on the field .
There are plenty of post-match commitments for the Croat , of course , many of which are media related and he must still attend to even now .
In front of an empty stadium , though , and with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends Charlie Austin and Wayne Rooney who were having their own catch-up , Bilic was giving a lecture to Romaine Sawyers .
Animated as always , Bilic was using Sawyers almost as a mannequin , pointing to all four corners of the Hawthorns surface , with an insatiable desire to improve the midfielder who he rates so highly .
Sawyers , with a grin on his face , was clearly taking this all on board in good spirits , though you could ’ ve forgiven the midfielder for explaining : “ For heck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve just won and I ’ ve performed well !
”

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For 24 hours, at least, West Brom returned to the top of the Championship table with a 2-0 victory over Derby County that was married with an excellent display across the pitch.
Grady Diangana opened the scoring from a tight angle early doors, before Dara O’Shea headed home his second goal of the season in the later stages of the game to ease the nerves as Derby pressed for an equaliser.
There’ll be concerns over Diangana, who departed just after half time with another injury, but this was a serious test which Albion passed with flying colours.
Louis Sibley was sent off late on as the Rams, chasing a play-off spot, finished the game with ten men.
Here are the things you might’ve missed from a drenched Hawthorns.
An old Baggie
Curtis Davies, well travelled around the Midlands, took his place among the substitutes for the visitors.
Hard to think it was 13 years ago that the then captain of Albion left, rather acrimoniously, for rivals Aston Villa.
Since then, Davies has joined Blues, won the League Cup, been relegated, returned to the top flight with Hull City and then joined Derby in 2017 and has made near 100 appearances for the Rams.
Nowadays, at the ripe old age of 35, he’s a bit part player at Pride Park and juggles his playing career with his prospective punditry ventures.
Show of support
He might’ve been suspended, but Ahmed Hegazi - the player who adorned the front cover of the match-day programme, ironically - was still here to watch his teammates in action.
The Egyptian, who has been in excellent form himself either side of the break, received a second yellow card late into Albion’s 4-2 win over Hull on Sunday and as a result was forced to sit this game out.
Hegazi took his place in the West Stand, above the dug-out, alongside watching sporting director Luke Dowling.
Semi Ajayi took his place in the back-line alongside regular Kyle Bartley.
Pedigree rivalry
How many matches in Championship history have involved two English internationals facing off against each other? There can’t have been too many.
Here, it was a pleasure to see Wayne Rooney back at The Hawthorns; despite being in the twilight of his career, the former Three Lions skipper still has so much talent with the ball at his feet. He actually played further forwards, here, behind lone striker Chris Martin as opposed to his usual deeper role.
On the opposing side of the midfield, Jake Livermore was granted a start again; the Albion captain, who picked up six caps in 2017 as a Baggie, was back to his tenacious best, winning the ball high.
Safe to say that, on the day, Livermore got the better of the heavyweights.
(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Homework
It’s not something that Bilic is afforded an opportunity to do usually, chat to his players on the field. There are plenty of post-match commitments for the Croat, of course, many of which are media related and he must still attend to even now.
In front of an empty stadium, though, and with the only others on the pitch being old friends Charlie Austin and Wayne Rooney who were having their own catch-up, Bilic was giving a lecture to Romaine Sawyers.
Animated as always, Bilic was using Sawyers almost as a mannequin, pointing to all four corners of the Hawthorns surface, with an insatiable desire to improve the midfielder who he rates so highly.
Sawyers, with a grin on his face, was clearly taking this all on board in good spirits, though you could’ve forgiven the midfielder for explaining: “For heck’s sake, Slav, we’ve just won and I’ve performed well!”


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Man Utd fans think the Champions League race is over as Wolves lose

Manchester United supporters think Wolves are out of the race for the Champions League , after they lost 1-0 at Sheffield United .
After the weekend defeat to Arsenal , Nuno Espirito Santo 's side needed a win to put the pressure back on the Red Devils in fifth place .
However , on a night of few chances , Wolves conceded a stoppage time , John Egan goal to condemn them to their second loss in a week .
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the starting XI , after he was on the bench for the Gunners , but a first-half shoulder injury slowed the Spaniard down .
Wolves hit the top of the bar through Ruben Neves , but in truth , created little else in a game low on quality .
It looked to be heading for a draw until Egan headed home in the last minute to seriously dent Wolves ' hopes of securing European football .
United can open up a six point gap with a win over Aston Villa tomorrow - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally seen off the challenge of Wolves .
@ AdamDrewy85 : What a result , things are falling into place for us @ RooVanMataZaj : Tomorrow ’ s game now provides us the opportunity to not only ensure top four remains in our hands but to also open up a six point ( two game ) advantage over our nearest challenger .
Top four race could quick become a three team battle for two maybe even three spots !
@ the_kelechi : Sheffield United beating Wolves is good news .
Not because Wolves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who play Chelsea next suddenly have something serious to play for - Europa League .
Good news for us # mufc fans .
@ SagarMalik93 : Sheffield beating Wolves should mean top 5 secured for United .
Could be enough for CL football if City 's ban stays .
@ RHJOfficial : Even better news for # MUFC providing they win tomorrow against Villa .
It will be a tough game , no slacking now .
Let 's keep that momentum going !
@ Hesham786 : Win v Villa tomorrow takes us 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Makes a massive gap .
If City ’ s ban gets confirmed , it essentially guarantees us a Champions League spot now you would think @ ScottUnited77 : Sheffield United could do us a real favour .
They 've kept the Wolves from our backs and now play Chelsea and Leicester in their next two games .
Obviously we need to keep winning .
@ J_mac1987 : Bosh get in Sheffield united nice one , win tomorrow & we are guaranteed champions league for 5th place at least if city ’ s ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get in that top 4,6 points clear of 6th we will be with 2 home games & 2 away games left , we could afford a slip up or two

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Manchester United supporters think Wolves are out of the race for the Champions League, after they lost 1-0 at Sheffield United.
After the weekend defeat to Arsenal, Nuno Espirito Santo's side needed a win to put the pressure back on the Red Devils in fifth place.
However, on a night of few chances, Wolves conceded a stoppage time, John Egan goal to condemn them to their second loss in a week.
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Nuno brought Adama Traore back into the starting XI, after he was on the bench for the Gunners, but a first-half shoulder injury slowed the Spaniard down.
Wolves hit the top of the bar through Ruben Neves, but in truth, created little else in a game low on quality.
It looked to be heading for a draw until Egan headed home in the last minute to seriously dent Wolves' hopes of securing European football.
United can open up a six point gap with a win over Aston Villa tomorrow - and fans on social media think they have finally seen off the challenge of Wolves.
@AdamDrewy85: What a result, things are falling into place for us
@RooVanMataZaj: Tomorrow’s game now provides us the opportunity to not only ensure top four remains in our hands but to also open up a six point (two game) advantage over our nearest challenger. Top four race could quick become a three team battle for two maybe even three spots!
@the_kelechi: Sheffield United beating Wolves is good news. Not because Wolves have dropped points but because Sheffield, who play Chelsea next suddenly have something serious to play for - Europa League. Good news for us #mufc fans.
@SagarMalik93: Sheffield beating Wolves should mean top 5 secured for United. Could be enough for CL football if City's ban stays.
@RHJOfficial: Even better news for #MUFC providing they win tomorrow against Villa. It will be a tough game, no slacking now. Let's keep that momentum going!
@Hesham786: Win v Villa tomorrow takes us 6 points clear of 6th place Wolves. Makes a massive gap. If City’s ban gets confirmed, it essentially guarantees us a Champions League spot now you would think
@ScottUnited77: Sheffield United could do us a real favour. They've kept the Wolves from our backs and now play Chelsea and Leicester in their next two games. Obviously we need to keep winning.
@J_mac1987: Bosh get in Sheffield united nice one, win tomorrow & we are guaranteed champions league for 5th place at least if city’s ban is upheld if we don’t get in that top 4,6 points clear of 6th we will be with 2 home games & 2 away games left, we could afford a slip up or two


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Arrest after man caught with 12 bags of cannabis at the Bullring

A man was caught with 12 bags of cannabis after being stopped by police at the Bullring .
Plain clothes police officers spotted the male at the landmark shopping centre .
He was arrested after a search found he was concealing a stockpile of the Class B drug .
A photograph later shared by officers showed the large haul of drugs allegedly discovered on the man .
Brum City Centre Police tweeted : `` Arrest !
Project Servator officers from Team 5 have deployed with Retail Bid today at the Bullring , resulting in a male being arrested for possession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after our plain clothes officers spotted him . ''
Project Servator is an operation used by UK police forces to deter , detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity .
Uniformed and plain-clothed officers patrol the city centre , supported by a range of other resources such as armed officers , police dogs , vehicle check-points , CCTV cameras and security staff .
Yesterday - July 7 - hundreds of cannabis plants were seized in a police raid in Selly Park .
Police executed a warrant at an address on Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three rooms packed out with the Class B drug .
A picture showed one of the areas full of plants , with wiring connected to rudimentary lighting overhead .
And on July 3 , police seized cannabis and grinders when they executed a drugs raid at an address in Knowle .

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A man was caught with 12 bags of cannabis after being stopped by police at the Bullring.
Plain clothes police officers spotted the male at the landmark shopping centre.
He was arrested after a search found he was concealing a stockpile of the Class B drug.
A photograph later shared by officers showed the large haul of drugs allegedly discovered on the man.
Brum City Centre Police tweeted: "Arrest! Project Servator officers from Team 5 have deployed with Retail Bid today at the Bullring, resulting in a male being arrested for possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, after our plain clothes officers spotted him."
Project Servator is an operation used by UK police forces to deter, detect and disrupt a range of criminal activity.
Uniformed and plain-clothed officers patrol the city centre, supported by a range of other resources such as armed officers, police dogs, vehicle check-points, CCTV cameras and security staff.
Yesterday - July 7 - hundreds of cannabis plants were seized in a police raid in Selly Park.
Police executed a warrant at an address on Sir John's Road, where they found three rooms packed out with the Class B drug.
A picture showed one of the areas full of plants, with wiring connected to rudimentary lighting overhead.
And on July 3, police seized cannabis and grinders when they executed a drugs raid at an address in Knowle.


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Phillip Cocu takes aim at Dara O'Shea over Louie Sibley sending off

Derby County boss Phillip Cocu has criticised West Bromwich Albion 's Dara O'Shea for his role in Louie Sibley 's red card tonight .
The Rams youngster was sent off one minute into added time for violent conduct by referee Jeremy Simspon .
Replays showed Sibley appear to get his foot trapped in-between O'Shea 's legs and then tried to remove it .
Simpson adjudged Sibley to have committed an offence worthy of a red card , Derby 's third sending off in as many games .
Sign up for our Albion newsletter with your email in the box at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here By that point Albion were well on their way to a comfortable 2-0 victory and a return to the top of the Championship table .
Grady Diangana and O'Shea had scored either side of half-time .
But it was the flashpoint in injury time that riled Cocu , who criticised at Simpson .
`` I 've seen it now , closer , because my image it was long-distance so it was hard to see , '' Cocu told BBC Radio Derby .
`` I also believed it was not a red card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am 200 per cent convinced .
`` It 's even a disgrace he gets a red card .
`` If you are , what , with two linesmen and a referee close to the situation and you give a red card .
`` I asked him after the game if they were pretty sure it was a red card and they said 'yeah , he kicked him ' .
`` If you see the footage ... '' Cocu , who has confirmed the club will be appealing the decision , also took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation you have to be absolutely sure it 's a clear red card to give a red card , '' he added .
`` To send off a youngster like that - some will say the West Brom player is clever by this provocation .
`` I think it 's sad that you need , with a 2-0 score ... '' So my beliefs , not only in this situation , if it was my player I would suggest the same , if you simulate in that way , why ca n't you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been seen on television ?
`` I think that would be a good rule in football so you make sure someone gets a red card that 's not a red card but because of you behaviour you simulate and they get a red card .
`` So you ca n't get away with it . ''

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Derby County boss Phillip Cocu has criticised West Bromwich Albion's Dara O'Shea for his role in Louie Sibley's red card tonight.
The Rams youngster was sent off one minute into added time for violent conduct by referee Jeremy Simspon.
Replays showed Sibley appear to get his foot trapped in-between O'Shea 's legs and then tried to remove it.
Simpson adjudged Sibley to have committed an offence worthy of a red card, Derby's third sending off in as many games.
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By that point Albion were well on their way to a comfortable 2-0 victory and a return to the top of the Championship table.
Grady Diangana and O'Shea had scored either side of half-time.
But it was the flashpoint in injury time that riled Cocu, who criticised at Simpson.
"I've seen it now, closer, because my image it was long-distance so it was hard to see," Cocu told BBC Radio Derby.
"I also believed it was not a red card, at that moment, but now I am 200 per cent convinced.
"It's even a disgrace he gets a red card.
"If you are, what, with two linesmen and a referee close to the situation and you give a red card.
"I asked him after the game if they were pretty sure it was a red card and they said 'yeah, he kicked him'.
"If you see the footage..."
Cocu, who has confirmed the club will be appealing the decision, also took aim at O'Shea.
"In any situation you have to be absolutely sure it's a clear red card to give a red card," he added.
"To send off a youngster like that - some will say the West Brom player is clever by this provocation.
(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
"I think it's sad that you need, with a 2-0 score...
"So my beliefs, not only in this situation, if it was my player I would suggest the same, if you simulate in that way, why can't you get a punishment after when the footage has been seen on television?
"I think that would be a good rule in football so you make sure someone gets a red card that's not a red card but because of you behaviour you simulate and they get a red card.
"So you can't get away with it."


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Wolves ratings as Egan delivers late blow for Sheffield United

Wolverhampton Wanderers ' Champions League hopes suffered a further blow with an agonising defeat to Sheffield United on Wednesday evening .
Wolves appeared to be heading for another draw on the road but John Egan headed home a dramatic winner in stoppage time to give the Blades a vital three points .
The victory lifts Sheffield United above Arsenal and they are now just one point behind sixth-place Wolves with four games to go .
Wolves are the slowest starters in the Premier League so it came as little surprise to see the first half end goalless at Bramall Lane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succession where Wolves have failed to register a first half goal .
Ruben Neves went closest for Nuno Espirito Santo ’ s side with a trademark free-kick which clipped the crossbar with around half an hour gone .
United momentarily believed they ’ d taken the lead after the restart as Billy Sharp finished past Rui Patricio , but the Sheffield United captain was immediately flagged for offside .
The Blades had another good chance with 15 minutes remaining but George Baldock couldn ’ t divert his header on target after stealing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually made Wolves pay with Egan heading home a corner at the death .
Patricio was a bystander until stoppage time when he had to make an excellent save to deny Ben Osborne .
United made Wolves pay from the resulting corner though .
Boly looked shaky at times during the first half and almost sold Patrico short with one back pass , but he improved after the break .
He showed his passing qualities with one precise pick out to free Jota through the centre and start a Wolves counter-attack .
Egan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner though .
The skipper was in the right place to thwart a number of United attacks in the first half and kept Sharp and McBurnie quiet , with help from Boly and Saiss .
Used the ball well and stepped up to catch Sharp offside early in the second half .
Saiss showed composure on the ball under pressure but the Moroccan could play forward a little quicker at times .
Defensively , he continues to look solid enough and was well positioned to clear a few crosses from the lively Baldock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his compatriot Enda Stevens and got forward in support of his attacking teammates when he could .
Moutinho looked a shadow of himself against Arsenal but was back on it against the Blades .
The 33-year-old was demanding the ball at every opportunity and ordering his teammates around the field .
Clipped the bar with a delightful free-kick from 20 yards and looked dangerous whenever he got within range of Henderson ’ s goal .
Neves recycled the ball well and stuck his foot in when he needed to .
Neat and tidy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward and was pushed back by Baldock in an intriguing battle on Wolves ’ left side .
Jonny was the man designated to mark Egan on the corner which led to United 's winner .
Traore ’ s shoulder slipped out for the FOURTH time this season after he was brushed by a Blades defender early on .
He looked a bit uneasy for the remainder of the first half , though he did skin Stevens and create a very decent chance for Jimenez midway through it .
Looked a bit more like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat to United ’ s defence .
He produced one jaw-dropping sprint to get past O ’ Connell after giving the defender a five metre head start .
The Mexican couldn ’ t sort his feet out after Traore found him in the first half .
Jimenez did some good work in wide areas and linked up well with Jota , but he was starved of clear-cut chances for the third game in a row .
Recalled from the start , Jota exposed United a couple of times in the first half but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
Jota had an excellent chance to slip Jimenez in at one stage but elected to go to his right where he and Traore were crowded out .
Added a different dimension to Wolves in the final 10 minutes but couldn ’ t hurt United .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers' Champions League hopes suffered a further blow with an agonising defeat to Sheffield United on Wednesday evening.
Wolves appeared to be heading for another draw on the road but John Egan headed home a dramatic winner in stoppage time to give the Blades a vital three points.
The victory lifts Sheffield United above Arsenal and they are now just one point behind sixth-place Wolves with four games to go.
Wolves are the slowest starters in the Premier League so it came as little surprise to see the first half end goalless at Bramall Lane. This was the sixth game in succession where Wolves have failed to register a first half goal.
(Image: PA)
Ruben Neves went closest for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side with a trademark free-kick which clipped the crossbar with around half an hour gone.
United momentarily believed they’d taken the lead after the restart as Billy Sharp finished past Rui Patricio, but the Sheffield United captain was immediately flagged for offside.
The Blades had another good chance with 15 minutes remaining but George Baldock couldn’t divert his header on target after stealing in ahead of Jonny Otto.
But they eventually made Wolves pay with Egan heading home a corner at the death.
Rui Patricio 6
Patricio was a bystander until stoppage time when he had to make an excellent save to deny Ben Osborne. United made Wolves pay from the resulting corner though.
Willy Boly 6
Boly looked shaky at times during the first half and almost sold Patrico short with one back pass, but he improved after the break. He showed his passing qualities with one precise pick out to free Jota through the centre and start a Wolves counter-attack.
Egan climbed above him to power home the winner though.
(Image: PA)
Conor Coady 7
The skipper was in the right place to thwart a number of United attacks in the first half and kept Sharp and McBurnie quiet, with help from Boly and Saiss.
Used the ball well and stepped up to catch Sharp offside early in the second half.
Romain Saiss 6
Saiss showed composure on the ball under pressure but the Moroccan could play forward a little quicker at times. Defensively, he continues to look solid enough and was well positioned to clear a few crosses from the lively Baldock.
Matt Doherty 7
The right wing-back coped well against his compatriot Enda Stevens and got forward in support of his attacking teammates when he could.
(Image: Eddie Keogh NMC Pool)
Joao Moutinho 7
Moutinho looked a shadow of himself against Arsenal but was back on it against the Blades. The 33-year-old was demanding the ball at every opportunity and ordering his teammates around the field.
Ruben Neves 7
Clipped the bar with a delightful free-kick from 20 yards and looked dangerous whenever he got within range of Henderson’s goal.
Neves recycled the ball well and stuck his foot in when he needed to.
(Image: Tom Jenkins / NMC Pool)
Jonny Otto 6
Neat and tidy enough in defence but offered little going forward and was pushed back by Baldock in an intriguing battle on Wolves’ left side.
Jonny was the man designated to mark Egan on the corner which led to United's winner.
Adama Traore 6.5
Traore’s shoulder slipped out for the FOURTH time this season after he was brushed by a Blades defender early on. He looked a bit uneasy for the remainder of the first half, though he did skin Stevens and create a very decent chance for Jimenez midway through it.
Looked a bit more like himself in the second and posed a threat to United’s defence. He produced one jaw-dropping sprint to get past O’Connell after giving the defender a five metre head start.
(Image: PA)
Raul Jimenez 6
The Mexican couldn’t sort his feet out after Traore found him in the first half.
Jimenez did some good work in wide areas and linked up well with Jota, but he was starved of clear-cut chances for the third game in a row.
Diogo Jota 6.5
Recalled from the start, Jota exposed United a couple of times in the first half but his final choice of pass let him down. Jota had an excellent chance to slip Jimenez in at one stage but elected to go to his right where he and Traore were crowded out.
SUBS
Leander Dendoncker (for Traore, 79) 6
Added a different dimension to Wolves in the final 10 minutes but couldn’t hurt United.
Not used: Ruddy, Kilman, Buur, Vinagre, Gibbs-White, Jordao, Podence, Campana


birminghammail--2020-07-08--Birmingham City 1-3 Swansea City: The match in pictures

Blues v Swansea - the best images from the Championship clash at St Andrew 's

Birmingham City 1-3 Swansea City: The match in pictures
Blues v Swansea - the best images from the Championship clash at St Andrew's
Players take a knee before kick-off (Image: Getty Images) 1 of 10 Share
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Ben Cabango puts Swansea in front (Image: Getty Images) 6 of 10 Share
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birminghammail--2020-07-08--Sheffield United 1 - 0 Wolves: The match in pictures

Sheffield United 1 - 0 Wolves reaction : The best images from Bramall Lane as the Blades left it late @ @ @

Sheffield United 1-0 Wolves: The match in pictures
Sheffield United 1 - 0 Wolves reaction: The best images from Bramall Lane as the Blades left it late to beat WWFC
(Image: Eddie Keogh NMC Pool) 1 of 13 Share
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birminghammail--2020-07-08--Player ratings as Birmingham City are swept aside by Swansea City

Birmingham City ’ s inexorable slip down the table continued at a sodden St Andrew ’ s as they stepped aside for slick Swansea City .
Blues are now ten Championship games without a victory and what , back in February , was a modest season is now turning sour .
They will probably still stay up – but they are becoming increasingly reliant on the failings of others , both on the pitch and off it , to do so .
All of which seemed so unlikely after the early exchanges , when Blues made an excellent start and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lukas Jutkiewicz pounced in the fifth minute .
The striker had forced a flying save from Freddie Woodman very early on before Dan Crowley escaped down the right and lifted a cross to the back .
Jake Clarke-Salter and Kristian Pedersen converged and the ball ricocheted for Jutkiewicz to nod home his 14th of the campaign .
Pep Clotet ’ s men were only ahead for seven minutes though as Swansea crossed from the left for Connor Roberts to divert into Brewster ’ s path .
The youngster rammed home the eighth goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Just before the break Clarke-Salter was adjudged to have fouled Conor Gallagher on the left touchline .
Blues failed to clear their lines as Connor Roberts picked up Pedersen ’ s weak clearance and curled it in low , finding , via a deflection , Ben Cabango whose shot went in off Marc Roberts .
Things got even worse seven minutes after the restart when Blues switched off at a corner .
Matt Grimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the edge of the area and the midfielder had so much time and space he could even afford to scuff his shot and still beat Lee Camp comfortably .
That prompted some urgency from the hosts as Jude Bellingham came off the bench to breathe some energy into his team-mates .
But Blues needed more than that .
Had no chance with any of the goals – and was relieved to see Matt Grimes ’ shot from the D fly wide in the first half .
Saved well from Brewster late on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was given no protection with Bidwell piling down his side .
Produced a couple of bright moments in attack but not the accuracy his team needed .
Rhian Brewster was a source of constant irritation – showing strength as well as pace and clever movement .
Looked leaden-footed against the Liverpool youngster .
His shoulders sagged as those around him melted away .
He ’ s not playing badly – but he can ’ t be everywhere .
Not assertive enough in defence , looking weak in both of Swansea ’ s first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle just before the third goal and a late last man intervention – but is looking way off it .
Left Colin badly exposed early on before finally switching on after the first quarter .
Showed some neat touches going forward and sent in the cross for Jutkiewicz ’ s goal .
His ingenuity is never in doubt - but this was a day when he needed to show more urgency .
None of the snap of his early season performances .
Stood and watched as Roberts set up the second goal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 3-1 down but it was too late then .
Will do well to keep his place against Stoke .
Felt for him , trying to keep Swansea at bay whilst also set up attacks .
Showed character and endeavour where others didn ’ t .
Became more and more frustrated as the game went on .
A couple of bright flashes in attack where his pace gave Naughton some real problems .
However , didn ’ t support Pedersen at all in defence and for once he was reluctant to get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strikers a chance .
Once more on the periphery of the game , managed one blocked effort in the first half before being subbed at the break .
A cardboard cut-out of the player who looked so clinical before lockdown .
Took his goal well and won plenty of headers against the Swansea back three but he cut an increasingly frustrated figure up front .
He might have had a second goal after Bellingham ’ s knock down .
BELLINGHAM ( for Hogan , 45 ) 6 Breathed energy into the team

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Birmingham City’s inexorable slip down the table continued at a sodden St Andrew’s as they stepped aside for slick Swansea City.
Blues are now ten Championship games without a victory and what, back in February, was a modest season is now turning sour.
They will probably still stay up – but they are becoming increasingly reliant on the failings of others, both on the pitch and off it, to do so.
All of which seemed so unlikely after the early exchanges, when Blues made an excellent start and might even have been a goal before Lukas Jutkiewicz pounced in the fifth minute.
The striker had forced a flying save from Freddie Woodman very early on before Dan Crowley escaped down the right and lifted a cross to the back.
Jake Clarke-Salter and Kristian Pedersen converged and the ball ricocheted for Jutkiewicz to nod home his 14th of the campaign.
Pep Clotet’s men were only ahead for seven minutes though as Swansea crossed from the left for Connor Roberts to divert into Brewster’s path. The youngster rammed home the eighth goal of his loan move.
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Just before the break Clarke-Salter was adjudged to have fouled Conor Gallagher on the left touchline.
Blues failed to clear their lines as Connor Roberts picked up Pedersen’s weak clearance and curled it in low, finding, via a deflection, Ben Cabango whose shot went in off Marc Roberts.
Things got even worse seven minutes after the restart when Blues switched off at a corner.
Matt Grimes simply passed the ball to Fulton on the edge of the area and the midfielder had so much time and space he could even afford to scuff his shot and still beat Lee Camp comfortably.
That prompted some urgency from the hosts as Jude Bellingham came off the bench to breathe some energy into his team-mates.
But Blues needed more than that.
STARTING FORMATION
4-4-2
CAMP 6
Had no chance with any of the goals – and was relieved to see Matt Grimes’ shot from the D fly wide in the first half. Saved well from Brewster late on.
COLIN 4.5
Over-run in the early exchanges as he was given no protection with Bidwell piling down his side. Produced a couple of bright moments in attack but not the accuracy his team needed.
ROBERTS 4.5
Rhian Brewster was a source of constant irritation – showing strength as well as pace and clever movement. Looked leaden-footed against the Liverpool youngster.
CLARKE-SALTER 5.5
His shoulders sagged as those around him melted away. He’s not playing badly – but he can’t be everywhere.
PEDERSEN 4
Not assertive enough in defence, looking weak in both of Swansea’s first half goals. Made one important sliding tackle just before the third goal and a late last man intervention – but is looking way off it.
CROWLEY 5
Left Colin badly exposed early on before finally switching on after the first quarter.
Showed some neat touches going forward and sent in the cross for Jutkiewicz’s goal. His ingenuity is never in doubt - but this was a day when he needed to show more urgency.
SUNJIC 4
None of the snap of his early season performances. Stood and watched as Roberts set up the second goal.
Finally turned on the energy when Blues were 3-1 down but it was too late then. Will do well to keep his place against Stoke.
GARDNER 6
Felt for him, trying to keep Swansea at bay whilst also set up attacks. Showed character and endeavour where others didn’t. Became more and more frustrated as the game went on.
BELA 5
A couple of bright flashes in attack where his pace gave Naughton some real problems. However, didn’t support Pedersen at all in defence and for once he was reluctant to get the ball in early enough to give his strikers a chance.
HOGAN 4
Once more on the periphery of the game, managed one blocked effort in the first half before being subbed at the break. A cardboard cut-out of the player who looked so clinical before lockdown.
JUTKIEWICZ 5
Took his goal well and won plenty of headers against the Swansea back three but he cut an increasingly frustrated figure up front. He might have had a second goal after Bellingham’s knock down.
SUBSTITUTES
BELLINGHAM (for Hogan, 45) 6 Breathed energy into the team
REID (for Bela, 77) N/A
Not used: Trueman, Harding, Gordon, Dean, Kieftenbeld, Boyd-Munce, Stirk, Reid
OPPOSITION
SWANSEA (3-4-1-2): Woodman; Cabango, Guehi, Naughton; Bidwell, Grimes, Fulton, Roberts; Gallagher; Ayew, Brewster (Routledge 82). Not used: Mulder, Van der Hoorn, Byers, Dhanda, Celina, Kalulu, Dyer, Cullen
GOALS
BLUES: Jutkiewicz (5)
SWANSEA: Brewster (14), Cabango (45), Fulton (52)
THE REF: Jarred Gillett
NEXT UP: Stoke City (a), Sunday, July 12, 1.30pm kick-off


birminghammail--2020-07-08--'Not a bad word to say' - West Brom fans in dreamland after Derby County win

West Brom fans are a happy bunch after tonight 's 2-0 win over Derby County .
Goals from Grady Diangana and Dara O'Shea ensured that Slaven Bilic 's side moved back to the top of the Championship table above Leeds United with 80 points .
Crucially , the win extended the gap to in-form Brentford to five points again following their spirited fightback against Charlton Athletic last night .
Albion did n't let Derby have a sniff and Phillip Cocu 's men will head back up the A38 disappointed with their showing as they suffered a first defeat in six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here As far as the Baggies are concerned , it 's another step toward the Premier League with four matches left .
Little wonder , then , that the fans are delighted as they top the table ahead of a trip to Blackburn Rovers at the weekend .
`` Excellent performance from Albion tonight , '' one fan said .
`` Stood up under the pressure . ''
Another said : `` Confidence is getting higher and higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baggies today , '' a third fan said .
`` Not a bad word to say , absolutely buzzing , '' another added . ''
A fourth fan said : `` What a team , honestly .
So much control in that game ! ''
`` We are going up , '' said another while a fifth fan said : `` That was brilliant by the lads .
Made a high-pressure game look totally routine . ''

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West Brom fans are a happy bunch after tonight's 2-0 win over Derby County.
Goals from Grady Diangana and Dara O'Shea ensured that Slaven Bilic's side moved back to the top of the Championship table above Leeds United with 80 points.
Crucially, the win extended the gap to in-form Brentford to five points again following their spirited fightback against Charlton Athletic last night.
Albion didn't let Derby have a sniff and Phillip Cocu's men will head back up the A38 disappointed with their showing as they suffered a first defeat in six matches.
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As far as the Baggies are concerned, it's another step toward the Premier League with four matches left.
Little wonder, then, that the fans are delighted as they top the table ahead of a trip to Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.
"Excellent performance from Albion tonight," one fan said. "Stood up under the pressure."
Another said: "Confidence is getting higher and higher!"
"Really good from the Baggies today," a third fan said.
"Not a bad word to say, absolutely buzzing," another added."
A fourth fan said: "What a team, honestly. So much control in that game!"
"We are going up," said another while a fifth fan said: "That was brilliant by the lads. Made a high-pressure game look totally routine."