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[] | 2016-08-30T22:48:23 | null | 2016-08-30T22:48:37 | AMMAN — Jordan’s national football team play Lebanon on Wednesday in their second friendly this month as part of their training agenda for the 2019 Asian Cup qualifiers kicking off in March 2017. The match which will be held at 9:00pm at Camille Shamoun Stadium in Beirut will see Jordan’s line-up without pros playing aboard as the coaching staff tries to give younger team members competitive experience as Jordan strives to get back into regional competitions while attempting to build a new line-up for the future. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Fsports%2Fkingdom-plays-lebanon-friendly-football-match.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/all/themes/jtimes/favicon.ico | en | null | Kingdom plays Lebanon in friendly football match | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | AMMAN — Jordan’s national football team play Lebanon on Wednesday in their second friendly this month as part of their training agenda for the 2019 Asian Cup qualifiers kicking off in March 2017.
The match which will be held at 9:00pm at Camille Shamoun Stadium in Beirut will see Jordan’s line-up without pros playing aboard as the coaching staff tries to give younger team members competitive experience as Jordan strives to get back into regional competitions while attempting to build a new line-up for the future.
Jordan was eliminated from the 2018 World Cup qualifiers doubling as part of the qualification for 2019 Asian Cup. After putting behind elimination from 2018 World Cup qualifiers, national team coach Abdullah Abu Zam’eh has recalled mainly younger players, including Olympic team players. “We aim to have the biggest number of friendlies possible which will help team cohesion and preparedness ahead of the final phase of the qualifiers, “ Abu Zam’eh was quoted as saying on the Jordan Football Association website.
The team will regroup for friendlies and camps until the start of the Asian qualifiers from which group winners and four best runners-up (total 12 teams) advance to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup finals and the final round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The next best 24 teams from the preliminary stage of the joint qualifiers will compete in a separate competition for the remaining slots (12 slots or 11 slots + one slot for the host) in the 24-team 2019 Asian Cup.
Jordan is now 79th in the latest FIFA rankings and is now 9th in Asia behind Iran, South Korea, Japan, Uzbekistan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China. The squad last played at the King’s Cup, an international football tournament organised in Thailand where they lost to the hosts in the final. Last week, Jordan lost 3-2 to Qatar in the first of seven friendlies and the squad is set to play Bahrain on September 4.
The Kingdom had the most memorable World Cup qualifying journey in 2013 when they lost a possible chance to play at the World Cup for the first time and advanced to play then World’s 6th ranked Uruguay in an intercontinental qualifying tie for a place in the 2014 World Cup. They lost the home game 5-0 and held the former World Cup champs 0-0 in the away match. Jordan had never reached that far in World Cup qualifying since taking part in the qualifiers as of 1985. Round 3 had been the furthest Jordan reached in the past seven times in the qualifiers since 1986.
In the Asian Cup, Jordan reached the championship three times since first taking part in qualifiers in 1972: the pinnacle was at the 13th Asian Cup, when they lost to Japan in the quarterfinals and jumped to the best ever FIFA rank of 37th in August 2004. In 2011, Jordan again reached the quarter-finals. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/sports/kingdom-plays-lebanon-friendly-football-match | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/57e97f4a56be2a74a0d999219843204a7182e38bd07b52a7f5c31736710c134a.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T22:50:00 | null | 2016-08-28T22:52:34 | HRAJELA, Syrie — Yazan, a four-year-old who has never known anything but deprivation, has finally discovered the joy of ice cream after being evacuated from the besieged town of Daraya near the capital of war-torn Syria. His town, one of the first to rise up against the regime of President Bashar Assad in Syria’s brutal conflict, had endured a strict army-imposed siege since late 2012. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2Fchildren-syria%25E2%2580%2599s-besieged-daraya-discover-joy-sweets.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/default/files/scene.jpg | en | null | Children of Syria’s besieged Daraya discover joy of sweets | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | A Syrian family, who has been evacuated from the town of Daraya, shares a breakfast upon its arrival at a government reception centre on Saturday in the government-held town of Hrajela in Western Ghouta, outside Damascus (AFP photo)
HRAJELA, Syrie — Yazan, a four-year-old who has never known anything but deprivation, has finally discovered the joy of ice cream after being evacuated from the besieged town of Daraya near the capital of war-torn Syria.
His town, one of the first to rise up against the regime of President Bashar Assad in Syria’s brutal conflict, had endured a strict army-imposed siege since late 2012.
This week, under a deal between the government and rebel forces who controlled it, Daraya’s thousands of civilians and rebel fighters were all evacuated from the town, devastated by constant bombardment.
Yazan’s family and many of the civilians were transferred to Hrajela, a village under government control located around 20 kilometres southeast of Daraya.
“Every time Yazan sees sweets, he goes crazy,” his mother Amina Kamel told AFP of the youngest of her five children, among the families gathered on Saturday at a reception centre set up by the authorities.
“He’s never tasted sweets before. He was over the moon when he saw biscuits,” said Kamel, a pale-faced woman, aged 38, wearing an old, black coat.
“Yazan asked me if ice cream was some kind of cake.”
In the two-day evacuation which started on Friday, around 4,000 civilians were to be directed to reception centres and at least 700 rebels escorted to the rebel-held city of Idlib in northwest Syria, the state news agency SANA said.
The four years of life under siege was just as hard on the adults.
“All anyone of us had to eat was a portion of soup at sunset and we’d then have to fast until sunset the next day,” said Yazan’s mother.
“We had no gas or electricity... My heart would break and I’d cry at the sight of my son starving and I had nothing to give him.”
Kamel said her family spent most of their time in shelters to avoid the bombs which often rained down on Daraya. Like most other residents, she did not dare send the children to school.
Another mother, Houda, said her children were in awe of vegetables which used to be in plentiful supply in the agricultural province of Damascus before the war.
“My children, who are three and five, were very surprised to see tomatoes. It was the first time for them,” said the 30-year-old woman. “All we had to survive on was grass.”
Staple diet of fear
The surrender of Daraya, where Syrian authorities said soldiers deployed on Saturday, followed growing malnutrition and illness among its residents.
For Houda, leaving her hometown, despite all the suffering of the past four years, has been a heart-wrenching experience.
She said she brought along some stones “as a souvenir of the smell of the town”, and hopes to return one day.
At the entrance to the reception centre, made up of 30 prefabricated units, children played under a blazing sun as Red Crescent volunteers distributed mattresses, blankets and food.
Apart from starvation, the evacuees said, fear had been the staple diet of everyday life in Daraya.
Adnan Naccache, 47, told of how he and his family spent each night for more than four months in a hole they had dug in a patch of open ground that was mostly spared bombardment.
“We would squeeze against each other, eight of us, and not dare to fall asleep for fear of the bombs,” he said sternly.
“Life was hell. We were at the end of our tether. We even reached the point where we’d rather die than have to do without any food or medicine any more.”
Naccache said his weight fell from 86 kilogrammes to 68 kilos. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/children-syria%E2%80%99s-besieged-daraya-discover-joy-sweets | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/3436d3d32c610794eb102b0088ca5c01e34b4fab189935022f3d0d46c8c80853.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:50:54 | null | 2016-08-27T22:45:03 | AMMAN — While public agencies’ performance will be evaluated based on specific standards, Prime Minister Hani Mulki on Saturday underlined the importance of “self-monitoring” as a way to serve the country. Addressing participants at the 14th Government Leadership Forum, he called on agencies to better manage their expenditure in the last three months of this year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fmulki-urges-public-agencies-cut-spending.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/all/themes/jtimes/favicon.ico | en | null | Mulki urges public agencies to cut spending | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | AMMAN — While public agencies’ performance will be evaluated based on specific standards, Prime Minister Hani Mulki on Saturday underlined the importance of “self-monitoring” as a way to serve the country.
Addressing participants at the 14th Government Leadership Forum, he called on agencies to better manage their expenditure in the last three months of this year.
“We do not want to resort to citizens’ pockets yet again with the start of next year. Money saved by government agencies should not be used to purchase unnecessary things,” said the premier.
Mulki added that he will not allow senior officials to own cars with big engines at the public’s expense and said the use of government cars is restricted to working hours.
“We are on the verge of a new budget and are required to work with the lowest operational expenses possible... to best serve citizens,” he noted.
The forum, which was organised by the Public Sector Development Ministry, focused on standards by which the performance of public institutions will be evaluated to ensure their adherence to the government’s executive plan.
“Improving performance should be a commitment by every official. Everyone should assess [his/her] work before waiting for the Audit Bureau’s reports,” said Mulki.
He noted that evaluating institutions’ performance and services is a precise and daunting process, adding that the government will reward innovation and excellence.
Public Sector Development Minister Yasera Ghosheh said there are 639 indicators distributed across 22 pillars to monitor the public sector’s devotion to the government’s executive plan.
“In the Letter of Designation, His Majesty King Abdullah called for immediate and effective measures to improve the performance of the government system,” she highlighted.
Administrative reform starts with evaluating the performance of government agencies and institutions, and paving the way for competent leaders, added Ghosheh.
The institutional performance includes the level of achieving and enhancing objectives over the years, while the financial pillar includes controlling current expenditure and increasing revenues for income-generating departments, according to the ministry.
The Government Leadership Forum seeks to help leaders — such as secretaries general and directors of public agencies — learn from the experiences of countries that achieved economic growth by reforming public administration.
Over the past two years, the forum has hosted a number of foreign politicians and experts in the field of governance and public administration. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/mulki-urges-public-agencies-cut-spending | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/f055a063616c52c3041d663cbef0143011e9ce15ca85103831f9fb8199229782.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:48:12 | null | 2016-08-27T22:34:41 | BAGHDAD — Iraq's government would consider selling crude through Iran should talks with the autonomous Kurdish region on an oil revenue-sharing agreement fail, a senior oil ministry official in Baghdad told Reuters. Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO) plans to hold talks with the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), possibly next week, about Iraqi oil exported through Turkey, Deputy Oil Minister Fayadh Al Nema said in an interview on Friday evening. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2Firaq-plans-sell-oil-through-iran-if-talks-kurds-fail.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/default/files/iraq_7.jpg | en | null | Iraq plans to sell oil through Iran if talks with Kurds fail | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | Employees work on Saturday in the Zubair-1 storage zone of the Zubair oil field, located around 20km southwest of Basra in southern Iraq (AFP photo)
BAGHDAD — Iraq's government would consider selling crude through Iran should talks with the autonomous Kurdish region on an oil revenue-sharing agreement fail, a senior oil ministry official in Baghdad told Reuters.
Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO) plans to hold talks with the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), possibly next week, about Iraqi oil exported through Turkey, Deputy Oil Minister Fayadh Al Nema said in an interview on Friday evening.
"If the negotiations come to a close" without an agreement "we will start to find a way in order to sell our oil because we need money, either to Iran or other countries", he said by telephone.
Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia, depends on oil sales for 95 per cent of its public income. Its economy is reeling under the double impact of low oil prices and the war against Daesh militants.
The Kurdistan region produces around 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) on its territory and exports those volumes via Turkey. Baghdad would not be able to reroute those volumes to Iran but could order shipments of some 150,000bpd via Iran that are being produced in the nearby province of Kirkuk.
An agreement between Iran and Iraq could function in a similar fashion as oil-swap deals Tehran has had with Caspian Sea nations, according to an oil official who asked not to be identified.
Iran would import Iraqi oil to its refineries and export an equivalent amount of its own crude on behalf of Baghdad from Iranian ports on the Gulf. Iraq has ports on the Gulf, but they are not linked to the northern Kirkuk fields by pipeline.
Iraq's state-run North Oil Company resumed pumping crude through the Kurdish-controlled pipeline to Turkey last week as "a sign of goodwill to invite them [the Kurds] to start negotiations", Nema said.
He said pumping had resumed on the instruction of Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi following "some understanding" between Baghdad and Erbil. Abadi said on Tuesday the decision had been made to avoid damage to reservoirs.
The flow of crude extracted from Kirkuk by North Oil and pumped in the pipeline has been running at about 75,000bpd since last week, or half the rate before it was halted in March, Nema said.
Should there be an agreement with the Kurds, flow through the pipeline would be increased to more than 100,000bpd, not to the previous level of 150,000bpd, he added.
Nema said about 20,000bpd would be supplied to the refinery of Suleimaniya, in the Kurdish region, and 30,000bpd would be refined locally in Kirkuk.
The pipeline carries crude to the Mediterranean Port of Ceyhan, where the Kurds have been selling it independently on the international market, along with oil produced in their northern region.
The Kurdish government has been calling on Baghdad since March to resume the pumping of Kirkuk crude in full to help Erbil fund its war against Daesh. Sources in Erbil have said splitting the Kirkuk flows would divide the Kurds and complicate the task of fighting the ultra-hardline militants.
A KRG spokesman in June told Reuters the Kurds are ready to strike an agreement with Baghdad if it guarantees them monthly revenue of $1 billion, more than double what they make currently from selling their own oil.
The dispute revolves around Kurdish oil exports that Baghdad wants to bring under its control.
"If Baghdad comes and says ‘OK, give me all the oil that you have and I'll give you the 17 per cent as per the budget,’ which equals to 1 billion, I think, logically it should be the thing to accept," KRG spokesman Safeen Dizayee said in June.
"Whether this oil goes to the international market or first to Baghdad and then to the market, it doesn't make any difference," he added. "We are ready to enter dialogue with Baghdad."
The Kurdish government stopped delivering crude oil to the central government about a year ago, a decision taken when Baghdad's payment fell under $400 million a month, Dizayee said.
It is also in a dispute with the central government over Kirkuk, where North Oil produces its crude and which the Kurds claim as part of their territory. The Kurds took control of the region two years ago, after the Iraqi army disintegrated when the terror group, Daesh, overran a third of the country. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/business/iraq-plans-sell-oil-through-iran-if-talks-kurds-fail | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/192d8ba7f461518fc8f800a82254fd82c1bfc6cbb6a50774b99842ded560caec.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:49:10 | null | 2016-08-27T22:57:59 | AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah is scheduled to pay a working visit to Poland on Sunday, during which he will discuss regional and international developments and bilateral relations with Polish President Andrzej Duda, a Royal Court statement said on Saturday. HRH Prince Feisal was sworn in as Regent. By the end of 2015, Poland’s trade exchange with Jordan had grown fourfold over the previous seven years. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fking-visit-poland-sunday.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/all/themes/jtimes/favicon.ico | en | null | King to visit Poland Sunday | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah is scheduled to pay a working visit to Poland on Sunday, during which he will discuss regional and international developments and bilateral relations with Polish President Andrzej Duda, a Royal Court statement said on Saturday.
HRH Prince Feisal was sworn in as Regent.
By the end of 2015, Poland’s trade exchange with Jordan had grown fourfold over the previous seven years.
In a recent interview during May with Polish Ambassador to Jordan Krzysztof Bojko, he said that when he moved to Jordan in 2009, the bilateral trade volume was $23 million while last year, it stood at $98 million.
At the time, he also noted that in 2011, before the so-called Arab Spring, up to 30,000 Poles used to visit Jordan annually, noting that the number decreased this year. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-visit-poland-sunday | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/1c89a928d171112d53b114d48e4f71bc4a590774418216362ef59081c0ff742e.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T22:47:53 | null | 2016-08-28T23:44:01 | AMMAN — A reprint of the 37th issue of Al Qibla newspaper, the mouthpiece of the Great Arab Revolt, is distributed with today’s Jordan Times issue. The newspaper, which was being printed in Mecca a century ago, dedicated its editorial to statements by the Allies in WWI recognising the newly born Hashemite Kingdom in Hijaz. The paper says that the Arab Hashemite Kingdom was taking care of all aspects of life and offering full services to its citizens. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F37th-issue-al-qibla-reprinted.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/all/themes/jtimes/favicon.ico | en | null | 37th issue of Al Qibla reprinted | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | AMMAN — A reprint of the 37th issue of Al Qibla newspaper, the mouthpiece of the Great Arab Revolt, is distributed with today’s Jordan Times issue.
The newspaper, which was being printed in Mecca a century ago, dedicated its editorial to statements by the Allies in WWI recognising the newly born Hashemite Kingdom in Hijaz.
The paper says that the Arab Hashemite Kingdom was taking care of all aspects of life and offering full services to its citizens.
The other half of the front page was dedicated to covering a ceremony where army recruits paid allegiance to Prince Ali Bin Hussein, son of King Hussein and military leader of the Great Arab Revolt. The intensely descriptive story continued on page 3, with full texts of speeches delivered at the ceremony.
The four-page paper, which stopped printing in 1924, also ran in the issue local stories about the daily life in Hijaz and at-a-glance news about developments in World War I and other international news.
The distribution of the paper (1916-1924) by The Jordan Times and other local dailies is part of celebrations of the centennial of the Great Arab Revolt. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/37th-issue-al-qibla-reprinted | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/76f107fc24b46699d55082da43b24432f3de6120542a91df0b21fd98207e65bd.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T20:48:26 | null | 2016-08-27T22:53:57 | TUNIS — Tunisia's new Prime Minister Youssef Chahed and members of his Cabinet were sworn in on Saturday, the presidency said, after approval from parliament. The prime minister and his 26 ministers swore to "work devotedly for the good of Tunisia" and to "respect its constitution and laws", it said. Chahed, at 40, is the country's youngest prime minister since independence from France in 1956. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2Ftunisia%25E2%2580%2599s-youngest-premier-independence-sworn.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/default/files/Tun_4.jpg | en | null | Tunisia’s youngest premier since independence sworn in | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | By AFP - Aug 27,2016 - Last updated at Aug 27,2016
This handout picture provided by the Tunisian Presidency Press Service on Saturday shows Tunisia’s new Prime Minister Youssef Chahed taking an oath of office, during the country’s new government swearing-in ceremony at Carthage Palace in the capital Tunis (AFP photo/Tunisian Presidency)
TUNIS — Tunisia's new Prime Minister Youssef Chahed and members of his Cabinet were sworn in on Saturday, the presidency said, after approval from parliament.
The prime minister and his 26 ministers swore to "work devotedly for the good of Tunisia" and to "respect its constitution and laws", it said.
Chahed, at 40, is the country's youngest prime minister since independence from France in 1956.
He is also the seventh premier in less than six years since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Parliament late Friday approved the Cabinet line-up, with 168 out 195 lawmakers who attended the session voting in favour, 22 against and five abstaining.
The new Cabinet will take up office on Monday after a hand-over ceremony from former premier Habib Essid.
Chahed was appointed by President Beji Caid Essebsi early this month after lawmakers passed a vote of no confidence in Essid's government following just 18 months in office.
The new prime minister is a member of the president’s Nidaa Tounes Party and a liberal who was local affairs minister before his nomination.
He and his Cabinet — which includes women, “young” ministers, three members of the Islamist Ennahda Party and several independents — will have to tackle pressing economic and security challenges.
While Tunisia is considered a rare success story of the Arab Spring, the authorities have failed to resolve the issues of poverty, unemployment, regional disparities and corruption that preceded Ben Ali’s fall.
The North African country in January witnessed its worst social unrest since the 2011 uprising.
Tunisia has also been rocked by a wave of extremist attacks, including two that killed dozens of foreign tourists last year. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/tunisia%E2%80%99s-youngest-premier-independence-sworn | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/6f77a8d3bc8463c3a32ac410ba1e6b08b52271c0ec3f40724e2e7aef2578495f.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T22:49:37 | null | 2016-08-30T22:52:15 | AMMAN — The central budget supplement received $2.667 billion in 2015, accounting for around 37 per cent of last year’s total grants and aid, according to the Planning Ministry, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The energy sector received 11 per cent while both the health sector and the water and sewerage sectors received nearly 10 per cent each, according the ministry’s figures. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2Fbudget-supplement-receives-37-aid-and-grants.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/all/themes/jtimes/favicon.ico | en | null | Budget supplement receives 37% of aid and grants | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | AMMAN — The central budget supplement received $2.667 billion in 2015, accounting for around 37 per cent of last year’s total grants and aid, according to the Planning Ministry, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
The energy sector received 11 per cent while both the health sector and the water and sewerage sectors received nearly 10 per cent each, according the ministry’s figures.
Other sectors including education, transport, infrastructure services, investment promotion and tourism also received different shares of the total amount of aid and grants. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/business/budget-supplement-receives-37-aid-and-grants | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/16b6a79eff1513c1a0996486e71c3f3b2c2c8c77071112991c1e612ee9cde8f6.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T22:49:59 | null | 2016-08-29T22:25:53 | The last naturally aspirated holdout in the Mercedes-Benz AMG model range using the performance sub-brand’s gloriously brutal, progressive and long-legged big displacement 6.2-litre V8 — and among the smaller AMGs available — the outgoing AMG C63 was a drivers’ favourite. However, with the introduction of a new base C-Class line launched in 2014, the inevitable has come to pass, but the new smaller displacement turbocharged AMG C63 is no disappointment but a worthy successor. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Ffeatures%2Fmercedes-benz-amg-c63-s-beguiling-and-balanced-brute.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/default/files/cara_56.jpg | en | null | Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S: Beguiling and balanced brute | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | The last naturally aspirated holdout in the Mercedes-Benz AMG model range using the performance sub-brand’s gloriously brutal, progressive and long-legged big displacement 6.2-litre V8 — and among the smaller AMGs available — the outgoing AMG C63 was a drivers’ favourite. However, with the introduction of a new base C-Class line launched in 2014, the inevitable has come to pass, but the new smaller displacement turbocharged AMG C63 is no disappointment but a worthy successor.
Introduced in 2015 and driven at the Yas Marina F1 circuit in Abu Dhabi earlier in the year in its more powerful S guise, the new AMG C63 picks up where its predecessor left off. Slightly larger yet lighter and more efficient but with slightly more potent performance, the new C63 S is prodigiously powerful as expected of an AMG, but like its predecessor, remains one of the brand’s most nimble, fluent and rewarding cars.
Urgent aesthetic
Based on the garden-variety C-Class’ elegantly flowing lines, curves and convex body surfacing, the C63’s aesthetic disposition is distinctly more aggressive and urgently dynamic. With form following function, the C63’s front section 54mm longer to accommodate its V8 engine. A larger, deeper and lower front apron features A-shaped wings to direct cooling airflow and lower air splitter to reduce lift, while twin-blade grille slats and sharp fin-like twin-dome bonnet lend a sense of momentum.
Benefitting from increased weight-saving aluminium construction, the C63 is, however, structurally strengthened for additional stresses, while adaptive engine mounts reconcile refinement and handling precision. Flared wheel arches accommodate a wider track and massive grippy front 245/35ZR19 and rear 265/35ZR19 tyres. With lower sills and decorative side ports, the rear features a three-fin air diffuser with integrated quad tailpipes and boot-lip spoiler for downforce. The more powerful C63 S is distinguished by chrome and glossy black detailing.
Devastating delivery
Displacing 4 litres with twin-turbochargers located between its two cylinder banks to drastically minimise turbo lag with short gas flow paths for quick spooling, the C63 S’ direct injection V8 engine is responsive off-the-line and brutally abundant once on boost. More powerful, torquier and quicker, if not quite as progressive in unlocking power and torque than naturally-aspirated C63 saloon predecessors, the new engine is nevertheless among the most fluent turbocharged engines and delivers precise throttle control.
Muscular in mid-range where it pulls with freight train-like authority and indefatigability, the C63 S develops a mighty 516lb/ft torque throughout a broad 1,750-4,500rpm band underwriting power accumulation to a maximum 503BHP at 5,500-6,250rpm. Devastatingly quick on circuit with effortlessly vicious on-the-move reflexes and bellowing soundtrack, it runs the 0-100km/h benchmark in 4-seconds flat, while an easily attainable electronically governed nominal 250km/h top speed can be optionally de-restricted to 290km/h. Fuel efficiency is meanwhile considerably improved to 8.4l/100km combined.
Reassuring yet agile
Driven on track the C63 S proved firmly settled and reassuringly stable at high speed straights and through fast sweeping bends, with effective and resilient brakes, as expected of an AMG Autobahn stormer. Meanwhile, eager and agile through tighter successive corners and chicanes, the C63 S turns in tidy and crisp, with grippy front wheels and meaty, direct and precise, if clinical, steering. Meanwhile, taut body control with dampers in firmest settings keeps the C63 flat through corners.
Grippy at the rear in the dry, the C63 is nevertheless adjustable on throttle, allowing one to intuitively tighten by pivoting momentum rearwards. A limited-slip rear differential channels power across the rear axle so that the C63 effectively puts power out of dry and wet corners. And with precise throttle control and balanced chassis one was able to fluently and intuitively carry lurid full power drifts and slides in a controlled manner during a low traction skid plate session.
Appointment and adjustability
Highly adjustable for road and track, the C63 S now has a more direct and responsive 7-speed wet-clutch automated gearbox, which features five combined gearbox response and driving modes that also alter adaptive dampers stiffness, steering assistance level, electronic stability control intervention sensitivity, stop/start function and exhaust note. Individual mode allows one to independently alter various settings, while manual paddle-shifter mode is more engaging. A Race Start function automatically manages engine, gearbox and stability functions for best acceleration from standstill.
Classy and sporty with quality leathers materials and textures, the C63 S features and upright stitched leather dashboard with five circular vents. A practical and well-appointed cabin features a focused and highly adjustable driving position, carbon-fibre and metallic trim, thick flat-bottom steering wheel, good forward visibility and clear instrumentation including 5.5-inch multi-function screen. The well equipped C63 features a large tablet-like infotainment screen, touchpad controller and numerous convenience, safety and assistance systems including adaptive cruise control and collision prevention assistance.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 4-litre, twin-turbo V8 cylinders
Bore x stroke: 83 x 92mm
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Valve-train: 32-valve, DOHC, variable timing, direct injection
Boost pressure: 1.2-bar
Gearbox: 7-speed automated clutch, rear-wheel-drive, limited-slip differential
Gear ratios: 1st 4.38:1; 2nd 2.86:1; 3rd 1.92:1; 4th 1.37:1; 5th 1:1; 6th 0.82:1; 7th 0.73:1; R1 3.42:1; R2 2.23:1
Final drive: 2.82:1
0-100km/h: 4 seconds
Maximum speed: 250km/h (electronically governed) De-restricted to 290km/h
Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 503 (510) [375] @5,500-6,250rpm
Specific power: 126.3BHP/litre
Power-to-weight: 290.75BHP/tonne
Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 516 (700) @1,750-4,500rpm
Specific torque: 175.79Nm/litre
Torque-to-weight: 404.62Nm/tonne
Combined fuel urban/extra-urban/consumption: 11/6.9/8.4l/100km
CO2 emissions, combined: 195g/km
Fuel capacity: 66 litres
Length: 4,750mm
Width: 1,839mm
Height: 1,435mm
Wheelbase: 2,839mm
Aerodynamic drag co-efficiency: 0.33
Headroom, F/R: 1,039/942mm
Legroom, F/R: 1,059/894mm
Boot capacity: 435 litres
Kerb weight: 1,730kg
Steering: Speed sensitive variable power-assisted, rack and pinion
Turning circle: 11.29 metres
Suspension: Multi-link, adaptive dampers
Brakes: Ventilated discs, F/R, 390 x 36mm/360 x 26mm
Tyres, F/R: 245/35ZR19/265/35ZR19 | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/features/mercedes-benz-amg-c63-s-beguiling-and-balanced-brute | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/4ef4c1ef66eab2acd84233a9a4432839467159b8e6ca8b77c3d17ec9f1c95515.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T22:48:24 | null | 2016-08-28T22:53:27 | BAGHDAD — Iraq asked Saudi Arabia on Sunday to replace its ambassador in Baghdad after his comments about Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs and the alleged persecution of Sunni Muslims angered local Shiite Muslim politicians and militia leaders. Riyadh only reopened its embassy in Baghdad in December after keeping it shut since the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2Firaq-asks-saudi-arabia-replace-envoy-who-riled-shiite-militias.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/default/files/1crisis_0.jpg | en | null | Iraq asks Saudi Arabia to replace envoy who riled Shiite militias | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | This file photo taken on January 14 released by the official website of the Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari shows him (right) meeting with the new Saudi Ambassador to Iraq Thamer Al Sabhan in the capital Baghdad (AFP photo)
BAGHDAD — Iraq asked Saudi Arabia on Sunday to replace its ambassador in Baghdad after his comments about Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs and the alleged persecution of Sunni Muslims angered local Shiite Muslim politicians and militia leaders.
Riyadh only reopened its embassy in Baghdad in December after keeping it shut since the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
Thamer Al Sabhan was the first Saudi ambassador appointed since the reopening, which was seen as heralding closer cooperation in the fight against Daesh militants who control swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria and have claimed bombings in Saudi Arabia.
“The presence of Sabhan is an obstacle to the development of relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia,” Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Jamal said in comments to Al Aahd, a TV channel that belongs to Iranian-backed Shiite militia Asaib Ahl Al Haq.
He tweeted that the ministry was “asking its Saudi counterpart to replace the ambassador of the Saudi Arabian Kingdom in Baghdad”.
Iraqi Shiite politicians and militias have made persistent calls to expel Sabhan, who has been calling on the Iraqi government to exclude Shiite paramilitary groups from its military campaign against the Daesh terror group in order to avoid abuses against Sunnis in Iraq.
The Iraqi foreign ministry denied on Monday that a plot to kill the envoy had been uncovered.
In recent days, Sabhan repeatedly spoke of a “terrorist plot” to assassinate him after a Shiite militia leader, Aws Al Khafaji, said in an interview with a local Iraqi channel that killing the envoy would be an “honour”.
Sabhan, responding to messages expressing solidarity with him after the Iraqi announcement, tweeted: “I am a servant of this [Saudi] leadership which is seeking to assist the truth and the well being of Muslims, may God preserve it.”
In an interview on the Dubai-based Al Arabiya News Channel, he said Saudi Arabia’s policies on Iraq would not change.
“We have a very amicable relationship with Iraqi politicians that the media does not depict,” he added. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/iraq-asks-saudi-arabia-replace-envoy-who-riled-shiite-militias | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/71a707846fbab5eb3262c6201f0879ce0eebdbb05f4ad94d7789272a19104b82.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T22:49:38 | null | 2016-08-28T22:44:33 | AMMAN — Exports dropped by 7.3 per cent during the first half of the year to around JD2.506 billion, compared with the figure recorded in the same period last year, according to Department of Statistics (DoS) figures. Imports also slipped by 1.1 per cent to JD7.006 billion, compared to JD7.086 billion in the first half of last year. Subsequently, the trade balance deficit went up by 2.7 per cent, amounting to around JD4.5 billion. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2Ftrade-balance-deficit-27-h1.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/all/themes/jtimes/favicon.ico | en | null | Trade balance deficit up by 2.7% in H1 | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | AMMAN — Exports dropped by 7.3 per cent during the first half of the year to around JD2.506 billion, compared with the figure recorded in the same period last year, according to Department of Statistics (DoS) figures.
Imports also slipped by 1.1 per cent to JD7.006 billion, compared to JD7.086 billion in the first half of last year.
Subsequently, the trade balance deficit went up by 2.7 per cent, amounting to around JD4.5 billion.
The DoS monthly report on foreign trade also showed that national exports were down by 9.6 per cent as they went down to around JD2.105 billion from around JD2.328 billion, according to a DoS statement.
Re-exports rose by 6.5 per cent to JD401.5 million, up from JD376.9 million, the DoS added.
Pharmaceutical products and crude phosphate exports rose by 18.6 per cent and 2.7 per cent, respectively, while the country’s exports of garments, fruit and vegetables, raw potash and fertilisers went down, the DoS figures revealed.
As for the country’s principal commercial partners, exports to the North American Free Trade Agreement countries saw a noticeable rise, mainly to the US. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/business/trade-balance-deficit-27-h1 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/32bf81228629d6dcbdc0ffbdf43f6070e4e139b3623c8ada97b68e6d5e8332ec.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T22:48:55 | null | 2016-08-30T23:45:43 | WASHINGTON — Coalition-backed Iraqi forces can retake the key northern city of Mosul from the Daesh terror group by the end of the year, the commander of US forces in the Middle East said on Tuesday. "It's the prime minister's objective to have that done by the end of the year," General Joe Votel, head of the US military's Central Command, told reporters in a video call. "My assessment is that we can meet the prime minister's objective, if that is what he chooses to do." | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2Firaq%25E2%2580%2599s-mosul-can-be-retaken-daesh-year-%25E2%2580%2594-us-general.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/default/files/Irq_43.jpg | en | null | Iraq’s Mosul can be retaken from Daesh this year - US general | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | A convoy of armoured coalition vehicles passes through a camp for displaced civilians on the road outside Qayyarah Air Base, south of Mosul, on Tuesday (AP photo)
WASHINGTON — Coalition-backed Iraqi forces can retake the key northern city of Mosul from the Daesh terror group by the end of the year, the commander of US forces in the Middle East said on Tuesday.
"It's the prime minister's objective to have that done by the end of the year," General Joe Votel, head of the US military's Central Command, told reporters in a video call.
"My assessment is that we can meet the prime minister's objective, if that is what he chooses to do."
The US-led coalition fighting Daesh in Iraq and Syria for the past two years has for months framed the upcoming battle for Mosul as the defining fight against the extremists in Iraq.
Mosul is the country's second-largest city and is Daesh's centre of operations in Iraq.
Iraqi security forces, with coalition support, have already started "shaping operations" around Mosul, including the capture of surrounding villages and facilities.
Votel said the fight for Mosul would be “hard and difficult” and that Daesh would leave countless bombs in the city while also hiding behind civilians.
Similarly, in Syria, coalition-backed local forces are beginning to hone in on Raqa, the self-proclaimed capital of Daesh’s so-called “caliphate.”
“We are at the point here where we are now really into the heart of the caliphate,” Votel said. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/iraq%E2%80%99s-mosul-can-be-retaken-daesh-year-%E2%80%94-us-general | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/9a79e7a9e2dcae4be05b5c1c5b573255719d9af2fe07eb50ab6657347ceb7d1e.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T22:49:17 | null | 2016-08-29T23:40:01 | AMMAN — The “acute” shortage of Jordanians working in certain sectors remains a challenge the government is committed to addressing by empowering local labourers, a government official said on Monday. Around 95 per cent of workers in the agriculture sector are non-Jordanians, but plans are to increase local labourers in the field to reach at least 25 per cent by 2018, said Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jordantimes.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fgov%25E2%2580%2599t-committed-empowering-local-workers-%25E2%2580%2594-fakhoury.json | http://www.jordantimes.com/sites/all/themes/jtimes/favicon.ico | en | null | Gov’t committed to empowering local workers - Fakhoury | null | null | www.jordantimes.com | AMMAN — The “acute” shortage of Jordanians working in certain sectors remains a challenge the government is committed to addressing by empowering local labourers, a government official said on Monday.
Around 95 per cent of workers in the agriculture sector are non-Jordanians, but plans are to increase local labourers in the field to reach at least 25 per cent by 2018, said Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury.
“The government will work on replacing guest workers with Jordanians in sectors with acute shortages of local labourers, such as agriculture, construction and services. We want to empower Jordanians to make up at least 25 per cent of the total workers in these sectors,” he noted.
Fakhoury made his remarks during a workshop to raise awareness of financial tools extended by several funding windows in Amman governorate.
Poverty, unemployment and the difficult economic situation — the main challenges facing Jordan today — are the key pillars the government’s executive plan is committed to addressing, highlighted the minister.
“Through the social safety network, the government will gradually work to transform the direct support to institutions’ resources into opportunities for productive projects that empower the beneficiaries,” noted Fakhoury.
He indicated that this shift will also include the national aid and Zakat funds after revisiting their governing laws.
Meanwhile, areas that require “special development interventions” were identified across Jordan in order to increase support to them.
“The government will also activate the application of the investment map,” said Fakhoury, adding that feasibility studies were under way to identify the most important investment opportunities to create jobs for young people.
On the other hand, efforts are being exerted to improve the role of small-and medium-sized financing institutions in order to ensure the efficient use of their resources.
Fakhoury also briefed the participants on the newly launched JD25 million programme to provide employment opportunities through the Development and Employment Fund in partnership with the Enhanced Productivity Centres Project.
A fund for innovative projects is also on the government’s table, said the minister, who added that it will be hosted by the Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation and managed by a committee from the private sector.
During the gathering, Fakhoury also listened to the needs of the local community, civil society organisations and representatives of the private sector. | http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/gov%E2%80%99t-committed-empowering-local-workers-%E2%80%94-fakhoury | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.jordantimes.com/aca0d059259647d1f23be94d021ee6fdc49801c5a9195ad249e6a64638b4b574.json |
[
"Ben Hurst"
] | 2016-08-29T18:47:47 | null | 2016-08-29T17:50:49 | Birmingham-based beauty was riding her bike when terrifying incident happened - and boyfriend Michael O'Neill came to the rescue | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fmodel-danielle-lloyd-lucky-alive-11815934.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article11816091.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/danicollage.jpg | en | null | Model Danielle Lloyd 'lucky to be alive' after dog attack horror | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Model Danielle Lloyd is 'lucky to be alive' after being attacked by a vicious dog while out on her bike.
The Birmingham-based beauty said she had been saved from the rampaging pitbull by fiancee electrician Michael O’Neill.
But she revealed the loving couple had been forced to visit a hospital A&E because Michael was injured in the frightening incident.
On twitter the ex Miss Great Britain said: “Thought I was going out for a nice day on the bike when we was attacked by a raging dog lucky Michael was there & he saved me! A&E day”
Thought I was going out for a nice day on the bike when we was attacked by a raging dog lucky Michael was there & he saved me! A&E day — Danielle Lloyd (@MissDLloyd) August 29, 2016
When she was asked by showbiz agent Zara Holland who works on ITV2’s Love Island how she was Danielle replied: “Am ok but Michael wasn’t so lucky. Horrible never been so scared X”
Am ok but Michael wasn't so lucky horrible never been so scared X https://t.co/AjgaH6IHxY — Danielle Lloyd (@MissDLloyd) August 29, 2016
In a statement Danielle's management confirmed Michael was still being treated in hospital for his injuries. It is understood that he may be suffering from tetanus and is currently receiving antibiotics through an IV drip. The dog has been destroyed following the attack.
Sally Windsor told the Mail: "Both Danielle and Michael are lucky to be alive. Michael is still being treated in hospital for his injuries, and the dog has been destroyed."
Danielle recently held a glamorous engagement party to celebrate getting together with Mr O’Neill.
Instagram/missdlloyd Danielle LLoyd
Four gleaming Rollers provided by Sparkbrook limo hire company, phantomhire.com, ferried the stars to The Geisha cocktail lounge at The Cube, Birmingham.
The mum-of-three, who lives in Little Aston, was formerly married to ex-Wolves star Jamie O’Hara.
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The guest list included former The Only Way Is Essex star Amy Childs. The stunning 25-year-old, now a fashion designer, turned heads in one of her own creations, a tight-fitting bodycon dress.
Also present were Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry, who wore a daring lace-up mini-dress and 33-year-old TOWIE beauty Lauren Pope who went for a casual, blue denim look.
The following day, Danielle tweeted: “Oh, I feel fragile today. What an amazing night X.”
Michael popped the question to the former Miss Great Britain in March after a whirlwind six-month romance.
Danielle, who has been wooed by top footballers, has told friends she is happy to have a “normal” man. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/model-danielle-lloyd-lucky-alive-11815934 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/b246dba537bbc6a1d0f8a89670db9b8f85adfd635fecb2ce58c925111579547c.json |
[
"Aidan Mccartney"
] | 2016-08-30T18:47:39 | null | 2016-08-30T18:27:26 | *Subject to various add ons and clauses being met | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fhow-aston-villa-smashed-championship-11819638.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11819257.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98276228.jpg | en | null | How Aston Villa smashed the Championship record signing for the second time this summer* | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Aston Villa have potentially smashed the Championship record signing for the second time this summer.
Bristol City striker Jonathan Kodjia has joined the club on a four-year deal which could rise to £15milion - more than Villa could end up paying for Fulham forward Ross McCormack.
Kodjia, 26, becomes Roberto Di Matteo's eighth summer signing after they saw off interest from Derby County and Premier League Hull City to land the in-demand attacker.
He scored 20 goals in his 52 games for the Robins after joining from French side Angers in July 2015.
Villa boss Di Matteo said: "We are really pleased to have secured the services of Jonathan.
“He is a proven goal-scorer and hopefully he’ll play an important part in what we hope will be a successful season for the club.”
Here's a look at most expensive Championship signings with four occurring during the current transfer window.
6. Jordan Rhodes - Middlesbrough 2016 - £9m
Michael Steele/Getty Images Blues keeper Adam Legzdins denies Middlesbrough's Jordan Rhodes
6=. Andre Gray - Burnley 2015 - £9m
Burnley's Andre Gray
5. Dwight Gayle - Newcastle 2016 - £10m
Action Images / Paul Currie Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle
4. Ross McCormack - Fulham 2014 - £11m
PA Wire Fulham striker Ross McCormack
3. Matt Ritchie - Newcastle 2016 - £12m
Aston Villa's Aly Cissokho Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie battle for the ball
2. Ross McCormack - Aston Villa 2016 - £12m (rising to £14m)
Aston Villa's Ross McCormack during the match at Bristol City
1. Jonathan Kodjia - Aston Villa 2016 - £11m (rising to £15m) | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/how-aston-villa-smashed-championship-11819638 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/1d6ec4c49bb65a4d3809b4531e0c8ec9d550720afc6139e554ad96fe642dc376.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-30T08:46:53 | null | 2016-08-30T07:48:55 | Here are the latest transfer lines doing the rounds regarding West Brom | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fwest-brom-transfer-rumours-new-11816581.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11811650.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98135169.jpg | en | null | West Brom transfer rumours: New Cristiano Ronaldo linked; Defender and winger both on the way out | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Today and tomorrow will certainly be exciting for West Bromwich Albion fans.
The club signed Nacer Chadli from Tottenham Hotspur yesterday and, according to manager Tony Pulis, want to sign as many as four more players before tomorrow's transfer deadline.
Whether that's realistic, only time will tell. But the internet is throwing up some wonderful names who the club are reportedly interested in bringing to the Hawthorns.
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Albion have supposedly lodged a bid for one of the most exciting talents in Portuguese football, Bruma.
The 21-year-old was constantly compared to Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo during his time coming through the ranks at Sporting Lisbon, but has so far failed to live up to that potential.
His current side, Galatasaray, have told West Brom that their €17m offer is not enough, according to Sport Witness.
Here Is The City are suggesting that Albion's £13m signing of Chadli will pave the way for Callum McManaman to join Championship side Newcastle United.
The winger has history with the Magpies and was once a public hate figure up in the north east after a shocking tackle left Massadio Haidara with a knee injury.
And finally, Squawka are reporting that Albion misfit Cristian Gamboa is about to end his Baggies nightmare by putting pen to paper with Scottish giants Celtic.
A deal thought to be around £1m has been agreed for the Costa Rican, who has never featured in Pulis's plans.
The deal is expected to go through today following a medical last night. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-transfer-rumours-new-11816581 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a8c6b69d14e0695685cf30e793cad930e51e99993ff5e9035a447ea55e141b44.json |
[
"Roz Laws"
] | 2016-08-29T08:46:33 | null | 2016-08-29T08:00:00 | The Birmingham musicians are competing in BBC4's All Together Now: The Great Orchestra Challenge | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fshowbiz-tv%2Fpeoples-orchestra-bidding-win-bbc4s-11800536.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/article7259278.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/orch.jpg | en | null | The People's Orchestra is bidding to win BBC4's Great Orchestra Challenge | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Meet Jacqueline Burke, who works on the check-out at Asda and has a musical secret.
Her customers have no idea that she also plays the flute – and is bidding to be part of the country’s best amateur orchestra.
After holding competitions to find Britain’s best bakers, sewers and potters, the BBC now launches The Great Orchestra Challenge.
Jacqueline Burke playing the flute in The People's Orchestra
Katie Derham hosts the BBC4 programme called All Together Now.
Five amateur orchestras were chosen from hundreds which applied to compete against each other, with the prize of performing at BBC Proms in the Park in September.
Watch The People's Orchestra in action playing Berlioz
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They are set a series of challenges and the first is to get to grips with a symphony, while also carrying on their day jobs.
Jacqueline plays for The People’s Orchestra (TPO) based in Birmingham, who are up against London Gay Symphony Orchestra, the North Devon Sinfonia, Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra from Yorkshire and Stirling Orchestra.
The other groups have to learn the likes of Beethoven’s Fifth and Dvorak’s New World Symphony, but TPO is handed Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique.
Jacqueline Burke playing the flute in The People's Orchestra
Jacqueline is excited because Berlioz’s music is in the opening scene of The Shining and also used in Sleeping with the Enemy with Julia Roberts.
The flautist goes to her mum’s house to practice for two or three hours a day so she doesn’t disturb her husband and son working night shifts.
And she tells the programme how much TPO means to her.
The People's Orchestra at their second birthday concert at West Bromwich Town Hall
“I have suffered with depression in the past. The People’s Orchestra really helps to focus me and calm me down. Once that piece of music is on that stand, I can’t think of anything else.
“They are such a wonderful group of people. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’m such a stronger person for it.”
Run by volunteers, TPO practises in Birmingham city centre and performs throughout the region.
TPO’s musicians also include student Xhosa Cole and British Airways pilot and trumpet player Nigel Tyson.
Xhosa Cole playing the saxophone with The People's Orchestra
Xhosa – who has written a piece of jazz music called I Want To Live in the West Midlands – is one of ten saxophonists.
The Birmingham Conservatoire student has been playing with the orchestra for four years since he was 15.
TPO is a little unbalanced with a large brass and woodwind section – there are also 20 flutes.
Indeed, Katie Derham describes TPO as “like no orchestra I’ve ever seen before”.
Watch TPO perform a flashmob on a train
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Founder Sarah Marshall explains: “We decided to set up an orchestra that did things a bit differently.
“We started to try to create a normal symphony orchestra but we got so many flute players coming to audition, they were too good we couldn’t turn them down.
“Then Xhosa arrived with his saxophone and just blew it away, so we said that’s it then, we have to change the model.
The People's Orchestra, based in West Bromwich. Managing director Sarah Marshall.
“We’re a very young and modern orchestra – we’ve only been going four years, unlike Slaithwaite which is 125 years old.
“And we play popular music like film scores and TV theme tunes rather than traditional classical music.
“We’re very colourful compared to the rest, we don’t wear black suits and bow ties. We don’t want to be stuffy and elite.”
All Together Now: The Great Orchestra Challenge with Katie Derham, Chi Chi Nwanoku, Paul Daniel
Each orchestra in the challenge receives a masterclass from the series’ judge, world-renowned conductor Paul Daniel, and mentoring from double bass maestro Chi-chi Nwanoku.
On hearing TPO in the competition, Katie says: “I’m excited about how much they’ve improved.”
Viewers will have to tune in to find out whether they go through to the next round.
All Together Now: The Great Orchestra Challenge beings on BBC4 at 9pm on Tuesday, August 30 | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/peoples-orchestra-bidding-win-bbc4s-11800536 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/9fc2d4395aac6e5fd03026336fad27862e25f2beb553196d821759aa81308645.json |
[
"Steve Jones"
] | 2016-08-31T14:46:57 | null | 2016-08-31T13:39:29 | Deadline day gossip from St Andrew's and Wast Hills | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fbirmingham-city-transfer-rumour-mill-11823834.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article9817872.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/A-general-view-of-the-stadium-ahead-of-the-Sky-Bet-Championship-match-between-Birmingham-City-and-Reading-at-St-Andrews.jpg | en | null | Birmingham City transfer rumour mill: Two deals confirmed; latest on midfielder | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Birmingham City have confirmed the loan capture of Lukas Jutkiewicz and Rhoys Wiggins until January 2 - but their deadline day business might not end there.
Blues have been linked with several other players as the transfer window nears its conclusion.
Bournemouth's Rhoys Wiggins is being lined up to bolster the problem left-back position, according to Sky Sports.
He has made over 200 professional appearances but has found opportunities highly limited with the Cherries after returning to Dean Court from Sheffield Wednesday last season.
Motherwell winger Marvin Johnson has also been mentioned in connection with Blues as the Brummie seeks a move back south, but the Birmingham Mail understands that switch to St Andrew's is a non starter for the former Solihull Moors and Kidderminster Harriers man.
As for the exits, Blues are still working to find Nicolai Brock-Madsen a temporary escape route.
Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds are believed to have ended their interest in Stephen Gleeson. Wednesday are said to be prioritising a left sided midfielder, with Adam Reach one name mentioned.
Carlos Carvalhal recently brought has already purchased two central midfielders during this window, Almen Abdi and David Jones, respectively. Therefore, a pursuit of Gleeson looks unlikely.
Meanwhile, Garry Monk is reportedly closing in on Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu of Luton Town as his central midfield target. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-transfer-rumour-mill-11823834 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/efa0586d38db0d6c4a9db76377a76f2be271b15b6ba90d66e5da0e3d2217d8a9.json |
[
"Graeme Brown"
] | 2016-08-26T22:46:08 | null | 2016-08-26T22:00:00 | Fuel prices at pumps in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands have fallen in the past month - but where are you best to head? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fcheapest-petrol-diesel-prices-birmingham-11803430.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11803574.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/fuel.jpg | en | null | The cheapest petrol and diesel prices in Birmingham for the August bank holiday | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Fuel prices have become kinder on motorists ahead of the bank holiday
We might be in for some Bank Holiday weather, but at least filling up your car will be cheaper this year.
Fuel prices at pumps in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands have fallen in the past month, with unleaded widely available across the city for less than 107p.
Diesel has become cheaper too, with a litre setting you back less than 108p, according to PetrolPrices.com.
Sainsbury’s in Oldbury is the cheapest place within 10 miles of Birmingham city centre, with unleaded at 105.9p, while Morrisons Small Heath is the cheapest in the city boundaries and Maypole Service Station, in Druids Heath, the only non-supermarket on the list.
The price of filling up came after supermarkets cut the price of petrol and diesel by up to 2p per litre earlier this summer.
However, Simon Williams, spokesman and lead on fuel at the RAC, said we should not get too excited – it is not the return of sub-£1 fuel.
He said: “Over the last week oil prices have been rising but may now start to come down again.
“Wholesale fuel prices fell yesterday as a result of more Nigerian and Iraqi oil hitting the market, coupled with more US oil rigs coming online, as well as greater than expected Chinese fuel exports.
“Long story short, we will not be seeing a return to £1 a litre at the cheapest retailers any time soon. The cheapest retailers are currently selling petrol for around 106p a litre and diesel for 107p.
Unleaded
Sainsbury’s Oldbury: 105.9p Tesco Cradley Heath: 105.9p Morrisons Small Heath: 106.7p Asda Small Heath: 106.7p Asda Barnes Hill: 106.7p Maypole Service Station, Druids Heath: 106.7p Asda Queslett: 106.7p Asda Oldbury: 106.7p Asda Minworth: 106.7p Asda Great Bridge: 106.7p
Diesel
Sainsbury’s Oldbury: 106.9p Morrisons Small Heath: 107.7p Asda Small Heath: 107.7p Asda Barnes Hill: 107.7p Asda Queslett: 107.7p Asda Oldbury: 107.7p Asda Minworth: 107.7p Asda Great Bridge: 107.7p Morrisons Wednesbury: 107.7p Morrisons Walsall: 107.7p
Source: PetrolPrices.com.
Think! Don't use mobile phones while driving | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/cheapest-petrol-diesel-prices-birmingham-11803430 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/ddddc12ce6979aad1b088d7c3d52ab9a0c4ef35c05322e2fbfb05fe415d78982.json |
[
"Jasbir Authi"
] | 2016-08-28T16:47:07 | null | 2016-08-28T16:40:57 | Residents considering selling up in desperation at repeated problems | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Ftravellers-occupy-hazelwell-park-fourth-11812336.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11527103.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/gyposs.jpg | en | null | Travellers occupy Hazelwell Park for fourth time in three months | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Above: Rubbish left by travellers in Hazelwell Park in May
Travellers sparked anger by moving on to a Birmingham park for the FOURTH time since May .
A convoy of around a dozen caravans arrived at Hazelwell Park in Stirchley , on Friday.
There were reports of the turf being damaged by vehicles and loud music being played into the early hours.
One resident said he had not slept in days and was considering moving house to protect his family.
He said: “It’s the first time in 20 years that we are thinking about moving.
“I’ve not slept for the past couple of nights. I do not want my kids in the park.
Rubbish left by travellers in Hazelwell Park, Stirchley, in May.
“Residents are incredibly angry about the lack of action by the police and the council.
“The council seems to spend money clearing after them but not preventing gaining them access. It’s the entire weekend ruined.”
Police officers served the travellers with a two-day notice to quit the site on Saturday and they were reported to be leaving on Sunday afternoon.
Travellers return to Hazelwell Park in June.
Previously, a group of half a dozen caravans moved on to Hazelwell Park at the end of June , six weeks after a different group was evicted in May.
And caravans set up camp on grass near the bridge entrance to Hazelwell Park, off Hunts Road, in Stirchley, earlier in August.
Coun Timothy Huxtable warned the travellers would keep returning if urgent action was not taken to secure the site.
Coun Mary Locke said of the latest encampment: “Residents are angry it keeps happening but I know the council is looking into sites.
“We will be looking into securing Hazelwell Park.”
Mark Croxford, head of environmental health at Birmingham City Council, previously said: “The council is committed to actively protecting its land and will take steps to recover this land where illegal encampments encroach upon it.”
Parks and playing fields occupied by travellers this summer have included King George Playing Fields in Sutton Coldfield, Kingfisher Park in Bordesley Green, Tennal Lane in Quinton, Selly Oak Park, Monkspath Park in Solihull, Barn Lane in Olton, Sheldon Country Park. Woodgate Valley Country Park, and Kents Moat in Stechford. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/travellers-occupy-hazelwell-park-fourth-11812336 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/819a9898c08cf4a1566968639054fb544b0d6c99c59048a3092b14bdc4407432.json |
[
"Gregg Evans"
] | 2016-08-27T18:46:17 | null | 2016-08-27T18:56:39 | Di Matteo speaks out after defeat at Bristol City | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Froberto-di-matteo-admits-only-11809897.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11809792.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98075880.jpg | en | null | Roberto Di Matteo admits there is only one way to overcome Aston Villa's latest setback | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Roberto Di Matteo admits 'winning' is the only way for Aston Villa to get recent disappointments out of their system.
Villa have won just one of their five Championship games so far this season, leaving them in 16th place in the table.
The 3-1 defeat at Bristol City compounded their misery, especially after they took an early lead through Jack Grealish.
Clearly frustrated and angry not to end a winless run of over one year, Di Matteo cut a frustrated figure when reflecting on the loss.
He blamed a host of missed chances, most notably through Jordan Ayew and Leandro Bacuna, and admitted that things need to change moving forward.
Asked whether he was concerned or worried about the future, he replied: “We need to get it out of our system. Winning games is the best recipe.
“You can do all the things you think are right but ultimately we need to be able to extend our performance to 90 minutes and know when we’re on top of it and when to take advantage.
“We need to be able to defend as a team, not as individuals. The team have to do their job when we are under pressure. If we don’t then it doesn’t work.”
Villa supporters pay tribute to fellow fan Will Falck, who died last week | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/roberto-di-matteo-admits-only-11809897 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/bc737d26d66b48b738d56a9d484dd7f71ad7580c0fd02bf04c6138da96a4eab2.json |
[
"Neil Elkes"
] | 2016-08-29T14:47:45 | null | 2016-08-29T15:24:07 | Social media study finds Brummies are the funniest people in the UK | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fbirmingham-named-uks-funniest-city-11815287.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article7719148.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/BP2231645.jpg | en | null | Birmingham named the UK's funniest city | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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We have always known it, but now a national social media study has confirmed that Birmingham is the funniest city in the UK.
The city which gave the world Jasper Carrott, Frank Skinner and TV's Citizen Khan Adil Ray has topped the survey of 25 UK cities - pipping second placed Leeds to the title of funniest.
The study, commissioned by travel website lastminute.com, analysed over three million social media conversations before concluding that Brummies are funnier.
Fabio Cannavale, of lastminute.com , said: "The British sense of humour is very unique so it's very interesting to see what makes the UK giggle and even more so the contrast in humour between different towns and cities."
Lenny Henry and Jasper Carrott
The top five was completed by Cardiff, Hull and Newcastle.
It is the second comedy title to come to the region this week after West Bromwich stand-up Masai Graham won the award for funniest one-liner at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
In sharp contrast another was also released concluding that neighbouring Walsall was the most miserable place in the country.
Adil Ray as Citizen Khan.
Top 5 funniest cities
Birmingham Leeds Cardiff Hull Newcastle
Watch Below: Frank Skinner on why he's doing stand up comedy again | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-named-uks-funniest-city-11815287 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/0e32c53b6fc17432ff1b1af0c26d02bbcca1c3d1f32be399014fb537a65f3efe.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-28T20:46:47 | null | 2016-08-28T19:56:04 | Paul Suart's findings as Albion play out a bland 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fwest-brom-analysis-left-back-11812980.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11811647.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98134855.jpg | en | null | West Brom analysis: A left-back on the pitch; a Field day; the back of Berahino? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | 1. Sam has a Field day
The academy product was arguably the best player on the pitch in the EFL Cup match at Northampton midweek.
His first Premier League start was clearly justified.
And the 18-year-old continued in the same vein.
For someone so slight, he showed real strength to shrug off of challenges in a number of turnovers.
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Field’s exceptional reading of the game, belies his tender age.
But his biggest strength is his passing ability.
Field did not mis-place a single pass, albeit he never really took risks with his distribution and kept things simple, again demonstrating his maturity and discipline.
One for the future?
Forget that, the England Under 19 international is one for now.
What a prospect.
West Bromwich Albion's Sam Field
2. Galloping Galloway
Jonny Evans gallantly filled in at left-back in the first two league games.
And while he was up to the task defensively, his reluctance to venture forward, as modern-day full-backs so frequently do, starved Albion of an attacking outlet.
Brendan Galloway, on his Premier League debut for West Brom, needed no invitation to attack.
It’s clearly in his DNA as a forward-thinking full-back.
West Bromwich Albion's Brendan Galloway (left) and Middlesbrough's Gaston Ramirez
On loan from Everton, Galloway made an impact in the final third as early as the second minute.
He used all his pace and length to beat Danial Ayala to a through ball.
Ayala was booked for his troubles and Albion were presented with a set-piece to attack.
There were countless other occasions when the 20-year-old not only go into crossing positions, but delivered with real accuracy and also had efforts on goal.
3. Better balance
What a difference it made to have a specialist left-back playing.
West Bromwich Albion's Jonny Evans (left) and Middlesbrough's Gaston Ramirez
Not only because it gave the back four a natural shape, but because it allowed Jonny Evans to move inside and partner his compatriot Gareth McAuley.
There was a real balance at the back and Boro struggled all match to penetrate.
You can see the back four that played today starting many more matches in future.
4. Dynamos won’t be quaking in their boots
Albion have two weeks to ponder a performance short on ideas and imaginative with the Premier League pausing for the first international break of the season.
The Baggies do, though, have a friendly at The Hawthorns next Saturday when they entertain Indian Super League side Delhi Dynamos.
Empty seats amongst West Bromwich Albion fans
Delhi’s squad, led by former World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta, watched on from the stands as Albion struggled to open doors against Boro.
It was a toothless home display reminiscent of several last season and one that will hardly fill Delhi with dread.
5. The back of Berahino?
Might that be the last time Saido Berahino represents West Brom, the club that has coached and developed him since he was ten?
It could well be, judging by Tony Pulis’ ambiguous comments.
Asked why Saido Berahino had been left on the bench, Pulis said: “You’ll see in the next 48 hours hopefully.”
Saido Berahino on as a substitute for Jonathan Leko
His comments hint that Albion might finally cash in on the striker whose future has been surrounded by speculation for the past 18 months.
The official line is that Albion will only sell once they have a replacement.
Perhaps that replacement has been sourced and is close to joining.
We’ll find out during what promises to be an intriguing last few days of the summer transfer window.
Fans will desperately hope it’s a busy few days too. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-analysis-left-back-11812980 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d03e75daaf9fdddcb7588fe9f9b9141ac273503e0fd6c06d2111fa6faadf0648.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-27T12:47:16 | null | 2016-08-27T11:35:13 | The left-back has been allowed to leave Villa for Championship rivals Cardiff | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fjoe-bennett-leaves-aston-villa-11807894.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11624865.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Joe-Bennett-of-Aston-Villa.jpg | en | null | and sends message to claret and blue supporters | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Left-back Joe Bennett has seen his move to Cardiff from Aston Villa confirmed this morning.
The defender, formerly of Middlesbrough, has had loan spells at Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday in recent seasons and was told by Roberto Di Matteo he was free to leave this summer.
The Italian saw sufficient coverage at left-back in the shape of Aly Cissokho and Jordan Amavi.
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Bennett came close to returning to Hillsborough earlier this summer, only to see his move blocked at the last moment by Dr Tony Xia, who did not wish to sell to a potential promotion rival.
Bennett yesterday tweeted: "Can you get anymore disrespectful tweeting about a players career like somebody has the last week."
Many believed him to be referring to owner Xia, though the owner later himself explained this was not the case...
Joe just sent a message explaining and apologizing that he meant to some fans annoyed him not me&club. Let's move on and best wishes to him! — Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) August 26, 2016
Whatever it was, let's move on and focus tomorrow's game. Good night and see u at Bristol.#UTV — Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) August 26, 2016
Aston Villa chairman Dr Tony Xia
But Bennett has finally departed Villa, following abuse from certain quarters on Twitter, and consequently sent the below message to his followers.
He wrote: "My comment yesterday had nothing to do about contracts or fans.
"It was simply that I didn't want my situation to be aired all over Twitter before anything had been sorted.
"I Just want to wish the club all the best for this season a massive club with loyal fans who have supported me even through the tough times the club has faced. "Hope the club get back to where they belong! good luck!
"Time for a new adventure." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/joe-bennett-leaves-aston-villa-11807894 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/7d6ea21e146c56cfaa0fa8a3fb022f1aa47495c227ad1ac634f5d1a6bbc678d6.json |
[
"Graeme Brown"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:09 | null | 2016-08-30T09:50:30 | A social media study found Brummies are the funniest people in the UK – prompting Mail readers to send in their favourite jokes | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fcomedy-news%2F11-jokes-prove-brummies-funniest-11816971.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11164962.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/comedyclubs.jpg | en | null | 11 jokes that prove Brummies are the funniest people in the UK | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
Click to play Tap to play
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Birmingham has been named the funniest city in the UK – and Mail readers have proven why.
The study, commissioned by travel website lastminute.com, analysed over three million social media conversations before concluding that Brummies are the funniest.
After it was revealed, readers on the Mail’s Facebook page posted their favourite jokes – which only served to further prove quite what a funny bunch you are.
Mark Efferz Davis
What’s the difference between a kangaroo and a kangaroot?
One’s an animal and the other’s a Geordie stuck in a lift.
A kangaroo
Alan Pryce
Man goes into a bar orders 20 pints of lager and drinks them as quick as the barman is pouring them.
Barman: Blimey you’re drinking them a bit quick.
Man So would you if you had what I’ve got.
Barman: What’s that then?
Man: 50p.
Adnan Ali
A man was pulled over for driving too fast, even though he thought he was driving just fine.
Officer: You were speeding.
Man: No, I wasn’t.
Officer: Yes, you were. I’m giving you a ticket.
Man: But I wasn’t speeding.
Officer: Tell that to the judge! (The officer gives man the ticket).
Man: Would I get another ticket if I called you a jerk?
Officer: Yes, you would.
Man: What if I just thought that you were?
Officer: I can’t give you a ticket for what you think.
Man: Fine, I think you’re a jerk!
20 of the funniest things said by Brummie kids
Rayan Amir Kurdish
What’s the difference between Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
People from Dubai don’t like the Flintstones but ABU DHABI DOOOOOO.
The Flintstones
Mark Smith
I went swimming the other day and got shouted at for peeing in the pool.
In fact, they shouted so loud I nearly fell in.
Faye Hallett
How do you find Will Smith in the snow?
You look for the fresh prints.
Pete McGrath
Vincent Van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh is in a bar and his mate walks in. He spots him and shouts over: “D’ya wanna a beer?”
Van Gogh replies: “No ta, I’ve got one ‘ere.”
Eff Clarke
A one legged woman went into a shoe shop and bought a flip.
Mark Efferz Davis
What do you call a man with no shins? Tony.
Darren Gill
The British Gas logo, as British Gas is to cut household gas prices by 5% in a move it says will benefit 6.8 million customers
My sister works for British Gas if you want a meter.
Gary Gallett
Sorry I’m late, I missed the No14 bus I had to catch two sevens. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/comedy-news/11-jokes-prove-brummies-funniest-11816971 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/162462d63c2689fe0611d0a1d2b532f648f4d4f0909807ca25fe3951ff44841b.json |
[
"Tim Wellock"
] | 2016-08-26T22:46:18 | null | 2016-08-26T22:45:45 | Warwickshire take 11 points after draw declared at Chester-le-Street | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fdurham-v-warwickshire-hosts-hold-11807593.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11807595.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/ChesterLeStreet.jpg | en | null | Durham v Warwickshire: Hosts hold out for draw against Bears | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | A stand of 151 between Scott Borthwick and Mark Stoneman ensured Durham were able to hold out for a draw in the Specsavers County Championship match against Warwickshire at Chester-le-Street.
Durham were only ten behind with eight wickets standing when Stoneman fell for 80 and Borthwick went on to make 91 before he departed five balls before hands were shaken.
Rikki Clarke came on bowling off spin and his first ball was so wide of off stump Borthwick could not resist flailing at it, only to get a big inside edge into his stumps.
Durham were on 195 for three, 21 ahead with 22 overs still available when a draw was declared, Warwickshire taking 11 points and Durham eight.
It was a welcome return to form for Borthwick, whose form slumped when he was widely reported to be on the verge of England selection.
Things looked ominous for Durham when, with 84 overs to bat, they lost Keaton Jennings for a duck in the fifth, when he pushed forward and edged Keith Barker behind.
But Borthwick was soon stroking Barker effortlessly through the covers, while Stoneman had made only one when he whipped Chris Wright over long leg for six.
Patel came on for the 14th over and conceded only seven runs in his first nine overs, going closest to a breakthrough when Stoneman missed an attempted cut on 45 and was almost bowled.
A repeat of the stroke brought the three runs which took him to 50 as nine runs suddenly came off Patel's tenth over.
Both batsmen completed their half-centuries off 93 balls and continued neck and neck as Durham reached 162 for one at tea, only 12 behind.
Stoneman was bowled by Patel without addition, but Jack Burnham survived to the close on ten not out.
Resuming on 344 for seven in the morning, Warwickshire added 37 in ten overs, losing Tim Ambrose for 50, before declaring 174 ahead. Barker was unbeaten on 43.
Warwickshire captain Ian Bell said: “We came in this morning excited about our opportunity considering the amount of movement there had been in the pitch.
“But it was not to be. This was a better day for batting, whereas yesterday would have been a good day to bowl. It seems to be a trend of the season that every time we get in a good position the weather gets in the way.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/cricket/durham-v-warwickshire-hosts-hold-11807593 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/0f046c453490161f599fc6abfa66828e55ee6d5ac0fe14c481035f368f16fe02.json |
[
"Zoe Chamberlain"
] | 2016-08-30T12:49:06 | null | 2016-08-30T13:15:17 | You'll be able to brave the 18ft Leap of Faith jump and take on the Dri Ice challenge | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffamily-kids-news%2Frock-up-birmingham-announces-opening-11818197.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11471609.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS92562931.jpg | en | null | Rock Up Birmingham announces opening date for its daring new climbing centre | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Rock Up Birmingham is bringing an entirely new climbing concept to the city.
There will be 26 differently themed climbing walls offering a whopping 70 challenges - from a Jungle Gym to a Twister Staircase.
Some parts are definitely not for the faint-hearted but others are suitable for families and small children to tackle.
Check out the video of what to expect at Rock Up Birmingham:
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“It’s like an indoor theme park made of climbing walls and it’s completely new for Birmingham,” says Sara Stockdale, marketing director for Rock Up.
“There are climbing and bouldering centres in the city but nothing like this.
“The Leap of Faith is terrifying but fantastic. You climb up an 18ft ladder then take a leap of faith as you just and try to grab hold of a punchbag.”
The Digital South Ltd
When and where is it opening?
Rock Up Birmingham is due to open on Friday, September 9 at Broadway Plaza on Ladywood Middleway in the city centre.
Broadway Plaza already houses a 12 screen 3D Odeon multiplex, Bowlplex, Nuffield Health Club and more.
The Digital South Ltd
What will be there?
Here are some of the highlights:
Speed Climb – climbers scramble up next to each other in a race to press the button at the top.
“Our fastest person did it in just 3.54 seconds,” says Sara. “It was phenomenal, like Spiderman in action!”
Twister – a stepped climb that twists round. One side is easy as you climb up the steps, the other is hard as you try to climb under the steps!
Face 2 Face Race – a perspex climb enabling people to see their opponent as they race opposite each other
Jungle Gym – ropes that offer a really good workout
Skyscraper – where people climb up a wall that looks like, well, a skyscraper!
Dri Ice – a climb that’s done with an ice-pick
Robin Jones /The Digital South Ltd
And what about for little kids?
There will also be a soft play area and a café, meaning there will be something for all ages and abilities.
“It’s somewhere you can take all ages from 0 to 84, that’s the oldest person we’ve had at our first centre in Hampshire,” says Sara.
“It’s cross generational – there’s soft play for the under sixes, you can climb from the age of four and it’s up to you what age you stop!
“Rock Up is really popular with families with a spread of ages. We had a family of four the other day where the eldest was 19 and the youngest was six. This is the one activity they could all engage in and get something out of. You can’t really take that age range to the cinema as they want to watch different things.
“It’s a really different concept.”
The Digital South Ltd
How much does it cost?
Prices start at £8 for children and £12 for adults at off-peak times. Each session is 1½ hours long, including time for harnessing.
To find out more, visit the Rock Up Birmingham website.
The Digital South Ltd
• To keep updated on family things to do, like our Brummie Mummies facebook page | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/rock-up-birmingham-announces-opening-11818197 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/156f4cc9112f550871e9772090f041f0358ad14390fd4c4a171934927a151fdd.json |
[
"Brett Gibbons"
] | 2016-08-31T14:50:02 | null | 2016-08-31T13:51:00 | They say the off-road bikers are dangerous and a nuisance | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fspeed-stunt-park-motorcylists-hunted-11823790.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11823891.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/bikers.jpg | en | null | Speed stunt park motorcylists are hunted by police | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Motorcyclists who terrorised parents and dog-walkers in a series of high-speed stunts in Birmingham parks are being hunted by police.
Officers from South Birmingham have warned they will seize scramblers ridden anti-socially following the latest complaints from disgusted pedestrians.
They appealed for help to identify several people pictured in images who they wish to speak to.
PC Heidi Kennedy, of West Midlands Police, said: “Worried members of the public have provided the images and I’m asking if anyone recognises the men or the distinctive orange bike, or has information that could help us, to get in touch so we can take action.
“It is totally unacceptable for people to use local parks for off-road biking.
“It is dangerous and a real noise nuisance. The parks should be relaxing, safe areas for people to spend time – they are not race tracks and people’s enjoyment of the parks is being ruined.”
It is illegal to ride bikes in a manner that may cause alarm or distress to a member of the public, while bikers using public parkland are also committing motoring offences.
PC Kennedy added: “We will look to issue warning notices to offenders – anyone ignoring the warning faces having their bike seized and crushed and a date in court.”
She said one man was pictured performing a dangerous wheelie along a footpath in Senneleys Park in Bartley Green while other bikers were spotted speeding past swings and climbing frames.
An image was also released of a man illegally riding an off-road bike with no registration plates in Overbury Road, Northfield, on Saturday, August 6.
Police want the name of this motorcyclist
Pedestrians claimed they no longer felt safe in the parks because of the off-road menace.
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Watch: Police in dawn raids operation against illegal bikers
Earlier this month, West Midlands Police blitzed anti-social riders during a day of action that saw 10 off-road bikes seized – including quad bikes, scramblers and mini-moto’s – and arrests made in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry.
Anyone with information about the bikers is urged to call the Edgbaston Neighbourhood Police Team on the 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/speed-stunt-park-motorcylists-hunted-11823790 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/bccf7538c3059b16fdb690e1cffb26088da6232938ba511301ad3a2adc09ad5d.json |
[
"Brian Dick"
] | 2016-08-26T22:46:40 | null | 2016-08-26T18:00:00 | Blues boss expecting 'a response' following the Wolves defeat. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fgary-rowett-hopes-promotion-hopefuls-11805948.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11727908.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS96707074.jpg | en | null | Gary Rowett hopes promotion hopefuls bring the best out of Birmingham City | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett believes promotion hopefuls Norwich City could bring the best out of his Blues team.
On paper the the fancied Canaries, who were a Premier League team just four months ago, could be the worst possible visitors following last Saturday’s collapse against Wolves.
However, Rowett noted Blues’ tendency to play up to the standard of their opposition and Norwich come to St Andrew’s with two wins and two draws and in fourth place.
Rowett has also demanded a response to last weekend’s traumatic experience.
“We were good against those types of teams last season. In some ways those games suited us even more,” he said.
“The likes of the Middlesbrough, Hull, Derby games - all of those teams that were in the same position as Norwich right now - we were excellent against them.
“And in some ways the more a team comes to make the running in the game and dominate possession, the more opportunities it sometimes gives us to play the way we can play - when we do it properly.
“It’s a good gauge to see how we react. Sometimes you learn a lot about a team after you lose a game and how you react after that.
“If you react strongly and your character is good that’s great, if we don’t react well certainly it’s something I will have to try and address.”
Rowett on criticism:
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Rowett has noted Norwich’s start to the season - and tipped them to contend strongly for an immediate return to the top flight.
“They have been solid,” he said. “They are a good side, they have got Premier League quality within the side.
“They have got people like [Alex]Pritchard who I think they played £8m for but who is not fit yet.
“They have got [Jonny] Howson, [Wes] Hoolahan, [Cameron] Jerome, [Robbie] Brady, [Steven] Naismith - they have got some real good quality players in there.
“That’s what you face in this division, teams that have just come down but have retained players that can give you that kind of extra edge.
“We certainly won’t be overawed. We will be respectful, it’s going to be a tough game - any team playing Norwich this season is going to be in for a tough game because I am pretty sure they will finish up and around the automatic promotion spots.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowett-hopes-promotion-hopefuls-11805948 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/cedee1c36b62b95c6086d06e781cefe7e46fec4f039ac2ad4a64db4ac962cfe5.json |
[
"Birmingham Mail"
] | 2016-08-31T08:47:04 | null | 2016-08-31T09:16:41 | Amadou Bakayoko sent Walsall fans away smiling with a first-half hat-trick against Grimsby | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmatch-reports%2Fwalsall-5-grimsby-2-verdict-11821872.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11354646.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Walsall-Interim-head-coach-Jon-Whitney.jpg | en | null | Walsall 5 Grimsby 2: The Verdict | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | The revamped Checkatrade Trophy may have created anger and frustration but Amadou Bakayoko sent Walsall fans away smiling with a first-half hat-trick against Grimsby, as they started Group H with a bang.
The 20-year-old was clinical in front of goal, as he sent out a message to manager Jon Whitney by leading the Saddlers to victory at a largely empty Banks’ Stadium.
The visitors took the lead through Andrew Boyce, but Bakayoko soon got his first with a neat finish before he added two more in quick succession before half time.
And Walsall cut loose after the break as Kieron Morris and Maz Kouhyar scored either side of Luke Summerfield’s consolation for Grimsby.
The trophy, fresh from a summer revamp, has only attracted negativity due to the involvement of 16 academy sides from the Premier League and Championship.
And the mood was not helped when Grimsby took an early lead through defender Boyce, who hammered in from close range.
A subdued Walsall slowly got it together as Bakayoko latched on to the end of a measured Erhun Oztumer pass and equalised with a deflected shot past the unfortunate James McKeown.
The hosts started to dominate and Bakayoko added his second when he converted Liam Kinsella’s pass, before completing his hat-trick with a sweeping left-foot finish.
Oztumer was key to Walsall’s win and he played a hand in their fourth after the break as he released Joe Edwards down the right, who supplied Morris for a tap in. Summerfield pulled one back for Grimsby with a close-range finish but Kouhyar scored his first Walsall goal to ease the nerves. Walsall next face Sheffield United, in a group which also contains Leicester City Academy.
WALSALL: MacGillivray; Kouhyar (Ginnelly 72), McCarthy, Preston, Edwards; Morris, Kinsella, Dobson, Cockerill-Mollett; Oztumer, Bakayoko.
Subs not used: Sangha, Roberts, Hallwood, Shorrock, Peters, Tonks.
GRIMSBY: McKeown, Pearson, Gowling (Bolarinwa 45), Boyce; Mills, Venney (Chambers 45), Disley, Summerfield, Andrew; Vernon, Bogle (Vose 45).
Subs not used: Clifton, Warrington, Wright. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/walsall-5-grimsby-2-verdict-11821872 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/eb014a8125d202ebdbc0d75dfd172e84ad17b08c08e0240daf40b35bfa01dd87.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-27T20:46:18 | null | 2016-08-27T19:32:11 | Villa have the worst disciplinary record in the Championship so far this season | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Froberto-di-matteos-aston-villa-11810024.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11810068.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97680538.jpg | en | null | Why Roberto Di Matteo's Aston Villa bad boys must clean up their act | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Aston Villa had seven players booked today which is the most of any Championship club this season in one game.
Today’s cautions take their total for the league campaign to 20, which puts them at the top of the Championship’s disciplinary league.
It's 22 overall, with two more in the EFL Cup defeat at Luton Town.
Tommy Elphick, Leandro Bacuna, Ross McCormack and Jordan Ayew are the main culprits and have all been booked three times this season.
That means each of them only need two more bookings for a suspension and while Bacuna - and to a certain extent Ayew - may be replaceable, the other two are vital to what Villa are trying to do.
One of Ayew's cautions came against Luton, as did one of McCormack's.
It also increases the risk of them receiving bigger bans further down the line at what could be crucial moments in the season.
Elphick is probably most susceptible to a booking given the nature of his game and the position he plays.
It would unfair to say that the aggressive style Villa have adopted in the opening weeks of the season is down to the manager, but his record as a player would suggest it might be.
The Italian was known for his combative approach during his career, but even he would have never envisaged the barrage of fouls we saw during the second half today.
They have three more yellow cards than Wigan Athletic and 14 more than their opponents today, Bristol City. Cardiff City have only had four bookings so far this season.
Fans might even be slightly pleased to see their players showing some fight after the feeble attempts to avoid relegation last season.
It’s the stupid bookings that need to be cut out. The one that James Chester received today was for dissent, which is out of character with him being one of the cooler heads in the dressing room.
In all probability, these bookings won’t amount to an awful lot, but they could come back to haunt Villa later in the season if they don't clean up their act. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/roberto-di-matteos-aston-villa-11810024 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/080c10a84875fe2a741117751eda76202473c8e1628a2f73901769e2fdfac004.json |
[
"Gregg Evans"
] | 2016-08-30T12:47:55 | null | 2016-08-30T11:57:53 | Villa's defensive cover is thin as deadline day approaches | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Faston-villa-injury-worry-could-11817529.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11808987.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98075842.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa injury worry could leave Roberto Di Matteo's squad short | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Aston Villa will today assess the extent of Aly Cissokho’s injury.
The Frenchman was forced off after just 17 minutes of the 3-1 defeat at Bristol City after feeling a pain in his Achilles tendon.
A long-term absence would be bad news for Roberto Di Matteo who only let fellow left-back Joe Bennett leave for Cardiff City over the weekend.
At present, Jordan Amavi is suitable cover but the Villa boss has already confirmed that he wants at least two players fighting for every position.
Aly Cissokho
“We are looking to occupy most positions with two players because over 46 games you will need this squad,” he said last week.
Villa let left-sided centre-half Kevin Toner join Walsall on loan while Lewis Kinsella was released when his contract expired in the summer.
Oscar Borg is another option but he is still only a development player following his switch from West Ham earlier in the year.
Joonas Sundman played at left-back for the under-23s in their Villa Park win over Newcastle yesterday.
Cissokho has started every league game this season and has been favoured by Di Matteo because of his defensive qualities.
The medical team at Villa have yet to determine the severity of his injury as we head into a weekend free of domestic action due to the international break.
Villa have checked out a number of young full-backs in recent weeks but are unlikely to make a move in this transfer window. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-injury-worry-could-11817529 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/3fd6dace5fbcfc9794a1658ddad5b3078413ac4a2fad46727a52e9491e6b54f9.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-27T12:47:28 | null | 2016-08-27T08:00:00 | Tony Pulis had hoped to land Jay Rodriguez before Albion's next game | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-boss-disappointed-not-11807355.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11781967.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95781818.jpg | en | null | West Brom boss "disappointed" not to have new striker in for Boro clash | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Southampton's Jay Rodriguez up against Joachim Andersen of Enschede
West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis has voiced his frustration at not having signed Jay Rodriguez in time to face Middlesbrough.
Pulis had hoped to complete a loan deal for the Southampton striker before the Baggies entertain Boro on Sunday.
West Brom transfers: Positions Pulis wants five signings in before the deadline
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But a hold-up in Saints' pursuit of Lille forward Sofiane Boufal has had a knock-on effect.
"That’s not happened this weekend or for this game which is disappointing again for us because we thought it was going to happen," Pulis said.
"We've certainly not given up on it."
Southampton are understood to have agreed a £21.2 million club-record fee with Lille, although Leicester City have reportedly join the race at the 11th hour.
Pulis, for one, will be preying Claude Puel can seal the deal on the basis, "the more they bring in, the better it is for us".
West Bromich Albion boss Tony Pulis at the match against Everton
"We know Jay’s condition," he said.
"I've spoken to people there.
"It's going to take him a few games to get back into his stride.
"I know the lad, he's a fantastic lad and he’ll want to prove to everybody that he can get back to what he was.
"That's what we want.
"We want people who have a good attitude, but are also ambitious." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-boss-disappointed-not-11807355 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/9c1e4390edcb3f77a5254224ba8a35c886495a0f3201917bb8eb94a2df354d22.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-29T10:46:54 | null | 2016-08-29T10:11:10 | This defender has followed Joe Bennett and Jores Okore out of the door | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Faston-villa-see-third-defender-11813668.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article10835389.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS80503974.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa see third defender leave club in as many days | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Joleon Lescott has left Aston Villa.
The 34-year-old still had a year left on his two-year contract at Villa Park, but was told by Roberto Di Matteo that he had no future at B6 following the club's relegation.
He has signed a two-year year deal with Greek side AEK Athens, having passed a medical and agreed personal terms today.
It's unclear at this moment in time whether his claret and blue contract was terminated or whether the Greek side paid a fee, though it's likely to be the former.
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Lescott had already turned down a move to Rangers this summer having held talks with Gers boss Mark Warburton, but has opted for a move to the continent.
There was interest from the States and Italy too for the former Albion and England defender.
Στα γραφεία της ΠΑΕ ΑΕΚ ο Τζόλεον Λέσκοτ pic.twitter.com/xK8kjqMhCi — AEK F.C. (@AEK_FC_OFFICIAL) August 29, 2016
Πέρασε τα ιατρικά στο Ιατρικό Κέντρο Αθηνών ο Τζόλεον Λέσκοτ είναι στα γραφεία της ΠΑΕ για τις τελικές συζητήσεις pic.twitter.com/mYmgdTMgZv — AEK F.C. (@AEK_FC_OFFICIAL) August 29, 2016
Λίγο πριν από τις υπογραφές... pic.twitter.com/km6WRbl9Gz — AEK F.C. (@AEK_FC_OFFICIAL) August 29, 2016
Είναι πλέον γεγονός...
Σε λίγο η επίσημη ανακοίνωση! pic.twitter.com/yWhA17j7HK — AEK F.C. (@AEK_FC_OFFICIAL) August 29, 2016 | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-see-third-defender-11813668 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/c76d2d32afaaa8937b2fcd27c7bcb388acaf323c3dd043428df32189a63bab83.json |
[
"Brett Gibbons"
] | 2016-08-31T10:49:16 | null | 2016-08-31T10:54:16 | Victim in a stable condition in hospital after Bank Holiday Monday incident | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fthorp-street-shooting-police-investigation-11822113.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article11814519.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/bhr_bpo_290816THORPE.jpg | en | null | Thorp Street shooting: Police investigation continues after teen shot in the leg | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Aftermath of shooting in Thorp Street Birmingham City Centre Must credit SNAPPERSK
Police are continuing to probe a shooting in Birmingham city centre where a teenager was wounded in the leg.
The incident took place in Thorp Street, off Hurst Street, just after 4.10am on Bank Holiday Monday and was described by West Midlands Police as a “targeted attack.”
The scene, nearby Hurst Street and part of Bristol Street were sealed off on Monday as forensics teams combed the area for evidence.
Police said the 18-year-old victim remained in a stable condition in hospital. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
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Insp Christian Wilkins, from West Midlands Police , said: “We believe this to be a targeted attack and fortunately the man’s injuries are not life threatening.
“We have conducted a detailed forensic search of the area.”
No-one has yet been arrested in connection with the incident.
Anyone with information can call detectives on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/thorp-street-shooting-police-investigation-11822113 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/59b30ca898eb5d421b5b184f8516860105497b4b600493a5b3257f9b2087492e.json |
[
"Neil Elkes"
] | 2016-08-29T16:47:46 | null | 2016-08-29T17:30:00 | Cuts to services, new charges for garden waste, wheelie bin rollouts and good old fashioned road rage all blamed for sharp increase in attacks on refuse collectors | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fbirmingham-binmen-threatened-samurai-sword-11814433.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/article6198081.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/binmen.jpg | en | null | Birmingham binmen threatened with samurai sword as physical attacks double in three years | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Binmen in Birmingham have been threatened with a samurai sword in a row over refuse collection, it has been revealed.
A Freedom of Information request also revealed a city centre resident stole the keys to a dustcart and throw his bin under its wheels, while in Dudley a bin man was head butted after he refused to take rubbish over the allowed quota.
According to the city council: "Whilst loading the waste a resident started staring at the crew, driver asked if everything was ok and the resident reacted angrily. The driver said to move on and leave him, the resident then went into the house and came out with what looked like a samurai sword and chased the crew."
Elsewhere in the UK, binmen have been pelted with rubbish for refusing to take it, while in the Wirral a crew were threatened with a gun.
Details emerged as figures revealed that attacks on binmen across the UK have almost doubled in three years, rising from 159 in 2013 to 309 this year.
In 2012, there were just 112 incidents according to figures issued to the Daily Mail.
The sharp rise has been blamed on cuts to services as well as increasingly strict recycling rules which have led some councils to inspect bins for contamination. There have also been road rage attacks as bin lorries block streets.
In Birmingham bin services have been transformed with the introduction of wheelie bins and the £35 a year charge for garden waste collection and not everyone has been happy with the changes.
Watch below: Fly-tipping investigators on the streets of Birmingham
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The city council is currently installing cameras in bin lorries, which serve the double purpose of protecting staff and allowing bosses to settle disputes over missed collections.
A Birmingham council spokesman said: "“There is absolutely no excuse for threatening, intimidating or attacking any employee who is simply carrying out their job.
“Our refuse collection crews are dedicated and work hard on a tough job. They should be able to carry out their tasks without such incidents ever occurring.”
The Local Government Association, which represents UK councils, said that abuse was unacceptable and said attackers should be prosecuted.
A spokesman added: “The LGA’s polling shows more than eight in ten of the public are happy with the way their bins are collected.”
Others, such as local government trade union Unison, have blamed the increase on government cuts to council budgets meaning services, such as the frequency of collections, are being reduced.
But the Government pointed out it has worked with councils to guarantee weekly bin collections for six million UK residents. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-binmen-threatened-samurai-sword-11814433 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/4e47a5100f88a4249993633d58e3533da776acb8ec106fec2bcdf6b093097845.json |
[
"Neil Elkes"
] | 2016-08-27T06:46:13 | null | 2016-08-27T07:00:00 | Every year, scores of developers and residents take the city council to a legal appeal after being turned down for planning permission | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fextensions-go-wrong-seven-times-11797939.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11773812.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/NWP_BEM_180816House_07.jpg | en | null | When extensions go wrong: Seven times ambitious homeowners clashed with planners | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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A grandmother has become the latest in a long line of Birmingham residents to have sparked dispute with plans for their homes.
Nicola Graham-O’Connor has become embroiled in a planning dispute with Birmingham City Council after being told to tear down the extension she had saved for years for.
Every year, scores of developers and residents take the city council to a legal appeal after being turned down for planning permission, but 80 per cent of them fail.
During 2015/16, there were 111 appeal decisions issued of which only 20 were successful, two were partly allowed, meaning that in 89 cases the Government planning inspector sided with the city’s planning department.
In other cases where development is not authorised, such as the Quinton semi owned by Mrs Graham-O’Connor, the council has insisted over large extensions are torn down - threatening owners with huge fines and even imprisonment if they do not comply.
Moseley
Gerard and Christine White and the building development of their next door neighbour's home
In mid 2014 retired Gerard and Christina White found a 4ft gap between their detached house in The Hurst and its neighbour swallowed up when owner Mohammed Nazir built his extension so close that they shared a gutter. Bizarrely the planning department decided the breach was not too bad and approved the extension retrospectively to widespread condemnation. The Whites have resorted to private legal action to resolve the dispute, which the Mail understands is ongoing.
Selly Oak
Extensions to the home in Tiverton Road, Selly Oak
The clashes over unsightly and over large extensions between student landlords and the Selly Oak community have reached fever pitch over the last two years. One letting firm, Britannia Property Services has found itself served with enforcement notices over it’s boxy extensions in 2014. They have been compared to the famous Brazilian ‘favela’ shanty towns. Campaigners have become frustrated at the lack of action and now local MP Steve McCabe is forcing through a change in the law to make enforcement action more effectively and swift.
Broad Street
Zara's owner Pete Sangha is standing firm over his smoking shelter.
Zara’s nightclub has been embroiled in a high profile dispute with the planning department and Victorian Society over its huge smoking shelter and ornate lions. Being a Grade II listed former Victorian hospital there are strict rules about what can be built. Owner Pete Sangha has argued that he invested £1.5 million in a building which had previously been neglected. The ongoing dispute is set to go all the way through the courts.
Small Heath
In 2012 homeowner Mohammed Noor was fined £6,000 after he refused to tear down two over large and unlawful extensions to the back of his home in Swanage Road, Small Heath.
Eventually faced with imprisonment he was forced to remove the ugly extensions.
Acocks Green
16 Summer Road, Acocks Green before council contractors pulled down the scaffolding.
In 2009 council staff tore down unsightly scaffolding from a house in Summer Road , Acocks Green. Weary residents in Summer Road had bombarded the council with complaints about the state of the house over many years. The then owner Lance Spencer was also fined £400 and ordered to pay £645 costs.
Bordesley Green
Ideal Village in Bordesley Green
Meanwhile the council is about to give up in the historic Ideal Village in Bordesley Green after so many residents flouted conservation area guidelines by installing upvc double glazing, block paving front gardens and building new porches. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/extensions-go-wrong-seven-times-11797939 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/e0acb2273b68a1ac776bf9837fb7eac4294b3be3becf7fc58b97a4e4f594e12c.json |
[
"Gregg Evans"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:40 | null | 2016-08-26T11:30:59 | Hull City boss Mike Phelan has been speaking this morning at his press conference, read what he said about the Villa target | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Faston-villa-latest-search-abel-11803567.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11782384.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97590870.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa: The latest on the search for Abel Hernandez | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Hull City boss Mike Phelan reckons star striker Abel Hernandez will not be moving to Aston Villa before the transfer window closes.
At his weekly press-conference the manager, who is hoping to have the 26-year-old available for this weekend’s clash against former Manchester United, said:
“As it stands at the moment nothing has happened. And I expect nothing to happen.”
Villa are tracking Hernandez alongside West Ham’s Enner Valencia but will only sign one of the two strikers.
Boss Roberto Di Matteo desperately wants new firepower to aid Villa’s promotion charge but has so far failed in his attempts to land either forward.
Yesterday owner Tony Xia watched Valencia in action as West Ham were beaten by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League qualifying stages.
But a move for Hernandez has not been ruled out from the Villa end despite Hull’s resistance to do business so far. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-latest-search-abel-11803567 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/576d3e3f0fc0736614e374dadedbc0d74aff72ef00e9a8c995b16284579fe859.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-29T20:46:38 | null | 2016-08-29T21:25:41 | Football editor Mat Kendrick
looks at where it went wrong for Lescott at his boyhood club | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fhow-aston-villa-flop-joleon-11816384.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11816388.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS88118533.jpg | en | null | How Aston Villa flop Joleon Lescott ended up in a city famous for ruins | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Joleon Lescott’s claret and blue nightmare is over after the unpopular defender finally found the Villa Park exit.
The 34-year-old centre-half has joined Greek club AEK Athens on a two-year contract.
It ends a forgettable episode for Lescott at the club he supported as a boy.
Villa fans had high hopes for Lescott when he signed from rivals West Bromwich Albion a year ago.
But the Brummie went from hero to zero after compounding Villa’s woes on the pitch with some high profile errors of judgement away from it.
ON THE FIELD
In truth, Lescott was by no means Villa’s worst performer last season.
Not that such a statement is in any way a compliment given how dire the claret and blues were, particularly defensively.
Villa conceded a whopping 76 Premier League goals last season, that’s two a game - and the former England international must take his share of the blame.
He made 32 Premier League appearances and one Capital One Cup appearance - the 1-0 win over Blues - for Villa.
His first league clean sheet as a Villa player came in the 1-0 home victory over Crystal Palace in mid-January, and that was argualy his best performance.
Lescott also played a big part in the winning goal that night, although Eagles keeper Wayne Hennessey gave him a helping hand by fumbling it over the line.
CHEWING GUM GATE
That performance against Palace was particularly well-timed given the match that preceded it.
Lescott had been an unused substitute for the FA Cup draw at Wycombe Wanderers - and managed to get himself into a sticky situation.
As Remi Garde’s Villa laboured against their League Two hosts, Lescott was spotted having a gum-spitting competition with Brad Guzan on the bench to see who could propel gum the furthest.
It infuriated fans who were gathered near the dugout given the tight surroundings of Adams Park.
THAT TWEET
As Lescott’s decision-making on the field deteriorated, so too did his decision-making off it.
Having contributed to Villa’s heaviest home league defeat for 81 years, he then made a complete twit of himself on social media.
As if tweeting a photo of a flash Mercedes sportscar within hours of a 6-0 battering by Liverpool wasn’t bad enough, he then explained that his phone had sent the tweet itself from his back pocket.
BOO BOY
In the final weeks of the season the atmosphere turned nasty at Villa Park.
Lescott was one of a small collection of players whose every touch was jeered by his own supporters.
By then his legs were creaking, so the pressure of playing in front of a hostile home crowd began to tell.
When relegation finally arrived with a defeat at Old Trafford on April 16, his clumsy wording got him into trouble when he described the drop as a “weight off our shoulders”.
EXIT STRATEGY
It became clear over the summer that a parting of the ways would happen.
Lescott played a couple of friendlies but was never in Roberto Di Matteo’s plans.
There were suggestions of a move to Major League Soccer which never materialised and he came extremely close to joining Rangers last week.
It didn’t happen with personal terms, family reasons and medical issues among the reasons mooted.
As it is he has gone Greek instead, to AEK Athens and a city famous for its ruins. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/how-aston-villa-flop-joleon-11816384 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/35beee32077dec9d18e5d5bd963b607f14f1f044705282ceff7fea3306c095b8.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-31T12:47:48 | null | 2016-08-31T12:25:31 | Transfer deadline day | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Faston-villas-gabby-agbonlahor-should-11823053.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11655450.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95109027.jpg | en | null | Why Aston Villa's Gabby Agbonlahor should be on the phone to his agent all day today | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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We'll probably have to wait for his next Instagram post to gauge his feelings on the matter.
But this is a crucial day for Gabby Agbonlahor.
Tony Xia and Roberto Di Matteo have made abundantly clear their preferred option for Agbonlahor.
After talks with the Brummie striker at Bodymoor Heath this month it was politely, but forcibly, suggested by Villa's chiefs that he should go out on loan for the season.
Today is the day that will either happen - or 'stating the obvious' alert - it won't.
It will say plenty about Agbonlahor if he is still at Villa rather than on loan elsewhere by this time tomorrow.
Di Matteo has had Agbonlahor nowhere near his matchday squads so far this season - he even preferred a rusty Libor Kozak as back up for injured Rudy Gestede - and that is unlikely to change in a hurry.
Gabby Agbonlahor's most recent Instagram post this week
A photo posted by Gabriel Agbonlahor (@ga11official) on Aug 30, 2016 at 4:19am PDT
The 29-year-old has finally whipped himself into shape this summer after unprofessionally allowing his physical condition to deteriorate during the relegation campaign.
But the next few hours will give an intriguing insight into Agbonlahor's mental condition if he is prepared to stay and stagnate.
Of course, getting a temporary fresh start away from Villa depends massively on their being suitors willing to take a chance on him.
It is believed there have been tentative enquiries about him at home and abroad, but obviously nothing firm has materialised yet.
Villa were willing to subsidise part of Joleon Lescott's move to Rangers before it collapsed, so such an arrangement would surely be on offer to clubs wanting Agbonlahor.
Rather than slamming the door shut in his face the claret and blue hierarchy have challenged Agbonlahor to go away, regain some form and fitness and prove he finally deserves one last chance - yes, another one - at Villa upon his return.
With that in mind the Bodymoor Heath academy graduate should be on the phone to his agent all day pestering him to get him a loan move.
Over to you, Gabby... | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villas-gabby-agbonlahor-should-11823053 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/cd168f10fedd2a2a14c7ad43dc7339c215b9ff83fa88d267d400568855dac316.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-29T18:47:07 | null | 2016-08-29T18:56:42 | Costa Rican defender Cristian Gamboa | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-right-back-edges-11816079.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11785418.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97746888.jpg | en | null | West Brom right-back edges closer to Celtic switch | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Defender Cristian Gamboa is close to ending his exile at West Bromwich Albion .
The Costa Rica international has agreed personal terms with Scottish champions Celtic who are waiting on the results of his medical in Glasgow before confirming the deal.
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West Brom are likely to recover around half of the £2 million they paid Norwegian side Rosenborg for Gamboa.
"I cannot say anything now," Gamboa said after his medical.
"We have to wait and see.
"Everything is going the right way so we hope by the end of the day we have something."
Gamboa joined West Brom in August 2014, just a few weeks after he played a part in Costa Rica's brave run to the knockout stages of the World Cup in Brazil.
He started all four of Costa Rica's fixtures, including the 0-0 draw with England, and was a regular under Alan Irvine in the first part of the 2014/15 campaign.
But Gamboa lost his place to Craig Dawson and Andre Wisdom after Tony Pulis took over in January 2015.
He made more appearances for his country than his club last term, playing just three games for the Baggies.
Like Callum McManaman, who is on the verge of a move to Newcastle, Gamboa has not featured in a senior squad this season and hes kept in shape by playing for the Under 23s. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-right-back-edges-11816079 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/2b566f2a5aa3fd1834572926a2315c5df153aa3a310e51bd821d793b493afbc0.json |
[
"Alan Towe"
] | 2016-08-31T08:48:04 | null | 2016-08-31T08:33:28 | All the action from a week of darts games with Alan Towe. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fother-sport%2Fdarts-diary-paul-hogan-defended-11821666.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11821674.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Dharam-Jagpal-and-Paul-Hogan.jpg | en | null | Darts Diary: Paul Hogan defended his Winmau BDO Wolverhampton Open title | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Former West Midland star Paul Hogan, who now represents Hampshire, returned to the West Midlands to defend his Winmau BDO Wolverhampton Open title at the Winmau Centre in the Wolverhampton Indoor Community Sports Stadium.
And he did just that as he beat Adam Smith-Neale 5-1 in the final to clinch a top prize of £1,000, Smith-Neale collecting £500.
The losing semi-finalists were Eddie Dootson, who lost 4-2 to Hogan, and John Roberts, who suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat to Smith-Neale. Both received £250, Welshman Roberts adding a further £100 to his payday for a magnificent 170 checkout.
The final qualifying event for the 2016 Winmau WDDA World Masters was also on the agenda, which saw Rob Williams (Wales) beat Ricky Chilton (England) in a close-fought final encounter.
Williams will now join Ricky Chilton, Paul Gelder, Paul Hampton, Graham Mitchell, Phil Lees, Tony Pass and Richard Green in the Winmau WDDA World Masters finals.
* The South Birmingham League staged their ladies singles and doubles knockouts, the singles title going to Charlie Kingdon, who had a 2-0 win over Julie Creen in the final after winning by the same margin in the semis against Claire Anderton while Creen won 2-1 against Brie Davis.
Similar to the ladies singles, the doubles final also resulted in a 2-0 verdict with Alan Mayell and Tony Whitehouse getting the better of Martin Heaven and Neil Parsonage.
In the last-four play-off, Mayell and Whitehouse were taken to a deciding leg before beating Luis Barberan and Simon Edwards 2-1, while Heaven and Parsonage had a 2-0 result over Dave Clinton and Martin Walker.
* The new season of the BDO Inter County Championships will get under way this weekend and Warwickshire will kick off their Premier Division programme with what has become an annual event as they take on reigning champions Yorkshire for the eighth consecutive curtain-raiser.
The match will be played at Glasshoughton WMC, Castleford, West Yorkshire, and will be no easy task for Warwickshire as their best result in the previous seven games was in the 2014-2015 season when they lost 20-16.
After winning promotion last season West Midlands will begin their season in Division One with an away fixture against Hampshire, who were relegated last season.
It will be no easy opener for the Midlanders. The last time the two teams met was four years ago when West Midlands were the hosts and the visitors went home with a 21-15 victory.
* Iron Horse Flights, leaders in Division One of the Sheldon and District Summer League, played away against bottom-of-the-division East Birmingham Allotment Holders Association and returned with an 8-0 result to keep them two points clear of rivals Langley Hall Sports and Social Arrows, who won a vital home game against third-placed Castle Vale Residents 5-3 to put them two points ahead of their opponents.
It was also top versus bottom in Division Two as The Harvester maintained their three points lead at the top of the table with a 5-3 result over Holy Souls. Second-placed The Pirates won their home fixture with Sheldon Marlborough Arrows 6-2.
Highwood KB’s lost their 100 per cent win record in Division Three when their opponents Maggies were awarded an 8-0 walkover. Nevertheless, KB’s hang on to the No.1 spot on average from Crown Arrows, who finished 4-4 at Highwood Arrows. KB’s do have two games in hand on Crown Arrows.
Ridgemere Flights lost for the first time in eight games when they went down 6-2 at home to Small Heath Amateur Gardeners, second-placed Meadway Sports and Social reduced the arrears on Ridgemere with their 6-2 win against Greville Arms and now only trail the leaders on average.
* Sheldon Marlborough Cricket Club Singles League have got their new season under way and the early pacesetters in the Premiership Division is last season’s runner-up Dave Humphries, who opened with a 2-0 win over reigning champion Dave Howlett and followed that with 2-1 wins over Ken Salsbury and Paul Brown before losing by the same scoreline to Liam O’Donnell.
Three players share top spot in the Championship Division – Matt Murrin, Ray Turner and Alan Wale who all won their first game 2-0.
Two newcomers to Division One, Kevin Salsbury and Elisha Bevington, share pole position, both players winning their opening two games.
* Journeys End, champions in Division One of the Forest of Arden Summer League, wound up their fixture card with a 6-2 win over Ivy Leaf.
Second-placed Highwood KB won by the same margin against Crown Arrows, however, the win still doesn’t give them the runners-up place as they have one game to play, which is against their nearest rivals – third-placed Greville Arrows – whose 5-3 win at Chelmsley Town leaves them one point behind KB.
The outcome of the outstanding fixture will decide who finishes second.
Division Two title winners, Journeys End Flights, finished their campaign in style – a 7-1 win at Highwood Arms keeping intact their unbeaten run in the season’s ten games.
Runners-up, Riley’s Resurrected, also finished on a high beating their hosts, Crown Arrows Flights, 6-2 to finish six points ahead of third-placed Highwood Arms.
* In week five of the Camp Hill League, leaders Cotterills Lane Club took on second-placed Eagle and Ball and beat them 5-2.
The loss for Eagle and Ball sees them drop one place to third on eight points, two fewer than their opponents. Taking over the No.2 spot is Holy Gulp, whose 4-3 home win over New Inns puts them on the same eight points as Eagle and Ball but with a slightly better average.
* The Netherton Thursday Night League played their singles knockout down to the last eight players and making it through to the quarter-finals were T.Nock, S.Tipper (Bulls Head), S.Griffiths, (Delph Bell ‘B’), L.Oakley, H.Wakefield (Delph Bell ‘A’), P.Wells (White Swan), J.Batham (Dudley Sports) and R.Powers.
* With six more fixtures to play, the Cradley Tuesday Night League title looks almost certain to go to one of the top two teams as leaders White Horse, after adding a 5-4 win over fourth-placed White Swan, are on 46 points and second-placed Crown (Station Road), who are four points off the top, had a similar 5-4 victory away to third-placed Brickmakers Arms, which puts them six points clear of their opponents
* The top two teams in the Brierley Hill Monday Night League, Dudley Sports ‘C’ and The Bridge, in turn won 6-3 against Pensnett Liberal Club and Dudley Sports ‘B’.
The win gives Dudley Sports ‘C’ the league title as they are eight points to the good on The Bridge with only three remaining games and The Bridge are also confirmed as runners-up as they too have an eight points buffer on third-in-the-table High Acres, who had the biggest win of the week 8-1 at home to bottom club Griffin.
* The top six teams in the Stourbridge and District Monday Night League all won with five of the six playing away. Leaders Ashwood continued their push for the title with an 8-1 win at Crestwood, which keeps them four points ahead of Brickmakers Arms in second place after their 6-3 win away to Stourbridge RBL.
However, Brickmakers have played 32 games and have a game in hand on Ashwood.
Ten Arches ‘B’ are third, their 7-2 win at High Acres giving them the same 56 points as Brickmakers but from 33 games, fourth-placed Bird ‘A’ (Stourbridge) are also on 56 points after a 6-3 win at New Inns and they have played 31 games.
Britannia and Ten Arches ‘A’ are fifth and sixth respectively, the former winning 7-2 at Bird (Wordsley), while the latter had an 8-1 home win over Church Tavern, leaving both teams on 54 points.
With another seven weeks fixtures and some outstanding games to play, all of the top six teams are still in with a chance of the title.
* With the majority of teams in the Rowley Monday Night League having just six more fixtures to play, the title looks as though it will go to one of the top three teams.
Ex Serviceman’s ‘A’ are top of the table, their 7-2 win over Bacaba taking their points tally to 42 from 22 games. Second-placed Springfield Social Club have played the same number of games, their latest seeing them also win 7-2 at home to Beech Tree to put them on 40 points.
The Bell are third and they handed out a 9-0 whitewash to their hosts, Ivy Bush ‘A’, to leave them four points behind the leaders but with a game in hand on both of the teams above them.
At the other end of the table, bottom team Yeltz Bar took on Haden Cross ‘A’, who were next to bottom. The outcome was a 6-3 win for Haden Cross ‘A’, which saw them move up one place and two points ahead of Ex Serviceman’s ‘B’.
* The Vine are fourth in the Hilltop Friendly Tuesday Night League and fell further behind in the title race when they lost 4-3 at home to Hayes Social, who move up one place from next to bottom of the table.
Vine are now 12 points behind leaders Dewdrop, who won 4-3 at New Talbot, and six adrift of second-and-third-placed Island Inn and Old Hop Pole, who in turn beat Merry-Go-Round 4-3 and Jolly Collier 5-2.
* A 7-2 win at Civil Defence in the Wednesbury and Darlaston Wednesday Night League has seen T and R Bar move up one place over St Mary’s ‘A’ to third in the table, despite St Mary’s ‘A’ winning 5-4 against Black Horse.
League leaders Staffordshire Knot made it 18 wins from 22 games when they won 5-4 away to Windmill.
* Riley's ‘A’ and Riley’s ‘B’ were involved in a local derby in the Tettenhall Wednesday Night League and it was the ‘B’ side who got the 4-3 verdict to leapfrog their rivals and take over their third place in the table.
Both teams are on 40 points but the ‘B’ team have the better average.
Leaders Cleveland Arms were 6-1 winners at ECC ‘A’ to keep them top of the table on 46 points with a slightly superior average to Whitmore Reans WMC, who also won 6-1 at Dog and Partridge. They are on 46 points but have played one game fewer than Cleveland.
* Rileys Sports Bar, Solihull: For more information, email solihull@rileys.co.uk
See more darts news here . | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/other-sport/darts-diary-paul-hogan-defended-11821666 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/6f1bf84f8e9e60f5e6585446d473f5ecd0eea19268a2969c86738a22b689d150.json |
[
"Aidan Mccartney"
] | 2016-08-30T22:47:20 | null | 2016-08-30T21:45:00 | Costa Rican defender has hit out at his former manager after completing move away | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fi-never-given-fair-chance-11821287.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article10872305.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS82273666.jpg | en | null | 'I was never given a fair chance at West Brom' Cristian Gamboa determined to prove Tony Pulis wrong after signing for Celtic | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Former West Bromwich Albion defender Cristian Gamboa is out to prove what he can at Celtic after claiming he was snubbed by Tony Pulis.
The 26-year-old has joined the SPL on a three-year deal after completing his £1million switch from the Hawthorns.
And the 47-cap Costa Rica international is eager to kick-on with his career after enduring a frustrating spell with the Baggies where he made just three appearance in 12 months.
He explained: "I have nothing to prove. I was never given a fair chance where I was.
"But now I think I will get it and I will fight for it.
"It was difficult there because sometimes it doesn't matter what you do on the pitch because the other situations around don't help.
I want to thanks all the supporters from WBA!! I hope you have a great season ahead!!@WBA #baggies — Cristian Gamboa (@Cris_GamboaCR) August 30, 2016
"But I always kept my head on what I wanted - to be fit, with no injuries - and I knew my chance would come. And what a chance I've got here now at Celtic."
Gamboa joined West Brom in August 2014, just a few weeks after he played a part in Costa Rica's brave run to the knockout stages of the World Cup in Brazil.
Action Images / Carl Recine West Brom's Cristian Gamboa in action against Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho
He started all four of Costa Rica's fixtures, including the 0-0 draw with England, and was a regular under Alan Irvine in the first part of the 2014/15 campaign.
But Gamboa lost his place to Craig Dawson and Andre Wisdom after Tony Pulis took over in January 2015.
He will now get the chance to line up for Brendan Rodgers' team in the Champions League and says he had a chat with some of his Albion team-mates before making the switch.
He added: "I spoke to James Morrison, Darren Fletcher and Graham Dorrans who were with me at West Brom and they said I should jump at the chance.
"It doesn't matter if they play Champions League or not - it's still a big club.
"So for me the fact they have qualified is like a double bonus - I get to play for this club and to play in the Champions League." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/i-never-given-fair-chance-11821287 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/27cb0b6c8ca22e792cfe25fbfe4849e9498a9943970169d4c93660cff90410cb.json |
[
"Zoe Chamberlain"
] | 2016-08-30T12:46:45 | null | 2016-08-30T12:00:00 | We check out the new attractions | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffamily-kids-news%2Fwhats-birmingham-sea-life-centres-11675778.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11574927.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS94300230.jpg | en | null | What’s Birmingham Sea Life Centre’s 360° Ocean Tunnel and new Clownfish Kingdom like? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | A colony of 12 Gentoo penguins at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham
Birmingham Sea Life Centre was the only inland sea life centre in the UK when it opened back in 1996.
Now it has more than 2,000 creatures, a 4D cinema and a marine protection programme.
And to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the iconic Ocean Tunnel has been given a makeover.
I went to check it out with my two sons.
The idea is you can now see beneath you as well as all around but the thick plastic walkway makes it hard to see what's swimming underneath.
That said, we did like seeing the range of different sharks and rays. It was amazing to watch them swim, glide and play all around us, much better than just peering into a tank.
This is the home of the Giant Green Sea Turtle, a rescue turtle who has just celebrated his 40th birthday, which the kids loved.
National Sea Life Centre Birmingham's 360 degree tunnel
Other brand new features
Another brand new addition for summer 2016 is Clownfish Kingdom.
Kids enter this area via a crawl-through tunnel where they can get face to face with these tiny creatures.
There's an array of interactive tanks featuring Blue Tangs, Marine Comet and Tassled Filefish.
With the launch of the new Finding Dory film, this proved to be very popular, particularly with younger guests and the whole area was packed.
There's also a Finding Dory trail where you have to search for Hank the octopus in various tanks to discover letters which reveal a word. Once you've figured it out, you take your answer to the gift shop at the end for a prize.
The game was fun but sadly the real life octopus at Sea Life has passed away, meaning lots of people were staring at a large lobster in his tank, searching for where he'd gone. Think it might have been better to cover the sign instead.
Clownfish Kingdom at National Sea Life Centre Birmingham
Another new feature is the opportunity to do a brand new Behind the Scenes Tour package which, for an extra £3.50 per person, gives you the chance to go into working areas normally closed to the public.
Here we learnt about breeding, research and conservation programmes, and saw how the fish food is prepared.
It's only around 20 minutes in a staff room rather than a 'tour' as such so it is quite pricey for a family of four. That said it was interesting to see the creatures being cared for in the sick bay.
What’s nice about the Sea Life Centre is that it works hard to protect endangered species like Axolotis and Golden Mantella frogs which are facing risk of extinction in the wild.
Watch the Sea Life penguins try to predict the Brexit result:
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What else can you do there?
There are more than 1,000 creatures at the Sea Life Centre.
We enjoyed visiting the new Gentoo Penguins who arrived from Calgary earlier this year to join the existing colony in the cool Penguin Ice Adventure exhibit.
They were fabulous to watch, especially as they are the world’s fastest underwater swimming penguins.
There's also the tropical waters of the Caribbean – this tank holds a whopping one million litres of tropical waters and fish, including Moray Eels around the Red Sea Wreck.
The kids also loved touching a starfish in the interactive rockpool too, answering quiz questions in their log books and getting stamps at each interactive station.
National Sea Life Centre
4D Cinema
You can join the Octonauts on a 4D mission down the Amazon River in search of a submerged city full of treasure.
We loved meeting the dolphin, caimans, anacondas and piranhas - and the splashes of water really made us jump.
There are even smells as you explore each area.
A giant green sea turtle at The National Sea Life Centre
Is there a cafe?
No, and we'd taken a picnic to account for this. However, there's no dedicated picnic area for families which meant we had to try to find a bench and sit and eat amidst the attraction.
Being in the middle of Brindleyplace means there’s a great choice of family-friendly places to grab lunch or a snack.
You just have to get your hand stamped at the exit and you can return to the centre any time until closing.
But this isn't really ideal when it's pouring with rain as it was on the day we visited.
Café Opus at Ikon Gallery in Brindleyplace
What are the opening hours?
The Sea Life Centre is open from 10am to 6pm every day throughout the school holidays. In term time, it is closes at 5pm on weekdays.
It’s best to book tickets in advance because it often sells out on the day.
How much does it cost?
There are three different packages.
The Basic Saver Ticket starts from around £12.75 per person and includes entry to the attraction at your selected time slot.
The Best Value Package starts at around £16 per person and includes entry and a behind the scenes tour.
And the Ultimate Package starts at around £23 and features all of the above plus a souvenir photo pack.
Savings can be made if you book online.
To book tickets, visit the Sea Life Centre website
Overall verdict
We had a good afternoon there but found we'd seen everything within around three hours, making it quite an expensive family outing.
To keep updated on family things to do, like our Brummie Mummies facebook page | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/whats-birmingham-sea-life-centres-11675778 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/90dd8612382558f293e21cf1f6f575226def57f252cdb53bd91f5f5922cbc1c9.json |
[
"David Lawrence"
] | 2016-08-29T18:47:17 | null | 2016-08-29T18:17:10 | David Lawrence reports | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmatch-reports%2Fsolihull-moors-2-macclesfield-town-11816137.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11816123.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/macclesfieldtown3Solihull2-22.jpg | en | null | Solihull Moors 2 Macclesfield Town 3: Late heartbreak for Marcus Bignot's men | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | A breakaway goal deep in injury time crushed Solihull’s hopes of claiming a share of the spoils with former Football League outfit Macclesfield.
It looked as though this bank holiday thriller was heading for a draw until the visitors broke upfield in the 92nd minute with Ollie Norburn powering a low shot beyond Danny Lewis in the Moors goal.
It was cruel on the home side and particularly on their keeper who had pulled off a number of good saves particularly in the second half as the Silkmen ramped up their workrate. He pushed a deflected Danny Rowe effort onto the crossbar on the hour and then made a dazzling double save to deny Mitch Hancox from point blank range.
The woodwork also thwarted the visitors with Paul Lewis hitting the post and substitute Danny Cowan crashing an effort against the upright as Macc looked to get their noses in front for the first time.
Moors had opened the scoring on 21 minutes. A corner was cleared out to Shepherd Murombedzi 25 yards from goal and his shot appeared to take a deflection on its way to the back of the net.
Action from Solihull Moors v Macclesfield Town
It would have been 2-0 on 39 minutes had visiting keeper Craig Ross not managed to tip a Darryl Knights free-kick onto the bar and behind for a corner.
Three penalties in eight minutes either side of the interval then saw the Silkmen haul themselves level.
Firstly, a shove by Murombedzi on the impressive Rowe allowed Macclesfield skipper Kingsley James to level from the spot only for Akwasi Asante to restore the home advantage in injury time.
Three minutes after the break and James struck from the spot again after being tripped by Jamey Osborne.
That tied the scores and it looked as though that was how it was going to stay until Norburn’s cruel last gasp winner.
Moors (3-5-2): Lewis; Fagbola, Daly, Gough; Murombedzi (Beswick 82), Knights (Sterling-James 63), Byrne, Osborne, Franklin; White (Moore 63), Asante. Subs (not used): Brown, Niate
Attendance: 970.
Moors Star Man: Jamey Osborne | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/solihull-moors-2-macclesfield-town-11816137 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/51c06b432787ec6c07e6f4333846cd34adde4ebf4d8c550c6a8b827e7972b6b2.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick",
"Tom Heslop"
] | 2016-08-30T16:48:17 | null | 2016-08-30T16:14:15 | All you need to know about Villa's latest transfer | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fintroducing-aston-villas-jonathan-kodjia-11819551.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11819256.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98276225.jpg | en | null | Introducing Aston Villa's Jonathan Kodjia: The lowdown on the new striker | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Aston Villa have made Jonathan Kodjia their eighth signing of the summer.
The 26-year-old striker follows Tommy Elphick, Pierluigi Gollini, Aaron Tshibola, Ross McCormack, James Chester, Mile Jedinak and Ritchie De Laet.
He completed his switch from Villa's Championship rivals Bristol City.
Kodjia scored an impressive 20 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions last season for the Robins in what was his debut campaign in England.
But who is the Frenchman? Is he worth the reported fee? And what would he add to the current Villa squad?
THE DETAILS
Kodjia has signed a four year contract.
Clubs often play things close to their chests regarding fees, but it is understood that he has cost Villa £11 million, potentially rising to £15 million.
The Robins have inserted a sell-on clause into the deal. An agreement was struck between the two clubs after Villa's defeat at Ashton Gate on Saturday, with personal terms finalised over the weekend before this morning's medical.
Villa owner Tony Xia revealed the claret and blues beat off competition from rivals, including Premier League clubs, for his signature.
WHAT THE MANAGER SAYS
Roberto Di Matteo said: "We are really pleased to have secured the services of Jonathan. He is a proven goalscorer and hopefully he’ll play an important part in what we hope will be a successful season for the club."
BRACE YOURSELVES
Moving to Ashton Gate for £2 million last summer, Kodjia was a shining light in the club's first season back in the second tier of English football and his prolific opening season has caught the eye of some of the league's big boys, including Villa.
The 26-year- old striker certainly knows where the net is and he isn’t shy of hitting two goals in the same match.
Last season for the Robins, Kodjia netted four braces, including one in a 4-2 defeat to Villa’s rivals Birmingham City at St Andrew's. He also scored against West Bromwich Albion in an FA Cup draw in January, with the Baggies winning the replay.
His other three doubles came in wins for City, all of which were in the second half of the Championship season just after Lee Johnson was appointed as their new manager.
WOULD HE WORK WITH RUDY GESTEDE?
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Rudy Gestede
The pair have the potential to work together quite well next season, especially if Di Matteo is willing to drop Jordan Ayew (providing he stays - which is completely up in the air) just behind the duo.
Looking at how the former Angers striker likes to work up front for Bristol, he is very happy to run off another striker or even work as a lone striker, which would be a big asset for Villa to have.
He is always on the shoulder of defenders and if Gestede was there to flick the ball onto him and knock it past the defensive line then it wouldn’t come as a surprise to us if he replicated his impressive first season that he had with Lee Johnson’s side.
ONE SEASON WONDER?
Some would say potentially yes, he may be a one season wonder, but following the collapse of the move for Hull City's Abel Hernandez, Villa were prepared to take a gamble on him, even at a premium price.
If Kodjia stays fit, there is no doubt that he will once again have a good season at this level and moving to a bigger club than Bristol City should only do wonders for his confidence.
WHAT WOULD HE OFFER TO THE CURRENT VILLA SQUAD?
New signing Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa
Goals and plenty of them! It was no secret last season that Villa struggled for goals under each management team, so the acquisition of Kodjia would definitely boost the potential goal tally for the 2016/17 Sky Bet Championship season.
Although the likes of Ross McCormack, Gestede and Ayew and will undoubtedly boost last season's meagre claret and blue scoring tally, the addition of a tried and tested goalscorer in the second tier of English football is welcome.
HOW OFTEN HAS HE PLAYED FOR BRISTOL CITY THIS SEASON?
He was left out of the Robins' victory over Villa on Saturday, with Johnson keen to ensure the player's head was right amidst the whirl of transfer speculation.
The Bristol City boss explained: “We have received numerous bids over the summer and it was totally my decision to leave him out.
“There has been a lot of speculation about Jonathan. I’ve been there before when bids have come in for players and it can be an emotional time."
He had played every minute of their previous four Championship games this season, but has yet to open his account for the season.
WHAT ARE HIS STRENGTHS?
Bristol City's Jonathan Kodjia is challenged by West Bromwich Albion's Claudio Yacob
He is very quick with and without the ball which is always a very good attribute to have, especially in the Championship with many teams now opting to go for a counter attacking style of play, something which Di Matteo might look to deploy at some point next season.
The strength that he also possesses is something that comes in handy in this division as many teams often like to get physical with strikers that they aren’t able to cope with.
Most importantly, he knows where the net is!
Villa were crying out for a goalscorer last season after the departure of Christian Benteke but unfortunately for them, the purchase of Gestede never paid off in the Premier League.
It is hoped an attacking department containing Kodjia, Ross McCormack, Gestede, Ayew (for now) and Jack Grealish will ensure goal droughts are a thing of the past and fire Villa into promotion contention.
AND HIS WEAKNESSES?
New signing Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa
If he has a bad day, he really does have a bad day.
Some of the games that he played in last season for Bristol City, he was often classed as lazy and sometimes a little bit selfish in front of goal but isn’t that what you want from a striker?
He had a dry spell in the middle of the season where he only found the back of the net twice in 17 appearances which indicates that when things don’t go his way, it can all slow down for him in terms of the goals that he scores.
Kodjia also had a reputation for being caught offside last season. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/introducing-aston-villas-jonathan-kodjia-11819551 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/bc537edbea8b5805582a4a87320d33cf6e3820e12ceb2c52d1457b3465b74bff.json |
[
"Amardeep Bassey"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:11 | null | 2016-08-26T12:14:32 | Corey Wayne Allen was shot dead in middle of busy Handsworth road | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fburger-bar-boys-how-gang-11803391.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11803692.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97999090.jpg | en | null | Burger Bar Boys: How gang 'execution' began countdown to Aston shootings | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The execution-style slaying of Corey Wayne Allen in the middle of a busy Handsworth road in 1999 by members of his own gang marked a seminal point in the evolution of Birmingham’s street gangs.
Dozens of witnesses, some in their teens, watched in horror as Burger Bar gangsters wrenched 28-year-old Allen’s own shotgun from his hands before using it and at least one other handgun to shoot him dead at point blank range.
Why they cornered and killed him “like a pack of wolves” remains a mystery to this day. But it bears testimony to the “untouchable” status his killers had by then achieved.
Appeals by murder squad detectives fell on deaf ears and though arrests were made the cases quickly crumbled as potential witnesses, fearful of the gangs and distrustful of the police, refused to testify while others lost their courage in court amid allegations of threats and intimidation.
Corey Wayne Allen
It was a pattern that would be repeated in several more gangland shootings and killings, demonstrating the brazen nature of gangsters who thought they could maim and kill with impunity.
By the dawn of the new millennium the Burgers and Johnson Crew - or Johnnies, as they were locally known - had cemented themselves as the city’s premier street gangs and the rivalry and clashes began to intensify.
Hailing from a handful of dynastic families and with a complicated and at times shared “family tree”, both gangs claimed to be able to call on hundreds of members and associates although it later became clear that the numbers were exaggerated and that most of the shootings were actually carried out by just a handful of gunmen on both sides.
By now certain key figures were emerging in both gangs, known only by cryptic street names like S1, Nozza, Milly and E Man.
One former gang member said: “They lived the champagne lifestyle trying to copy rap star videos with their bling and women.
“You could tell if someone was a major player because he’d be what we call rolling deep every time he risked coming out, as in be surrounded by armed gang members for his protection.”
Two leading Burger Bar boys brothers Yohann and Nathan Martin, from Smethwick, took their nicknames from their prison cell numbers, 13 and 23 respectively.
Both would go on to play a major role in triggering a series of gangland hits that would lead to the tragic murder of two teenage girls caught in crossfire between the warring gangs at a New Year’s Day party in Aston .
The killings began in earnest in March 2000 when Burger Bar gangsters Marcus Ellis, Yohanne Martin and Tafarwa Beckford were charged with the brutal murder of Christopher Clarke.
Mr Clarke, 22, was stabbed, beaten, punched and clubbed to death with champagne bottles by a gang described as a ‘pack of animals’ at Fozzies nightclub in Small Heath.
In April 2001, the murder charges were dropped against three men - but they were jailed at Nottingham Crown Court for violent disorder and possession of a firearm.
Burger Bar Boys 'Godfather' Nosakhere Stephenson.
A year later in April 2002 leading Burger Bar member Nosakhere Stephenson, 33 - known as ‘Nozza’ - was shot at as he sat in his car in Lozells, so-called Johnson Crew territory.
He later told police he thought he had been targeted because of his association with the Burgers and said he recognised the gunman as a Johnnie.
Stephenson, a fitness instructor from Hockley, Birmingham, plotted a revenge attack which came to fruition just days later with the shooting of Ashai Walker.
Walker, 24, who had associations with a gang linked to the Johnson Crew, had just come of out prison when he was killed in a daylight drive-by attack in Melton Drive, Edgbaston.
More than 20 shots were fired from two semi-automatic handguns at Mr Walker’s BMW car, with one 9mm bullet passing through his brain, leaving an inch deep groove in his skull.
Stephenson was jailed for life for his part in the murder because a single strand of his hair strand had been found in the killers’ Vauxhall car.
The judge even acknowledged the fact that Stephenson may not even have been present at the time of the shooting but witnesses had refused to name the gunmen and retracted their initial police statements leaving Stephenson to take the blame.
Events moved quickly and six months after Mr Walker’s death his associates in the West Bromwich-based Raiders gang stumbled on a chance to avenge his brutal killing.
Yohanne Martin
Yohanne Martin had just been released from prison for his part in the Christopher Clarke killing.
On December 7, 2002, the 23 year-old - also known as ‘Carlito’ after the Al Pacino gangster film character - was cruising in his hired Mercedes SLK coupe car along the High Street in West Bromwich.
He was handing out flyers for a concert he was promoting and, according to friends, was trying to turn his back on his former gangland lifestyle.
Martin was recognised by two teenage girls, Chantella Falconer and lapdancer Jordana Plaza, both who had boyfriends in the Raiders gang.
WATCH: Burger Bar linked gang who dealt in deadly guns are sentenced to more than 200 years
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Falconer, 18, left Martin and Plaza alone in his car while she discreetly called gang members on her mobile phone pinpointing Martin’s location.
Within minutes two men pulled up alongside Martin’s car and fired a volley of shots killing him instantly.
It was this high-profile killing murder of a high-ranking Burger Bar gangster that would lead to the Aston New Year Day shootings less than a month later.
Leading the ‘revenge committee’ was Yohanne’s elder brother Nathan Martin, 26, and his brother-in-law Michael Gregory and plans were quickly made to attack a New Year’s Day gathering in Johnson Crew territory.
A gangland source said: “The involvement of two girls in Martin’s honey trap murder changed everything.”
L-R: Cheryl Shaw, 17, twins Charlene Ellis and Sophie Ellis, 18, with Latisha Shakespeare, 17
Innocent friends Letisha Shakespeare, 17, and 18-year-old Charlene Ellis soon became the first victims of this new policy of indiscriminate shootings.
They were gunned down in a hail of bullets meant for a Johnson Crew gangster as they stood outside the back of a hairdressers shop in Birchfield Road in 2003.
The volley of shots were fired from inside a red Mondeo car using a MAC 10 sub machine gun which has never been recovered.
One of the firearms used by the gunmen who murdered teenage friends Letisha Shakespeare and Charlene Ellis
Inside the car and later convicted for the double murder was Yohanne’s brother Nathan Martin, his brother-in-law Martin Gregory and the gunman Burger Bar Marcus Ellis, the estranged half-brother of Charlene.
The shocking killings hit the headlines and propelled the two gangs into the international spotlight giving them a notoriety that would now also spell their demise.
Aston shooting killers, Marcus Ellis, Michael Gregory, Nathan Martin and Rodrigo Simms
*TOMORROW: How police finally smashed the Burger Bar Boys | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/burger-bar-boys-how-gang-11803391 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/ac1856a62af9a8b2fba6f74569213da1bc311333921e1fe51b89302f23bc86cc.json |
[
"David Bentley"
] | 2016-08-27T08:46:34 | null | 2016-08-27T03:30:00 | When are the supermarkets open over the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2016? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fshopping%2Fsupermarket-opening-times-august-bank-9920374.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article8978360.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Asda-Tesco-Sainsburys-Morrisons-Main.jpg | en | null | Supermarket opening times on August Bank Holiday for Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's and more in Birmingham | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | The August Bank Holiday will be our last public holiday before Christmas and Boxing Day.
There's plenty on in and around Birmingham over the weekend.
And if you're at home, you might need to make a last-minute dash to the supermarket.
But will all the food stores be open as usual?
Don't caught out by store closures and changes to opening hours - here's a handy guide to what supermarkets are open and when in the Birmingham area on August Bank Holiday
ALDI
Aldi
Aldi has announced that its opening times for August Bank Holiday Monday are 8am to 10pm.
On the Sunday of the bank holiday weekend, Aldi's stores in High Street, Newtown, and Stratford Road, Sparkbrook, are open 11am to 5pm, while Aldi in Edgbaston Road is open 10am to 4pm.
For more information on your nearest store, go to the Aldi website and use the store finder.
ASDA
Asda
Asda Cape Hill Superstore, Windmill Lane, Smethwick, B66 3EN
Saturday August 27 - 7am to 10pm
Sunday August 28 - 11am to 5pm
Monday August 29 - 8am to 8pm
Tuesday August 30 - 8am to 11pm
Asda Perry Barr Superstore - Walsall Road, Birmingham, B42 1AB
Saturday August 27 - 8am to 8pm
Sunday August 28 - 10am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 9am to 6pm
Tuesday August 30 - 8.30am to 8pm
Asda Small Heath Superstore, 859 Coventry Road, Small Heath, B10 0HH
Saturday August 27 - closes at 11pm
Sunday August 28 - 9.30am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 7am to 8pm
Tuesday August 30 - 7am to 11pm
Asda Barnes Hill Superstore, Barnes Hill Road, Birmingham, B29 5UP
Saturday August 27 - 6am to 10pm
Sunday August 28 - 10am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 8am to 8pm
Tuesday August 30 - Opens at 8am
Asda Oldbury Superstore, Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury, B69 4PU
Saturday August 27 - closes at 10pm
Sunday August 28 - 10am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 7am to 8pm
Tuesday August 30 - opens at 7am
Asda Queslett Superstore, 6 Old Horns Crescent, Queslett Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B43 7HA
Saturday August 27 - closes at 10pm
Sunday August 28 - 10am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 9.30am to 4pm
Tuesday August 30 - 7am to 11pm
Asda Kings Heath Supermarket, 99 High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7BW
Saturday August 27 - 7am to 11pm
Sunday August 28 - 10am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 8am to 8pm
Tuesday August 30 - 7am to 11pm
Asda Quinton Supermarket, Hagley Road West, Quinton, Birmingham, B32 1AD
Saturday August 27 - 7am to 11pm
Sunday August 28 - 10am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 7am to 8pm
Tuesday August 30 - 7am to 11pm
Asda Sheldon Supermarket, 105 Kelynmead Road, Sheldon, Birmingham, B33 8LF
Saturday August 27 - 7am to 11pm
Sunday August 28 - 10am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 7am to 8pm
Tuesday August 30 - 7am to 11pm
Asda Bordesley Green Supermarket, 271 Bordesley Green, Birmingham, B9 5EY
Saturday August 27 - 7am to 10pm
Sunday August 28 - 10am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 7am to 8pm
Tuesday August 30 - 7am to 11pm
For more information on your nearest store, go to the Asda website and use the store finder.
LIDL
Rui Vieira/PA Wire Lidl
Lidl says all its stores in Birmingham will operate normal opening times over the Bank Holiday.
These regular opening times are as follows:
Lidl Balsall Heath, Moseley Road, B12 9BS
Mon to Fri - 8am to 10pm
Saturday - 8am to 10pm
Sunday - 11am to 5pm
Lidl Handsworth, 397 Soho Road, B21 9SF
Mon to Fri - 8am to 9pm
Saturday - 8am to 9pm
Sunday - 11am to 5pm
Lidl Hamstead, Old Walsall Road, Hampstead Industrial Estate, B42 1EA
Mon to Fri - 8am to 9pm
Saturday - 8am to 9pm
Sunday - 10am to 4pm
Lidl West Bromwich, 373 High Street, B70 9QL
Mon to Sat - 8am to 10pm
Sunday - 10am to 4pm
Lidl Kings Heath, 20-28 Silver Street, B14 7QU
Mon to Fri - 8am to 9pm
Saturday - 8am to 9pm
Sunday - 10am to 4pm
Lidl Acocks Green, Olton Boulevard East, B27 7RR
Mon to Fri - 8am to 10pm
Saturday - 8am to 10pm
Sunday - 10am to 4pm
Lidl Erdington, 640 Kingsbury Road, B24 9PJ
Mon to Fri - 8am to 10pm
Saturday - 8am to 10pm
Sunday - 10am to 4pm
Lidl Sutton Coldfield, 33 Kings Road, B73 5AB
Mon to Fri - 8am to 10pm
Saturday - 8am to 10pm
Sunday - 10am to 4pm
Lidl Kitts Green, Mackadown Lane, B33 0NG
Mon to Sat - 8am to 10pm
Sunday - 10am to 4pm
For more information on your nearest store, go to the Lidl website and use the store finder.
MORRISONS
Morrisons
Morrisons Edgbaston, Hagley Road, B16 8PE
Open as usual except on Bank Holiday Monday the hours are:
Monday August 29 - 8am to 7pm
Morrisons Small Heath, Coventry Road, Small Heath, B10 0XA
Open as usual except on Bank Holiday Monday the hours are:
Monday August 29 - 8am to 7pm
Morrisons Sheldon, Coventry Road, Sheldon, B26 3PD
Open as usual except on Bank Holiday Monday the hours are:
Monday August 29 - 8am to 7pm
For more information on your nearest store, go to Morrisons website and use the store finder.
SAINSBURYS
Sainsbury's
Normal opening times except on Bank Holiday Monday
Birmingham Priory Queensway Local, Priory Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6BS
Monday August 29 - 7am to 11pm
Birmingham Colmore Row Local, Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QD
Monday August 29 - 6.30am to 11pm
Martineau Place Superstore, Union Street, Birmingham, B2 4SJ
Monday August 29 - 6.30am to 9.30pm
Birmingham Navigation Street Local, Navigation Street, Birmingham, B5 4AX
Monday August 29 - 7am to 11pm
Brindleyplace Local, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2JB
Monday August 29 - 7am to 11pm
Alcester Road Local, Alcester Road, Birmingham, B13 8HS
Monday August 29 - 7am to 11pm
Selly Oak Bristol Road Local, Bristol Road, Birmingham, B29 6BD
Monday August 29 - 7am to 11pm
Sutton Coldfield Boldmere Road Local, Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5TD
Monday August 29 - 7am to 11pm
Sutton Coldfield Walsall Road Local, Walsall Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 4QY
Monday August 29 - 7am to 11pm
Harborne High Street Local, High Street, Harborne, B17 9NS
Monday August 29 - 7am to 10pm
Wylde Green Local, Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1YH
Monday August 29 - 7am to 10pm
Oldbury Superstore, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DB
Monday August 29 - 7am to 11pm
Northfield Superstore, Frankley Beeches Road, B31 5AA
Monday August 29 - 7am to 10pm
Selly Oak Superstore, Chapel Lane, Selly Oak, B29 6SJ
Monday August 29 - 8am to 10pm
Kings Heath Superstore, Alcester Road South, Birmingham, B14 7PT
Monday August 29 - 8am to 8pm
Acocks Green Superstore, Warwick Road, Acocks Green, B27 6RA
Monday August 29 - 8am to 8pm
Castle Vale Superstore, Castle Vale Retail Park, Chester Road, Castle Vale, B35 6HB
Monday August 29 - 8am to 10pm
Maypole Superstore, Alcester Road South, B14 5TN
Monday August 29 - 8am to 10pm
Mere Green Superstore, Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 5BT
Monday August 29 - 8am to 10pm
Longbridge Superstore, Longbridge Lane, Birmingham, B31 2TW
Monday August 29 - 7am to 10pm
For more information on your nearest store, go to the Sainsburys website and use the store finder.
TESCO
Tesco
Most stores are open on Monday August 31, subject to some minor local variations.
Birmingham Mailbox Express
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Grand Central Express
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Bathrow Birmingham Express
Open all week 6am to midnight, including Bank Holiday Monday
Caxton Metro, Caxton Gate, New Street
Monday to Friday - 6am to midnight
Saturday - 6am to 10pm
Sunday - 12pm to 6pm
Monday August 29 - 9am to 6pm
Birmingham Colmore Express, Colmore Row
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Birmingham Jewellery Quarter Express, Frederick Street
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Birmingham Hurst Street Express
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Birmingham Carrs Lane Express
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Birmingham Corporation Street Express
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Birmingham Springhill Superstore, Camden Street, Hockley
Friday August 26 - open 24 hours
Saturday August 27 - open to 10pm
Sunday August 28 - 11am to 5pm
Monday August 29 - 9am to 6pm
Tuesday August 30 - open from 6am
Birmingham Hockley Express, Great Hampton Street
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
University Express, Aston Street, Aston University
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Hobs Moat Express, Hobs Moat Road, Sheldon
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Sheldon Superstore, Coventry Road
Saturday August 27 - 6am to midnight
Sunday August 28 - 10am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 9am to 6pm
Tuesday August 30 - 6am to midnight
Yardley Extra
Saturday August 27 - Open to midnight
Sunday August 28 - 11am to 5pm
Monday August 29 - 9am to 6pm
Tuesday August 30 - 6am onwards as normal 24-hour opening returns
Castle Bromwich Metro, Timberley Lane
Saturday August 27 - 7am to 10pm
Sunday August 28 - 10am to 4pm
Monday August 29 - 9am to 6pm
Castle Bromwich Green Lane Express
Open all week 6am to 11pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Castle Bromwich Express, Chipperfield Road
Saturday August 27 - 7am to 10pm
Sunday August 28 - 7am to 10pm
Monday August 29 - 6am to 10pm
Tuesday August 30 - 6am to 10pm
Birmingham Hodge Hill Superstore, Coleshill Road
Saturday August 27 - 6am to midnight
Sunday August 28 - 11am to 5pm
Monday August 29 - 9am to 6pm
Tuesday August 30 - 6am to midnight
Erdington Six Ways Express, Queens Court, Six Ways
Open all week 7.30am to 10pm, including Bank Holiday Monday
Erdington Esso Express, Sutton Road
Open all week 6am to midnight, including Bank Holiday Monday
For more information on your nearest store, go to the Tesco website and use the store finder.
WAITROSE
Hours are the same except on Bank Holiday Monday
Little Waitrose, Colmore Row, Birmingham city centre
Monday August 29 - 9am to 6pm
Waitrose Harborne, High Street, Harborne, B17 9PP
Monday August 29 - 9am to 6pm
Waitrose Hall Green, Stratford Road, Hall Green, B28 9EF
Monday August 29 - 9am to 5pm
Waitrose Four Oaks, Highgate Centre, Belwell Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B74 4AB
Monday August 29 - 9am to 6pm
For more information on your nearest store, go to the Waitrose website and use the store finder. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/supermarket-opening-times-august-bank-9920374 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/612e1aac8ce966b9a019eec14f770e43fcc78513c21c4c7837b63ac539585377.json |
[
"Justine Halifax"
] | 2016-08-28T04:46:21 | null | 2016-08-28T05:00:00 | Term dates for Birmingham, Solihull, Tamworth, Lichfield, Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Redditch | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffamily-kids-news%2Fschools-start-back-2016-birmingham-11787672.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11787789.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Backtoschool.jpg | en | null | When do the schools start back in 2016 in Birmingham? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | When are the kids back at school? Picture PA Photo/John Lewis
The school summer holidays are coming to an end and a new academic year is fast approaching.
It's a fact that will stir up a mixture of emotions for both children and parents.
But the main question being posed is when do all the primary and secondary schools start back in the West Midlands?
So we've put together an easy guide to help clear up any confusion.
When do Birmingham schools go back?
The autumn term starts on Monday, September 5, and ends on Friday, October 21.
When do Staffordshire schools start back?
The autumn term for Staffordshire schools, including Lichfield and Tamworth, starts on Tuesday, September 6, and ends on Friday, October 21.
When do Solihull schools start back?
The autumn term starts on Monday, September 5, and ends on Friday, October 21.
When do Sandwell schools start back?
The autumn term starts on Monday, September 5, and ends on Friday, October 21.
When do Dudley schools start back?
The autumn term starts on Monday, September 5, and ends on Friday, October 21.
When do Wolverhampton schools start back?
The autumn term starts on Monday, September 5, and ends on Friday, October 21.
When do Worcestershire schools start back?
The autumn term for schools in Worcestershire, including Redditch, starts on Thursday, September 1, and ends on Friday, October 21.
PLEASE NOTE that all dates given here are provided by local authority sources. Therefore please check with your child's own school for any variations. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/schools-start-back-2016-birmingham-11787672 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/f91232e3e874ec740423d31aceda21023182a39a7cdd27c12eefb942f9ab2c0e.json |
[
"Andy Richards"
] | 2016-08-31T08:47:14 | null | 2016-08-31T09:24:00 | She is still missed by millions | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2F19th-anniversary-death-diana-princess-11821657.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article10565394.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Princess-Diana-in-Birmingham-38.jpg | en | null | 19th anniversary of death of Diana, Princess of Wales | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Diana Princess of Wales on a visit to Stirchley in Birmingham.
Ninteen years ago today people in Birmingham were waking to the dreadful news that Princess Diana had been killed in a car crash in Paris.
Her tragic death, in the early hours of August 31, 1997 led to a huge outpouring of grief among the British public who laid masses of floral tributes in her memory.
The tragedy happened in the Pont de l’Alma road tunnel in Paris, France.
How the Birmingham Mail reported the tragedy of Princess Diana
Her lover, Dodi Fayed, and the driver of the Mercedes-Benz S280, Henri Paul, were pronounced dead at the scene; the bodyguard of Diana and Dodi, Trevor Rees-Jones, was the only survivor.
Although the media blamed the paparazzi following the car, and there were many conspiracy theories, an 18-month French judicial investigation found that the crash was caused by Paul, who lost control of the car at high speed while drunk.
Christina O'Sullivan and her grandchildren James and Benjamin O'Sullivan lay flowers in memory of Princess Diana at her memorial tree outside St Philip's Cathedral
Diana's death was met with extraordinary public expressions of grief, and her funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 6 drew an estimated 3 million mourners and onlookers in London and worldwide TV coverage watched by 2.5 billion people.
It was shown in 200 countries and in 44 languages.Singer Elton John performed a new version of his song “Candle in the Wind” at the service.
Those who mourned had been in raptures when she and Prince Charles had married in July, 1981.
The Princess was deeply loved. Here residents of Prince Charles Close, Rubery celebrate the Royal wedding of Prince Charles and the then Lady Diana Spencer
More than one million bouquets were left at her London home, Kensington Palace, while at her family’s estate of Althorp, in Northamptonshire, the public was asked to stop bringing flowers as the volume of people and flowers in the surrounding roads was said to be causing a threat to public safety.
Althorp, the last resting place of Princess Diana
Some criticised the reaction to Diana’s death at the time as being “hysterical” and “irrational”.
Tributes to the the princess at the Princess Diana memorial tree outside St Philip's Cathedral, Birmingham, on the first anniversary of her death
Had she lived, she would now be in her mid 50s.
She is still missed by millions and for those who loved her, today will be a sombre one where they recall the vibrant princess we lost so tragically. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/19th-anniversary-death-diana-princess-11821657 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/fa92df5c69a8c3edd06a0a28e35f5d484387feb9aae7e712426d59151dbc103d.json |
[
"David Bentley"
] | 2016-08-26T20:46:28 | null | 2016-08-26T19:53:53 | Brummie TV presenter Emma Willis stepping down from her Big Brother and CBB role, according to latest rumours | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fshowbiz-tv%2Femma-willis-reported-quitting-celebrity-11807163.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11807177.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/emma-willis.jpg | en | null | Emma Willis reported to be quitting Celebrity Big Brother with Rylan Clark-Neal taking over as presenter | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
Emma Willis is to quit her job as presenter on Celebrity Big Brother and Big Brother, according to a report.
She is said to be stepping down from her role hosting the Channel 5 reality show - with Rylan Clark-Neal in talks to take over.
Rylan - who currently presents spin-off Big Brother's Bit On The side - has been in talks for weeks to replace Emma on the main show, according to the report in the Daily Star.
A source is quoted as saying: "Emma loves the show but feels it is time to move on.
"The decision to leave has come from her and not Channel 5.
"Big Brother has been a big part of her career but with three children, a show on Heart Radio and presenting The Voice on ITV next year it just wasn't practical."
Another source is said to have confirmed the news and said: "Obviously Rylan is excited about the job but he's really nervous about filling Emma's shoes.
"She's been such a big part of the programme anyone would have second thoughts about following her onto the main show."
Big Brother presenters Emma Willis and Rylan Clark-Neal
Emma is planning to leave the show in 2017, according to the newspaper.
Channel 5 has denied the claims as "untrue" and the rep who manages both Emma and Rylan said: "There is no truth in this."
But there have been recent calls for Emma to be axed from the show.
Emma, who is from Sutton Coldfield, was criticised over her interview with Celebrity Big Brother housemate Chloe Khan , with Twitter users calling for her to be sacked.
She later told Rylan on Bit On The Side that she was now choosing her words more carefully.
The upcoming final of CBB 2016 could shed more light on these latest rumours.
Housemates (clockwise from top left) Renee Graziano, Ricky Norwood, Aubrey O'Day, Frankie Grande, Marnie Simpson and Stephen Bear will compete in tonight's live final to win Celebrity Big Brother 2016. Photo: Channel 5/PA Wire
The final of Celebrity Big Brother takes place at 9pm on Friday, August 26, with six contestants left in the house.
They are Stephen Bear, Marnie Simpson, Frankie Grande, Aubrey O'Day, Renee Graziano and Ricky Norwood.
Talk of the show being fixed has resurfaced following reports that producers are planning to sign Stephen Bear for a reality series with his family .
It's said some of his worst behaviour on CBB has not been shown to viewers.
The Mirror has pointed out other clues suggesting the show is fixed, such as a live scene that appeared to be scripted and the revelation that contestants had been messaging each other BEFORE they went into the house.
There is no cash prize though the winner could make £1 million through endorsements and personal appearances after the show.
Stars who appeared this in this year's CBB received fees said to range from £12,000 to £150,000. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/emma-willis-reported-quitting-celebrity-11807163 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/b5567e1476cbc68e2e36a8383136e71840ab7fecc20d43b663823b4c34ac177d.json |
[
"Shane Ireland"
] | 2016-08-31T12:51:21 | null | 2016-08-31T12:17:57 | Blues supporter Shane Ireland reflects on a promising home success for the Blues | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fhow-new-signing-che-adams-11821488.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11809017.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98075167.jpg | en | null | How new signing Che Adams brought the best out of Birmingham City against Norwich City | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Birmingham City’s 3-0 demolition of Norwich City on Saturday showcased all that has worked for the club in the last 22 months.
Blues’ performance was industrious, unyielding and sturdy with a ruthless edge.
They have been the qualities ingrained into the club and the squad by manager Gary Rowett and his coaching team since their arrival almost two years ago.
We all know the story. Blues were heading for League One before they appointed Rowett, his turnaround was mesmerising and the club have balanced in and around the play-off positions since. Where Blues were, to where Blues are, is something that is sometimes overlooked now.
But, as the top six bid faltered last season, those well-drilled and effective cornerstones of Rowett’s philosophy were plainly beginning to see cracks. The system, built on rigidity and sharp counter-attacks, was failing. Indeed, Blues’ shut-out on Saturday was only their second clean sheet in 11 league games.
The 2-1 win at Leeds earlier this month was in many ways a return to the simple and efficient style of play which has reaped rewards for Blues in the last two seasons, but at St Andrew’s its success has been more questionable.
Birmingham City's manager Gary Rowett
Not since beating Ipswich 3-0 in January have Birmingham combined defensive rigidity with attacking flair to dominate the opposition.
Saturday’s victory showed that Blues have advanced in terms of affording attacking players more freedom, but it demonstrated the sheer hard work and determination which turned the side around in the first place.
One swallow doesn’t make a summer of course – Blues were resoundingly beaten at home by Wolves 10 days ago – but the manager, the players and the fans have to take encouragement from a performance like that.
Che Adams, by no means the only player to stand out, impressed and looks to be the link that has been missing going forward.
Che Adams celebrates his goal
Blues saw two bids rejected before striking a deal and much was made of his arrival, but the former Sheffield United forward appears to be a confident and hungry youngster.
He was excellent on Saturday. Adams was key in almost all of Blues’ attacking endeavours – he supplied a delightful chipped ball through to Clayton Donaldson which led to the penalty and put pressure on the Norwich defender who made a mistake for Donaldson’s second.
On a personal level his performance levels are strong already - including a goal on his debut against Wolves – but added to that, Adams looks to be raising the games of those around him
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Donaldson, who had his best game for Blues since early this year, thrived in the space made by Adams, busy occupying defenders. As Adams drew the back four in, Donaldson ran into the space and made full use of it.
The partnership which is forming, not quite a two, has the potential to be very prosperous indeed for Blues.
Further back, the central midfield paring of Maikel Kieftenbeld and Robert Tesche were excellent and must start if Rowett opts for two in the middle. David Davis and Jacques Maghoma on either side not only peppered the Norwich full-backs but, Davis especially, served to nullify the Canaries’ threat out wide.
Jonathan Grounds was part of a solid defensive display alongside Michael Morrison, Ryan Shotton and Jonathan Spector but a new left-back should arrive before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
Rowett must, of course, adapt the system for other levels of opposition but the level of intent on display from his players was promising. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-new-signing-che-adams-11821488 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/83358d9c47fc37406352ca3647fb3dfee3c24c705a94a0b377f40548fd4e34a3.json |
[
"Justine Halifax"
] | 2016-08-30T20:47:29 | null | 2016-08-30T21:00:00 | The UK's Festival of Fireworks will go off with a big bang at the weekend - but what can you expect to see? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffamily-kids-news%2Fblack-country-firm-set-uks-11818309.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11818526.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98271150.jpg | en | null | Black Country firm to set off UK's biggest firework | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Dudley firm to set off one of the UK's largest fireworks - the XXL - at Festival of Fireworks at Catton Hall, near Alrewas
Thousands of people will be flocking to the annual Festival of Fireworks, staged in the heart of the Midlands, this weekend.
And they look set to be in for a rare treat.
That's because the Dudley-based event organisers, award-winning Jubilee Fireworks, have revealed plans to set off one of the largest aerial fireworks ever seen in the UK.
Unsurprisingly it's called the XXL and it's set to soar around 1,000 feet above spectators' heads.
The family-friendly UK Festival of Fireworks at Catton Hall, near Alrewas, now in its 17th year, has become a highlight in the region's calendar attracting around 5,000 pyrotechnic fans from across the West Midlands, and even overseas.
The event will see four firework companies light up the sky with different firework displays all choreographed to music.
Fireworks illuminate the sky at last year's Festival of Fireworks at Catton Hall, near Alrewas
Fireworks illuminate the sky at last year's Festival of Fireworks at Catton Hall, near Alrewas
Event details:
Gates open at 5pm.
Main firework displays staged from around 8.30pm.
Car parking is free.
Catering facilities on site - but visitors are invited to take their own picnics.
Tickets: 01384 402266. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/black-country-firm-set-uks-11818309 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/185c4b9f1bb9cd96dcc203b7baa229749fdcab074cbc4c86ca8c524f8dc8df57.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-31T10:49:05 | null | 2016-08-31T11:24:11 | Mat Kendrick looks at the situation with the Middlesbrough winger | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fhow-albert-adomah-would-fit-11822519.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11814470.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS87585466.jpg | en | null | How Albert Adomah would fit in at Aston Villa if a late deal can be done | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Adama Traore could be winging his way to Middlesbrough, but Aston Villa might still get a wideman of their own in return.
Villa continue to maintain a strong interest in Albert Adomah and much depends on the 28-year-old Ghana international's intentions in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
Is he available and how much would he cost?
Yes, he is available. Given his age and the fact he is in the last year of his contract, he won't cost a fortune.
Those in the north east suggest he would be £3 million tops but deadline day desperation can often inflate these prices, especially when clubs see Tony Xia's chequebook.
With Traore's move the other way progressing something could be built into that deal.
What's happened at Boro?
He made 47 league and cup appearances for Aitor Karanka's men last season so was a pivotal part of their Championship promotion success.
As a result of that he was among a clutch of players rewarded with new contract offers, alongside Adam Clayton, Adam Forshaw, George Freind and Ben Gibson.
Adomah turned it down, asking for significantly more than Boro were offering, although he has not completely ruled out extending his stay at the Riverside.
How is his relationship with Karanka?
There were rumours of a bust-up between the player and the manager last season with Adomah banished to train with the kids for a short while.
Karanka played down the falling out and, although he tends to bear grudges, seemed to have forgiven Adomah.
Indeed the winger started this season in the team, playing in the opening day Premier League draw with Stoke.
He was nowhere to be seen on Sunday, however, when Boro drew with Albion at The Hawthorns. Karank confirmed that he had been left out and was not injured.
Adomah was unlikely
Middlesbrough's Albert Adomah
Strengths and weaknesses
He scored eight goals for Boro last season and on his day he can pose a real attacking threat. Like many wingers, however, how often 'his day' arrives is very hit and miss. As is his delivery which varies from very accurate to...erm...not very accurate.
Karanka has wanted him to play more defensively - good luck getting to Adama Traore to track back - so that has blunted his offensive game a little.
Regular observers reckon he is not quite up to Premier League standard, but say he can still make a major impact on the Championship if he is fired up by the challenge.
Who else is in for him?
Boro's fellow Premier League new boys Burnley and Villa's Championship rivals Derby have been linked with Adomah, but Tony Xia has proved this summer that if Di Matteo really wants a player then the claret and blues can blow many of their rivals away financially.
Villa vacancy
In signing eight new players Di Matteo has almost assembled a brand new starting XI. Preferring a 4-2-3-1 formation, the most obvious 'vacancy' for a new recruit is the wide right midfield/attacking position.
Jordan Ayew, Andre Green and Leandro Bacuna have been used in that role in pre season and during the early stages of the campaign, but Villa would welcome an established specialist with experience of this level. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/how-albert-adomah-would-fit-11822519 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/8ccc6e19cb8fdee2f664a2f97a848cbad55b0c2de2d1d77fb5d284be2624b2c1.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-31T14:49:52 | null | 2016-08-31T14:05:06 | Fan blogger Tom Heslop feels Blues are still light up top despite the arrival of Burnley striker on loan | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fwelcome-lukas-jutkiewicz-can-birmingham-11824034.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11822789.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Jutkiewicz.jpg | en | null | but can Birmingham City have another striker too please? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Birmingham City have confirmed the loan signing of Burnley striker Lukas Jutkiewicz on a season-long loan.
But in my opinion, Gary Rowett could still do with adding another striker to his ranks.
Now that the 27-year-old has signed up until January 2, Rowett has four strikers at his disposal.
However, with Che Adams likely to be playing just off current No.9 Clayton Donaldson for the majority of the 2016/17 season, that leaves just 18-year-old Jack Storer and Jutkiewicz to come on from the bench.
OFFICIAL: We are delighted to confirm the signing of @Lukeyjuke on loan until 2 January #BCFC #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/3cJMejXSwu — Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) 31 August 2016
Because of that, I think Rowett will look to try and sign another frontman before the close of the transfer window at 11.30pm this evening, but who, I am not so sure.
Watford forward Jerome Sinclair is reportedly in talks with three Championship sides over a loan move, could Blues be one of those?
Arsenal’s Chuba Akpom is suggested to be looking for a move back into the second tier of English football after a loan spell at Hull last season, could he be an option for Blues?
Chuba Akpom
Although Donaldson got off the mark in the Championship against Norwich City last weekend in the 3-0 win, it still doesn’t take away the fact that Blues have only scored seven goals in five games this season, with just three coming from our strikers.
Former Bolton Wanderers loanee Jutkiewicz has failed to score a single goal during his time with the Clarets which has led to many Blues fans questioning his potential arrival, and rightly so,
So there may well be another striker on the agenda as the clock ticks down towards tonight's deadline.
Ideally, there needs to be. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/welcome-lukas-jutkiewicz-can-birmingham-11824034 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/88b2a50814911736f3726c18dd526997df2f14a54f5709896acbbfba944ae700.json |
[
"Isolde Walters"
] | 2016-08-31T06:47:13 | null | 2016-08-31T06:30:00 | "We are expected to be perfect, like Barbie dolls," says one | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fone-three-young-west-midlands-11818991.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11819115.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/hug.jpg | en | null | One in three young West Midlands girls are unhappy with their looks - report | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | One in three young teenage girls are unhappy with their looks
As many as one in three young teenage girls in the West Midlands are unhappy with their looks and one in seven are miserable with their lives altogether, according to disturbing new statistics.
The worrying figures have been compiled by The Children’s Society.
It says 26,200 West Midlands girls aged ten to 15 revealed that they were unhappy with their lives overall.
And the numbers soared when it came to their appearance with 64,700 saying that their looks caused them distress.
One teenage girl confessed: “Girls feel pressured by the boys that they should look a particular way and that leads girls into depression or low self-esteem and makes girls feel ugly or worthless.”
Another said: “We’re expected to be perfect, like Barbie dolls or something, and if we’re not, we get bullied.”
Boys fared better with far fewer suffering distress over their looks. National statistics showed that only 20 per cent of lads in the same age group were unhappy with their appearance, while 11 per cent were unhappy with their lives overall.
Of huge concern will be statistics which suggest half of all young people in that age bracket claim to have been bullied at school over the period of a month.
Experts said emotional bullying, such as name-calling, and long stints on social media are to blame for the rise in girls’ unhappiness.
Megan Llewellyn as Miss Birmingham
The results come just a week after Megan Llewellyn, the reigning Miss Birmingham, revealed that bullying at school and anxiety over her appearance caused her to attempt suicide at the age of 15.
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She said: “I was going through a really tough time. One night, I just didn’t want to be here.”
Ellisse Alcala-Garrison
Ellisse Alcala-Garrison, another Miss Birmingham finalist, said she also suffered as a result of bullies.
Earlier this year, she said: “The bullying left me with mental health issues and I still suffer from depression.
“I’ve had eight years of people calling me horrible names because I looked different.”
Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, said: “It is desperately worrying that so many of our young people in the West Midlands are suffering rather than thriving.
“Girls are having a particularly tough time and it’s clear that concerted action is needed to tackle this problem.”
The report highlighted the link between unhappiness and mental health problems, calling on the Government to help children by improving access to mental health support in schools and colleges across the UK.
“All children deserve a happy childhood and we must never accept that it is somehow inevitable that so many children in the West Midlands should live in distress.
“As a first step, all children should be able to access mental health and well-being support in school. Children must be heard and helped.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/one-three-young-west-midlands-11818991 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/f9c00662375b6114cdffbdb2cf0e2881797b1e6abc51994988ec6e62b3ae2549.json |
[
"Brian Halford"
] | 2016-08-30T08:49:24 | null | 2016-08-30T09:00:31 | Warwickshire set to face Surrey in the Royal London One-Day Cup final at Lord's. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fian-bell-sam-hain-form-11816715.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11816701.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Warwickshire-v-Somerset-Royal-London-One-Day-Cup.jpg | en | null | Ian Bell and Sam Hain in form as Warwickshire Bears reach Lord's final | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Warwickshire will face Surrey in the Royal London One-Day Cup final at Lord’s on September 17 after beating Somerset by eight runs in a thrilling, sun-soaked semi-final at Edgbaston.
After choosing to bat, the home side amassed 284 for four, thanks to Ian Bell’s unbeaten 94 (90 balls, seven fours and two sixes) and Sam Hain’s 86 (106 balls, six fours).
Peter Trego’s 58 (80 balls, four fours, one six) then took Somerset to 145 for three before the innings was hit by four wickets, all lbw, in 12 balls from Jeetan Patel.
The Kiwi returned to end a thrilling counter-attack from Ryan Davies (46, 33 balls, five fours, one six) with yet another lbw decision to finish with five for 42 as Somerset’s tenacious challenge fell just short at 276 for nine.
Warwickshire were given a solid start as openers Hain and Jonathan Trott (44, 59 balls, four fours), added 90 in 18.2 overs before the latter chipped a return catch to Roelof van der Merwe.
Somerset’s bowlers took the pace off the ball well to prevent a mid-innings run-charge and Hain and Bell added 88 in 17.3 before Hain lifted Lewis Gregory to deep mid-wicket.
Tim Ambrose (22, 24 balls - the last eight made with a runner after straining a buttock muscle) and Laurie Evans (19, 17 balls) were caught at mid-on but Bell supplied late impetus with 16 off three balls from Van der Meuwe.
Somerset soon lost their openers as Johann Myburgh inside-edged Chris Wright and was well-caught by Ambrose, his last act before being replaced by substitute keeper Alex Mellor, summoned from home in Stoke-on-Trent after Somerset graciously agreed to the switch. Jim Allenby’s run-a-ball 22 ended when he fell lbw to Olly Hannon-Dalby.
Trego and Tom Abell (35, 54 balls, three fours) added 75 in 18 overs and after Abell fatally top-edged a pull at Wright, Trego passed 50 for the 26th time in limited-overs cricket and celebrated with a six off Patel only for the Kiwi to gain revenge with an lbw decision two balls later.
Three more lbw verdicts quickly went Patel’s way. Lewis Gregory and Van der Meuwe paid for swinging across the line and Overton copped an arguable decision first ball.
That left Somerset 161 for seven but 19-year-old Davies, playing only his sixth List A game, joined James Hildreth to add 71 in ten overs. Hannon-Dalby returned to have Hildreth (42, 53 balls, one four) caught at cover, and when Patel returned to snare a fifth leg-before shout, against the reverse-sweeping Davies, last pair Tim Groenewald and Max Waller needed to find 51.
They took it down to 16 needed from the last six balls but Hannon-Dalby held his nerve to deliver a superb final over right up in the block-hole.
Warwickshire director of cricket Dougie Brown said: “It was a pretty hectic game. We posted a very competitive total which we thought was going to be a really challenging ask and it is testament to the way Somerset play their cricket and how deep they bat that they made it so close.
“All credit to Jeetan Patel who built the pressure which created the opportunities that earned his wickets. Then the way Chris Wright and Olly Hannon-Dalby bowled under pressure at the end was just outstanding.
They held their nerve brilliantly well.
“Lord’s finals are always really special occasions so it’s great to have another one to look forward to.
“It will be a great day for everybody and I’m delighted for the supporters who have come out in such force to back us in the semi-final today.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/cricket/ian-bell-sam-hain-form-11816715 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/4ad1576ab8945b2059ebaf3485c7202b24be2e76d10f08377a1d4a5eb2f999fc.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-30T22:46:59 | null | 2016-08-30T22:04:19 | Paul Suart reports from the Den as the Albion youngsters give a solid account of themselves in the opening game of the Checkatrade Trophy | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmatch-reports%2Fmillwall-2-west-brom-u23s-11821379.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11005398.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS81455675.jpg | en | null | Millwall 2 West Brom U23s 0: Young Baggies run out of steam in Checkatrade Trophy opener | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | West Bromwich Albion’s young guns ran out of firepower as League One Millwall eased to victory in their Checkatrade Trophy opener.
In their first ever senior cup clash, Jimmy Shan’s men gave a very good account of themselves before second half goals from Jimmy Abdou and Steve Morison turned the contest.
The defeat leaves Albion with work to do to qualify from Southern Group H.
Millwall’s Neil Harris was among the English Football League managers who endorsed the introduction of Academy One teams into the competition.
He felt “a revamp was needed” and fully expected a tough test.
A tough test is exactly what his side, fifth in League One, got on a humid night in the capital.
Any notion Shan’s youngsters would suffer from stage fright were quickly dispelled as they settled into the match in no time with Andre Wright firing wide 13 minutes in.
Albion’s boys needed to be men and Shaun Donnellan was exactly that when a thunderous Gregg Wylde shot struck his head at point blank range.
The 19-year-old midfielder dusted himself down and moments later picked out James Smith with a dinked ball over the top.
Smith unable to direct his header back across goal.
Wylde started to exert more influence in midfield and rifled a shot from distance narrowly past Jack Rose’s left-hand post.
Starved of clear cut chances, Millwall tried their luck from distance with Noah Chesmain hitting row Z with the last effort of the first half.
Perhaps stirred by a ticking off from Harris, Millwall’s players flew out of the blocks after the break.
They pressed Albion back from the off with
Skipper Tony Craig’s overhead kick flashed wide before Shaun Williams drilled past a post.
Albion were struggling to vacate their own half and the pressure eventually told when Abdou beat Rose with a clever near post finish shortly after the hour mark.
Talismanic forward Morison was among three first teamers that came on as Harris made a
His first act was to lift a shot on to the roof of the net, his second was to volley over from close range.
Morison made no mistake with his third effort, dispatching a 76th minute penalty after fellow substitute Ben Thompson went to ground under a challenge from Brad Sweeney.
Wright, the pick of Albion’s players, could not beat Tom King in the Millwall goal as the young Baggies tried to find a consolation at the end.
Millwall: King, Craig (c), Williams (Thompson, 65), Wylde, Romeo, Nelson, O’Brien (Worrall, 65), Abdou, Twardek (Morison, 65), Philpot, Chesmain.
Subs not used: Archer, Webster.
Albion: Rose, Wilson, McCourt, Donnellan (Elbouzedi,45), Fitzwater (c) (Piggott, 90), O’Shea, Sweeney, Smith (Pritchatt, 79), Wright, Harper, Nabi.
Subs not used: Palmer, Wilding, Forss, Melbourne. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/millwall-2-west-brom-u23s-11821379 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/5e33069f6111f8329b50876aa9f488bf76c4a7e666d9dc851578affda2d4b6b6.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-29T16:46:46 | null | 2016-08-29T17:19:38 | Football editor Mat Kendrick reports from Villa Park | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmatch-reports%2Faston-villa-under-23s-4-11815663.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11815800.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98214247.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa under-23s 4 Newcastle United 0: Hat-trick hero Libor Kozak inspires 10-man Villa | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
Libor Kozak hit a hat-trick as Aston Villa under-23s provided some claret and blue cheer at Villa Park.
Kozak, continuing his recovery from an injury that disrupted his pre-season, supplied three clinical finishes to seal a 4-0 victory.
Villa’s big Czech left the field to chants of ‘Libor, Libor’ from the Trinity Road crowd at the final whistle.
The 90 minute run-out will have done wonders for his confidence and his fitness after a forgettable first cameo in the draw at Derby earlier this month.
His treble sealed a first win of the season for Kevin MacDonald’s following a defeat to Wolves and a draw at Brighton.
Villa’s other scorer was Johan Abdoul who broke the deadlock with a wonder goal before blotting his copybook with a sending off midway through the second half.
Johan Abdoul of Villa scores the first goal to make it 1-0
Despite playing the last 22 minutes with 10 men, Villa were able to see out the game comfortably, with Jed Steer securing a well-deserved clean sheet.
Steer had protected the clean sheet with close range saves from Callum Roberts and Haris Vuckic before the break.
Villa took the lead on 23 minutes thanks to an exquisite strike from Abdoul. There isn’t usually any immediate danger when the ball arrives at the feet of a centre half 25 yards out.
But Abdoul thought differently. He guided a measured shot into the top right corner, beyond the reach of Newcastle stopper Nathan Harker.
It was a goal Toon under-23 coach Peter Beardsley would have been proud of in his pomp, let alone a strapping defender.
Abdoul and centre-back partner Mitchell Clark also did a solid defensive job against Newcastle strikers Sammy Ameobi and Vuckic, a pair with Premier League experience and strength.
Kozak doubled Villa’s lead on 26 minutes.
Jordan Cox took advantage of poor play from Newcastle to seize possession down the left and tee up Kozak, who guided a shot inside the right hand post from the edge of the penalty area.
Libor Kozak scores for Villa to make it 3-0
On the stroke of half-time it was three.
The ball came to him awkwardly near the penalty spot but he killed it with his right and swept it in with his left with a low effort into the bottom right corner.
Referee Anthony Serrano frustrated the Villa fans with a series of decisions after the break, culminating in the sending off of Abdoul for a second bookable offence on 68 minutes. Although Newcastle offered more of a threat after the break, Villa remained in control, even with a numerical disadvantage, and broke away to add a fourth goal 12 minutes from time.
Kozak scored it, latching onto a precise long pass from Callum O’Hare and keeping his composure to fire past Harker.
The visitors almost scored a late consolation goal when Jamie Holmes rounded Steer after a rare lapse from the goalkeeper but the substitute made a mess of his finish.
Villa (4-4-1-1): Steer, Leggett, Abdoul, Clark, Sundman; Linley (Doyle-Hayes 51), Abdo, Hale, Cox (Rowe 71); O’Hare; Kozak. Subs not used: Johansson, Mooney, Coates. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/aston-villa-under-23s-4-11815663 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/db5c8107b2217d6d0d75e806b31b983c2b4062b52a084b0b8ee9a6269e7fe023.json |
[
"James Cartledge"
] | 2016-08-28T12:47:06 | null | 2016-08-28T12:34:52 | Cops investigate whether child in video is son of 'white widow' Sally Jones | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fcops-probe-schoolboy-killers-links-11811325.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article9857889.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS70047770.jpg | en | null | Cops probe schoolboy IS killer's links to Kings Heath terrorist Junaid Hussain | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
Anti-terror police officers are investigating whether a boy seen executing Kurds in a horrifying ISIS video could be the son of British jihadi Sally Jones .
Dubbed the “white widow” , the 47-year-old claimed to be married to Kings Heath-raised IS hacker Junaid Hussain .
The 21-year-old was the leader of Islamic State’s “digi-jihad” hacking brigade until he was killed in a drone strike last year .
The Mirror reported that anti-terror cops are now looking at whether a light-skinned boy, dubbed Abu Abdullah Al-Britani on the sickening video, is the 11-year-old son of Jones.
The mother-of-two, who now goes by the name Umm Hussain Britaniyah, fled to Syria with her youngest son, who was born in December 2004.
Following Hussain’s death in Raqqa, Syria, she tweeted that she was proud her “husband was killed by the biggest enemy of Allah”.
Junaid Hussain poses with a weapon.
She added that she would “never love anyone but him”.
On September 28, 2015, the United Nations sanctioned Jones as an agent operating on behalf of a terrorist organisation.
She has used her Twitter account to spread propaganda for the group, and has tweeted of her wish to behead a Western prisoner in Syria and behead Christians with a “blunt knife”.
Sally Jones, who called herself Junaid Hussain's wife.
Earlier this year the former punk rocker issued terrifying threats on social media as a response to US-led coalition airstrikes on ISIS forces in Syria and Iraq.
She wrote: “To be honest I wouldn’t go into Central London through June ... or even July well to be honest I wouldn’t go there at all especially by Tube.”
Jones also wrote: “U can’t just sit there with ur tea & scones ordering RAF drone strikes on UK brothers with no comeback from the Islamic state.”
Jones is one of the world’s most wanted terrorists and is believed to be on a hit list of 20 jihadis who will be targeted by the SAS in Syria, according to a report citing military sources.
She is understood to have ordered “hackers” to compile a dossier showing the names and addresses of 76 of the most prominent unmanned flying vehicle operators in the US Airforce.
It also emerged that Jones has been training WOMEN jihadis for attacks on the UK and Europe and also encourages women to join the so-called Caliphate on social media.
She has also previously hinted that she wanted to find “paradise” by becoming an ISIS suicide bomber. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cops-probe-schoolboy-killers-links-11811325 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a363ff9b6a444f0d07db302b3c8a73c9a3748ffcb012bc8b4b32d80cd2e47aa2.json |
[
"David Bentley"
] | 2016-08-27T14:47:07 | null | 2016-08-27T07:00:00 | Whether you're buying or selling, a car boot sale makes a great day out - here's our guide to those in and and around Birmingham | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffamily-kids-news%2Fcar-boot-sales-near-birmingham-11321930.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11327912.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/carboot3.jpg | en | null | Car boot sales near Birmingham where you can bag a bargain and clear your clutter | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | A car boot sale in Warwickshire with one stallholder raising funds for Birmingham Children's Hospital
Car boot sales have become increasingly popular since the credit crunch forced many people to find ways of making some extra money.
Home makeover shows that keep telling us all to 'de-clutter' have also helped to encourage these clearouts.
They’re a great way of turning trash into cash by sorting out the attic, garage and spare room, earning a tidy sum from items that would otherwise just gather dust or end up in the bin or at the tip.
Black Country folk can earn a few pennies from all their tranklements - or find a few more for the house.
Car boot sales are also a great way of finding bargains. Some real rarities could be lurking among all the bric-a-brac. And you can have a day out in the fresh air at the same time.
Get there as early as possible, take lots of small change for the cheaper items, bring along some carrier bags and be prepared to haggle over prices.
Here's our guide to car boot sales near Birmingham.
Markets Precinct
Birmingham City Council holds a car boot sale every weekend at the Wholesale Market near the city centre , with more than 300 spaces
WHERE: Wholesale Markets Precinct, Pershore Street, Birmingham, B5 6UN
WHEN: Sunday
WHAT TIME: Trader access 6am to 8am (early access 5am-6am), customer/public access 8am to 12.30pm.
HOW MUCH: £20 per pitch for car, £40 for van, £17 for trailer, £27 early entry, small catering stand £20, large catering stand £57. Enquiries 0121 303 0250
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets, public car park next to site
Toy cars on offer at a car boot sale
Bosworth Wood
WHERE: Bosworth Wood Old Primary School, Auckland Drive, Smith’s Wood, B36 0DD (access from Auckland Drive)
WHEN: First Saturday of month (For 2016, this is June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3 and October 1)
WHAT TIME: Seller start time 11am, buyer entry time noon
HOW MUCH: £5 per car, £10 per van, buyers get in free
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets
A woman tries on shoes costing £1 a pair at a car boot sale
Bromsgrove Road
WHERE: nr M5 junction 3, A456 Halesowen, B62 0JL
WHEN: Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays all year round (check first by calling 07932 997713)
WHAT TIME: Opens 6am for buyers and sellers
HOW MUCH: not known
FACILITIES: Parking, toilets
Coleshill/Chelmsley Wood
On average, there are 200 stalls at this outdoor car boot sale in a field just off the Birmingham Road towards Coleshill .
WHERE: Birmingham Road, B46 1DP (between A452 collector road and Coleshill Police Station)
WHEN: Tuesdays and Fridays between March and December
WHAT TIME: Seller start time 6am, buyer arrival time from 6am, market open 6am to 2pm
HOW MUCH: Sellers pay from £8 for a pitch (no need to book), admission is free for buyers
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets, disabled parking
Dunton Hall
There are around 500 sellers at this outdoor car boot sale.
WHERE: Kingsbury Road, Sutton Coldfield , B76 0BA (just off junction 9 of the M42)
WHEN: Saturdays all year
WHAT TIME: Seller start time 6am, buyer arrival time from 6am, market open 6am to 2pm
HOW MUCH: Sellers pay from £8 for a pitch (no need to book), £1 admission for shoppers
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets, disabled parking
Cuddly toys at a car boot sale
Haunch Lane
WHERE: Off Kingsbury Road, Lea Marston, Sutton Coldfield, B76 0BY (near Lea Marston Hotel & Spa, and opposite Marston Caravan & Camping Park, also near junction 9 of M42)
WHEN: Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays
WHAT TIME: Seller start time 6am, buyer arrival time from 6am, market open 6am to 2pm
HOW MUCH: Sellers pay from £8 for a pitch (no need to book), £1 admission for shoppers
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets, disabled parking
Hockley Heath
WHERE: Box Trees Farm, Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull , B94 6EA
WHEN: Sundays from April to October, subject to agreeable weather
WHAT TIME: Buyers and sellers arrive from 6am (market traders welcome as well as car booters)
HOW MUCH: £5 per car, £7 for car and trailer, £10 for van. Parking is 50p per car.
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets
A stallholder with a table of goods at a car boot sale
Hoggs Lane
WHERE: Off the A38, Northfields, near Sainsbury’s, B31 5PX
WHEN: Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays all year round (check first by calling 07932 997713)
WHAT TIME: Opens 6am for buyers and sellers
HOW MUCH: not known
FACILITIES: Parking, toilets
Sea Scouts
Limited to 100 cars. All money raised goes to fund renovation of the Sea Scout boat repair shed. No vans, trailers or professional traders allowed. If the weather looks bad on the morning, check with Lawson Cooper on 07770 418982.
WHERE: Sea Scout Field, Boldmere Gate, Sutton Park , Sutton Coldfield, B73 6LH
WHEN: Specific Saturdays - June 4, July 2 and September 3
WHAT TIME: Seller start time 7am, buyer entry time 8am
HOW MUCH: £8 per car, admission is free for buyers
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets
Maypole
Busy car boot with up to 200 traders, previously held on Alcester Road South next by Sainsbury’s near Maypole Island.
WHERE: Dark Lane, B47 5BX, follow the signs from Maypole Island and M42)
WHEN: Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays
WHAT TIME: 7am to 2pm, no need to book, just turn up
HOW MUCH: Sellers pay around £10, shoppers/buyers charged an entry fee of £1
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets
Shoe and bags for just a pound at a car boot sale
Hopwood
WHERE: Lea End Lane, Hopwood, B48 7AL (one mile from The Man on the Moon pub at Kings Norton , one mile from M42)
WHEN: Saturdays
WHAT TIME: 7am to 2pm, no need to book, just turn up
HOW MUCH: Sellers pay from £8, shoppers/buyers pay entry fee of £1.50 for adults
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets
Long Marston Airfield
WHERE: Campden Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8LL
WHEN: Sundays
WHAT TIME: Opens 7am for sellers and buyers
HOW MUCH: Seller fee £7, entry fee 30p
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets
Toilet seat, anyone? There are bargains of all sorts at car boot sales
Studley
Studley Car Boot Sale is a family business started 27 years ago and continues to be run by the same family - it’s held on a 50-acre site.
WHERE: Just off the A448 (the Slough) at Studley, south Warwickshire , use satnav postcode B96 6ER. Not far from M42 Junction 3 and well signposted from Studley village.
WHEN: On 14 Sundays throughout the summer, subject to agreeable weather
WHAT TIME: 6am to 4pm for buyers and sellers
HOW MUCH: £10 per car, no need to book. Free parking for buyers
FACILITIES: Toilets, first aid, lost children, unit for testing electrical goods and loaning trolleys for moving heavy purchases
Branson Cross
WHERE: On a 20-acre field off the A435 Alcester Road at Branson’s Cross, Beoley, Redditch , B94 5HR
WHEN: Sundays
WHAT TIME: 6am to 2pm for buyers and traders
HOW MUCH: £10 per pitch, free admission for shoppers/buyers
FACILITIES: Refreshments, children’s activities (bouncy castle, horse and cart rides)
A collection of dolls being sold at a car boot sale
Arrow
This has indoor and outdoor stalls, meaning it’s not totally dependent on weather.
WHERE: Arrow Auctions, Bartleet Road, Washford, Redditch B98 0DQ
WHEN: Sundays
WHAT TIME: 5.30am to 2pm for buyers and traders
HOW MUCH: Indoor pitches £10, outdoors £10 to £20. Free parking, free admission for shoppers/buyers.
Indoor pitches bookable one week in advance at the car boot site or via Facebook, outdoor are first come first served.
FACILITIES: Refreshments, toilets
Email david.bentley@trinitymirror.com with details of any other markets or any any additions or amendments to the ones listed above. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/car-boot-sales-near-birmingham-11321930 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/6f9da027d076922058c2f95aef71251e38fae7dea749aeddd85e40337385e690.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-26T14:48:59 | null | 2016-08-26T13:35:52 | Wolves on the verge of taking their tally of summer signings to ten | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fwalter-zengas-renovation-continues-wolves-11804472.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11721712.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS96452655.jpg | en | null | Walter Zenga's renovation continues as Wolves close in on two more signings | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Wolverhampton Wanderers ' fervent activity in the transfer market shows no signs of slowing with another two players close to joining Walter Zenga's new-look squad.
Moroccan midfielder Romain Saiss and Dutch striker Paul Gladon are understood to be edging closer to Molineux moves.
Wolves and Ligue 1 outfit Angers are now finalising a £3.4 million fee, according to French newspaper L'Equipe, for Saiss, who watched Wolves beat Cambridge United at Molineux on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old enforcer has reportedly passed a medical and agreed personal terms.
Gladon was thought to have been at Compton Park yesterday after Eredivisie side Heracles accepted a bid in the region of £1 million.
Wolves rumour: Dutch striker heads to Molineux for transfer talks
The 24-year-old is bang in form with three goals in five appearances this season.
If the two deals go through, it would take the tally of summer signings at Wolves to ten - with nine arriving since Fosun bought the club on July 21.
Andy Lonergan, Silvio, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Prince Oniangue have all signed on permanent deals.
Helder Costa, Joao Teixeira, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Ola John have joined on loan.
Wolves U23s v West Brom U23s: Jimmy Shan demands more desire for local derby | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/walter-zengas-renovation-continues-wolves-11804472 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/728a6245a5a3ef026574f9e58b6a7806aa1b62c0e5926d430e86c1e15bee9f18.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-28T10:46:33 | null | 2016-08-28T09:47:35 | The owner has, as ever, kept fans informed of the goings on at Villa Park | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Faston-villa-tony-xia-clarifies-11810694.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11744323.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS96959507.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa: Tony Xia clarifies speculation on Enner Valencia and Abel Hernandez | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Aston Villa owner Dr Tony Xia has responded to supporters regarding speculation linking the club with moves for Premier League strikers Abel Hernandez and Enner Valencia.
The claret and blues are expected to be busy in the final cluster of days in the transfer window, with one known position needing to be filled being up front.
Villa have had interest in Hull forward Hernandez for some time - the Uruguayan has played his part in the Tigers' impressive start to their Premier League campaign.
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But it seems Villa and Dr Xia have given up hope on tempting him to B6 and are moving onto their next target - with a deal that could be done today.
Replying to a Villa fan questioning a rumour suggesting the club were ready to spend £20m on Hernandez, Xia tweeted last night: "It's real. We kept trying whole summer but still didn't work.
"We're going2other option and expect announce tomorrow [today]."
It's real. We kept trying whole summer but still didn't work. We're going2other option and expect announce tomorrow https://t.co/wOqbAApqrr — Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) August 27, 2016
On Valencia, it appears the decision was a little more straightforward.
Once again responding to a supporter, Xia said: "No needs to vote. I called a stop after I watched three games!"
It's real. We kept trying whole summer but still didn't work. We're going2other option and expect announce tomorrow https://t.co/wOqbAApqrr — Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) August 27, 2016
Villa still want an attacking midfield player as well as their striker as they look to get their challenge for promotion from the Championship up and running. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-tony-xia-clarifies-11810694 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/c1be421afda8a4e2903390d5be5b1605691a9ec1cced8955895776412b80ecbd.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-28T08:46:23 | null | 2016-08-28T08:00:00 | All you need to know about the new kid on the Baggies block | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fwho-kane-wilson-introducing-west-11810510.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11810548.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98003939.jpg | en | null | Who is Kane Wilson? Introducing West Brom's 16-year-old wonder boy | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Kane Wilson can become West Bromwich Albion’s history boy today.
He can add it to the other subjects he aced at GCSE this week!
If Wilson features for Albion against Middlesbrough at The Hawthorns this afternoon he will be the first player born this Millennium to play in the Premier League.
He entered the world on March 11, 2000, making him 16 years five months and 17 days old today.
Here’s what we know about him...
The Young Ones
Will he become the Premier League’s youngest player if he plays today? Nope, that would be Matthew Briggs, now at Colchester, who played for Fulham's 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough in May 2007 at the age of 16 years, two months and seven days old.
What about Albion's youngest Prem player? No to that too. His top flight debut would come sooner than that of Jonathon Leko, who made his Baggies bow aged 16 years, 11 months and nine days old as a substitute in a 0-0 draw at Sunderland in April.
But Izzy Brown would remain the club's youngest Premier League debutant. His first appearance came as a substitute in a 3-2 home defeat to Wigan in May 2013. He was aged just 16 years 117 days.
Izzy Brown
Burst onto the scene
When did he first emerge? This summer really.
It wasn't as if he was tearing up the under-21s last season. In fact he only made three substitute appearances at that level in 2015-16 and spent most of his time with the under-18s.
When he came back for pre-season though, he was fast-tracked.
Wilson was included in the squad for the pre season tour to Austria and got his first taste of senior action as a substitute in the friendly defeat to Paris Saint Germain.
Then he got the call for the FOX Sports Cup in Holland too and played the second-half of the 2-1 win over Vitesse Arnhem.
His first start came in the 2-1 friendly defeat at Torquay last month.
Then came his competitive bow, in Tuesday's EFL Cup exit at Northampton. He came on as a 70th minute substitute after Brendan Galloway got cramp, and ended up playing 50 minutes as Albion drew 2-2 and were knocked out 4-3 on penalties.
Not the result we wanted, but I'm really happy to have made my senior competitive debut with @wba last night ⚽ pic.twitter.com/pXxx9ydqFK — Kane Wilson (@_KaneWilson5) August 24, 2016
Tell us more
Well, 'humble', 'grounded' and with a 'thirst to learn' is how he has been described within the walls of Albion's training ground.
Arsenal and Liverpool came sniffing around two years ago when he was playing for West Brom’s Under 16s at the age of 14.
He can play at right-back and in midfield, but despite being right-footed his chances for Albion so far have come at left-back.
Wilson has been capped by England under-16s.
Future is bright
So is Wilson. He's Kane and very able. Not just on the football pitch but in the classroom too. This week, two days after his senior competitive debut he was collecting his GCSE results.
Pulis has never seen so many passes! Kane got two As, four Bs and five Cs.
Harry Trump/Getty Images Albion's Kane Wilson tackles Torquay's Jamie Reid
What his coaches say
Baggies youth coach Jimmy Shan
"The first team staff have always asked if there’s someone doing particularly well to notify them.
Kane is one of those. He came into the building early (after the summer break) and did well in the physical tests.
He went to Austria and then to Holland with the senior squad.
He was only doing his GCSEs a few weeks ago. It’s some development - a massive fast-track."
What his boss says
Tony Pulis
"When Kane came on he showed some promise and that’s a bonus for us. Kane was smashing.
He is only 16 and when you look at his attributes – he’s a very good athlete, he has great touch and great composure.
I really do think he has a bright future but I have had him into my office on numerous occasions – it is keeping your feet on the ground and not getting carried away.
You see so many people who get in and play well but then lose their way, but he will be managed properly, there is no way they will get away with that.”
Tony Pulis
What his team-mate says
Ben Foster
"He is one of the most promising 16-year-olds I’ve seen in a long time.
I know the club are expecting big things from him but he’s a genuine talent, one of those rare ones you see from time to time coming through.
He’s been amazing. He’s like a little tank.
For a 16-year-old kid he’s really strong, but he’s a nice kid as well with a level head on his shoulders and he’s got a great future ahead of him.”
What Kane says
"Me and Sam (Field) started at seven and (Jonathan) Leko came when he was 10, and they’re like brothers to me to be honest.
It’s crazy, we’ve all come through together and they're both great role models to me.
It's surreal, crazy, everything is just a new experience. Every day I think ‘how have I got here?’ but now it’s more about focusing on the next one and trying to get myself in and around the team as much as I can to be honest." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/who-kane-wilson-introducing-west-11810510 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d6574322108843a9b4ed2a2d62a09f9ef0462dda3b0169faedf3cee1f8a71acf.json |
[
"Gregg Evans"
] | 2016-08-27T18:48:40 | null | 2016-08-27T18:38:22 | Di Matteo speaks out after defeat at Bristol City | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Faston-villa-boss-roberto-di-11809797.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11809792.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98075880.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo: We don't even look like a team | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Roberto Di Matteo blasted his troops after the 3-1 defeat at Bristol City, saying: We don’t even look like a team.
The claret and blues boss was fuming in the aftermath of another disappointing away day which saw Villa throw away a lead after completely dominating the game for 60 minutes.
Jack Grealish fired Villa ahead early on but at the first sign of pressure the visitors wilted and conceded goals from Tammy Abraham, Joe Bryan and Lee Tomlin.
It was the manner of the goals that annoyed Di Matteo the most, though.
“We need to ride the moments where the opposition is on top because in every game there will be moments like that.
“It’s normal. Every team has quality and we need to be able to withstand that and not panic and just keep out head.
“We lost our organisation a little bit and we weren’t a team. We became a bit like 11 players on the pitch rather than a team.
“They had one shot on goal until then but we lost our shape.
“With that, mistakes creep in and we give away unnecessary free-kicks and space to the opposition that we didn’t give in the first 60 minutes.
“It’s about keeping the organisation for 90 minutes but we didn’t do that.”
Villa supporters pay tribute to fellow fan Will Falck, who died last week | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-boss-roberto-di-11809797 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/58058d3f4168b5330836eb790e47b59857e2834708b35b0b74de92b7b1b24727.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-31T12:48:38 | null | 2016-08-31T12:29:20 | Is the winger about to seal a move from Premier League club Middlesbrough? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Faston-villa-albert-adomah-reportedly-11823245.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11821719.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Albert-Adomah.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa: Albert Adomah reportedly at Bodymoor Heath as move from Middlesbrough edges closer | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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We are receiving unconfirmed reports this afternoon that Middlesbrough winger Albert Adomah is currently at Bodymoor Heath ahead of a move to Aston Villa.
The winger looks set to join Villa after falling out of favour under Boro head coach Aitor Karanka.
Phillip Bardsley of Stoke City battle for possession with Albert Adomah of Middlesbrough
And it has been suggested on Twitter that the Ghanaian is currently at the club's training ground where you would suspect he is undergoing a medical.
Reports that Albert Adomah is at Aston Villa's training ground. @avfc @boro #DeadlineDay — Adrian Bevington (@ABevington11) 31 August 2016
Adomah is renowned as one of the best Championship wingers having torn defences apart for Middlesbrough over the last few years, playing a pivotal role in their promotion last term.
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But following a string of high profile arrivals, which could include Villa's Adama Traore, Adomah looks to be surplus to requirements at the Riverside and is seeking a way out. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-albert-adomah-reportedly-11823245 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/346dec56f1abc6cda9ad9511d84df1578cd3717049a7353e5a76e59798fd3677.json |
[
"Darren Campbell"
] | 2016-08-26T16:46:11 | null | 2016-08-26T15:58:15 | Police cordon off part of Yew Tree Lane as man taken to hospital after incident on bus | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fman-suffers-serious-head-injury-11805764.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11805756.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/DCR_BEM_260816yewtree.jpg | en | null | Man suffers serious head injury in Yardley bus assault | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Cordon on Yew Tree Lane in Yardley after a man was assaulted on a bus
Part of a road in Yardley has been cordoned off after a passenger suffered a head injury in an assault on a bus.
The incident happened on Yew Tree Lane on Friday afternoon. A 67-year-old man was pushed over on a bus and was taken to hospital with a serious head injury.
Police are treating the incident as an assault and enquiries have been taking place at the scene. No arrests have been made.
Yew Tree Lane was closed both ways between Harvey Road and Rowlands Road before 2pm.
Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to officers are being asked to call West Midlands Police on 101.
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
MORE - Football thug kicked Baggies fan in head on train from Snow Hill: | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/man-suffers-serious-head-injury-11805764 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/21114635198bae14da78055b71162e9f335ad59b5cf447deb199b79484121bbe.json |
[
"Brian Dick"
] | 2016-08-26T18:46:15 | null | 2016-08-26T19:00:00 | But Rowett believes David Cotterill needs time to get back to his best. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fgary-rowett-warns-birmingham-city-11806377.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11697046.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS96163670.jpg | en | null | Gary Rowett warns his Birmingham City players 'no-one is safe' | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Gary Rowett has warned his Birmingham City players none of them can be sure of their place in his side.
Rowett believes coaches and players alike must accept their share of criticism for last weekend’s defeat by Wolves.
Several Blues players have come in for stick over the last week, among them winger David Cotterill and striker Clayton Donaldson.
But rather than focus on individuals Rowett said none of his men are exempt from censure.
“All players have to perform,” Rowett said.
“If the team loses it’s the manager that instantly gets the flack, I am happy with that, I have got big enough shoulders to not concern myself with criticism.
“It comes with the territory and comes with not winning games. I have got no beef with that at all.
“The players also have to accept their performances and I think this season - whilst we may not have started as strongly as last season, we have got good competition in there.
“And we are looking at ways if players don’t perform - and aren’t better than they were last season, then certainly I will have to change it.
“I don’t think there is any player in the team that can instantly be safe this season.
“Without naming names certainly one or two have to be a little bit better than they have been over the opening games.”
Rowett talks criticism:
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Rowett was asked specifically about Cotterill and he said there was more to the winger’s situation than simply under-performing.
“In Cotts’ defence, without me feeling I need to defend players, but some of his compatriots at Wales haven’t even started playing yet in the Premier League.
“Some clubs would have given those players three or four weeks off and then eased them into the season gently.
“Because of how important he is for us as a player he had two weeks off. I know he didn’t play as many minutes [at Euro 2016] but he was still away and still part of it all.
“We had to chuck him into the first game - maybe he has been playing catch-up a little bit and we won’t quite see the level of performance from him until he has settled down a bit into the season.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-rowett-warns-birmingham-city-11806377 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/6d81a6cc1db2a002648e67eb00ec56439eb92a3ff719d9a80393793eac84467a.json |
[
"Andy Richards"
] | 2016-08-30T12:49:47 | null | 2016-08-30T11:41:00 | And here's some of the most famous we have seen in the Midlands | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fpersonal-plates-sales-break-100m-11802671.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11817522.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/number.jpg | en | null | Personal plates sales break £100m barrier | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | The famous Villa number plate sold by former manager John Gregory for £39,000
Annual of personalised number plates have exceeded £100 million for the first time, official figures show.
A record 334,000 registrations were sold in 2015/16, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
This represents a 19 per cent increase on the previous 12 months and a 36 per cent rise on the figure for 2013/14.
One of the most expensive sold in the West Midlands in recent years was when former Aston Villa boss John Gregory accepted £39,000 for his famous V1LLA registration plate.
'Lord' Aleem posts vlog after a month's absence on Youtube
Gregory, 57, the last manager to lead Villa to an FA Cup final, sold the football-themed accessory in an auction on eBay.
He said: “I will always be a big Villa fan but I thought it was time for someone else to enjoy it as much as I have for the last nine years.”
Only one bid came in for the item but it was at the £39,000 asking price.
Ex Villa boss John Gregory
Gregory bought the plate for £40,000 in 2000, halfway through his four-year spell as Villa manager.
Former Villa owner, Sir Doug Ellis also had a Rolls-Royce with the number plate AV1.
The Roller owned by former Villa Chairman Sir Doug Ellis with the number plate AV1.
On one occasion he accidentally crashed it into Gregory’s similarly-plated Range Rover in the car park outside the ground.
Other famous Midlanders with a passion for private reg plates have included:
*Stoke-born singer songwriter Robbie Williams, who once had a Ferrari with the numberplate S8 RRY.
Singer Robbie Williams apparently used a number plate to apologise to fans
Apparently, ‘sorry’ was his message to fans for spending so much on cars.
*Former Tiswas hero and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire presenter Chris Tarrant had a numberplate of CHU BB, reflecting his passion for angling.
A number plate owned by Chris Tarrant reflected his passion for angling
*And former Olympic javelin gold medallist Tessa Sanderson, who was born in Wednesfield, treated herself to one which read 5 TES on her Mercedes.
Since the DVLA began selling personalised registrations in 1989, it has sold more than 4.5 million plates - raising around £2.3 billion for the Treasury.
The most expensive plate ever is 25 O, which went for £400,000 in November 2014.
It was bought by classic car dealer John Collins and was highly sought after as it can be attached to rare Ferraris such as 250 GTOs.
Last year’s highest earner was KR15 HNA, which cost one motorist £180,000 in May 2015.
Other top 10 selling plates include K1 NGS at £185,000 in December 1993 and 51 NGH, which cost £201,000 in January 2006.
More than £102 million was raised in 2015/16.
The figures are hammer prices which are subject to a buyer’s premium, VAT and an £80 DVLA fee.
A DVLA spokesman said: “Many people enjoy displaying a personalised registration number and the general sale and auctions remain extremely popular with the public.
“Since we began selling personalised registrations we have raised around £2.3 billion and all the money raised is passed to the Treasury.”
Watch: Changes to the driving test | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/personal-plates-sales-break-100m-11802671 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/c1434143f749cf7578884327d9fb12c3f5249dcefc5e596b80838c04350a60b3.json |
[
"Aidan Mccartney"
] | 2016-08-30T14:46:46 | null | 2016-08-30T13:38:27 | Albion enter the new-look EFL Trophy tonight - here's all you the information you need about the competition and the trip to the Den | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fwhat-checkatrade-trophy-you-need-11817786.json | http://i3.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article11817884.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/efl-trophy.jpg | en | null | What is the Checkatrade Trophy? All you need to know about West Brom's involvement ahead of Millwall clash | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | West Bromwich Albion's under-23s kick-off their EFL Trophy campaign with a trip to League One Millwall tonight.
The Baggies are one of 16 Category One Academies who have invited to compete in the new-look competition, previously known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
It means Jimmy Shan's men, who finished sixth in the U21 Premier League Division 2 table last season, will play against Football League clubs for the first time and compete for a place in the Wembley final and substantial prize money.
Here's all you need to know about tonight's match and the competition as a whole.
Who do Albion face
Albion have been drawn against Mllwall, Luton Town and Gillingham in the southern group stages of the competition.
Tuesday, August 30 - Millwall away, 7.45pm
Tuesday, October 4 - Luton away, 7.30pm
Tuesday, November 8 - Gillingham home, 7.45pm
One game will be played under the floodlights at the Hawthorns
Is it a first team fixture?
Nope.
There are two types of clubs involved - League One and Two clubs, who must play at least five players who either played in their last fixture or who will play in their next fixture, and then ‘Invited’ clubs with Category One Academies including the Baggies.
These 16 teams must select six players who are Under-21 on June 30. The idea was that the remaining five players come from the senior squad but that obviously won't be the case with a Academy side expected to take the field at the Den.
Incidentally, players red-carded in the fixture won’t be suspended for Premier League games while bookings also don't count. Players who are suspended from Premier League action can still feature in the competition.
Why is it controversial?
Prize money has more than doubled but Football League fans have voiced their disapproval at the decision to allow Premier League Academy sides into the competition.
The Johnstone's Paint Trophy was viewed as an opportunity for clubs to reach Wembley and fans are concerned it will eventually lead to Premier League B sides joining the EFL.
Supporters are expected to vote with their feet tonight with record low crowds expected across the country as they boycott the new-look tournament.
What Albion team can we expect?
Under-23 coach James Shan has confirmed that no senior players will be involved tonight and the team will be very similar to the one that went down to a 3-1 Premier League 2 defeat against Wolves on Friday.
Albion could include 16-year-old sensation Kane Wilson who was an unused substitute during the Premier League game with Middlesbrough on Sunday but fellow hot prospects Jonathan Leko and Sam Field are away on international duty.
Shan explained: “The squad is going to be very, very similar to the squad that played against Wolves (in Premier League 2 on Friday night),”
“We won’t have any seniors involved in it, it’s going to be all Academy players or young players. So that again means it will be a difficult task."
Albion's Sam Field won't be available
How about Millwall?
The Lions must select five of the players who started during their win over Chesterfield on Saturday as part of the competition rules or face a fine.
However, they are without several senior players including Fred Onyedinma, Joe Martin and Lee Gregory due to injury while Shane Ferguson is with Northern Ireland on international duty.
Manager Neil Harris has admitted he isn't going to risk any players ahead of a tough test against Bradford City in League One at the weekend and Lions could be one of several EFL teams coping a fine.
Millwall's manager Neil Harris
Watch: five areas Albion need to strengthen ahead of deadline day
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Match odds
Millwall: 4/7 Draw: 3/1 West Brom: 5/1
How does the competition work?
There are 64 teams, all split into four team groups - each containing one Category One Academy club.
There are three points for a win, one point for a draw - but drawn matches will go straight to penalties, with an extra point awarded to penalty shoot-out winners.
The top two clubs in each group go through to a knockout draw.
Category One Academies must play at least one group match at their home ground. Albion's is against Gillingham in November.
Nick Potts/PA Wire Albion could book a trip to Wembley
Key Dates
Group stages
w/c August 29, 2016
w/c October 3, 2016
w/c November 7, 2016
Round Two
w/c December 5, 2016
Round Three
w/c January 9, 2017
Round Four
w/c January 23, 2017
Semi-Final
w/c February 20, 2017
Final
April 2, 2017 at Wembley Stadium | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-checkatrade-trophy-you-need-11817786 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/93c8d9a63c648ef8fb4542fe392c7e8fe4af6f37fb5dc4ec1395a4fe8440820f.json |
[
"Roz Laws"
] | 2016-08-27T12:47:48 | null | 2016-08-27T12:07:14 | The band are playing the Genting Arena | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic-nightlife-news%2Fred-hot-chili-peppers-two-11807969.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11807998.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95988462.jpg | en | null | Red Hot Chili Peppers have two Birmingham dates on their first UK tour in five years | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Red Hot Chili Peppers are coming back for their first UK tour in five years – and they’re playing two dates in Birmingham.
The award-winning rock band are headling the Reading and Leeds Festivals this weekend and then returning to the UK in December.
They will be playing the Genting Arena on December 10 and 11.
Tickets go on sale at 10am on September 2 by clicking here or calling 0844 338 8222. They cost from £58.35 to £91.35.
Supporting them on the tour will be the Japanese band Babymetal.
Red Hot Chili Peppers have spent the summer performing at music festivals around the world including Lollapalooza in Chicago, T in the Park in Scotland and Fuji Rock in Japan.
The band, formed in 1983, have had hits including The Zephyr Song, Love Rollercoaster and Give It Away.
They’ve also released their 11th studio album The Getaway, number one in 10 countries across Europe. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/red-hot-chili-peppers-two-11807969 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a77873fbea4a67156de9af5d27ff80d7e66f777e8d75f7e51213c830a24f2f93.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-28T10:47:05 | null | 2016-08-28T10:32:53 | The latest Albion transfer news and rumours | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-transfer-rumour-mill-11810767.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11266866.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Supporters-arrive-at-The-Hawthorns.jpg | en | null | West Brom transfer rumour mill: £4m centre-back; Tottenham attacker a target | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Tottenham's Nacer Chadli is booked by referee Neil Swarbrick during the win at Aston Villa
Nacer Chadli
Tottenham winger Nacer Chadli is set for a move to The Hawthorns before transfer deadline day, say Sky Sports.
The Times are reporting, however, that Albion are going head to head with Swansea for the Belgian's permanent transfer.
It's thought Chadli, while down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, is valued by Spurs at £12m.
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Lisandro Lopez
The Sun say Albion could move for Benfica defender Lisandro Lopez.
The Argentinian international has four caps for his country after impressing at the Portuguese club.
Lopez, 26, is understood to be keen on a move to England and could cost only £4m, moving into the penultimate year of his five-year contract. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-transfer-rumour-mill-11810767 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/2b0b4fd3782f9c69fa35e4a3bec99032566dd976739732ac7bce32a1469004bd.json |
[
"Elwyn Roberts"
] | 2016-08-31T12:49:18 | null | 2016-08-31T12:43:15 | Habib Malik said he was ashamed and embarrassed over speed | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Ftakeaway-boss-hit-129mph-because-11823260.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article11823339.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/A55JPG.jpg | en | null | Takeaway boss hit 129mph because he was late for a ferry | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Above: Bad driving in Birmingham
A Birmingham restaurant boss has been banned from the roads after he was clocked doing 129mph in a desperate bid to catch a ferry.
Takeaway manager Habib Malik hit the eye-watering speed on the A55 on Anglesey because he was late for a ferry from Holyhead to Ireland.
The 48-year-old dad, of Rockington Road, Yardley , told magistrates he was ashamed and embarrassed at his “totally unacceptable and inexcusable speed”.
He admitted breaking the 70 mph speed limit and was banned from driving for 56 days, fined £150 with £85 costs and a £30 surcharge, the Daily Post reported.
The case against a second driver was adjourned after Flintshire magistrates were told he was in hospital.
Alun Williams, prosecutimg, told the court that a traffic officer caught Malik’s black BMW at 19.40 on Wednesday, June 15 at junction five, near Rhosneigr.
Habib Malik hit 129 on the A55 as he raced to catch a ferry.
It was driving in convoy with another BMW which was doing the same speed.
Malik told the court his friend had bought two BMW cars and asked him to help collect them.
That day they flew from Dublin to Bristol and one vehicle was picked in Swindon and the other in Stafford.
They estimated it would take two-and-a half-hours to get to Holyhead for the 8pm ferry but bad weather conditions and traffic meant they were running behind schedule.
Malik said the traffic cleared on the A55 and he underestimated the power of the vehicle.
Malik added: “I have totally changed my driving style as a result.
“I never want to go through this worry and dread again.”
Since the incident, he said he had voluntarily undertook a speed awareness course with the AA and came out on the “low risk” grade.
He had a clean driving licence, it was out of character, was normally a considerate driver and was truly sorry, the court heard.
Malik said he had sleepless nights because he relied on his licence as he travelled back to Birmingham from Dublin every two or three weeks to his wife and three children and realised how stupid he had been.
Magistrates warned him that the A55 was not a motorway but a dual-carriageway open to pedestrians and cyclists.
They said his speed was “totally and utterly reckless” at a time when Anglesey would be chock-a-block with tourists.
Chairman Pat Davies addeed: “We do not take kindly to that kind of speed here in Wales.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/takeaway-boss-hit-129mph-because-11823260 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/fc542cdf0b3f39490675988ed54e2a6966f25db4dc5e0f6562b5700d9c19fbdf.json |
[
"Roz Laws"
] | 2016-08-27T16:46:37 | null | 2016-08-27T17:31:53 | The first charity two-day festival in Tudor Grange Park headlined by UB40 and Scouting for Girls | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic-nightlife-news%2Fsolihull-summer-fest-hit-rain-11809004.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11809345.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98080631.jpg | en | null | Solihull Summer Fest hit by rain but crowds still have fun | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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The very first Solihull Summer Fest decided to live up to its name and show just what the unpredictable British summer is all about – the weather.
It was mostly wet, with the occasional outbreak of sunshine in between the downpours and drizzle.
The event was hit by 20 minutes of very heavy rain in the morning, but there were drier intervals in the afternoon.
Watch the festival in the rain
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It didn’t dampen spirits too much, with more than 3,000 people turning out in Tudor Grange Park for the festival. They just made sure they were well equipped with plastic macs and umbrellas.
Smiling through the rain at Solihull Summer Fest
Organiser Sarah Elliot said: “Everyone is having a really good time, despite the rain.
“It’s drier now and we are hoping it will stay that way tomorrow.”
The two-day event began today and continues tomorrow, with 10 hours of live music, food and drink stands and children’s entertainment each day.
Watch the video below to see drier conditions and Kevin Paul as Elvis, who got people dancing.
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Saturday’s line-up included The Blow Monkeys, The Voice winner Kevin Simm, Janet Devlin from The X Factor and Connie Talbot and The Neales from Britain’s Got Talent.
The day was due to finish with headliners 5ive and UB40 – the one with Robin and Duncan Campbell.
Sunday’s line-up is, from 4pm, Oasis tribute Oasish, The Hoosiers and Queen Tribute Mercury.
Brighter times at Solihull Summer Fest
Then from 6.20pm it’s Finley Quaye, The Wonderstuff and Lucy Spraggan, before Heather Small from M People takes the stage at 8.20pm followed by Scouting for Girls.
The event is to raise money for Help Harry Help Others, a local cancer support charity.
It was founded by the remarkable Harry Moseley from Sheldon, who died of a brain tumour aged 11 after inspiring thousands with his selflessness and raising £750,000 to help find a cure. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/solihull-summer-fest-hit-rain-11809004 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/952b09ac973081372bf117b71db542823f739892b3523b7784e30ca76d64cc71.json |
[
"Andy Richards"
] | 2016-08-30T12:48:25 | null | 2016-08-30T12:09:00 | Big money expected to be splashed out for celebrated Birmingham author's work | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Frare-tolkien-first-editions-up-11802598.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11817846.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/tolk2.jpg | en | null | Rare Tolkien first editions up for auction | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | J.R.R. Tolkien in a photograph taken in 1967
Rare first editions of two J. R .R. Tolkien novels are to be put up for auction in September.
The Hobbit, the first novel written by the celebrated children’s author who lived in Birmingham, is in excellent condition and is estimated to fetch £1,000-£1,500, Chiswick Auctions said.
A rare first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit which is to be put up for auction
Its sequel, The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, is also up for grabs.
In good condition, the volume is estimated to fetch £2,000-£3,000.
A rare first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy which will be auctioned in September
Nicholas Worskett, from Chiswick Auctions’ book department said: “It is particularly exciting to be able to offer a first edition of such a well-loved work, of which only 1,500 were printed.
Such is the popularity of Tolkien’s repertoire, that we expect a huge wave of interest.”
Both copies will go on sale on September 28.
Tolkien had close links with Moseley and it is believed the settings for the likes of Hobbitton and the Shire were inspired by sites including Sarehole Mill and Moseley Bog.
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Watch: Hobbit actor Mark Aitken
Tolkien grew up in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham and attended King Edward’s School, Birmingham, and later St Philip’s School.
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Perrott's Folly, which the author knew well
In Edgbaston, Tolkien lived there in the shadow of Perrott’s Folly and the Victorian tower of Edgbaston Waterworks, which may have influenced the images of the dark towers within his works.
Another strong influence was the romantic medievalist paintings of Edward Burne-Jones and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood; the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery had a large collection of works on public display. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/rare-tolkien-first-editions-up-11802598 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d17c42d4dbda5f51e2c9e7ab189748879ec8c903b7c2300db79b0ecab1551bc7.json |
[
"Ross Mccarthy"
] | 2016-08-30T14:47:27 | null | 2016-08-30T13:29:20 | Gursheena Nandra caused suspicion amongst her colleagues at a branch of Lloyds | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fbank-cashier-who-covered-tracks-11818338.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11818482.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95831703.jpg | en | null | Bank cashier who covered her tracks 'in a professional way' avoids jail | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | A cashier at a bank in Birmingham who pocketed more than £5,000 and tried to cover up what she had done has been handed a suspended sentence.
Gursheena Nandra caused colleagues to become suspicious after they noticed she was taking pictures of her computer screen.
Nandra, 23, of Poppy Lane, Erdington , had previously admitted a charge of theft.
She had been employed at Lloyds since 2011 but in March this year came under suspicion.
Her branch manager had noticed that at the end of the day there were discrepancies between transactions recorded on her computer and what was actually found in her till.
Other employees had also seen her taking photos of her screen using a mobile phone.
On March 9 £600 was found in her till which should not have been there and an investigation was launched which revealed she had been stealing money since November the previous year.
Rob Cowley, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court, said she had taken most of it by putting her hand into the till.
On the day before she was found out an elderly customer had withdrawn £135 but Nandra had debited £1,350 from her account.
Another customer, on a previous occasion, had come in to the bank and asked to transfer £100 to her father’s account but the amount was debited by the cashier but not credited.
When quizzed Nandra admitted needing extra money to top up her salary and that she had a large personal loan with the bank which she wanted to pay off so she could get a mortgage.
In sentencing Nandra to six months suspended for two years and ordering her to do 120 hours unpaid work Judge Richard Bond said she had carried out 11 fraudulent transactions and that she had covered her tracks in “quite a professional way.”
He added that what she did caused people to lose confidence in banks.
However he said the sentence was intended to both punish and rehabilitate her.
Richard McConaghy, defending, said Nandra had since got a job with a Volkswagen dealership and that she was keen to discharge her debt. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/bank-cashier-who-covered-tracks-11818338 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/5b869e78fd47e6e7607f4e60870f24bd11559ead698b344a4bdb7308f929df6d.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-29T16:48:37 | null | 2016-08-29T15:50:34 | New signing Nacer Chadli: "I just want to help the team win as many games as possible." | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-break-transfer-record-11815413.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11811433.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95913455.jpg | en | null | West Brom break transfer record with £13m capture of Spurs flier | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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West Bromwich Albion have confirmed the signing of winger Nacer Chadli from Spurs for a club-record £13 million fee.
The 27-year-old forward has signed a four-year contract after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical at Spire Little Aston Hospital today.
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Chadli, capped 32 times by Belgium, is understood to have cost £1 million more than the sum Albion paid Zenit St Petersburg for Salomon Rondon last August.
He becomes Albion's second third signing of the summer transfer window after Matt Phillips and Brendan Galloway.
Head Coach Tony Pulis said: "He’s a top, top player and I'm delighted we've got him.
"I said last week that these signings all had to be about players who would improve our squad – and Nacer does precisely that."
Chadli will wear the number 22 shirt and could make his debut at Bournemouth a week on Saturday.
"I feel very good to be here," he said.
"It came very quickly but I spoke to the Club and they have a good team, a good manager and I am very pleased to be here.
"My ambitions? I just want to help the team win as many games as possible." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-break-transfer-record-11815413 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/f3085b6ffad4aaf020e21f538d45d144cd2d585a9d23975ae42974e4edbbee94.json |
[
"Gregg Evans"
] | 2016-08-27T12:46:46 | null | 2016-08-27T13:29:21 | What does the future hold for the Danish international? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Flatest-aston-villa-defender-jores-11808235.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11038798.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS82640262.jpg | en | null | The latest on Aston Villa defender Jores Okore | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Jores Okore has a handful of clubs all vying for his signature as the close of the transfer window looms.
The 24-year-old is wanted by FC Copenhagen but has also attracted interest in both Spain and Belgium.
Villa are prepared to let the centre-half leave for a cut-price fee and a return back to Denmark appears to be his most likely option.
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But with five days of the window remaining, Okore has yet to decide on his next destination and will use the weekend to gather his thoughts.
The Danish ace has made just one appearance under Roberto Di Matteo. It came in the 3-1 defeat at Luton Town in the EFL Cup where he scored an own-goal.
It marked a frustrating period for the ex-Nordsjaelland man who has suffered a number of injury problems since arriving in a £4million deal back in 2013. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/latest-aston-villa-defender-jores-11808235 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/2c6d13a28cf15e0e5c490e082d4dee61c917d5f30cf222897b9c6cec1d7186eb.json |
[
"Roz Laws"
] | 2016-08-27T12:47:38 | null | 2016-08-27T11:56:39 | The Scottish rock band are coming to the Barclaycard Arena | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fmusic-nightlife-news%2Fbiffy-clyros-new-european-tour-11807926.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11807983.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98033248.jpg | en | null | Biffy Clyro's new European tour includes a Birmingham date | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Biffy Clyro are going on a European tour which includes Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena.
The Scottish rock band, who were formed 21 years ago, are stopping off here on December 7.
Tickets go on sale on September 2 at 9am by clicking here or ringing 0844 338 8222. They cost from £34.29 to £46.66.
Watch the tour announcement
The tour comes off the back of Biffy Clyro’s seventh studio album Allipsis, which shot straight to number one in the UK and also topped the charts in Germany, Switzerland and Ireland.
The tour includes dates in Berlin, Florence, Vienna, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Warsaw aswell as Estonia, Finland, Norway and Luxembourg. They’re also playing Reading and Leeds Festivals this weekend.
Their new track Howl is released on September 2.
Fans can expect the tour to include hits like Mountains, Many of Horror and Black Chandelier. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/biffy-clyros-new-european-tour-11807926 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/69edc1e58940d8e836fd5740996d8262abf3e5b5e6145bc87b7d61fdf39ecacb.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-29T10:47:04 | null | 2016-08-29T10:56:09 | Alex Dicken reflects on defeat at Ashton Gate for a new look Villa side | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Faston-villa-comment-parts-villa-11813923.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11810351.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98089645.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa comment: The parts are there for Villa to succeed | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | If Roberto Di Matteo needed reminding of the scale of the task in front of him, Bristol City have just handed him the most timely reminder.
The Italian watched his side take a 1-0 lead courtesy of a superb Jack Grealish volley, before second-half efforts from Tammy Abraham, Joe Bryan and Lee Tomlin condemned Aston Villa to another away defeat.
Villa’s latest capitulation was reminiscent of last season’s Premier League nightmare. The scars of last season haven’t healed yet and, in truth, they are showing no signs of mending any time soon.
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This isn’t a problem that a £15 million striker in Abel Hernandez or Enner Valencia can solve, the root to this issue lies far deeper.
Di Matteo’s side have dominated the first-half in each of their six games this season, yet they have only won one of them.
Having the knack of starting matches quickly is only useful if you can see them out and Villa seem incapable of that.
Surrendering a lead can happen to any side, the reaction which followed Abraham’s leveller is what will have worried Di Matteo.
Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo during the match at Bristol City
That sinking feeling returned, it was obvious the second goal was fast approaching and it duly arrived through Bryan. It was far too easy.
Heads began to drop, none more so than Jordan Ayew. He cut a frustrated figure during the second half and was booked for a rash challenge while desperately trying to retrieve the ball.
Ayew looks a world beater when things are going well, but as soon as the going gets a little bit of tough, he starts hiding.
The defeat to the Robins was a carbon copy of the pre-season defeat to Middlesbrough which shows the signs have been there for a while.
Aston Villas Jack Grealish (left) and Middlesbroughs Adam Clayton battle
There was champagne football aplenty in the first half, but as soon as Boro got back into the game, chief tormentor, Ayew completely lost his way.
His inconsistency is probably what frustrates fans. They love his flicks, tricks and incisive play, but loathe his lack of heart.
Fans want to watch players who give their all, players who represent the club they love in the way that they themselves would hope to if they’d possessed the technical ability to make it in the game.
Amidst the negativity, there are positive signs.
Aston Villa's Jack Grealish celebrates opening the scoring at Bristol City
Grealish again demonstrated his goal scoring abilities with a wonderful strike and the return of Jordan Amavi, who came on for the injured Aly Cissokho 15 minutes in, went as well as could be expected.
Mile Jedinak and Ritchie De Laet didn’t enjoy the debuts they would have hoped for.
Both do exactly what it says on the tin, Jedinak is gritty and courageous, while De Laet is energetic with defensive vulnerabilities.
Di Matteo knew that when he signed them, he now has to find a system to suit them, as he does with £12 million signing Ross McCormack.
Aston Villa's Ross McCormack during the match at Bristol City
Villa have only tapped into a small corner of the Scotsman’s talents. They haven’t seen the best of him yet and the manager needs to find a solution.
He has two weeks to find an answer to all of these questions, two weeks that could be crucial in determining Villa’s overall league position.
Should he use the international break well, Villa could be in for an exciting autumn period.
Dr Tony Xia’s finances should ensure Di Matteo has all the parts available to him come Wednesday’s transfer deadline, the boss just needs to build a winning machine to lift this club up the league table and make the fans proud again. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-comment-parts-villa-11813923 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/4ea1e746891ebd25db38a8cb36ab56a34acf39d330c3adf07a008cb532605d8d.json |
[
"Steve Jones"
] | 2016-08-31T12:50:21 | null | 2016-08-31T11:35:58 | The Burnley striker has arrived on deadline day until January 2 - but what are his key attributes? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Flowdown-lukas-jutkiewicz-burnley-striker-11822808.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11822789.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Jutkiewicz.jpg | en | null | The lowdown on Lukas Jutkiewicz: Is the Burnley striker the man to improve Blues' goals tally? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Birmingham City have completed a deadline day loan move for out-of-favour Burnley striker Lukas Jutkiewicz.
The 27-year-old frontman has signed until January 2.
On average, Gary Rowett’s men scored the fifth lowest total of goals last season. Therefore, improving their goals for tally is a must if they are to build on last year’s 10th place finish.
Here’s what we know about the new man.
Career
Beginning his professional career with Swindon Town, before moving to Everton for a reported seven figure sum, the Southampton born striker has spent the majority of his career in the Championship. This has included spells with Middlesbrough, Coventry, Bolton Wanderers and Burnley, where Jutkiewicz currently plies his trade.
Lukas Jutkiewicz playing for Burnley
Nonetheless, alarmingly, the striker is yet to score for his current employers in 35 appearances.
This poor record was not helped by an injury ravaged campaign last season, which limited the 27-year-old to just five first team appearances.
Strengths
At 6ft 1ins, the former Southampton academy player can provide a sound physical presence up front for Gary Rowett.
Jutkiewicz has commanded several million pounds in transfer fees across multiple moves, which his obvious talent, even if his recent form doesn’t suggest so.
Supporters need not fret too much over his current poor run of form.
The majority of Jutkiewicz’s appearances for Burnley came in their doomed 2014/15 Premier League campaign, when The Clarets struggled throughout the entire season, scoring fewer goals than any other team. The striker wasn’t the only player whose form suffered.
OFFICIAL: We are delighted to confirm the signing of @Lukeyjuke on loan until 2 January #BCFC #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/3cJMejXSwu — Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) 31 August 2016
Weaknesses
Jutkiewicz’s goal record throughout his career hardly sets the world alight. The striker has never been particularly prolific.
His best return was during the 2012/13 season with Middlesbrough, where he averaged just over one goal every 3 games across all competitions. The striker also hit a respectable seven goals in 20 appearances for Bolton during the 2013/14 season. This can give Blues fans hope that Jutkiewicz has the ability and potential to make a positive contribution to their season.
Worth the gamble?
A loan move is a sensible option. Jutkiewicz will be a gamble given his recent form and injury record. If the experiment doesn’t pay off, then nothing ventured nothing gained. If it does, Blues will have a goalscorer with decent pedigree among the ranks.
The former Motherwell loanee has produced enough goals and seven figure fees at various points throughout his career to be worth the risk. The move will also provide good competition and cover for lasts season’s top scorer Clayton Donaldson and new signing Che Adams. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lowdown-lukas-jutkiewicz-burnley-striker-11822808 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/4599d8223fc1870afbc20e3547ceaf17e275e2753f1da25f532be017ac79c099.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-29T12:48:06 | null | 2016-08-29T12:05:18 | Doubts remain over Diafra Sakho's fitness, but Tony Pulis is open-minded | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-boss-refuses-rule-11814028.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11811648.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98134886.jpg | en | null | West Brom boss refuses to rule out shock return for striker | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Tony Pulis has not ruled out a fresh move for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho, who came so close to joining West Bromwich Albion last month.
A £16 million fee had been settled by the clubs, while Sakho had also agreed personal terms.
But the transfer fell through at the 11th hour after detailed medical checks revealed the true extent of a pre-existing back injury.
Albion were loathed to splash out a club-record sum on a player that would not have been fit enough to play until mid-September.
With the Premier League pausing for the first international break of the season, West Brom's next match, away to Bournemouth, is not until Saturday, September 10.
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And although Sakho is still injured, it's thought he would be fit enough to return to action the following weekend meaning he would technically only miss one Albion match.
"We'll have to wait and see," Pulis said when asked whether he would return for Sakho before the transfer window closes on Wednesday night.
Albion remain interested in Sakho's Hammers teammate Enner Valencia, also a reported target for Aston Villa.
Valencia has played in six of West Ham's seven fixtures so far, but will fall out of favour when Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll recover from injury and when new signing Simone Zaza becomes available.
Leicester City's Leonard Ulloa is on the Baggies' radar.
Albion have failed to persuade the Premier League champions to part with Jeffrey Schlupp, but they are sure to listen to offers for Ulloa if they can land Islam Slimani from Sporting Lisbon.
Slimani was courted by the Baggies until they were priced out of the chase, with Sporting now pushing for £34 million.
Were he to sign for Leicester it would top up Claudio Ranieri's striker pool to five, with Jamie Vardy, Shinji Ozakaki, Ahmed Musa and Ulloa already at the club. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-boss-refuses-rule-11814028 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/3fce275a807374a21a8b13b39cc29743e934c8b756b07c31992feb597437cb12.json |
[
"Paul Suart"
] | 2016-08-27T12:48:03 | null | 2016-08-27T08:00:00 | Albion boss does not think two more additions will be enough | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Ffive-new-players-still-wanted-11807325.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11779913.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS97595013.jpg | en | null | and Tony Pulis on the futures of Pocognoli, McManaman and Gamboa | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Tony Pulis envisages a long hard season if West Bromwich Albion do not bring in five new players before the transfer window shuts on Wednesday night.
The Baggies have only managed to sign two players - Matt Phillips and Brendan Galloway - so far this summer.
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And even if Albion bring in two more players over the next few days, it will not be enough, according to Pulis, to ensure the Club remains competitive over the course of the campaign.
"We need more than that otherwise we’re going to struggle," he said.
"I'm still hopeful we'll get five.
"I think we need to do it, I really do.
"They're a great group of lads.
"But the group needs a lift more than anything else."
Rui Vieira/PA Wire Albion players stand dejected as Northampton win on penalties
Despite his desperate lack of options, Pulis is not about to change his mind on Sebastien Pocognoli, Cristian Gamboa and Callum McManaman, who appear to have run their race for Albion.
"I'm hoping and praying they will move, for their sakes as much as anything else," he said.
"Obviously Pocognoli and Gamboa, they want to play, Callum wants to play, so hopefully, fingers crossed, we'll be able to find a home for them." | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/five-new-players-still-wanted-11807325 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/a6af06e43950c8e395bce0165e6ea25e37157877b461a4e3ab3278b873f8d38e.json |
[
"Mat Kendrick"
] | 2016-08-29T18:46:37 | null | 2016-08-29T19:10:34 | Buyout finally nearing its conclusion | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fcompletion-birmingham-city-takeover-just-11816228.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article8842337.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/St-Andrews-before-Birmingham-City-v-Huddersfield-Town.png | en | null | Completion of Birmingham City takeover just weeks away | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | The takeover of Birmingham City is set to go through within the next two months.
An announcement has been made to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange following the EGM of Blues’ parent company Birmingham International Holdings LTD.
Shareholders have rubber-stamped Trillion Trophy Asia’s buy-out of Carson Yeung, meaning Paul Suen’s takeover is expected to go through in October.
The two resolutions needed for the deal to progress were both passed at the EGM.
It is now understood to be all systems go for the complex restructuring, including a capital reorganisation, which will pave the way for the new ownership.
The latest news from Hong Kong is a major development in what has been a painstaking and protracted process for Blues and their supporters since the Yeung era turned sour.
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All that is needed now is Grand Court approval, which should happen within the next 24 hours.
Then the process of relisting the BIHL shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange can begin and Trillion Trophy Asia take overall control of the parent company.
BIHL is currently being run by Receivers, a move instigated by the BIHL board which helped sideline former Blues president Yeung and ex-CEO Peter Pannu in order to clear the pathway to a change of ownership.
Blues director Panos Pavlakis has been a key figure in this saga as the link man between Hong Kong and St. Andrew’s for the Receivers, BIHL and TTA, who have provided significant capital investment since coming onto the scene. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/completion-birmingham-city-takeover-just-11816228 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/d3b55078961e5d54325042806e96a382cf288fee5411cf3b0a639d19e6a039fb.json |
[
"Alex Dicken"
] | 2016-08-30T12:47:35 | null | 2016-08-30T13:01:12 | Tony Pulis is reportedly in for these two Premier League stars | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fwest-brom-tony-pulis-could-11818274.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article10890560.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS82584044.jpg | en | null | West Brom: Tony Pulis could be about to sign these two Premier League stars | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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West Bromwich Albion are reportedly set to sign Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho on loan for the season.
The Frenchman caused controversy last year when he was suspended for a doping offence and despite seeming to be back in favour again this season, he was banished from the Reds' pre-season tour.
Jurgen Klopp has now told the defender that he must go out on loan to save his Liverpool future.
The Daily Mail are reporting that West Brom would be prepared to pay £20 million if the club are willing to sell.
However, the Liverpool Echo are reporting that Sakho doesn't want to move to Albion or Stoke City, the other option, which suggests he is holding out for a move to Europe.
Another player to be linked with Albion is Connor Wickham. The striker has fallen down the pecking order at current club Crystal Palace following the arrival of Christian Benteke and the proposed deal for Loic Remy.
The striker scored a double at the Hawthorns last year as Albion beat the Eagles 3-2, one of which was a stunner. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-tony-pulis-could-11818274 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/c5517b799b166043461536b4acb19b7fe672f44e0e15516700756fc4ed7927dc.json |
[
"Darren Campbell",
"Andy Richardson",
"Timothyna Duncan"
] | 2016-08-26T20:46:49 | null | 2016-08-26T21:30:01 | Roads around Florence Street cordoned off as a 'precautionary measure' following string of terror arrests around Midlands | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fshock-bomb-disposal-crews-swoop-11807334.json | http://i1.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11807263.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/unnamed-1.jpg | en | null | Shock as bomb disposal crews swoop on Birmingham city centre in police terror probe | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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Residents and business owners have spoken of their shock as bomb disposal experts were called into Birmingham city centre amid a major police operation.
Part of Bath Row and a number of surrounding streets were cordoned off as the emergency crews swooped on an address in Florence Street at around 3pm on Friday.
SNAPPERSK Police and bomb disposal crews in Birmingham city centre
The incident came after five men were arrested in Birmingham and Staffordshire on suspicion of terrorism offences.
West Midlands Police said an Army Bomb Disposal Team had been called in as a "precautionary measure" as a result of one of the arrests.
SNAPPERSK Police and bomb disposal crews on Bath Row
One resident in nearby Bishopgate Street, who wanted to be known by his first name Martin, said: "I have never seen a police operation like this in my life.
"An officer told me it was a counter-terrorism operation and it is scary to think something like this is happening on the street next to mine.
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“However, It is reassuring to see police responding in this way with such a huge response.”
Local shop owner Khadin M Hussein said his business had been affected by the incident.
SNAPPERSK Police and bomb disposal crews on Bath Row
“We’ve lost almost 90% of our business because our business depends on passing trade," he said.
“I’ve only gotten one customer in the last hour.”
SNAPPERSK Police and bomb disposal crews on Bath Row
The cordon on Bath Row was removed at around 8pm but Florence Street remained blocked while officers continued to investigate.
Earlier in the day police arrested two men aged 18 and 24 from their home addresses in Birmingham while another, aged 28, was held elsewhere in the city.
Fire crews on scene at police incident near Bath Row
A further two men, aged 32 and 37, were arrested in Stoke. All five were held on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
West Midlands Police said the arrests were intellgence-led as part of an ongoing investigation, while officers were also searching a number of properties in the Stoke and Birmingham areas. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/shock-bomb-disposal-crews-swoop-11807334 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/ad528f486a22a99481349ddf8dc8ba46018b229e933d7ca67382940a55d1867f.json |
[
"Gregg Evans"
] | 2016-08-28T18:46:37 | null | 2016-08-28T18:19:28 | Gregg Evans rates the Villa players - what was your verdict? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fbristol-city-3-aston-villa-11812213.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11808889.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98069115.jpg | en | null | Bristol City 3 Aston Villa 1: Player ratings as Villa collapse in the second half | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | GOLLINI 5
Had another difficult day, conceding three and gifting Abraham the equaliser. Di Matteo backed him after.
DE LAET 5
Made his debut and started well but faded after the break. Left gaps in defence which City exposed.
Ritchie De Laet, Jack Grealish and team-mates celebrate Aston Villa's goal at Bristol City
ELPHICK 6
Villa’s top performer but only just about. Commanding for 60 minutes and made vital stops when the pressure was on.
CHESTER 5
Was great in the first half as Villa controlled the game but he needed to hold tight in Villa’s time of need.
CISSOKHO 6
Was only on the pitch for 17 minutes before he departed with an Achilles injury. Could be out for some time.
WESTWOOD 5
Good first half, poor after the break. Lacked the drive and fight that Villa needed when City found their groove.
JEDINAK 4
Surprisingly out-of-sorts. Passes went astray and he looked a little lost. Needs time to settle into a new system.
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BACUNA 5
Used his pace and strength in the first half and set up the goal. Missed a great chance to put the game to bed.
McCORMACK 5
Hasn’t quite found his best form yet. Went close with a free kick but didn’t offer enough to make a difference.
Aston Villa's Ross McCormack during the match at Bristol City
GREALISH 6
Took his goal superbly and gets an extra mark for that. Tracked back to try and win lost balls but was quiet in second half.
AYEW 5
Frustrating. Good first half, anonymous after the break. Needs to pass it more. Missed a good chance.
Aston Villa's Jordan Ayew in action at Bristol City | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-3-aston-villa-11812213 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/dd7346044cfe41cd2924c395d97674a129d7238e002a2bf1dd2c5b00071d24a5.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-28T16:46:46 | null | 2016-08-28T17:00:23 | The striker could be out the door by Wednesday | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fsaido-berahino-forefront-once-again-11812467.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11811946.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98140376.jpg | en | null | Saido Berahino at the forefront once again as deadline day nears | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Saido Berahino on as a substitute for Jonathan Leko
Albion boss Tony Pulis has hinted that Saido Berahino could once again be under the spotlight as deadline day looms.
The young striker replaced Jonathan Leko on Sunday to booing from some quarters of The Hawthorns.
They were followed by boos at the full-time whistle at the end of the drab 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough.
“Supporters are supporters. I’m not going to criticise the supporters," Pulis insisted.
“This is their football club, they have the right to do what they want to do.
“That’s (Berahino’s situation) going to be another topic of conversation in the next few days.
“The board know my feelings. They don’t need the supporters to boo to know my feelings.”
Asked would he reveal why he left Berahino on the bench, the Welshman simply replied: “No. You’ll see in the next 48 hours hopefully.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/saido-berahino-forefront-once-again-11812467 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/9303330b5693c82b211e86a0f76fdbd998a9459c3e6e42da209e93e68028e493.json |
[
"Anuji Varma"
] | 2016-08-27T06:46:34 | null | 2016-08-27T06:30:00 | Sensenbrenner Syndrome means Walsall girl grows at a slower rate than other children | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fhealth%2Fonly-twenty-people-world-disease-11802657.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11803077.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/matilda1.jpg | en | null | Only twenty people in the world have this disease and Matilda is one of them | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
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A Black Country girl who is one of an estimated 20 people in the WORLD to suffer from a rare disease has become the face of a hospital fundraising campaign.
Matilda Hatton, aged seven, from Walsall, has Sensenbrenner Syndrome, but she wasn’t diagnosed until she was three years old because doctors were baffled by her symptoms.
The disease means she has morphic facial features, shorter limbs and grows at a slower rate than other children. She was born with only 30 per cent kidney function and her liver was also abnormal.
Over the years she has had a kidney transplant, and been fed via a tube because she struggles to swallow food. Little is known about the condition.
Matilda Hatton who is only one of a handful of children in the world to have a genetic disorder called Sensenbrenner Syndrome.
Her parents Les, 57, and Michelle, 38, who is Matilda’s full-time carer, know of only one other sufferer - in Canada.
Les, who is also a carer for his nephew, said: “We’d been warned not to look on the internet, but we did. We’ve read so many horror stories, but we’ve had to try and ignore them. It’s so important to think positively.
“During that time when they didn’t know what was wrong with her, we were just living each day as it went.
“The doctors just didn’t know what was going to happen with her and they thought she would be on dialysis soon after her birth because of her kidney function.
“Yet she didn’t need dialysis until she was four years old, and then two years later she had her transplant.
Matilda Hatton during one of her many hospital visits. She is one of only 20 people in the world to suffer from Sensenbrenner Syndrome.
“We thought she’d be able to eat solid food afterwards, but she still doesn’t. She tends to put things in her mouth chew it and then take it out.
“She does the same with sweets and chocolates.”
Days after Matilda was born she was rushed from Stafford Hospital to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where she has received treatment and has been monitored ever since.
Matilda Hatton after she was born. She is one of only 20 people in the world to suffer from Sensenbrenner Syndrome.
It was there that doctors finally told Les and Michelle that they believed their daughter had Sensenbrenner Syndrome. They were told there were only around 20 sufferers recorded since 1975.
Michelle added: “A woman from Canada messaged us one evening to say her child also had Sensenbrenner Syndrome. It was such a relief to hear there was someone else out there. Her little girl looks the spitting image of Matty.
"They were told she wouldn’t survive and there was nothing that could be done. I think it gave them hope and reassured them that they weren’t alone."
She explained: “Our little girl is bubbly and active and she doesn’t let her illness get in the way of things. She loves going to school, and mixes with all the other kids. She puts up a front fighting off any tiredness she gets from the condition. But it does eventually takes its’ toll.”
Les Hatton and his partner Michelle Evans from Great Wyrley at home with daughter Matilda Hatton who is only one of a handful of children in the world to have a genetic disorder called Sensenbrenner Syndrome.
Now Matilda is part of the Star Appeal by Birmingham Children’s Hospital, which is aiming to raise £3.65 million to fund a rare diseases centre at the site.
Her picture will go up in Victoria Square along with 11 other youngsters who are also suffering from a wide range of uncommon conditions next month as part of a fundraising exhibition.
Matilda Hatton's photograph that will be used in the exhibition.
For Matilda’s family a new Rare Diseases Centre would be incredible.
It would help them to “navigate the healthcare system” and find the answers, information and medical developments they have been searching for all of Matilda’s life.
“It will less time spent in hospital, which is great as we will have more time to live a normal life," added Les.
* To donate to the appeal log onto http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/bchch/starsofsteelhouselane . Or text “rare” to 70020 (to give £3). | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/health/only-twenty-people-world-disease-11802657 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/30686c6a9be12bb03e3582b6fb482706bb6e7eecacbdff18fd1b66c7119628f7.json |
[
"Brian Dick"
] | 2016-08-27T16:47:47 | null | 2016-08-27T17:05:25 | Brian Dick's match report from St Andrew's | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Fmatch-reports%2Fbirmingham-city-3-norwich-city-11808504.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11809013.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98074601.jpg | en | null | Davis and Donaldson double ensure Blues cruise to Canary victory | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Birmingham City and Gary Rowett answered their critics in the best possible fashion with a clinical thrashing of Norwich City.
Clayton Donaldson’s first two goals of the season added to David Davis’ 22nd minute opener gave Blues their first home win since March.
They were also an eloquent reply to the doubters who had become increasingly restive following last Saturday’s demoralising loss to Wolves.
Rowett made two changes to his side, David Cotterill and the injured Stephen Gleeson being replaced by Maikel Kieftenbeld and Robert Tesche.
Birmingham City's manager Gary Rowett
That gave Blues a far more solid appearance and while Norwich enjoyed a lot of possession in the first half they didn’t see the whites of Tomasz Kuszczak’s goal.
Jonny Howson had the ball in the net early on - but from an offside position - and that was as close as they got for 45 minutes.
At the other end Rowett’s men hardly cut them to ribbons but they did produce the one moment of quality that split the sides at the break.
Midway through the period Jacques Maghoma curled a delicious inswinging cross on to Davis’ head and the midfielder made no mistake from eight yards.
Norwich upped the tempo at the start of the second half - but once again without creating too much.
Birmingham's Clayton Donaldson scores from a penalty to make it 2-0
And so it was no surprise when Donaldson gave Blues their second.
A couple of minutes earlier Tesche had inexplicably hit the striker’s low centre off the bar from three yards.
Donaldson then won and converted a 68th minute spot-kick when Steven Whittaker inexplicably ploughed into him from behind.
The Jamaica international sent Michael McGovern the wrong way to erase memories of his penalty miss at Wigan.
Norwich pressed and came close through Wes Hoolahan and Jacob Murphy.
But Donaldson rounded off a morale-restoring display with seven minutes to go when he latched on to a defensive slip and finished neatly past the stranded McGovern.
Birmingham's Clayton Donaldson and Norwich's Michael McGovern
BLUES (4-4-2)
Kuszczak; Spector, Morrison, Shotton, Grounds; Davis, Tesche, Kieftenbeld, Maghoma (Cotterill 90); Adams (Brown 90), Donaldson. Subs: Legzdins, Robinson, Fabbrini, Solomon-Otabor, Stewart
NORWICH (4-1-4-1)
McGovern; Whittaker, Bennett, Klose, Brady; Tettey; Jamie Murphy, Howson, Hoolahan, Canos; Naismith. Subs: Jones, Martin, Bassong, Mulumbu, Lafferty, Maddison, Josh Murphy.
Norwich City's manager Alex Neil
ANALYSIS
The second goal was everything. In many ways it was a similar first half to last Saturday when Blues were clearly up against a decent, certainly more creative side.
However, Donaldson’s penalty gave Rowett’s men the breathing space they needed and settled their nerves. The third was well-earned after a battling display from the striker.
You’d also have to say the return of Robert Tesche and Maikel Kieftenbeld ensure Blues weren’t going to be dominated in the middle of the park. A good selection by Rowett.
Birmingham's Clayton Donaldson celebrates after scoring from a penalty to make it 2-0
CROWD WATCH
Attendance: 16,295 , 1,609 from Norwich. Not a great atmosphere for much of the match. But once Blues got their second Gary Rowett was once again the flavour of the month with the Tilton. Nervy towards the end as Blues got pushed back.
BIGGER PICTURE
A week in football is a long time.
From the despondency of last Saturday, Blues are looking up the table again and have the confidence that their new players are only going to become more influential. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/birmingham-city-3-norwich-city-11808504 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/cfd29f6e78efc1404f585096739ee31c4873198f9b58d308d236753cd1822f95.json |
[
"Andy Richards"
] | 2016-08-30T08:48:13 | null | 2016-08-30T09:09:00 | MAC date for evergreen band | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Fceltic-rockers-quill-play-first-11802692.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11816736.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/joy.jpg | en | null | Celtic rockers Quill play first Brum gig in two years | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | EVERGREEN folk and Celtic rockers Quill are to play their first gig in Birmingham in two years.
And, with a new line-up, they are promising plenty of new material as well as traditional favourites and classics.
The band will play The MAC in Cannon Hill Park, on Thurday, September 1.
Lead vocalist Joy Strachan Brain said: “It’s actually the first time we will have played Birmingham since taking part in 21 Today, the Justice4the21 charity concert at Birmingham Town Hall.
“It’s quite circumstantial really - we’ve been doing a lot of festivals around the area in the likes of Shrewsbury and Lichfield and the shows have been going really well.
“So we are really looking forward to coming back to the city.
“The shows have been going really well, we have some new material, some traditional stuff, old classics along with new material.
“We earned our living playing cover versions for 40 years but we’re a lot braver now and do a lot of our own stuff!”
The band has gone through a number of changes in the past two years and have a new album out which has been earning good reviews.
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Their new line up comes with some impressive credentials, from working with the likes of Robert Plant, Bellowhead, Seth Lakeman and Steve Winwood.
Renowned as one of the most adaptive and adventurous bands to have come out of the Midlands, the new Quill line-up is Abby Brant on vocals and keyboards; Matt Worley on vocals, bass guitar and endless string instruments; top drummer and multi-instrumentalist Andy Edwards and Tony Kelsey on guitar and vocals.
Kate McWilliam on violin and vocals and Joy Strachan Brain on lead vocals completes the line-up.
The latest album, Brush With The Moon, has been released by Cherry Red Records.
Support for the show will be Deborah Rose and Mari Randle
For ticket information visit macbirmingham.co.uk | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/celtic-rockers-quill-play-first-11802692 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/58e2b9eead18e724b6a0bb5232ee8bb40f59b4945647d028d0432919f4114de4.json |
[
"Edd Evans"
] | 2016-08-31T12:48:18 | null | 2016-08-31T12:34:39 | As the wingers prepare to switch clubs, we ask: who will benefit more? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Faston-villa-adama-adomah-whos-11822913.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11763343.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS96963632.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa: Adama and Adomah - who's getting the better deal? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
Aston Villa are set to sign Middlesbrough’s Albert Adomah.
Middlesbrough are said to be in advanced talks with Adama Traore.
Similar names, similar players, but who would you prefer at Villa Park?
After initially rejecting a move to B6, it was reported last night that the Adomah deal is back on for Aston Villa.
Aston Villa's Adama Traore
He is expected to sign for the Villans for around £6m later today, which is a price many would agree is a steal when you consider the fact that Villa splashed out £7m for Adama Traore in 2015.
Adama, who has been nothing more than a flop in his time with Villa, looks very likely to make the opposite journey up the M1 today, as his move to Boro is reportedly almost done.
Expectations were extremely high for the 20-year-old when he signed from Barcelona, and he has produced some moments of brilliance with his eye-opening pace and power.
However, a bad injury and a lack of discipline has left him out of favour at Villa, and he recently called for a move away from the club.
So, it now appears that Adama will make way for Adomah, which would be an excellent bit of business for Roberto Di Matteo and Tony Xia.
Phillip Bardsley of Stoke City battle for possession with Albert Adomah of Middlesbrough
Adomah, who is a Ghanaian international, is a confident and efficient right-winger who has superb footwork and passing ability.
The 28-year-old also has a relatively impressive scoring record.
In his time with Barnet, he scored 20 goals in 120 games. At Bristol City he became a fan-favourite with his exciting style of attacking play, scoring 17 goals in 131 appearances for the club.
In 2013, Adomah signed for Middlesbrough for a fee of around £1m. He has had just under 150 outings for the club, scoring 28 goals in total.
He played a pivotal role in their promotion to the top-flight last season, and that sort of experience is exactly what Aston Villa need in this season's title charge.
Poll loading …
Like Adama, Adomah has also been somewhat out of favour in recent times under Boro boss Aitor Karanka.
After been named in the starting eleven on the opening day of the season, Adomah only featured as a substitute in Boro’s second game and then he was dropped from the squad which faced West Brom on the weekend.
Therefore, he may be eager to find a way out of the Riverside due to lack of game time. But for now the winger’s move to Villa Park is still very much in the air.
It is transfer deadline day though, so anything could happen. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-adama-adomah-whos-11822913 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/8ed9452b0c5025d6a3c0e974fba3afff1dc58be6b554a648df42aba396a33b22.json |
[
"Brian Dick"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:09 | null | 2016-08-26T12:13:41 | Birmingham boss won't be deflected by social media critics. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ffootball-news%2Fbirmingham-city-manager-gary-rowett-11803876.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11685572.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95978724.jpg | en | null | Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett accepts criticism but also calls for reality | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
The Live Event you are trying to watch is either unavailable or has not started Please refresh this page in your browser to reload this live event video
Gary Rowett agrees both he and his players deserved criticism after last weekend’s traumatic defeat to Wolves.
But the Birmingham City boss also called for a measure of realism as Blues look to breathe momentum into their season against Norwich City tomorrow.
While Saturday’s 3-1 loss was well below par, Rowett was also adamant he will not allow that criticism to deflect him from what he believes is the right path for Blues.
“It always intrigues me how some managers are on social media and you can argue that’s the modern way - but if I was on social media I certainly wouldn’t be reading it after the Saturday game,” Rowett said.
“If we lose a game and we lose it in a poor way then we deserve criticism. I have got no problem with that at all, we deserve criticism and for the fans to be frustrated.
“That’s what they pay their money for to come and see the game on a Saturday.
Blues manager Gary Rowett
“I get that on the back of us not being as good in home games for a period, although we had a spell at the end of last season where we picked up a little bit.
“I get that frustration.
“If fans want to be negative I have got no problem with that at all.
“Someone said to me at the end of the first season ‘You have raised expectations’. I said ‘My job is to raise expectations’.”
But he insists those expectations have to be based in reality, given the Championship is probably more competitive than ever before.
“We have finished tenth twice, if people think we should automatically be challenging for the play-offs this season then I think they have got to think a little bit more realistically and clearly.
“Of course we want to do that - but there are also another 15 teams who are probably pushing even harder to do that with greater financial backing.
“At the end of the day we are not happy with Saturday, we deserve criticism for Saturday, we criticise ourselves enough.
“But if I am going to start listening to negativity and let it affect me and my judgement then I am in the wrong job.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-manager-gary-rowett-11803876 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/453a4e1f5e38717c64ac2df438aef442583eaec7e4952e5c1ab93c460ae7f23e.json |
[
"Sanjeeta Bains"
] | 2016-08-30T14:48:17 | null | 2016-08-30T13:34:52 | Find out the nearest restaurants to you that will be affected | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fwhats-on%2Ffood-drink-news%2Ffrankie-bennys-planning-massive-cull-11818501.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article6793664.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS33338825.jpg | en | null | Frankie and Benny's planning massive cull on restaurants | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Frankie & Benny's in Kidderminster is safe from closure for now
We’ve all been to a Frankie and Benny’s once in our lives but for many people in the UK there may not be a next time.
Due to a ‘challenging trading period’ as well as insufficient focus on value, unsuccessful menu development and poor operational execution’,
The chain’s owners The Restaurant Group who also own Chiquito Mexican restaurant chain have announced the closure of 33 outlets in total.
The are ten Frankie and Benny’s branches in the West Midlands which include Merry Hill in Dudley, The Fort Shopping Park and Birmingham Road. Most of these are safe for now.
Frankie and Benny's
All Chiquito local branches which include Hagley Road and Walsall are also currently safe from closure.
Further to the 33 outlets closing, The Restaurant Group has identified another 29 UK outlets that will be looked at. But at the moment they are not at risk of closure.
The closest Frankie and Benny’s closure to affect the West Midlands is Frankie and Benny's on Fletchampstead Highway in Coventry.
The nearest Chiquito closure will be Midsummer Boulevard in Milton Keynes.
Both sites will close by mid October 2016. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/frankie-bennys-planning-massive-cull-11818501 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/e82e15958bf1a2709bb9dc84d4f0b203fa3e4692abf6b42ca611ab97fabef5fb.json |
[
"Neil Elkes"
] | 2016-08-29T14:46:45 | null | 2016-08-29T13:33:10 | Beware fraudsters ringing residents and telling them that they have paid too much council tax | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fwarning-over-council-tax-scam-11814734.json | http://i1.birminghampost.co.uk/incoming/article6281514.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/PM2270717.jpg | en | null | Warning over council tax scam targeting your life savings | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | A new scam is doing the rounds using council tax as bait
Fraudsters are targeting people in Birmingham with a cruel council tax scam that could cost their life savings.
The people behind the scam are ringing residents and telling them that they have paid too much council tax. The good news, they say, is that they can reclaim the cash for a small fee.
But then the tricksters ask unwitting householders for their bank details so they can have the tax repaid into their accounts.
Once armed with the details, the criminals can raid bank accounts for savings.
Birmingham City Council chiefs have warned people not to give anybody private information.
If anyone believes they have paid too much tax, they should take it up with the city’s revenue department, they said.
Council customer service director Chris Gibbs said: “We are aware of a scam currently targeting Birmingham residents.
“The caller tells them they have paid too much council tax and then offers to get this money back for a fee.
“This is followed by a request for their bank details.
“Neither the council nor its associated companies will ever contact people in this way or request payment over the phone.
“I would urge anyone receiving such a call not to disclose personal or financial information.
“If anyone has any queries about their council tax payments then they should contact the council directly.”
The Government’s Valuation Office Agency says that the scam has been targeting various areas of Britain since December.
“We are aware of a number of council tax refund scams that are currently operating around the country,” a spokesman for the agency said.
“Someone may telephone you, or appear personally at your door, claiming to be able to reduce your council tax bill.
“Don’t give your bank details to anyone, and don’t accept cold callers’ claims about your council tax band.
“Sometimes these people are even turning up on the doorstep – do not let anyone into your home without seeing appropriate identification.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/warning-over-council-tax-scam-11814734 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/67631909cf5f1c2ae464f7c3c364d6085974410cc4c728f4ec81c4d847fb3175.json |
[
"Andy Richards"
] | 2016-08-30T10:51:20 | null | 2016-08-30T10:48:00 | Inspirational tale of youngster given chance to turn her life around | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fhow-barnados-saved-little-birmingham-11802751.json | http://i2.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article11816849.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/lizmat.jpg | en | null | How Barnado's saved a little Birmingham girl from the workhouse almost 150 years ago | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Previously unseen Victorian archive records from Barnardo’s show what life was like for the first fostered children when the scheme was originally pioneered in England by the children’s charity in 1887.
They include the fascinating details of a little Birmingham girl, Elizabeth Matthews, who narrowly avoided being sent to the workhouse, thanks to the charity.
Today, in its 150th year, Barnardo’s is appealing for more people to come forward to look after the 52,000 children who live in foster care in England as well as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Barnardo's foster boy Thilibert Arnold Borsay
In 1887, Thomas Barnardo sent 320 boys, many from the slums of the East End of London, to live with rural villagers across the south and east of England to experience the fresh air and the countryside.
Foster carers were sought who didn’t live close to factories or railway stations, and had space to make sure children never slept more than two to a bed to help children escape from polluted, overcrowded urban slums.
Children placed in Barnardo’s foster care in the Victorian era had often previously experienced abuse or neglect.
Lillian Murray
Archive medical records show a third of the first 457 boys who entered Barnardo’s care had rickets, 21 had ringworm and they often had bad teeth.
Once children moved into foster care they showed marked improvement in health and development at school.
Within two years, the scheme was so successful the number of children in foster care had more than doubled, and took in girls as well as boys.
Barnardo's boy Herbert John Ransom
By 1889, a quarter of all children fostered through the successful scheme were girls. Many of the girls who were fostered had been at risk of child sexual exploitation, or as it was then known “moral danger”.
Thomas Barnardo continued to develop the foster care scheme throughout his life, and by his death in 1905, 4,000 children were looked after in foster care. Today, three in four (75 per cent) of children in care in England are fostered.
Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan, said: “Much has changed over the past 130 years, but in the West Midlands there are still thousands of vulnerable children in foster care, who simply need someone who can always be there for them.
Elizabeth Mouncey
“Just as in Victorian times, today we’re looking for people with a genuine desire to make life better for some of the country’s most vulnerable children, to become foster carers.
“Barnardo’s foster carers benefit from our experience; we know how to support both you and the child you care for.
“If you are considering fostering then I would urge you to get in touch with our Barnardo’s foster care team.”
To find out more about fostering, contact Barnardo’s http://www.barnardos.org.uk/fostering , or call 0800 0277 280.
Elizabeth’s story:
Elizabeth Matthews (alias Hiles)
DOB: 30 October 1876
Elizabeth Matthews would have been sent to the workhouse, were it not for Barnardo’s.
Just a week before her 13th birthday, she was taken in by a Mrs Smith at a Barnardo’s ‘receiving house’ in Copeley Hill, Birmingham.
A few days later, on November 2, 1889, her step-father signed an agreement for Elizabeth to be looked after by Barnardo’s where she remained for the next eight years.
The preceding two years must have had been tough for young Elizabeth.
In June 1888, Elizabeth had run away from her step-father. She went to her step-grandparents, hoping to seek refuge with them.
Sadly, they were both too poor and too advanced in age to support her.
Her mother had died in December 1887, leaving her with two step-siblings and her step father, George Lueds. Nothing was recorded about her father.
Elizabeth’s entry record, number 2,000, describes her predicament:
“This poor girl ran away from a tramping step-father who is a cripple, and earns his living by hawking, begging, and singing…. [He is] now roaming the country with one of his two children, a boy – and lodging in the lowest lodging houses.”
Elizabeth spent the first two and half years in a Barnardo’s home, before being placed with a foster family in the rural hamlet of Abbots Roothing in Essex, where she lived for four years.
Elizabeth’s final move was to Barnardo’s Girls Village home in Barkingside where she remained for two years to undertake domestic training.
In November 1898 – nine years and two weeks after her step father signed the admission agreement, Elizabeth left Barnardo’s to enter service.
Barnado's
Top commitments in the Barnardo’s foster-parents agreement, pre-1900:
1. To bring up the said child carefully, kindly and in all respects as one of my family.
2. To provide the said child with proper food, clothing, washing, lodging and school fees.
3. To endeavour to train the said child in habits of truthfulness, obedience, personal cleanliness and industry.
4. To take care that the said child, when of suitable age, shall attend regularly at a public elementary school.
5. To communicate with the lady or gentleman who has charge of the children in the district upon all matters affecting the welfare of the said child; and in the case of….illness to report it immediately….and if necessary at once to call in the assistance of a medic
Barnardo’s is marking its 150th anniversary this year.
Thomas Barnardo’s vision was for no child to be turned away from the help they need.
During its 150 year history the charity has helped transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged children in the UK, and continues to help families to build a better future.
Last year 240,000 children, young people and families were supported by Barnardo’s through more than 960 services across the UK, such as young carers, care leavers, foster carers and adoptive parents, training and skills or parenting classes.
Visit www.barnardos.org.uk to find out more. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/how-barnados-saved-little-birmingham-11802751 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/633220d5cf8b57a9312f55ecffdbfbf0aa4efa4af8ad36a80b2820083efa6458.json |
[
"Brian Dick"
] | 2016-08-26T16:46:17 | null | 2016-08-26T16:00:00 | Blues writer Brian Dick works through Rowett's squad player-by-player. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fbirmingham-city-player-could-sacrificed-11805427.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11626283.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS95088924.jpg | en | null | Which Birmingham City player could be 'sacrificed' by Gary Rowett? | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Gary Rowett is working on adding one, perhaps two, new players to his Birmingham City squad before the transfer window closes next Wednesday.
But the Blues boss has once again admitted he may still need to off-load before he can recruit.
He restated that much today and seems to be working on creating more room in his budget, even after the departure of James Vaughan and four loan players.
In fact he used an intriguing word in his pre-Norwich press conference - ‘sacrifice’.
So far the players who have been allowed to leave Blues have come from the fringes of his squad. Vaughan, Andy Shinnie, Charlee Adams, Koby Arthur and Alex Jones have barely played this year.
However, the implication over the last couple of weeks has been that someone more integral to his squad may leave St Andrew’s in the come days.
But which of his key men could be sacrificed. Blues writer Brian Dick takes a look through the whole first team squad and speculates.
Goalkeepers:
Tomasz Kuszczak - Allowing such an experienced player to leave would create too much instability.
Adam Legzdins - Would his sale free up enough cash to make a huge difference to Rowett’s war-chest?
Overall - Not much slack to be found here.
Defenders
Paul Caddis - Not in the side at present but Rowett described him as remaining an important player. In any case he doesn’t have that many defenders to play with.
Jonathan Spector - Currently the starting right back, offers versatility - a useful squad player.
Michael Morrison - First team captain.
Ryan Shotton - Arguably the signing of the summer so far. Forming a good partnership at the back.
Paul Robinson - Experienced voice, involved in development squad.
Jonathan Grounds - The only front line left back. Moving him on would create a massive hole.
Overall - Blues are hardly blessed with options at the back anyway. Difficult to see who’s expendable.
Rowett responds to criticism:
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Central Midfielders
Maikel Kieftenbeld - On his day Blues’ most complete midfielder.
Robert Tesche - Just arrived, more to contribute.
Stephen Gleeson - Has been the subject of recent speculation. Blues are well stocked in this position. Perhaps his time has come.
David Davis - Only four games in but perhaps the best player so far this term. His industry and energy add something different when he plays.
Overall - There are four front line options here, for two - maybe three, positions. Perhaps some slack to be found in this department.
Wingers
David Cotterill - Off form at the moment and regularly the subject of speculation. He could be the one to go - but when on form his contribution is crucial.
Viv Solomon-Otabor - Like Reece Brown, referred to by Rowett as part of Birmingham’s future.
Greg Stewart - He’s only just arrived. Definitely not on his way.
Jacques Maghoma - Birmingham’s most dependable winger. Highly unlikely to go.
Overall - Rowett isn’t over-run with choices out wide and if Cotterill is ‘sacrificed’ I’m not sure Blues are ready to lose someone who CAN be so influential.
Birmingham City's Stephen Gleeson in action against Leeds
Forwards
Clayton Donaldson - Donaldson going would leave Rowett with a massively inexperienced forward line - and little time to replace him.
Diego Fabbrini - Has played only once this season and he’s hardly lit up St Andrew’s since returning. Has Rowett moved on from the play-maker’s role?
Reece Brown - Rowett is talking in terms of Brown being the medium-term future. Highly unlikely to leave.
Che Adams - Potentially the crown jewel, surely staying.
Nicolai Brock-Madsen - Could go anyway but wouldn’t free up huge amounts of budget.
Jack Storer - Huge potential, Rowett will persevere with him.
Overall - The front-line is looking a little thin after the departure of James Vaughan so allowing Donaldson to go and leaving Adams, Storer and Brock-Madsen could be suicidal.
Birmingham City's Diego Fabbrini chips the ball in.
Verdict
If Rowett is weaning himself off the No. 10 berth Fabbrini could be the one who’s sacrificed, particularly with Brown on the rise.
That would be a major about-face just seven months after he returned to the club and was touted as the first seven-figure signing for half a decade.
The other candidate could be Gleeson. Rowett rates him but perhaps feel he has most cover in central midfield.
I’ll reiterate, this is 100 per cent speculation and just my reading of a moving situation. There’s every chance either player could stay and be a vital contributor this season and that Rowett is thinking something else entirely. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-player-could-sacrificed-11805427 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/6b03bb9c2466e45ba274c00aa9366acec5f420943b458295297d2a391243f989.json |
[
"Joseph Chapman"
] | 2016-08-30T14:48:07 | null | 2016-08-30T15:08:47 | Villa have completed the signing of Jonathan Kodjia | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Faston-villa-claret-blues-reveal-11819254.json | http://i4.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/article11819257.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS98276228.jpg | en | null | Aston Villa: Claret and blues reveal eighth | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Aston Villa have announced they've completed the signing this afternoon of Bristol City striker Jonathan Kodjia.
The 26-year-old striker only arrived at Ashton Gate last summer from French side Angers for around £2m, but that fee has been well and truly eclipsed by the £15m Villa have parted with to bring him to the West Midlands.
It's a fee that is believed to be a Championship record for the buying club.
Kodjia, who has signed a four-year deal with Villa, completed his medical at Bodymoor Heath this morning.
He plundered 20 goals for the Robins last season, including once at The Hawthorns in the 2-2 FA Cup draw with Albion.
Villa turned to Kodjia after the move for primary target and Hull striker Abel Hernandez broke down, reportedly through a disagreement over personal terms.
The forward has two caps and has scored once for his native Ivory Coast.
Villa CEO Keith Wyness tweeted: "really impressed after meeting Jonathan, great character and great athlete, goals please!"
New signing Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa
Owner Dr Tony Xia added: "Kodjia almost closed a sign with other clubs including perims* (*sic Prems) be4 we turned into him. We're delighted he chose playing 4 Villa! Welcome Kodjia!"
Boss Roberto Di Matteo said: "We are really pleased to have secured the services of Jonathan.
“He is a proven goal-scorer and hopefully he’ll play an important part in what we hope will be a successful season for the club.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-claret-blues-reveal-11819254 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/3f85ad191248198acd7785e31b4ed07a75cb950c2dea4a509cce0bc3d3c0f8f7.json |
[
"Aidan Mccartney"
] | 2016-08-30T22:46:49 | null | 2016-08-30T22:35:54 | Could this man be the answer to the Blues left-sided problems? | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fsport%2Ffootball%2Ftransfer-news%2Fbirmingham-city-rumour-afc-bournemouth-11821400.json | http://i3.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article11821413.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/JS56020539.jpg | en | null | Birmingham City rumour: AFC Bournemouth defender could make deadline day switch | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Birmignham City are reportedly poised to make a deadline day swoop for AFC Bournemouth left-back Rhoys Wiggins.
Blues boss Gary Rowett has been looking for a new left-sided defender to fight it out with Jonathan Grounds all summer.
And according to Sky Sports, the former Sheffield Wednesday man is set for a medical tomorrow ahead of signing for the Blues.
Wiggins, 28, joined the Cherries for the fourth time in February from the Owls, as he penned a two-and-a-half year deal.
However he has failed to make an appearance for Eddie Howe's side and could now be heading back to the Championship with a permanent switch to St Andrews in the offing.
Birmingham City's Viv Solomon-Otabor battles for the ball with Sheffield Wednesday's Rhoys Wiggins and Kieran Lee
The former Welsh U-21 international has previously spent two loan spells and a permanent move - between July 2010 and July 2010 - on the south coast.
Wiggins started his career at Crystal Palace before heading to Norwich City and Bournemouth. His career took off during a four-year spell with Charlton Athletic where he made more than 100 appearances.
Blues have also been linked with a move for Burnley striker Lukas Jutkiewicz ahead of tomorrow's transfer deadline day with Rowett hoping to get several deals over the line. | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-rumour-afc-bournemouth-11821400 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/b57796f63b15e4aacd9cf06c519ce2ca50fbc72ed4e9bbfdec1ace221871fe4c.json |
[
"James Cartledge"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:38 | null | 2016-08-26T11:50:29 | 4x4 had sunk beneath the surface when it collided with cruising craft | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birminghammail.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fmidlands-news%2Fland-rover-smashes-canal-boat-11803648.json | http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/article11803704.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/River-crash-diggerJPG.jpg | en | null | Land Rover smashes into CANAL BOAT | null | null | www.birminghammail.co.uk | Police are investigating after a canal boat smashed into a submerged Land Rover on the River Avon.
No-one was hurt in the collision but police and fire officers rushed to the scene and the 4x4 was lifted from the water using a digger.
It happened just before noon on Thursday near Cleeve Prior in Worcestershire .
The West Mercia force appealed for information about how the Land Rover came to be in the water.
Writing on Twitter, Evesham police wrote: “Police @HWFireEvesham committed at river following a canal boat colliding with a vehicle submerged in the Avon at the rear of Cleeve Prior.
@EveshamCops The boat involved in the crash.
“Grateful to other river users and local businesses who assisted police and fire with recovering the vehicle and that there were no occupants.
The Hereford and Worcester Fire Service tweeted: “11:56 1/2 @HWFireEvesham @HWFireWorcs @HWFirePershore assisted @WMerciaPolice with a boat which had become stuck on a car in the river.
@EveshamCops The ermergency services located the 4x4.
“ Incident located on River Avon near to Harvington.
“Luckily there were no injuries.” | http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/land-rover-smashes-canal-boat-11803648 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.birminghammail.co.uk/f0e3f2ed5fbfa2579d30a88a442aefc2dd6f4194bb3bb8bfafb150a3342cb43f.json |
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