The Mercury Isue 1569

The Region’s Number One Entertainment & Classifieds Newspaper

Warning issued after fire destroys house

Firefighters are calling on e-bike users to check their batteries after a house fire almost ended in tragedy.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue attended a fire at a house on Ecclesall Road in Sheffield on Sunday morning which was caused by an e-bike battery.

Five fire engines were called at 11.30am on Sunday 28 April and found the ground floor to be alight on arrival. Three hose reels and one main jet were used to extinguish the fire.

Five people managed to evacuate but three

people were taken to hospital after sustaining injuries after jumping out of the first floor window.

The fire was caused by a failure of a lithium ion battery in an e-bike which was on charge alongside with six other e-bikes within the living room.

The ferocity at which lithium ion batteries, used to power e-bikes and e-scooters, burn and explode caused the fire to engulf all three floors of the house. Fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters are a growing risk for South Yorkshire as 15

fires involving lithium ion batteries were recorded in 2023, almost double the number that occurred in 2022.

In March this year, a fire involving an e-bike and e-scooter caused significant damage to a house on Tawny Street, Barnsley whilst in May last year two men were lucky to escape with their lives after a fire involving multiple lithium ion batteries in a house in Sharrow Street, Sheffield.

That is why the service has this week shared this story to launch its Charge

Happy campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the fire risk posed by lithium ion batteries.

Ade Parkin, Group Manager at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “The people involved in these incidents are lucky to have escaped without serious injury.

“We know that e bikes and e scooters are growing in popularity and can be really beneficial in opening up cycling to people of all fitness levels, not to mention the obvious environmental benefits they bring in terms of reduced

carbon emissions compared to other means of transport.

“That is why it is so important to only buy bikes from reputable supplier that show clearly that they meet UK/EU safety laws and only use the charger supplied with the battery.

“We’d also encourage owners of e bikes to think carefully about where you charge your vehicle and not block any escape routes.”

A full list of safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter users can be found at www. syfire.gov.uk

To sponsor our weekly Time Out page call our Sales Team on

IN THE SPRINGTIME OF ‘24 - BRYAN ADAMS RETURNS TO SHEFFIELD

Bryan adams returns to the Utilita arena Sheffield on Saturday 18 May 2024 – the 12th time that the canadian rocker has performed at the venue - tickets are still on general sale from www. utiltaarenasheffield. co.uk.

One of the most exciting live musicians in the world Bryan Adams is returning to the UK next year for a three-night residency at the Royal Albert Hall

in London following the residency, he will bring his ”So Happy It Hurts” Arena Tour to Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on Saturday May 18, one of just three UK dates and will feature tracks from the Grammy-nominated album studio album, as well as his biggest hits. Bryan Adams has 17 studio albums, and four new studio albums in 2022 including, “So Happy It Hurts”. His song writing has garnered him

numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations, a Grammy and 20 Juno Awards. Bryan Adams returns to the Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday 18 May 2024 – the 12th time that the Canadian rocker has performed at the venue.

Tickets are now on general sale from www. utiltaarenasheffield. co.uk.

01/5/1851 Queen Victoria opens the Great Exhibition in London.

02/5/1536 Anne Boleyn is arrested and imprisoned on charges of adultery, incest, treason and witchcraft.

03/5/1979 Margaret Thatcher is elected to her first term as Prime Minister

04/5/2000 Ken Livingstone becomes the first

Crossword Clues

across

7) Historic head-dress

(6)

8) Voice box (6)

9) Piled rows (4)

10) Rowing vessel (8)

11) Talented (6)

13) Rubbish (4)

14) Antipodean bird (3)

16) Walk wearily (4)

17) Rude (6)

19) Encroaching attack (8)

21) Barred prison (4)

22) Troop’s lodging (6)

23) Pea-like plant (6)

DoWN

1) Perceivable (7)

2) Incentive (4)

3) Of good birth (4, 4)

4) Pastry case for filling (4)

5) Court of justice (8)

6) Go furtively (5)

12) Of great worth (8)

13) Young (8)

15) Inert (7)

18) Mollusc (5)

20) Going from out (4)

21) Beat (4)

Last Week’s Solution

across: 4) Pilgrim, 8) Effort, 9) Apparel, 10) Charge, 11) Racial, 12) Militant, 18) Carefree, 20) Grieve, 21) Dimwit, 22) Clarity, 23) A loner, 24) Eyesore

DoWN: 1) Welcome, 2) Affable, 3) Bright, 5) Importer, 6) Glance, 7) Icecap, 13) Ancestor, 14) Brewing, 15) Venture, 16) Trilby, 17) Debris, 19) Edible

Mayor of London.

05/5/1494 Christopher Columbus lands on the island of Jamaica and claims it for Spain.

06/5/1889 The Eiffel Tower is officially opened to the public at the Universal Exposition in Paris.

07/5/1946 Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering (later renamed Sony) is founded with around 20 employees.

Singing in the shower is all fun and games until you get shampoo in your mouth.

Then it’s a soap opera.

Girl friend: “I’m sick of you pretending you’re a Detective. I think we should split up.”

Me: “Good idea - we can cover more ground that way.”

My wife caught me standing on the bathroom scale, sucking in my stomach. “Ha! That’s not going to help,” she said. “Sure it does,”

I said. “It’s the only way I can see the numbers.”

I went to a haunted bed and breakfast in France. I left. The place was giving me the crepes.

A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer... ...than the men who mention it.

10 years ago today I asked my childhood sweetheart, my best friend and the most beautiful woman in the world to marry me... All three said “no.”

Sadly, I’ve lost 20% of my sight. Sigh....

My girlfriend gets mad whenever I mess with her red wine. So I added fruit and lemonade to it and now she’s sangria then ever.

What happens after you eat aluminum? You sheet metal.

If you’ve heard of Murphy’s law, which is that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, then have you heard of Cole’s law?

It’s thinly sliced cabbage.

Getting my toy drone stuck up in a tree wasn’t the worse thing that happened to me today. But it’s up there.

A huge thank you to my neighbour for allowing me to borrow her large sheet of plastic covering. Ta Pauline.

1. Which French chemist is renowned for his discovery of the principles of vaccination?

2. Which American rock group recorded “The Cover of ‘Rolling Stone’”?

3. Chief of Staff Linda Vasquez is regular character from the opening seasons of which US drama?

4. Diana, princess of the Amazons is the alter ego of which female super hero?

5. Which British rock star said “There’s Elvis and me. I couldn’t say which of the two is best.”?

6. Chris Chibnall created which British television crime drama starring Olivia Coleman and David Tennant?

7. Honey, Apidae and Carpenter are types of what?

8. Which British socialite became ‘Lady Glen Affric’ following her May 2017 marriage?

9. What is the name of the American statistician known for his criticisms of Microsoft PowerPoint?

10. Which celebrity couple married at Belvedere, Florence in Italy in 2014?

Joe’s Doors can simply transform your kitchen by replacing the doors, panels and trims.

With a huge range of kitchen styles to choose from, this cost effective, fuss free service, can be completed in under two days and best of all you don’t even need to empty the cupboards!

Call now to take advantage of a free survey, free quote and free design service....with no pressure selling.

Transform your worktops with Quartzize stone overlays Why replace your worktops when this unique quartz overlay simply fits over your existing surface. Here are some of the amazing benefits:

• Timeless - Looks clean and modern.

• Hygienic - A perfectly smooth surface.

• Easy care - Wipe with a neutral cleaner.

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• Easily Installed - Fitted in less than a day.

We’ll pop along and take some measurements... You choose from our range of doors and worktops... Our

News, Information and Advice

dEbaTE - NOT HaTE! CaMpaIGN

The Local Government Association (LGA) has joined forces with the Electoral Commission and the Jo Cox Foundation to call for no abuse towards candidates at this set of local elections.

The organisations have urged voters to treat candidates in the upcoming local elections with dignity and respect and to not engage in behaviour that may constitute harassment or intimidation.

The call comes amid concern about the growing levels of abuse and intimidation aimed towards local councillors which can become heightened during election campaigns.

Recent LGA research found that three quarters (75 per cent) of councillors in England and Wales experienced some form of intimidation or abuse during the 2023 local election campaign.

A survey by the Electoral Commission also revealed that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of candidates at the last set of local elections experienced someone intentionally making them feel unsafe.

The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, is warning that rising levels of abuse towards local politicians is a threat to democracy and is potentially putting off good talented people from becoming councillors.

Levels of abuse and intimidation aimed at councillors have been increasing, with 82 per cent of councillors feeling personally at risk in 2023, up 9 per cent from the year before.

This has prompted the LGA to launch its Debate

Not Hate campaign to help to tackle the issue. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities,

encourage healthy debate and improve the responses and support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation.

Although the majority of abuse is at a low level, a growing number of councillors have experienced more severe abuse, including stalking and threats of violence, some of which has resulted in criminal prosecutions.

Cllr Marianne Overton, Chair of the LGA’s Civility in Public Life Steering Group, said: “Being a councillor is one of the most unique and rewarding roles you can have. It’s really important that everyone participating in these local elections are treated with respect, focussing on the debate itself and free of abuse and intimidation. It is profoundly disturbing to hear reports of councillors being harassed and intimidated whilst doing their job. It cannot become the norm that councillors need to install CCTV and panic alarms in their houses to feel safe whilst fulfilling their democratic duty. Anyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, should feel safe to become a councillor. We must do all we can to stamp out abuse from public life and encourage healthy debate if we are to safeguard the future of our local democracy.”

Su Moore, CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation said: “Abuse and intimidation of elected politicians is a threat to democracy in this country. The Jo Cox Civility Commission call to action, published earlier this year, has a clear set of recommendations that, if implemented, can make a genuine impact on this serious issue at a national and local level.

Tenants in privately rented properties have several rights to cover themselves from unfair evictions, rent increases and more. This guide covers the key tenant rights for those living in England and Wales that everyone should be aware of.

Currently, a landlord must give tenants two months’ written notice once their fixed-term tenancy has come to an end. The landlord must be able to prove grounds for eviction in court if they want you to move out before your tenancy ends and also give notice using the prescribed information on form 6a.

Landlords and agents cannot harass you or try to force you out of a property without a court order. Challenge high rent increases

You have the right to challenge rent increases that you feel are unfair, the process is slightly different depending on where in the UK you live.

To prevent unfair rent increases, landlords must abide by the following rules:

• They must notify you before they increase the rent

• The rent increase must be fair (i.e. on a similar level to average rents locally)

• They must give you at least six months’ notice or one month if you are on a periodic tenancy

If you feel the rent increase is unfair, you should first speak to your landlord or managing agent and try to come to an agreement. If you cannot agree, you can ask a tribunal to decide for you. Visit the Citizens Advice website for more information.

Tenancy information

Don’t forget that as a tenant you are entitled by law to specific information about your tenancy. Make sure you are given:

• A copy of the gas safety certificate (if the property

has gas)

• A copy of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• The Government’s How to Rent guide (England only)

• Local authority licence (if the property is subject to a landlord licensing scheme)

• Prescribed Information

The UK Government introduced measures to make sure tenancy deposits are protected whilst they are with the landlord or letting agent. The Prescribed Information is everything you need to know about the protection of your deposit. It will vary depending on the scheme used but will outline that your deposit has been protected and how you can check its status online. Having paid your deposit, it must be protected within a given timeframe and this will generate the Prescribed Information to then be issued to you.

Safe properties that meet a set standard Regardless of where you are renting in the UK, as a tenant you have the right to live in a property that is in good condition and safe. To help you get to grips with what’s expected, we have outlined the main safety concerns surrounding fire and carbon monoxide alarms you need to be aware of and the legal obligations that must be adhered to Electrical safety Landlords have a legal duty to ensure that any electrical items provided in a rental property are safe throughout a tenancy.

As well as all appliances, landlords must also ensure all electrical systems such as sockets, switches and light fittings are safe. This includes appliances that are fixed directly to the electrical supply, such as showers or fitted kitchen appliances. Once a qualified person has carried out their inspection and tests, they will provide

an Electrical Installation

Safety Report to the landlord or letting agent.

A copy of this report must then be:

• Supplied to each existing tenant of the property within 28 days of the inspection and test

• Supplied to any new tenant before they move in

• The most recent report also needs to be supplied to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving the request

Quiet enjoyment

You have the right to live in the property undisturbed and what is dubbed as ‘quiet enjoyment’. This means that you have the right to use the property without unreasonable or unnecessary interference from the landlord or their letting agent.

Further changes to protections

The law continues to change in the sector and there are currently proposed changes going through Parliament offering extra protection for tenants. Therefore, it’s important for tenants to keep abreast of how these may affect them.

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark comments:

“It’s crucial that tenants understand their rights when renting a privately rented property from a landlord whether that be through the landlord themselves or via a letting agent. Regardless of who you’re in communication with as a tenant, the same rules apply and all

legislation in place protects you from poor-quality homes or rogue operations.

We urge tenants to use a Propertymark Protected agent when renting their next home to ensure the property they live in will abide by legislation and keep them safe and secure.”

How to complain

When tenants feel as though the conduct and service of an agent/ the condition of a property is not up to scratch, they should first, as with any complaint, contact them directly about the problem. This gives the agent a chance to put the situation right and is the fastest route to getting your complaint solved. All agencies must provide a complaints procedure for their business by law, ask them for a copy directly if you cannot find it on their website.

It’s best to put your complaint in writing and you should receive a response within 15 days. Keep copies of any correspondence and ask them to confirm:

• Who is handling your complaint

• What they propose to do to resolve it

• How long it will take to resolve

It is a legal requirement for property agents to belong to a Government-approved independent redress scheme.

CaN YOU REwIRE

A recent study has revealed a startling decline in practical home skills among young Britons, with just 8% of 18-25 year olds confident in their ability to rewire a plug. Experts are alarmed by these statistics and stress the importance of revitalising these essential skills, especially as we find ourselves in April, the traditional month for spring DIY.

Why Rewiring a Plug is a Must-Know Skill

Despite being a fundamental skill in the past, the modern convenience of pre-wired appliances has led to a generational gap in electrical DIY capabilities.

As Tom Mark, electrician, points out, “Rewiring a plug is not only about saving costs; it’s about ensuring safety and independence in everyday life.”

Steps to Rewire a Plug

Safely:

Tom lays out the following straightforward steps to rewire a UK plug properly:

1 Prepare Your Tools and Workspace: Ensure you have a screwdriver, wire cutters, and wire strippers ready. Work in a well-lit area to avoid any mishaps.

2 Remove the Old Plug: Cut off the old plug and strip about 50mm of the outer insulation from the

a plUG?

wire to expose the three internal wires.

3 Prepare the Wires: Strip about 5mm off the ends of the blue (neutral), brown (live), and green-andyellow (earth) wires. Twist the strands of each wire tightly to avoid fraying.

4 Attach the Wires to the New Plug:

• Connect the brown wire to the terminal marked ‘L’ for live.

•Attach the blue wire to the terminal marked ‘N’ for neutral.

• Fix the green-and-yellow wire to the terminal marked ‘E’ for earth.

5 Secure the Wires: Tighten the screws on the terminals to ensure the wires are secure and won’t come loose, which could lead to hazards.

6 Reassemble the Plug: Close the plug casing and tighten the screw to hold everything together. Double-check that the cable grip is tightly clamping the outer insulation of the wire to prevent any strain on the connections.

Tom also highlights the importance of using the right fuse in the plug to match the appliance’s requirements. This step is crucial to prevent overheating and potential fires.

EURO FEVER TO TAKE OVER CITY CENTRE AT FAN CITY

Summer in Sheffield is about to get a whole lot hotter as Euro 2024 fever descends upon Devonshire Green with the arrival of Fan City, one of the UK’s largest football fan zones.

From June 14th to July 14th, Fan City promises to transform the heart of the city into a footballing paradise, offering a month-long extravaganza of football, live music, celebrity appearances, delectable food, refreshing drinks and much more.

For those eager to secure their spot at Fan City, pre-sale tickets

ARE NOW AVAILABLE, offering special discounted rates for general admission and child tickets.

With unprecedented demand anticipated, fans are encouraged to sign up early to avoid missing out. Key highlights of Fan City include exclusive seated options for groups, including the VIP Centre Circle package offering the best seats in

the house, complimentary drinks, Fan City merchandise bundles, private bars, fast-track entry and table service.

The VIP Centre Circle table includes tables of up to six people, access to exclusive VIP seating area, the best seats in the house, centre of screen, a complimentary drink for each person, a Fan City merch bundle, private bars, table service, and fast track entry

Meanwhile, the seated tables will include tables of up to six people, access to exclusive VIP seating areas, fast track entry and private bars.

Euro 2024, hosted in Germany, will see Sheffield’s Devonshire Green transformed into the ultimate destination for fans, families, and football enthusiasts alike.

With every game of the tournament broadcast live, including nail-biting clashes and electrifying moments, Fan City is primed to be the go-to spot for experiencing the drama and

thrill of Europe’s biggest football competition.

Fans can expect an array of familyfriendly activities and entertainment throughout the tournament, including live music performances, celebrity Q&A sessions, and a bustling food and drinks village featuring tantalising options from renowned local vendors such as Diamond Dogs, Proper Quality Burgers, and Greek Street Food.

Excitement is at an all-time high with the announcement of former England football star Chris Waddle as the special guest for the first England game at Fan City, with more celebrity appearances to be unveiled soon.

This immersive, family-friendly 4000 capacity football village, promises an unforgettable celebration of football heritage and camaraderie for fans of all ages.

Fan City will now also be partnering up with Carling - the UK’s number

one beer bringing a whole host of fantastic drink deals and exclusive perks.

Carling’s long standing relationship with English football is unrivalled and they’ll be bringing a suite of football fun and activities, including goal kick activations and much, much more.

And it wouldn’t be a true football celebration without a nod to Sheffield’s rich footballing heritage.

Fan City proudly supports local football clubs, inviting them to join the festivities and providing opportunities for fundraising and community engagement.

Local youth football clubs in the Sheffield area are encouraged to reach out to info@fancity.co.uk to explore collaboration possibilities.

To book your place, access amazing competitions and to get more information head to: www.fancity.co.uk

SuPERB

mAx sheff LTd

Have made an application under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as pizzA mAx, 53 beLLhouse RoAd, sheffieLd s5 6hj

We intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol for consumption OFF the premises (Indoors & Outdoors):

Monday - Sunday 16:00 - 02:00

Provision of late night refreshment (Indoors & Outdoors): Monday - Sunday 23:00 - 02:00

Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 24th May 2024.

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents

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

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on conviction for this offence is a fine not exceeding £5,000.

The Licensing Act 2003

NoTice of AppLicATioN foR A pRemises LiceNce uNdeR secTioN 17 Notice is hereby given that on the 25th April 2024 euro garages Limited applied to Sheffield City Council for a Premises Licence in respect of premises Asda express pfs st phillips Netherthorpe Road Sheffield S3 7EZ. The proposed licensable activities are ;-

1. The sale of alcohol on Mondays to Sundays between the hours of 00.00 to 24.00.

2. To permit late night refreshment on Mondays to Sundays between the hour of 23.00 and 05.00

Any representations by a responsible authority or any other person regarding this application must be received in writing by;- Licensing Section, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD no later than the 23rd May 2024 stating the grounds for representations.

For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents

The register of Sheffield City Council and the record of the application may be inspected by contacting the Licensing General Section by telephone: 0114 273 4264 or email: licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk.

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is unlimited.

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

emmA mckAy of 33 bRoomhouse LANe, edLiNgToN, doNcAsTeR dN12 1Lj is applying for a licence to use: 122A doNcAsTeR RoAd, coNisboRough, dN12 3AL as an Operating Centre for 1 goods vehicles and 0 trailers 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.

of

stating their

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

TUESDAY

Coronation Street:

A man approaches Bernie outside the café, telling her he heard Paul on the radio and didn’t realise his son was dying. Bernie covers her shock and makes out Paul’s already dead and the interview was a recording. But disbelieving Denny follows her up to the flat where Gemma and Paul are shocked to see their Dad. A nervous Steve meets up with his internet date, Carole, in the Rovers. But he’s thrown to discover she’s brought three friends with her. Gary and Maria discuss private therapy for Liam, who is listening in as Gary suggests they sell the factory to fund it. Mary visits a desolate Roy in hospital, where he reveals that he keeps trying to remember the details of a conversation he overheard between Max and Lauren as he feels sure it’s of significance. Mary urges him not to give up as it’ll come to him eventually. Rich and Alya arrive for their meeting with Adam, who is taken aback to learn that Alya’s going to work in Dublin. Dev finds Bernie rifling through a shoebox of old letters and photos and wonders what she’s looking for.

Emmerdale:

Dawn and Billy cling to each other as their baby son Evan has urgent tests in hospital. At the Woolpack, Chas tries wearing her prosthetic boobs in public. While most women rally, sharing positive comments and encouragement, Kerry puts her insensitive feet straight in it. Moira is chuffed when Isaac starts showing an interest in what goes on at the farm.

Belle needs to get her hands on a pregnancy test. She’s on pins as she waits for the result to reveal itself. To her relief, it comes up negative. Will disappointed Tom spot the joy on his wife’s face? Ruby starts a vicious rumour about Moira even though Caleb has urged his wife to drop their feud.

Eastenders:

Lexi joins forces with Stevie to OUT con artist Nadine. Yolande is going full steam ahead with her plans to baptise Jordan – much to the annoyance of Chelsea. But alarm bells start ringing for Yolande when Denise informs her Chelsea is having a one-to-one with Gideon about Jordan’s upcoming baptism. Anna goes against her family wishes by speaking to Eddie. As she makes contact with him, she’s saddened to learn Gloria’s funeral has already taken place. How will she break the news to George? There’s a surprise in store for one family when they head to The Vic and meet a visitor who’s in town to see Johnny.

FOOTBALLR UNDUP

MAGPIES CONFIRM BLADES RELEGATION

United’s relegation back to the second tier of English football was confirmed with defeat at St James’ Park.

Anel Ahmedhodžić headed the Blades into an early lead, but after Alexander Isak restored parity before the break, the Magpies upped the ante after the internal and ultimately ran out convincing winners.

Boss Wilder named an unchanged starting XI for the clash in the north-east, with Foderingham continuing in goal. Robinson returned to the matchday squad and Marsh replaced

McAtee amongst the substitutes.

The visitors started positively and won an early corner after a block by Archer had fallen into the path of Brereton Diaz, who saw his attempt blocked. The corner was played short and after Arblaster had worked the ball to Hamer, a ball was whipped in and AHMEDHODZIC headed home from close-range under Dubravka. Archer had a shot deflected wide following a swift counter attack from a Newcastle corner and after Ahmedhodžić had

McCann: We've taken the first step and proved people wrong

Grant McCann insists Rovers have taken only the ‘first step’ by securing a play-off place and there remains plenty to do in order to have achieved anything this season.

A final day 2-2 draw at Gillingham saw Rovers finish fifth in Sky Bet League Two and book a two-legged semi-final clash with Crewe Alexandra.

It came via a run of just one defeat in 18 matches but McCann says there still will be no getting carried away by the road to the play-offs.

“Nothing yet,” he said when asked about what Rovers have achieved. “I wouldn’t say it’s an achievement. The achievement would be to get promoted.

“We’ve done well to get to this point. We’ll keep our feet firmly on the ground, get back to work on Monday and prepare for the play-off game when it

blocked a shot by Longstaff, Archer got a run on Schar and looked destined to add a second, only for Burn to produce a perfectly timed lastditch intervention.

Holgate and Trusty produced crucial challenges as Newcastle looked for a leveller and unfortunately it came after another chance for the Blades, with Brereton Diaz foiled at the near post by Dubravka. On 26 minutes, Murphy was afforded too much space and his ball picked out the run of ISAK who fired low and hard past Foderingham.

Still United poured forward in numbers and Ahmedhodžić created a chance for Brereton Diaz who rounded Dubravka, only for Burn to produce another block. From the resulting corner, Archer hit the bar with a header after the ball was kept alive by Holgate, before Brooks volleyed wide. The first half ended with Foderingham at his best to deny Hall. Unfortunately though, the second half quickly got away from the Blades, once BRUNO GUIMARAES headed home at the back post from Gordon’s free kick.

comes up. I’m just delighted with how the boys have adapted themselves and gone about their day to day work. When times were a little bit tough earlier in the season, when we didn’t win or struggled to win.”

“The boys have shown a real sense of identity about them - the way they’ve played and scored goals.”

McCann takes a great deal of pride from proving people wrong and feels Rovers have certainly done that with their rapid rise up the League Two table.

He said: “I’m really proud of our football club today - everyone associated with it from the owners, to everyone who works around the training ground and stadium, our fans and most importantly the boys that are putting the hard yards in, the players.

“It’s been a great day for us to get in there but it’s only the first step and I said that to them in the changing room.

“I’m really proud of them. We’ve been written off this season many times - we’re not good enough and we can’t get there, things like that. We never once shied away from the fact we can.

“I’m really proud that we’ve put ourselves in there.

Probably from the last 30 or 31 games we’ve been outstanding. It’s a credit to all the players.

“People will talk about the Sutton game changing things but for 31 games we’ve been outstanding.

We’ve put ourselves in the top seven and it’s a credit to the players, the fans who have supported us up and down the country and it’s a credit to everyone associated with the football club.”

Foderingham wasn’t going down without a fight though and flew off his line to deny Gordon, whilst a Hamer break yielded a chance for Brereton Diaz at the other end.

On 61 minutes though, Holgate was adjudged to have fouled Gordon and ISAK helped himself to his second from the penalty spot before an OSBORN own-goal put the game firmly beyond the Blades, although the introduction of Robinson from the bench aided the defensive effort from that point onwards. Substitutes WILSON and

Barnes combined for a fifth, but Foderingham produced a number of saves to keep the score down and after Osula had a shot saved following a promising run, it looked like United would be afforded the chance of a consolation from the penalty spot after Bogle was sent tumbling, but unsurprisingly following a VAR check the decision was overturned and the sound of referee Harrington blowing for full-time confirmed the Blades return to the Sky Bet Championship.

MIXED FEELINGS FOR STEVE EVANS

Millers boss Steve Evans had mixed feelings over the nature of his side’s performance at Bristol City as his experimental side – in his first away game in charge – returned north empty-handed.

“I praised the boys with their efforts. There’s a lot of learning that I’m doing in this period of time. I think the performance was workmanlike. There were lots of energy and lots of industry but they were far the better side today.

“There were a couple of key moments in the first half. Tom (Eaves) went through and should have done better than hit the goalkeeper.

“I’m also really disappointed with the referee’s decision over the penalty. That gives them a lot of momentum and makes the boys a bit nervy not to concede three or four goals.

“I feel for the supporters who have travelled all this way and had to watch performances like that all season. There’s a lot of positives but we’ll see more in the summer.

“There’s a lot of learning that I’m doing in this period of time. We will continue to learn for the next 7-10 days and then I’ll make my recommendations to the Chairman and the Board”

ONE MORE GAME - RöHL

Wednesday have the box seat in the race for survival but Danny Röhl is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

Röhl’s men stormed to a 3-0 win over play-off chasing West Brom to move up to 20th – our highest position of the season.

One more point at Sunderland next Saturday guarantees safety.

Röhl said: “I am so proud of my players, I love my team. This was an outstanding performance against one of the best sides in the Championship.

“It stays in our hands and this is all we can ask. Now we have one more game to go, one more point and our job is done.

“No-one thinks this job is

done now, I will not allow this. We will now recover then we are back in training and we prepare for our last game of the season.”

Röhl reserved the last word for the fans, who turned a soldout Hillsborough into a cauldron of noise throughout the contest:

“They are incredible. To see our massive fans all around the stadium was a great help to us. We all felt the energy that came from the stands and the players gave the energy back to the stands.

“We thank every single one of our fans and they know like we know that we are not there yet. We will prepare for Sunderland and we will aim to win the game.”

MERCURYH LIDAYS

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