The Mercury - Issue 1574

The Region’s Number One Entertainment & Classifieds Newspaper

SY POLICE ISSUE WARNING ABOUT COURIER FRAUD SCAMS

South Yorkshire Police have recently been made aware of a series of courier fraud scams where fraudsters have been in possession of a list of victims and their contact details, and the majority of these victims are sadly, elderly.

There are many courier fraud scams out there at the moment, and these are becoming more sophisticated and realistic day by day. SYP are now encouraging people to be aware of courier fraud and highlighting some of the signs to look out for if something doesn’t seem right.

In most cases, courier fraud occurs when people are contacted by scammers claiming to be from their bank, the police or other law enforcement authorities. They then con the victim into revealing their PIN and credit or debit card details by either telling the victim that a fraudulent payment has been spotted on their card, or that someone has been arrested using their details and cards.

On this occasion, the fraudsters are claiming to be either the police or from Action Fraud, and are targeting the elderly.

Victims of courier fraud may be asked to call

their bank using the phone number on the back of the card. This usually convinces victims the call is genuine, however the scammer keeps the line open at their end so when victims make the call, they are unknowingly connected straight back to them or their friends.

Criminals usually ask victims for their PIN number or ask them to key it into their phone. No bank or other legitimate service will ever ask you for your PIN number.

The scammer then sends a courier or taxi to pick the card up from the victim’s home. The driver

may also not know they’re being used as part of the scam.

There are things you can do to protect yourself against fraud, including:

• Never share your personal details such as your PIN number or your card if you are asked for it (a bank would never ask for your PIN number in this way)

• Never send money to someone you don’t know, even if they claim to be from your bank or another law enforcement authority

• Check if the call is genuine by contacting police or your bank

using a different phone or wait 20 – 30 minutes before using the same phone

• Criminals will leave the line open, so be mindful that they could pass the call onto someone else

• If you are unsure whether a phone call, email or text is genuine, talk it through with someone you trust before you do anything

If you have been a victim of fraud, you should report this to Action Fraud either online at: www.actionfraud.police. uk/reporting-fraud-andcyber-crime or on 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm)

SIMPLY RED ADD SHEFFIELD DATE TO 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Due to huge public demand, simply red have announced they’re adding Sheffield to their 40th anniversary tour, as we get ready to celebrate the remarkable legacy of one of the UK’s most treasured bands. Iconic soul and pop band Simply Red this month announced that they have added an extra date to their forthcoming 40th anniversary UK & Ireland arena tour for September & October 2025 – the tour will now extend to Sheffield Utilita Arena on

30 September. Few bands have enjoyed the success and longevity of Simply Red. With over 60 million albums sold worldwide, five UK #1 albums, 1.8 billion streams across streaming platforms worldwide, and over 1 million YouTube subscribers, Simply Red remain one of the UK’s most successful and well-loved bands. Their 1991 classic Stars was the best-selling album for two years running in Britain and Europe, and all 13 of Simply Red’s studio albums, including

their latest release ‘Time’, have been UK Top 10’s. Mick Hucknall formed Simply Red in 1985 working-class Manchester and enjoyed early success with first single ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’ and the Brit Award-nominated album ‘Picture Book’ (the first of 13 nominations, and 3 Brit Award wins). This was followed by a decade of superstardom and global hits. Today Simply Red continue to sell out tours across the globe. Their live show is renowned for

its exceptional quality, with Mick Hucknall long-established as one of the great vocalists of contemporary music. To celebrate this impressive 40-year milestone, Simply Red head back out on the road in 2025, telling the musical story of Simply Red so far – from ‘Picture Book’ to ‘Time’, and everything in between.

Tickets are now on general sale at 10am via www.utilitaarenasheffield. co.uk.

05/6/1977 The Apple II, one of the first personal computers, goes on sale.

06/6/1984 Tetris, one of the best-selling video games of all-time, is released.

07/6/1982 Priscilla Presley opens Graceland to the public.

08/6/1042 Edward the Confessor becomes King, one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings of England.

Crossword Clues

across

7) Blemish (4)

8) Commentator (8)

9) Deferential (11)

11) Brink (4)

12) Pleasant fantasy (3, 5)

13) Sun hat (8)

15) Form (4)

16) Pleasant demeanour (5, 6)

18) Bill topper (4, 4)

19) Cereal (4)

DoWN

1) Squeeze-box (9)

2) Three of (6)

3) Tax dept. (6, 7)

4) Cold dawn (6, 7)

5) Slogan (6)

6) Tree piece (3)

10) Return (4-5)

14) Be careful (6)

15) Age (6)

17) Consumed (3)

Last Week’s Solution

across: 7) Site, 8) Radiance, 9) Odd, 10) Wise, 11) Maid, 13) Ornate, 14) Tandem, 15) Waiter, 18) Fossil, 20) Pool, 21) Dine, 22) Off, 24) Fragment, 25) Land

DoWN: 1) Hinder, 2) Wed, 3) Praise, 4) Advent, 5) Harmonise, 6) Active, 12) Tautology, 16) Aboard, 17) Redeem, 18) Finite, 19) Infant, 23) Ale

09/6/1924 In the second attempt to climb Mount Everest, George Mallory and Andrew “Sandy” Irvine disappear, possibly having first made it to the top.

10/6/1829 The first Boat Race between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge takes place.

11/6/1509 Henry VIII marries Catherine of Aragon.

It’s a five minute walk from my house to the pub. It’s a 35 minute walk from the pub to my house.

The difference is staggering.

I just got a new job as a street cleaner! Turns out there’s not much training involved, you just pick stuff up as you go along.

Boy: *Kissing girl on couch* You wanna take this upstairs?

Girl: Sure baby.

Boy: Then grab the end. I can’t carry it by myself.

My wife says I only have 2 faults.

I don’t listen - and something else...

Did you hear about the guy who lost his left arm and left leg in an accident? He’s all right now.

A writer approached me today acting strange and asked me to help him find his back garden… I think he’s lost the plot.

Earlier today someone sent me a bunch of flowers, but all the heads had been cut off.

I think I’m being stalked.

My wife just accused me of having zero empathy. I don’t understand how she can feel that way.

At work, my colleagues have given me the nickname “Mr. Compromise.”

It wasn’t my first choice, but I’m ok with it.

I thought I won the argument with my wife as to how to arrange the dining room furniture...

But when I got home, the tables were turned.

My girlfriend - who is deafjust told me: “I seriously think we need to talk.” That’s not a good sign.

a 2019 love interest for Jean Slater is played by which well known British actor known for his role in The Young Ones?

3. Which political leader was elected President of South Africa in 1994?

4. Which ‘A’ is a soft stone of type gypsum, commonly used for carving and decorative

News, Information and Advice

THaNks fROM blUE CROss

This Volunteers’ Week

(3 – 9 June), Blue Cross pet charity in Sheffield is thanking its team of dedicated volunteer pet foster carers who go the extra mile to care for homeless pets until permanent owners are found by caring for them in their own home. From small pets like degus and chinchillas to dogs, cats and even horses. The charity is also calling on local animal lovers to find out more about becoming a volunteer foster carer and sign up.

Katy Orton, centre Manager at Blue Cross in Sheffield said: “We are so grateful to all of our volunteers who foster pets for us. We know they find the experience incredibly rewarding and some even say it has been life changing, for both themselves and the pets they have cared for. Being in a home environment is so much better for pets and it also means more space in our rehoming centres to help animals in desperate need. For puppies and kittens it is essential for them to be around the usual household sights and sounds to enable them to grow into happy and confident adult pets.”

Blue Cross aims to rehome 10,000 pets per year by 2026 and is calling out to local animal lovers to sign up as volunteer foster carers to help the charity to reach this ambitious aim. Alex Roden has been fostering small pets for Blue Cross since November 2023. She said: “It’s been an amazing experience.

I have absolutely loved fostering. I did initially have a fear of getting too attached to the pets, but I manage it, knowing they are going to a good

home. I have been able to learn a lot about animals I have never experienced before, like chinchillas. The support from the staff and team has been perfect. A good mixture of phone calls, WhatsApp messages and check ins has been absolutely brilliant. It has been a fantastic experience and fostering has enabled me to experience looking after a pet I have not had before and I am looking forward to having many more foster pets in the future.”

Foster carers receive full training and all costs, including travel, are covered by Blue Cross and there is full support and guidance throughout. With the increasing demand for Blue Cross pet welfare services, the charity needs the support of animal lovers to continue its work helping pets and their people, in any way they can. Whether that’s by donating to keep rehoming and veterinary services going through these tough times, fundraising for Blue Cross, providing foster care for pets while loving new homes are found, volunteering at pet food banks, or signing up to support Blue Cross campaigns for better pet welfare. www.bluecross. org.uk

To find out more about becoming a volunteer foster carer and joining the Blue Cross team visit www.bluecross.org.uk/ pet-fostering or contact the centre in Sheffield on 0300 777 1851 or email sheffield@bluecross.org.uk

HOME UpGRadE GRaNTs

Sheffield households can

from a warm home that can be cheaper to run, following a change to eligibility rules for the Home Upgrade Grant.

Residents are encouraged to apply for these free energy efficiency measures for their homes as the eligibility criteria has now increased, but are urged to act quickly and apply before November 2024.

The eligibility pool has increased by nearly 20% following an increase to the income threshold for the grant. The funding is accessible through the Warm Homes Sheffield initiative, which is currently open to applications.

Warm Homes Sheffield is a collaborative partnership between Sheffield City Council and energy efficiency company Agility Eco.

Households with an annual income of £36,000 or less – up from the previous threshold of £31,000 - and who don’t use a gas boiler as the main heating system can apply to receive free energy-saving upgrades. These include insulation, air source heat pumps, solar panels and more. You can still apply for this scheme if you have a gas connection such as a gas cooker, as long as it’s not used for heating. Homes that are mainly heated through electricity, oil, coal, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or solid fuel are all eligible.

Further eligibility requirements include:

• Resident must be a homeowner or private tenant

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D-G

The funding, secured by Sheffield City Council, is limited - applications are processed on a firstcome, first-served basis, with a final submission deadline of November this year (2024). Eligible households could receive up to £38,000 in funding for energy efficiency measures, tailored to the

needs of their property.

The amount of funding available will depend on the property type and what measures are suitable for the property.

Cllr Douglas Johnson of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield City Council are very pleased more people are now eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant. Raising the income threshold from £31,000 to £36,000 means that more Sheffield households can enjoy warmer and healthier homes. Sheffield’s homes should be fit for the present and the future. This shows we are focusing on improving the fabric structure of Sheffield’s homes and reducing carbon emissions, building in climate resilience. We continue to work across all types of housing so more homes are fit to live in, and will support the health of the people that live in them.”

John Moores of AgilityEco, said: “The Home Upgrade Grant is there to help low-income homeowners upgrade their property with free energy efficiency measures, in turn saving them money on their energy bills and increasing the value of their home. The problem is that few residents have heard about the funding or believe they are eligible. We would urge all residents in Sheffield that do not use mains gas central heating to check their eligibility and spread the word to friends and family before applications close later this year.”

To learn more or to apply for the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2), register your interest via the Warm Homes Sheffield website or by calling 0800 107 8882 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you are unsure whether you might be eligible, call the above number and the team will be able to help.

MOdERN slavERY wEbsITE laUNCH

Over 100,000 people in the UK are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation. The Sheffield-based charity Causeway, along with anti-slavery recruitment scheme Bright Future Cooperative, are launching an innovative new careers website. Backed by former UK Independent AntiSlavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, the platform allows modern survivors to be fast-tracked into safe and permanent employment – and is calling on businesses from across the region to partner and publish vacancies for them.

Bright Future Co-operative fast-tracks modern slavery survivors into high quality employment. This had led to survivors gaining permanent roles with companies including Currys, Morrisons, Pilgrim’s UK, Greencore and the Co-op. The Bright Future Co-operative scheme was developed by the Sheffieldbased modern slavery charity Causeway.

After 7 years of successful delivery, Bright Future Cooperative is now launching the UK’s very first careers website for modern slavery survivors. This is a milestone in the delivery of the scheme, as it will allow more modern slavery survivors from across to access safe employment with companies who have positions specifically set aside for them. The Bright Future Co-operative careers website will allow businesses to post accessible job adverts for modern slavery survivors to apply for. The businesses will be provided

with full training, and will be supported by Causeway and Bright Future Cooperative throughout the onboarding process and during the first stages of employment.

Initially a modern slavery survivor is provided with a fully paid four-week work placement with a company.

Following the end of the placement, should both parties be happy, this immediately transitions into a permanent position.

Since launching in 2017, on average 75% of survivors placed into positions through Bright Future Cooperative, have continued into full-time employment. It is estimated that over 50 million people around the world are currently trapped in modern slavery, with more than 100,000 of those in the UK. Projections put modern slavery at costing the UK £33 billion per year. It can take many forms, including human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, criminal exploitation, sexual exploitation, forced marriage and organ harvesting. The careers website will be launching in June. It is being backed by Dame Sara Thornton, former UK Independent AntiSlavery Commissioner, a role she began following the introduction of the landmark Modern Slavery Act 2015, and which she held until 2022.

Those looking to access the platform or attend the launch webinar can visit www.wearecauseway. org.uk or email info@ brightfuture.coop

NEw RaCE EQUalITY CHaIR

Experienced leadership, diversity and inclusion professional Fatima KhanShah has been appointed as the Chair of the Race Equality Partnership for Sheffield (REPS). REPS, which launched earlier this year, is an active, collaborative network of people and organisations with a shared aim to make Sheffield an anti-racist city. REPS has been established by partners including public sector institutions, local businesses and community groups, following the publication of the Race Equality Commission (REC), in July 2022, and will play a pivotal role in supporting the city to deliver against the Commission’s recommendations and secure a legacy from the work. The role of Chair will be to provide visible and collaborative leadership of REPS, working with key partners across the city. Fatima appointed to the role due to her extensive experience leading on nationally recognised and multi-award-winning programmes around equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), as well as for her passion for Sheffield, the city she grew up in.

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Racism has no place in Sheffield

or anywhere. The Race Equality Partnership will play an important role in helping us to create an inclusive city for all, free from discrimination, where everyone can thrive. I’m delighted to welcome Fatima KhanShah as the new Chair of the Partnership. Through the Partnership, she will play an invaluable role in helping to create a more inclusive Sheffield. The Race Equality Partnership for Sheffield provides an opportunity to think strategically about how we bring our diverse communities together and how we share best practice on race equality, and hold each other to account, in our pursuit of long-term change.”

Fatima Khan-Shah has extensive experience leading complex change and transformation programmes and has a reputation as being an advocate for public involvement, compassionate leadership, diversity and inclusion. She is currently working with leaders across the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, where she provides expert advice on inclusion and addresses factors of social, economic and health inequalities.

ROVERS AND LIVERPOOL LEGENDS TAKE TO THE PITCH FOR LOCAL CANCER CHARITY

Since 2013, Doncaster-based Eve Merton Dreams Trust has held a special charity fixture involving fundraisers and former players. The charity was founded in 2011 following the death of Doncaster woman Eve Merton from ovarian cancer.

For the second year running a team of Rovers legends will square up against a team of Liverpool legends. Already pencilled in to appear for the Merseysiders is Emile Heskey, Charlie Adam, Glen Johnson and Jason McAteer. Meanwhile, Rovers royalty set to feature include James Coppinger, Francis Tierney and Brian Stock among many others.

This year's fixture takes place on Saturday, June 8 with kick-off at 2pm although a raft of family-friendly activities are taking place from midday in and around the stadium.

Martin Lawrence, co-founder of Eve Merton Dreams Trust and son of Eve, says uptake for this year's event is already edging towards the 3,000-ticket mark.

"It takes around six months to try and organise this event but we've already sold around the 3,000 mark and we're on course to top last year's attendance.” Martin told the Free Press.

He added that currently only the East Stand is available but that further stands will likely be opened up closer to the game. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day. Martin says last year's fixture raised over £92,000 for the charity with the total figure racked up by all previous ten charity games fast approaching £600,000.

Tickets: • £7 Adult • £4 Child • £15 Family (2 Adult, 2 Child)

Tickets are available through phone on 01302 762576 or website.

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.

LODGES & CARAVANS FOR SALE

MIKE & THE MECHANICS RETURN TO SHEFFIELD POLICE SHUT DOwN UNLICENSED MUSIC EvENT

Following 2023’s much lauded sell out ‘Refuelled! Tour’, Mike + The Mechanics return for the ‘Looking Back - Living The Years 2025 Tour’. Starting in March 2025 and playing through the whole of the UK, this tour will see them play their hits including ‘Over My Shoulder’, ‘The Living Years’ and ‘All I Need Is A Miracle’ as well as drift into some of Genesis’s much loved classic tracks.

Mike Rutherford says “It’s exciting to announce that we will be touring The Mechanics again. Getting back on the road with the guys last year was a real pleasure. Even though it had been four years, we slotted back into the old ways, the old jokes and the camaraderie like it had been a day! We had so much fun on the last tour and the audiences were so gracious and warm, when we played the final show in Dusseldorf we all agreed

then that we wanted to do it all again. We can’t wait to see you.”

Originally formed in 1985 by Mike Rutherford “as a side project to Genesis”, Mike + The Mechanics originally featured Paul Young and Paul Carrack as frontmen, and together, they achieved huge commercial success throughout the 80s and 90s achieving number ones all over the world and going on to sell over 10 million albums.

After Paul Young’s sudden death in 2000 the band released one further album before deciding to call it a day. In 2011, Mike started writing songs again and invited Roachford and Howar to join him and their chemistry was instant and they released ‘The Road’ album and the band began touring again with huge success and have remained together since.

Tickets are now on general sale via www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

Officers shut down an unlicensed music event in Sheffield over the weekend.

SYP were called at 12.16am on Saturday, 1 June following reports that a number of people were starting to gather in an area near Ringinglow Road.

Further calls were received as more people started to arrive and approximately 30 people were gathered at the site by 12.47am.

Officers moved quickly to establish the location of what was believed to be a planned rave and prevent further access to the area.

Police engaged with those present and an order to leave was given at 2.45am. Around 60 people were in attendance at the time the order was given.

After conversations with police, attendees agreed to pack up their equipment and leave the site,

meaning officers did not have to seize any items. The event was brought to a close and the site was fully vacated by 4.10am.

Detective Superintendent Nicola Leach, who oversaw the response, said: “Previous events of this nature have understandably caused concern among the local community.

“We received a number of calls about Saturday’s planned event and worked quickly and effectively to restrict site access and successfully bring it to a close.

“I’d like to thank officers for their diligent work, and also the members of the public who made us aware of this gathering so that we could take direct action as soon as possible.

“Unlicensed music events such as this one have a direct impact on residents living nearby and have the potential to damage moorland and wildlife. Anyone planning to arrange a similar event to the one we saw this weekend should be aware that we will take action where necessary.”

Mike and his Mechanics return to Sheffield next year

NIKKI ROdGERs

hereby given that we: The mANAgemeNT commiTTee

Have made an application under Section 17

Part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as LAycocks spoRTs & sociAL cLub, ARcheR Rd, sheffieLd s8 0JZ

We intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities:

Sale by retail of alcohol: Monday - Sunday 12:00 - 24:00

Provision of regulated entertainment, namely: Performance of live music, playing of recorded music

Monday - Sunday 12:00 - 24:00

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 20th June 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.

TUESDAY

Coronation Street:

Dee-Dee is stunned when Joel calls at the corner shop flat and after apologising for his Mum’s behaviour, drops on one knee and asks Dee-Dee to marry him. What will she say? Toyah receives a hand-delivered letter. She’s shocked to discover that the Institute is suing her for defamation and taking out an injunction. Will she drop her campaign against them? Ken gives Carla and Bobby a short shrift and makes it clear he’s deeply unimpressed by their treatment of Daniel. Glenda confides in Michael that she feels bad about suing George but she’s grateful for his support when he reminds her that her Dad wanted her to have half the business. Bethany is furious to discover someone has been fraudulently using her old company credit card. Yasmeen confides in Ken that Stu seems rather down and she’d be grateful if he would join them for birthday drinks.

Emmerdale:

Marlon and Rhona Dingle are at rock bottom as the rows continue. There’s another blow for Lydia when Samson returns home proud as punch to have passed his driving test. After Matty throws Josh out of the HOP, the troublesome teen returns and demands the money out of the till. But Matty’s not about to give up the cash and just carries on working. All revved up, Josh then shoves Samson, who falls on to Matty, who just happens to be holding a knife he was clearing away. As the police wade in to investigate will they uncover the truth?

Eastenders:

Bianca has been taking out her frustrations on Reiss and things are beginning to escalate. Reiss Colwell is devastated when Bianca hits out at him with a torrent of hurtful comments and he tells Sonia that he’s had enough of Bianca’s abuse and wants her out! Who will Sonia side with - her boyfriend or her sister? Gate-crashing a family meal, Priya demands to know why she wasn’t invited, frustrating her ex Ravi, who just wants a chance to get close to his dying dad. Junior has reluctantly settled in Albert Square to be near to sisters Anna and Gina, but he can’t quite find it in himself to offer an olive branch to his dad George.

FOOTBALLR UNDUP

BANNAN SAYS “I wANT TO wRITE ANOThER ChAPTER”

players hit, the support I’ve had from the fans since I’ve been here has been amazing, my relationship with the manager, and the chairman has been amazing with me over the last nine years.

“They all play a part when you come to signing.”

note after being written off.

“We look as if we’re going to keep the momentum this pre-season, it’s important we don’t let that momentum slip.

and Bannan thinks the squad will be uplifted by a full pre-season under the German.

Bannan told swfc.co.uk there were many factors involved in keeping him at Wednesday.

The Scottish international said: “My intentions were always to stay at the club until I’m finished.

“There were loads of factors. Ten years is a milestone not many

Coming off the back of a hard-fought season that saw the Owls win an unprecedented battle against the drop, the skipper is looking forward to a fresh start with new ideas and ambitions.

He added: “Things are looking up for the club, we finished on a strong

EXPERIENCED ANChORMAN KELLY JOINS ROThERhAM

Experienced midfielder Liam Kelly is the latest player to be added to the Rotherham United ranks by boss Steve Evans this summer, with the seasoned Sky Bet Championship campaigner set to join the club upon the expiry of his Coventry City contract, subject to EFL and FA ratification. Kelly’s arrival marks signing number seven for Evans, who has been incredibly pro-active in the way in which he has conducted his recruitment this summer with a number of key targets already signed up ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 34-year-old arrives in South Yorkshire on a twoyear deal with masses of experience in the English game, primarily in the Sky Bet Championship, and boasts near-legendary status with the Sky Blues who he has represented since 2017.

“There’ll be new players coming in and it will be nice to get them on board. It’s kind of a fresh start, that’s how football works.

“People will come in fighting for your position, there’s no guarantees about who plays, so we all have to go out and prove ourselves again.”

Owls boss Danny Röhl also penned a new deal with the Owls last week

He added: “We’ve got a young manager who we’ve all seen has capabilities and you would be mad if you didn’t want to work under him.

“The only way is up. We’re going to learn so much more under him next season, and even at 34, I’ll be learning under him still.

“We won ugly a few times last season and it wasn’t always how he wanted to play, and he’s always learning and still young.

A one-time Scotland international, Kelly helped Coventry City to the second tier when they were crowned Sky Bet League One champions in 2019/20 and has performed over 50 times in the Sky Blues’ engine room since their promotion. There is no doubt that the Newport-Pagnell-born anchorman will bring with him attributes as valuable off the pitch as he does on it, with his career nearing 400 professional appearances with clubs in England and Scotland.

His formative years were spent as a youth player at MK Dons before he headed north of the border to Kilmarnock, where he enjoyed four years between 2009 and 2013 and made a century of appearances.

Stints with Bristol City, Oldham Athletic and Leyton Orient followed before Kelly found his spiritual home with Coventry City, for whom he has plied his trade for seven years.

Rotherham United will kick off their pre-season calendar ahead of the 2024/25 campaign with their traditional friendly fixture against Parkgate at Roundwood on Friday 5th July 2024, 7pm kick off.

Millers fans will get their first opportunity to take a look at Steve Evans’ newly-assembled squad at the club’s training base when they take on the Steelmen in early July, with this year’s fixture taking place on a Friday evening to prevent a clash for those wishing to attend The Reytons concert at Clifton Park a day later and also to avoid any potential Saturday action in EURO2024.

Our hosts at Parkgate have confirmed that ticket prices for this fixture will be the same as last season with adults priced at £10 and concessions (65+ or Under 16s) priced at £8.

All sales will be made online through Parkgate’s ticketing supplier and these will be on sale to supporters on a first-come-first-served basis. These will be available around a fortnight before the fixture with details to be confirmed nearer the date on www.themillers.co.uk.

“The good thing about him is that he’s adaptable, he’s got a plan B and a plan C. I think he’ll put his stamp on the team in preseason and get time to work how he really wants to play.

“He’ll know he can rely on playing different ways, the league demands that and he’s added that to his armoury after the season just gone.

“I’m looking forward to going into his pre-season and learning the way he really, really wants us to play with his style.”

The way the former Villa man has been backed by Wednesdayites was

another deciding factor in completing a decade of seasons at Hillsborough, something he is ever grateful for.

He added: “The fans have been brilliant. I’ve been here nine years and they took to me from day one. I’m lucky to have had the adulation I’ve had from a club like this, it’s something you can’t really explain.

“For me, it plays a massive factor in being here as long as I have. That feeling you have when your name is being sung, it’s hard to let go of.”

In the last two seasons Bannan has played 93

BLADES ANNOUNCE RETAINED AND RELEASED LIST

Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, Sheffield United have confirmed their retained and released list and thanked all players for their contributions during the Premier League campaign.

Retained: Anel Ahmedhodzic, Oliver Arblaster, Cameron Archer, Rhian Brewster, Andre Brooks, Ismaila Coulibaly, Sam Curtis, Tom Davies, Ivo Grbic, Gus Hamer, Will Osula, Jack Robinson, Anis Slimane, Vini Souza, Benie Traore, Auston Trusty.

Option activated: Jayden Bogle, Rhys NorringtonDavies.

Offers made: Daniel Jebbison.

Free transfer: Jordan Amissah, Chris Basham, George Baldock, Wes Foderingham, Max Lowe, Ollie Norwood.

Free transfer (ongoing discussions): Adam Davies, John Egan, Oli McBurnie, Ben Osborn.

Players returning on expiry of their temporary contracts: Mason Holgate, Yasser Larouci, James McAtee, Ben Brereton Diaz.

games, with only a small break between our League One play-off final and the start of preseason last summer.

Now, he is enjoying some well-earned downtime with family, but the urge to get back to Middlewood Road is already starting to creep in!

He said: “It’s been a long two years! With all the emotions over that time it’s probably put another 10 years on me!

“Some of the moments in that time have been really good, but the turnaround was really quick between the play-off final and the

Championship season, so this break has come at a good time.

“I love football and I’m starting to get itchy feet! But being on holiday with the family helps that, but when you’re back in England and you’re doing normal things, you wish you were back at training.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to football now, everybody’s ambition is to be at the other side of the table and see where we get.

“I want to write another chapter in the story of my time here and hopefully it’s a positive one.”

Clifton: Big move to Rovers

‘felt right’

Harry Clifton says he quickly felt that Rovers was the right club for him - and that was vital in his decision to move down the M180.

The 25-year-old has been with hometown club Grimsby Town for his entire footballing life so departing Blundell Park this summer was no easy choice.

But the good feeling he had about Rovers helped him decide to take a big step in his career.

“I felt that for me to move it had to be right and feel right,” Clifton said. “I got that straight away here and I just want to repay that to the gaffer, the team and the fans to show it was the right decision and why I’m so excited to be here.

‘I just feel like for my career that I needed a bit of a change and a fresh challenge. The conversations I’ve had with the gaffer have got me excited and it just felt right, which is why I’m here.

“I think it’s how you grow as a person, getting out of your comfort zone. I’ve been with Grimsby ten years going into the same training ground. I felt like to grow as a person and help my career as well, I need to go and do that. It will be

“It seems a great place to play football and work and I’m sure I’ll find my feet straight away.

“I’m at the stage where I’m at a pivotal age. The timing felt right to have a fresh challenge.

“It’s not going to be easy and it’s one where I’m going to need to give my absolute all in, which I’m ready to do.”

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