Cleaning up in Walsall
‘New’ jobs might be created, but at what cost? wonders The Mushroom
International Honours
Ahead of their European League adventure, Andy Munro tells of Blues’ previous triumph in Portugal.
Of Scotland, The Riots and England
Richard Lutz is in Scotland- land of vicious football violence, demented sectarianism and an escalating murder rate. But no riots. He finds out why. North of the border then for a Scottish break. And as I pass Carlisle, things change. The air is sweeter, the accent sharper, the weather…well, the weather gets, shall we say,…
Smash’n’Grab
There are many explanations being put forward. Dave Woodhall says the simplest is close to the truth.
Craving the Cottage
Villa’s league campaign started at Fulham. Dave Woodhall tells us all about it.
Battle of the Blues
Andy Munro reports from St Andrews on a hard-won three points.
Tories Push for Looters’ Lawsuit
From Howard Elston, Our Man in the Know with the Blackberry in his hand and a cheese and onion sandwich in the other Top Tories, furious at having to cancel summer holidays, are to sue rioters for loss of leisure time. PM David Cameron had to wipe out part of his Tuscan jaunt; Treasury boss…
Laying the blame II
Alan Clawley writes,”…. they are invariably inflamed by economic disadvantage and gross inequality”
London Riots: A View from the 42nd Floor
Sheilagh Matheson finds a huge gap between the two Britains as she travels home to Tyneside from a riot torn capital The 42nd floor of the NatWest Tower in London is a champagne bar called Vertigo, entry by reservation only, breath-taking views. It’s early evening and small groups of 20-30 year olds chat and laugh, sipping…
The True Face of our City
Just for a change Dave Woodhall’s been to a football match. He was encouraged by what he saw.
Every Little Helps
In light of a recent comment, Steve Beauchampé wonders if the Prime Minister has double standards
Shout to the Top
Dave Woodhall looks ahead to the start of the new Premier League season, and in particular Villa’s trip to Fulham – riots permitting.
Laying the Blame
Andy Munro gives a first-hand account of what can cause such disturbances – and how to prevent them happening.
Campaigners Fight Birmingham’s Out of Town Supermarket Plans
Our recent story about proposed developments at Acocks Green has drawn a reply from local campaigner Julie Larden
Derby Daze
Andy Munro watches the start of Blues’ season and offers some thoughts for the months ahead.
Carbuncle Architecture
Alan Clawley asks, “Should the design of major buildings like The Public, The Cube or Birmingham’s new Library be left to a few elite architects and their patrons?”
Exclusive: Murdoch Boss in Heart Swap Drama
By Ace Elston, our medical reporter James Murdoch, the son of mega media boss Rupert Murdoch, is to be given a real heart in place of his artificial organ, I can personally reveal. Investigations by the Elston Report research team have found that James, who so famously stumbled and disingenuously shrugged his way through the…
Markets for sale
Birmingham City Council has had its eye on the 21 acres of prime development land occupied by the Wholesale Markets for some years. Bleak future ahead, reckons Alan Clawley.
Horrible Bosses – film review
Dave Woodhall reviews a film that shouldn’t be taken too literally.
The Phoney War
Villa are back from Hong Kong and there’s two weeks until the fun begins. Dave Woodhall’s waiting patiently.
The Piers Review
A West Midlands policeman once said to me: ‘Follow the rabbit.’ I asked him exactly what that meant.
Exclusive: Blues Bail Out Grandtop!
Andy Munro wonders, yet again, what’s going on at St Andrews
The Master Planners
The Master Planner’s plans are oft foiled by circumstances beyond their control. Birmingham has suffered as a result.
Clegg Has Secret Op- But Will He Change?
Nick Clegg has undergone a secret operation today on his Inner Coalition organ – and experts say it may change the way he speaks.
Now Here’s The News From Your Area
Richard Lutz clicks on the tv to see what’s happening on the local news.
Seven Days Too Long
Dave Woodhall looks back on a week at Villa Park where a few things happened.
Tell me why?
Dave Woodhall adds to the mountain of words that have been written about the death of Amy Winehouse.
The Balti Debate
Balti expert Andy Munro responds to criticism of the great Brummie tradition.
Ziggy Stardust
Another day, another possible departure from St Andrews. Andy Munro reports.
Strip Off
Dave Woodhall continues to wonder what makes football supporters so keen to hand over their last penny.