The Mercury Issue 1563

The Region’s Number One Entertainment & Classifieds Newspaper

new regional gambling service launched

This week saw the launch of the NorthEast and Yorkshire Gambling clinic in Sheffield.

The service will provide specialist NHS treatment for people experiencing gamblingrelated harm across South Yorkshire. By the end of 2024, the National Health Service will have the capacity to treat up to 3,000 people every year through 8 regional services at 15 clinics in total.

At the event, the clear messages from those with lived experience, professionals and those who have lost loved ones to suicide because of gambling addiction were that no-one should face unnecessary stigma or shame because of

gambling addiction and that it’s important for people to talk about it.

Greg Fell, Director of Public Health in Sheffield, said: “We can and must focus on individuals but if we forget the system and products within the system then we’re missing a big trick.”

“We need to remember these key points:

• Don’t talk about problem gambling. That frames the whole issue in faulty people. This isn’t about faulty people, this is about a system that creates harm.

• Talk about whole populations – there are wilful narratives at play out there from the gambling industry, portraying gambling as a leisure pursuit and

harmless fun.

• Gambling is a multi-billion-pound industry that uses the same tactics and the same play book as oil, tobacco, fast food –“distort, deny, delay.”

You’ve got to talk about this approach and make people aware.

• Those responsible for creating harms to health should not be involved in decisions about how to prevent harm but that isn’t being played out at the moment – there is enormous industry influence in the policy process.

• Advertising and marketing: £1.5 billion is spent marketing very addictive products to us, but the industry tells us that it isn’t linked to behaviour.”

Councillor Angela

Argenzio, Co-Chair of Sheffield’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “I was very pleased to be at today’s launch of gambling services in Sheffield. Help is out there and we’re grateful to those who have made this possible. We encourage people to come forward and talk about what’s happening to them with their gambling.

“They will be assured by professionals who will work with them, who understand that they are up against a very powerful industry that is willing them to keep going, keep playing, keep betting, knowing that the only winner is the gambling industry. They will help people to escape from the gambling trap.

ADVENTURE OUT THIS EASTER AT CLUMBER PARK

clumber

Originally home to the Dukes of Newcastle, Clumber Park is steeped in history, with clues to its grand past dotted throughout the park. It is home to a splendid 83-acre serpentine lake, a 4-acre walled kitchen garden and a magnificent gothic Chapel.

Providing the perfect backdrop for exploring, relaxing and spending time

together, there’s something for every member of the family at Clumber Park.

Hiring bikes from the Cycle Hub, or bringing your own, is the perfect way to explore the woods and lakeside views of the estate.

Have fun den building in the natural play area and enjoy climbing, hiding and exploring in the hidden Woodland Play Park. Look out for wildlife as you explore the Pleasure Grounds or spend some quiet time in the busy Bird Hide.

The Discovery Centre is a must see when visiting.

It’s a great place to learn more about Clumber Park’s amazing array of wildlife and get involved in fun, seasonal arts & craft activities.

From Friday 29 Marchsunday 14 april, clumber Park’s Easter adventures will offer endless fun for all ages and every member of the family.

The Easter Family Trail offers lots of activities to keep the little ones entertained. Visitors can challenge friends and family to a game of crazy golf and practice their aim

on the coconut shy. Try balancing skills with an egg & spoon race or hop like a bunny in the sack race. They’ll also be fairies hiding in the trees ready to be spotted! £3 per trail, includes a chocolate egg.

The Easter Escape Trail is designed for older children and adults who want to enjoy playing detective. Solve riddles to discover the next location, decipher codes and find hidden objects, all to uncover a final destination where a prize can be claimed. £3 per trail, includes a chocolate egg.

20/3/1916 Albert Einstein publishes his general theory of relativity.

21/3/1965 Martin Luther King, Jr. leads 3,200 people on the start of the third and finally successful civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

22/3/1888 In England, The Football League,the world’s oldest professional Association Football league, is founded.

The Easter Dog Agility Trail will be based outside Central Bark, Clumber’s dog-friendly cafe. Dogs can enjoy the a-frame, seesaw, hurdles, tunnel and stop for a photo on the ‘paws’ box too. Once completed, they can enjoy a free Forthglade treat in

Central Bark, and owners can enjoy a cuppa and a slice of cake too.

No booking required. For full details, go to the ‘Things to see and do’ section at www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ visit/nottinghamshirelincolnshire/clumber-park

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24/3/1923 Greece becomes a republic.

25/3/1306 Robert the Bruce becomes King of Scotland.

26/3/1934

I burnt my Hawaiian pizza last night. I should have put it on aloha setting.

I went to the zoo yesterday and saw a baguette in a cage. The zoo keeper told me it was bread in captivity.

As a kid I was made to walk the plank. We couldn’t afford a dog.

I went into a library and asked if they had any books about paranoia. The librarian said “They’re right behind you!”

I stopped a bloke in the street and said, “Can you help me? I’m looking for a rubbish tip.” He replied, “Spain to win the Euros.”

I need to re-home a dog. It’s a small terrier, and tends to bark a lot.

If you’re interested, let me know and I’ll jump over next door’s fence and get it for you.

The inventor of the throat lozenges has died today. They’ll be no coffin at his funeral.

I found a wallet today, and as a good Christian I thought... ‘What would Jesus do?’ So I turned it into wine.

6.30pm is the best time on the clock, hands down.

I used to work in a shoe recycling shop. It was sole destroying.

I bought my wife a rocket for her birthday. She’s over the moon!

1. Demetria Gene Guynes is the birth name of which US actress?

2. Which Rolling Stones song begins: “Please allow me to introduce myself / I’m a man of wealth and taste.”

3. The von Trapp family appear in which musical?

4. ‘Twelve is the new eleven.’ is the tagline for which 2000s Hollywood film?

5. Holly Johnson and Paul Rutherford fronted which 1980s pop group?

6. In the children’s nursery rhyme, how many man did the Grand Old Duke of York have?

7. Which Caribbean Island has a name which means ‘ancient’ in Spanish?

8. True or false: Before he became a professional boxer, Frank Bruno drove public buses in London

9. What is the name of the style of bed which feature a raisable mattress to expose storage space beneath?

10. Which US President was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in August 1961?

CRIMEsTOppERs TaRGETs vIOlENT CRIME

Crimestoppers appeals for information across Yorkshire & the Humber as charity reminds people serious violent crime can target anyone With figures showing that serious violent crime is increasing, the charity Crimestoppers is reminding the public that by speaking up anonymously, we can all make a difference in a new campaign. Over the past ten years up to June 2023, there has been a 75% increase in knife crime and a 29% increase in gun related offences in England and Wales. *

In 2023, Crimestoppers received almost 20,000 reports on firearms, knives and assault, harassment and violence. Criminals use violence, exploitation and intimidation to control people and profit from the sale of drugs and other illegal activities. In this campaign, Crimestoppers is asking people to speak up and not remain silent when violent criminals are known to them.

Any piece of information passed to the charity 100% anonymously could help to prevent genuine harm and injury. Things to tell Crimestoppers include:

• Who is supplying and selling guns

• How and by who are these guns being transported

• Where a weapon has been hidden or stored

• Anyone in your area that carries a knife or gun

• Those who have carried out recent shootings or stabbings

• How weapons are disposed of after use

•Whether you know about any planned violent

attacks

Below are some examples of information given to Crimestoppers anonymously that made a difference:

Drug trafficker arrested, weapons and drugs seized Crimestoppers information named an individual who was trafficking drugs and was in possession of knives and guns. The subsequent search by police at two named addresses uncovered a substantial quantity of crack cocaine and heroin at an estimated street value of £10,000, alongside £4,500 cash, together with weapons (sword and gun) and 150-200 rounds of homemade ammunition. Two individuals were arrested and charged.

Fatal knife attack suspects arrested

A young man was robbed at knifepoint and ultimately stabbed to death. Two men were arrested and charged with murder after key information was passed to Crimestoppers. The attack was targeted and planned.

Weapons seized Crimestoppers received information about an individual who was in possession of a number of weapons. Police searched the property and found an imitation firearm and a Rambo knife as well as three knives in the suspect’s car.

Sex slavery stopped Several addresses operating as illegal brothels for many years under the guise of massage shops were identified from information given to our charity. The workers were victims of modern slavery

and human trafficking and were safeguarded during a police raid. Arrests were made and all the businesses were closed down.

Gary Murray, Serious and Organised Crime Lead at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “We know it can be difficult and intimidating to speak up about crime, especially if it involves somebody close to you. Crimestoppers, which is independent of the police, exists to give you peace of mind that no-one will ever know that you contacted our charity. Your information can help to bring justice to victims of violent crime and can help to prevent future incidents from happening. We can take information in over 140 different languages 100% anonymously, either online or by phone.

Only you will ever know that you contacted Crimestoppers. Every year we receive thousands of actionable pieces of information; this leads to a significant number of arrests, millions of pounds of drugs seized and weapons being taken off our streets. We would like to thank those who have previously contacted Crimestoppers.”

To report crime 100% anonymously, visit the charity’s website Crimestoppers-uk.org or Fearless.org for young people and fill in a secure online form or call their 24/7 UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, 365 days of the year. In an emergency, always call 999.

Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and the charity has never traced a call.

TREE fOR EvERYONE

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard will take one of his most ambitious manifesto pledges a step further, by formally launching ‘A Tree for Everyone: the Mayor’s Million Trees’. The project, to plant 1.4 million trees, will bring together local leaders and communities to increase woodland areas and green spaces within the region. Determined to tackle the climate crisis head on, the Mayor’s ambition is to support a cleaner, greener and better off South Yorkshire by working with local communities and stakeholders to plant more trees and create more green spaces. The project aims to harness the skills, enthusiasm and pride of South Yorkshire’s residents.

Oliver said: “Trees literally provide the foundations of our communities. They make South Yorkshire healthier, wealthier, greener and cleaner. That’s why I’m bringing South Yorkshire together to plant 1.4 million trees - one tree for every person who lives here - through the Mayor’s Million Tree Project. The Million Tree Project couldn’t come at a more important time; as we face the growing impact of climate breakdown, and tackle head on the health inequalities that plague all too many families, holding back our economy. Trees are both our heritage and our future, so I’m looking forward to working with our communities across Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield to achieve the challenge of ‘A Tree for Everyone’”. The ‘A Tree for Everyone’ project builds on the Mayor’s Free Trees for Communities scheme and the work of South Yorkshire Woodland Partnership. The Mayor recently established an advisory panel to support the development of South Yorkshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

kEEpING bRITaIN TIdY

Thousands of volunteer #LitterHeroes in the East Midlands are grabbing their litter-pickers as the country’s biggest massaction environmental campaign - the Great British Spring Cleanbegins.

Now in its ninth year, the annual nationwide litter-picking campaign is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, supported by thousands of individuals, families, schools, local authorities, community groups and businesses who care for the environment on their doorsteps. Last year people up and down the country came together to clean up more than 400,000 bags of litter from streets, parks, beaches and other public spaces and this year, as Keep Britain Tidy marks its 70th anniversary, the charity is hoping to beat that total.

#LitterHeroes up and down the country are being encouraged to make a pledge on Keep Britain Tidy’s website, www. keepbritaintidy.org, to pick a bag - or more - of rubbish during the campaign, which runs from 15th to 31st March, 2024. To mark the occasion, Keep Britain Tidy hosted a pop-up litter museum in the Houses of Parliament, using exhibits loaned from the Vintage Litter Museum in Suffolk, to raise awareness of the permanence of litter dropped by people decades ago.

NaTIONal NO sMOkING daY

This year marks the 40th anniversary of No Smoking Day. On Wednesday 13th March 2024, the country unitef to offer encouragement and support to everyone currently on a journey to becoming smokefree and those thinking about taking their first steps on this journey. Those of us who have seen and helped people undertake this journey know how rewarding it can be when they succeed and what a difference being smokefree makes to them. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. It’s never too late to quit smoking. When you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health. Quitting also benefits your pocket too, on average smokers spend £38.59 a week on tobacco. That means smokers could have around £2,000 more to spend a year by quitting.

Greg Fell, Sheffield’s Director of Public Health, said: “We know most smokers want to quit and that they can achieve this by getting the support they need and by keeping on going. The new local community Smokefree Sheffield Service is there to meet their individual needs and is helping thousands of people quit smoking. A 73% increase in referrals to them so far this year is impressive. We know that people can quit,

no matter how many times it takes to try. It’s the never giving up that’s important to achieve your goal.”

Smoking has a huge impact on an individual’s health – up to two in three smokers will die as a result of long-term smoking.

Smoking is still the single largest preventable cause of death in England –estimated to account for 64,000 deaths annually.

Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking-related disease.

In 2022-23, there were an estimated 408,700 hospital admissions in England due to smoking.

Greg added: “Research shows that most people who smoke, start smoking in adolescence and 83% of smokers start before the age of 20. This is why the Government’s new proposed legislation to raise the smoking age by one year each year until it applies to the whole population is so important in achieving a Smokefree Generation. It’s the journey to fewer people becoming addicted to smoking in the first place and is the only way to make smoking a thing of the past.”

Smoking rates have reduced considerably since the first year of No Smoking Day 40 years ago and this year’s No

Smoking Day campaign encourages smokers to quit or switch and try once more. In Sheffield, we have seen many smokers achieve success, with over 20,000 smokers quitting since 2017; the proportion of the city’s adult population that smoked 7 years ago was 17.6%, but by 2022, this proportion had dropped to 12%.

The Smokefree Sheffield Service now provides a greater variety of methods to help smokers on their quit journey and find an approach that works for them. As well as providing free nicotine replacement therapy, Smokefree Sheffield offers free vapes for 12 weeks to adults who want to quit smoking or switch to vaping. And for those who aren’t ready to quit, they can access 6 weeks of support to cut down before setting a quit date. The service also helps smokers to manage stress while quitting. Nicotine vapes are one of the most effective stop smoking aids. Almost twothirds of people who use a vape along with support from their local service successfully quit smoking. Advice and support on quitting, switching, and cutting down to quit can be found on the Smokefree Sheffield website: www. smokefreesheffield.org

Discover our quiet, tranquil holiday park near Skegness…

Home Farm Park is the perfect place for those looking for a quiet getaway or holiday home ownership in a secluded location in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside.

Offering the best of coast and country, this tranquil holiday park near Skegness opened for business in 2020 and offers lodge and cottage holidays as well as the opportunity to own your own holiday home in a stunning setting.

Say hello to spacious plots, manicured grounds and quiet getaways at Home Farm Park.

It is located just a mile from the picturesque market town of Burgh-le-Marsh and only five miles from the bustling seaside resort of Skegness. So, you’re close enough to enjoy all that this resort has to offer while being far enough away to avoid all the hustle and bustle, should you prefer the quiet life. And, of course, you’re only a stone’s throw from hundreds of square miles of beautiful Lincolnshire countryside, should you fancy exploring.

Home Farm Park is also a great option for those looking for a fishing holidays near Skegness, with a well-stocked lake that represents a challenge for fishermen of all abilities.

CALL US ON 01754 810833

Common Lane, Burgh Le Marsh, Skegness PE24 5HL

laid-back

Cherry Tree Springs Touring Park - Our five star

LODGES & CARAVANS FOR SALE

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Foxholme Springs

Our newest and exclusively adult-only park for tourers, motorhomes and tenting on the edge of the superb North Yorks Moors.

For bookings or enquiries please email info@foxholmesprings.co.uk or ring 01490 772336

For bookings an enquiries please email info@cherrytreesite.co.uk or ring 01507 441626 3

Trusthorpe Springs – A heated swimming pool, where the Park is set around the grounds of the 19th century Trusthorpe Hall. Tourers are always welcome and we have a range of superb quality letting vans available for hire.

You can now book direct for your holiday static, touring or tenting pitch by visiting www.springsholidayestates.co.uk and click on the park you want to visit.

Lakeside Springs – Our 7 acre well stocked fishing lake and quiet location. A selection of letting vans are available and tourers are always welcome, and we can even store your touring caravan for you to save you fuel.

You can now book direct for your holiday static, touring or tenting pitch by visiting www.springsholidayestates.co.uk and click on the park you want to visit.

OVER 20 LOCAL ACTS ADDED TO HUGE LINE-UP FOR ROCK N ROLL CIRCUS

As

themed live musical wonder, organisers have today confirmed that Libertines legend Peter Doherty will join the bill alongside more huge acts and some of Yorkshire’s finest emerging artists. Led by an all female team with a flair for producing the exceptional, the award-winning festival (Winners of the “One to Watch” award 2023, Access All Areas) will now also welcome indie sensation The K’s

Gilbert O’Sullivan.

Peter Doherty - fresh from his appearance on Louis Theroux’s interview series and an upcoming sell-out Libertines tour - embodies the essence of rock ‘n’ roll and can’t wait to head to Don Valley this summer where he’ll take to the stage on Saturday 31st August –which is headlined by Milburn. Speaking about the addition of Doherty to the bill, Milburn’s Joe Carnall, said: “The Libertines show at the Leadmill in 2003 was a formative experience for Milburn, so to have Peter support us is a real honour. Throw into the mix loads of great new Sheffield artists and this Don Valley gig is going to be one for the scrap book.”

The K’s, straight out of Earlestown, are poised to deliver a stunning set with their infectious melodies and rock n roll attitude. Don’t miss your chance to catch them live as they unleash their debut album ‘I Wonder If The World Knows.’

Meanwhile Gilbert O’Sullivan, handpicked by Richard Hawley himself - who has fully curated Thursday’s opening event - proves the event supports music royalty and emerging music in equal measure. He was the superstar who

topped the UK and US single charts in the 70s with timeless songs such as “Alone Again”, “Clair” and “Get Down”. Today, Gilbert O’Sullivan continues to be regarded with tremendous affection and his songs remain well-loved around the world.

Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield is fully committed to supporting the local community, with over 20 homegrown bands taking the stage alongside the headliners.

Harriet Rose is currently riding high after selling out the Leadmill and performing on tour around the UK. Joe from Milburn wanted the talented artist to perform at Rock N Roll Circus after she appeared at his Christmas show in December and the band are delighted to have on the bill.

You might know him from Reverend and the Makers, but Ed Cosens is stepping into the spotlight with his solo act! Singer, songwriter, producer, and part-time brewer, this South Yorkshire sensation has just dropped his latest album ‘Fortunes Favour’. Get ready to be swept away by his soulful tunes and infectious energy.

Also hailing from Sheffield is

Bromheads Jacket. The much-loved band – who have been on a hiatus but are now back together - is quite the coup for Rock N Roll Circus. In what is their first festival appearance in their hometown for some years, Bromheads were handpicked by Richard Hawley himself much to the excitement of their loyal following.

Rock N Roll Circus is a feast for the senses. Apart from a three day programme of live music over three stages, the Big Top offers an immersive experience that includes all the fun of a festival style travelling circus.

This year’s event will feature some of the finest aerialists, jugglers and fire performers on the planet. This includes the aerialist, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, whose most recent work has included working on swinging trapeze in the Netflix Original film - Enola Holmes 2 - as well as performing on the Royal Albert Hall’s stage as part of the One Young World Summit.

Meanwhile, the juggling sensation that is Farqward Presto will also be at Don Valley this summer as well as Gem Vaudeville, the Fire Queen. Mother of dragons, extravagant

costume designer, expert stilt and character artist and absolute pyromaniac, Gemma works with many incredible circus companies and has worked alongside many talented celebrities including The Libertines, Paloma Faith, and Jimmy Carr.

Rock N Roll Circus is back bigger and better and will now boast a third stage, extended opening hours, a huge food and drink village, improved VIP packages and official backing by Honda Motorcycles, who are on board for the second year running as official sponsors.

With the addition of a brand new third stage featuring an array of yet more new music, more circus acts, aerial stunt artists Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield is shaping up to be the ultimate musical extravaganza of the year.

For more information, answers to FAQs and to buy tickets, head to rocknrollcircus.co.uk

Tickets are also available via: http://rocknrollcircus.gigantic. com/rock-n-roll-circus-tickets

Sat mar 23rd MATT BARKER

Sat mar 30th

FRIDAY MAR 22ND PAuL SPEED

SuPERB MALE VOCALIST

SATuRDAY MAR 23RD DISTINCTLY MOTOWN

TOP SOuL & MOTOWN DuO

FRIDAY MAR 29Th ThOMAS MARx

SuPERB MALE VOCALIST

SATuRDAY MAR 30Th DuBBLE x STAR DuO

friday

Saturday 23rd march from 8.00 pm diSco & karaoke

FRIDAy 22ND MAR STAR FEMALE VOCALIST

SATURDAy 23RD MAR TOP LIVE PARTy BAND ok

SUNDAy 24Th MAR

FRIDAy 29Th MAR TOP FEMALE VOCALIST

SATURDAy 30Th MAR STUNNINg hUSBAND & WIFE DUO

SUNDAy 31ST MAR gREAT DUO ELECTRIC BLUE

right from 5.00 pm

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

tgs haulage ltd of

1 dam cottage, parkhall lane, spinkhill sheffield s21 3yd is applying to change an existing Licence as follows:

to keep an extra 1 goods vehicles & 1 trailers at the operating centre at: noorwood cottage farm, cinder lane, killamarsh, sheffield s21 2at Owners or Occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane Leeds LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 Days of this Notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

A Guide to making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.

For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service. Telephone: 0114 2734264 or by email to licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk

It is an offence for anyone knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with a Licence Application. The maximum fine on summary conviction is unlimited.

Dated this: 08 March 2024

John Gaunt & Partners, Solicitors

Roy

the crowd and speaks fondly of Lauren and how much she meant to him, some lads make nasty comments and film him on their phones. How will he react? Paul is slurring his words and when his new PA arrives she is out of her depth and struggles to understand him. When Paul finds out about Summer’s plans to delay her American course, he implores her not to give up her dreams because of him. Tommy calls at the florists and begs Amy to have a word with Tracy for him as he’d like a chance to explain himself before he leaves. An angry Daniel returns home and tells Bethany that he’s been suspended from work whilst he remains under suspicion and he has a good idea who reported him. Sarah returns from viewing a house and admits it was the stuff of dreams and Damon promises that he’ll do what he can to raise the money.

Emmerdale:

It’s Belle’s first day at Take a Vow and Tom isn’t happy about it. Tom wants Belle all to himself and is fuming. In the cafe, Rodney takes Pollard to one side to warn him that Amit is not to be trusted. Is Pollard about to get fleeced or is he on to Amit?

During a pub quiz at the Woolie, Kerry receives another mysterious phone call. With his marriage to Leyla over and his brief dalliance with Chas done, too, Liam’s not got any romantic commitments and as such has been flirting up a storm with Ella who’s recently started working at the surgery. Manpreet already isn’t at all happy about the pair’s rapport so how will the doc react when she finds out that they’re going on a date? Something’s going on that has got Vinny intrigued…

Eastenders:

Dean is seething that he’s been banned from his own daughter’s charity fundraiser, as Linda doesn’t want him anywhere near the Queen Vic. Honey is horrified when she discovers son Will vaping. Demanding to know where he got the vape from, Honey’s fuming when under pressure he confesses that he was sold the vape by Avani. Lauren isn’t keen on Penny’s suggestion that she have a big 30th birthday celebration, especially when she learns that Peter can’t make it. Determined to cheer up her sister, Penny sets up a dating profile for Lauren. She encourages her to get out on some dates, insisting that if Peter sees her with other guys it will get him interested!

REFRESH THE MINd ANd GO FORwARd

Danny Röhl gave credit to Ipswich following a heavy Owls defeat at Portman Road and says his side must show a reaction next time out.

Wednesday were beaten 6-0 in Suffolk, leaving eight vital games to go in the race to avoid relegation from the Championship.

Röhl said: “First I would say a big compliment to our opponents, they are a strong side and that is why they are near the top of the table.

“When you play against strong teams, I always want to be a part of the

game and try something with the ball.

“Even in the first half I think we had some moments, but to concede six goals is hard to take. We always want to try something, but they were really strong in the final third.”

The Owls have two weeks to prepare for our next clash with Swansea on Good Friday, and Röhl believes now is the chance to regroup ahead of the final run-in.

The German added: “For me, it’s about refreshing the mind and going forward. We have eight

IT wAS A BATTLING PERFORMANCE

finals and this is our job.

“When I look at the table, the race is still close.

“We have a big opportunity to achieve our goals, we have taken a lot of points in the last few weeks but we have two defeats against strong sides. Of course, it’s hard to take but we have to come back from this setback like we have before and if we can do this again then we have a chance.

“There’s a strength with our fans and we should show a reaction on the pitch.”

MCCANN: wE'd HAVE LOST SwINdON GAME NOT LONG AGO

BLAdES CALL UPS

A number of Blades have been called up by their respective countries ahead of the latest round of international fixtures.

Skipper Anel

Ahmedhodžić is part of the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad for their European Championship knockout play-off qualifier against Ukraine on Thursday 21st March. Should they progress, they will play either Iceland or Israel on Tuesday 26th March to determine a place at EURO 2024.

(Tuesday 26th March).

Elsewhere, Will Osula is part of the Denmark U21 squad for a friendly against Austria U21s on Friday 22nd March and a EURO U21 qualifier against Lithuania on

Tuesday 26th March.

Sam Curtis is in the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for the EURO U21 qualifier against San Marino on Friday 22nd March.

After a tough couple of fixtures it was important that the Millers stemmed the tide in the second tier and managed to do so with a solid draw on home soil which was accompanied by an astute defensive display rewarded with a clean sheet.

Speaking after the clash with the Terriers, Richardson said:

“It was a battling performance in a local derby. “It’s disappointing obviously when we’ve got possession of the ball and they’re down to 10 men but I thought that we started the game terrifically well.

“We hit the inside of the post and had some big moments but then second half both teams were very competitive and didn’t give much up. We’ve got to be better with our habits and get the ball wide and change play more and counter-press better. We’ve played a lot of games here that have been very similar whereby we feel like we’ve come a long way in certain areas but then there’s a moment of quality where we haven’t taken it and then one of their lads does. That’s probably been a bit of a repetition throughout the season even when I wasn’t here.

“Today it’s disappointing in some way but if you look at the positives it’s a clean sheet, we’ve got some lads returning from injury who have been out for quite some time - meaning that competition for places is better to tackle the next eight games.”

Grant McCann believes Rovers’ impressive resolve at Swindon Town was reflective of how far the team has progressed in recent weeks. Rovers held on under strong pressure from the hosts to secure a 2-1 win at the County Ground. And McCann said he felt his side would have come away with nothing in such circumstances earlier in the season.

“I reckon, and this is a big statement from me, that we’d have lost that game going back three or four months,” the Rovers manager said.

“I don’t know why but I just think we’d have felt the heat and gone under.

“But this group has got a real spirit about them, with leaders in the group now and real experience that kept us sound.

“Timmy [Lo-Tutala] made a couple of good saves and took the sting out of the game. And we still had the chance to go 3-1 up with Luke Molyneux. How he missed it I don’t know, and he’s talking about it himself.

“What I was pleased with was the resilience from the group to keep that second goal out, that equalising goal for Swindon.

“This is a long way for us to come and we’re pleased with the win.”

Maxime Biamou put Rovers ahead after ten minutes with Hakeeb Adelakun doubling the advantage midway through the first half.

Paul Glatzel pulled a goal back for Swindon early in the second half, with Rovers standing up to pressure as the hosts pushed for the equaliser.

“It’s a good win,” McCann said. “We scored two very good goals in the first half. We knew we’d be coming up against a Swindon side looking for a reaction from the defeat in midweek so it was pleasing to score early.

“We thought there might be changes at half time and they did change the shape. We’d worked on two or three ways that Swindon play.

“We didn’t start the second half great and then we had to dig in.

“We’ve probably not done enough of that this season, digging in when teams have a spell against us. Fair play to Swindon, it was all through the second half and they were good.

“We had to dig, be strong, defend, track runners, block crosses and we did it well.”

The fit-again George Baldock has been called up by Greece, also for a European Championship knockout play-off qualifier against Kazakhstan (Thursday 21st March), and again should they progress for a fixture on Tuesday 26th March against Georgia or Luxembourg for a place at EURO 2024.

Staying with European Championship knockout play-off fixtures, goalkeeper Adam Davies has joined up with Rob Page’s Wales for their clash against Finland at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Thursday 21st March.

The winners will also play on Thursday 26th March against Estonia or Poland to compete at EURO 2024.

Striker Ben Brereton Diaz is in the Chile squad for two friendly matches against Albania (Friday 22nd March) and France

Ryan Oné has been called up to Scotland U19s for three games against Italy (Wednesday 20th March), Georgia (Saturday 23rd March) and Czech Republic (Tuesday 26th March).

As previously announced, James McAtee is with England U21s for the forthcoming EURO U21 qualifier double-header against Azerbaijan in Baku (Friday 22nd March) and Luxembourg at Bolton’s Toughsheet Community Stadium on Tuesday 26th March.

Oliver Arblaster has received a call up for the England Elite League squad for two upcoming games in Poland (Friday 22nd March) and then in Czech Republic (Tuesday 26th March).

5TH