SY POLICE ISSUE COURIER SCAM WARNING
People in South Yorkshire are being urged to make themselves aware of the signs of courier fraud after a Doncaster man lost over £7,000 to fraudsters pretending to be police officers.
On Christmas Eve, the man, who is in his 80s, received a phone call from an unknown number claiming to be a police officer at a station based in Doncaster.
The man was asked to help in an ‘undercover operation’ focused on employees at a local bank. He was asked to withdraw money and then hand it over to a courier who would attend his home
address. He ended up being scammed out of £7,450.
The police have received five other reports of similar fraudulent calls from people pretending to be police officers made to South Yorkshire residents in the last week and their fraud team is now warning people to be aware of this particular type of scam.
Courier fraud involves victims receiving a phone call from a criminal pretending to be from the police or another official organisation, such as a bank.
The fraudster claims
there is an issue with the victim’s bank account or requests the victim’s help in an ongoing bank or police investigation.
Victims are then asked to withdraw a large sum of money which will be collected by a courier for ‘evidence’.
Fraud Protect Officer, Charlotte Platts said:
“Unfortunately, we have received several reports of this scam in South Yorkshire over the festive period. This scam can not only result in the loss of significant amounts of money but also have a real impact on the victim’s health and wellbeing.
“Please read these tips and keep an eye out
for any signs of courier fraud.”
Protecting yourself from Courier Fraud:
• The police or your bank will never call you to ask you to verify your financial details by phone. Hang up if you get a call like this.
• If you do get a call and need to call your bank back to check, wait five minutes. Find a number for the bank you know and trust, from the back of your card or a statement. Fraudsters have been known to stay on the line after you hang up so when you ring your bank back you are connected back to the scammers.
• Don’t let a stranger take your bank card from you. You should only ever have to hand it over at your bank.
If you are a victim of fraud please report it to Action Fraud, either online via: www. actionfraud.police. uk/reporting-fraudand-cyber-crime or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.
If you’ve given your bank details over the phone or handed your card to a courier, call your bank immediately and ask them to cancel your cards and put a block onto your account.
urgently required club steward
Grenoside Working Men’s Club is a private members’ club in the heart of Grenoside Village.
Role - GWMC requires a Steward/Stewardess to manage the Bar. This requires at least five years’ experience & proven ability in all aspects of bar, cellar & cash management, stock control, ordering, supervising of bar staff and dealing with suppliers. You need to be passionate about customer service and be enthusiastic and flexible with a “can-do” attitude.
Applications - in writing: FAO Club Secretary, 195 Main Street, Grenoside, Sheffield S35 8PP, or
email: grenogwmc@gmail.com with subject: FAO Club Secretary - Job Application
Please include your CV and a covering letter. References are required.
To sponsor our weekly Time Out page call our Sales Team on 0114 276 3633
HOLLY BRINGS THE PLEASUREDOME TO SHEFFIELD CITY HALL
Music legend and global LGBTQ+ icon
Holly Johnson has announced three extra dates to his Welcome To The Pleasuredome 40th anniversary Tour due to phenomenal demand. The tour will celebrate four decades since the iconic debut album by Frankie Goes to Hollywood and now includes a new date at Sheffield City Hall on Tuesday 3rd June 2025. Following his critically acclaimed 2023 shows,
Holly Johnson returns to the stage with a brandnew production featuring the timeless hits that made Frankie Goes to Hollywood one of the most influential bands of the 80s. Fans can expect to hear iconic anthems like the chart-topping “Relax,” “Two Tribes,” and the ethereal “The Power of Love.”
“I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since Welcome to The Pleasuredome first exploded onto the scene,” says Holly Johnson.
“It’s been an incredible journey. I’m thrilled to be celebrating this milestone with a special tour for the fans and hopefully a 40th anniversary box set. Watch this space...” Last year Holly launched brand new exhibition, “The Holly Johnson Story”, at the Museum of Liverpool which is running until Sunday 27 July 2025. This landmark exhibit explores the life and career of the iconic singer, from his Liverpool roots to
international fame. It will feature costumes, memorabilia, personal stories of those impacted by HIV, and Holly’s own artwork. The exhibition promises a journey through his triumphs and struggles, showcasing him as a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ icon. For more information visit HERE.
Tickets are now available via www.
sheffieldcityhall.co.uk/.
1/1/1948 – The British railway network is nationalized to form British Railways.
2/1/1981 – One of the largest investigations by a British police force ends when serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, the “Yorkshire Ripper”, is arrested in Sheffield 3/1/1999 1999 – The Mars Polar Lander is launched by NASA.
4/1/72 - Rose Heilbron becomes the first female judge
Crossword Clues
across
7) Disappear (6)
8) Rubber (6)
9) Prison room (4)
10) Course subjects (8)
11) One alone (6)
13) Fall (4)
14) Fish eggs (3)
16) Canteen (4)
17) Garment closer (6)
19) Holiday (8)
21) Flat fish (4)
22) Show (6)
23) Create (6)
DoWN
1) Throwing spear (7)
2) Testament (4)
3) Facial hairs (8)
4) Enthusiasm (4)
5) Flit around (3, 5)
6) Location (5)
12) Undefined situation (4, 4)
13) Urbane (8)
15) Direct phone link (3, 4)
18) Hammer (5)
20) Indolent (4)
21) Rescue (4)
Last Week’s Solution across: 7) Vanish, 8) Eraser, 9) Cell, 10) Syllabus, 11) Single, 13) Drop, 14) Roe, 16) Mess, 17) Button, 19) Vacation, 21) Sole, 22) Reveal, 23) Invent DoWN: 1) Javelin, 2) Will, 3) Whiskers, 4) Zeal, 5) Gad about, 6) Venue, 12) Grey area, 13) Debonair, 15) Hot line, 18) Gravel, 20) Idle, 21) Save
to sit at the Old Bailey
5/1/1971 - The first One Day International cricket match is held between Australia and England.
6/1/1929 - Mother Teresa arrives in Calcutta, India to begin her work.
7/1/1927 - The first transatlantic telephone service is established – from New York to London.
I’m reading a horror book in Braille. Something bad is going to happen. I can feel it.
I would like to be a millionaire just like my dad. He always wanted to be a millionaire too.
A woman is on trial for beating her husband to death with his guitar collection. The judge asks her: “First offender?” She replies: “No. First a Gibson, then a Fender.”
I was really embarrassed when my wife walked in on me playing with my son’s train set by myself, so in a moment of panic, I threw a bed sheet over it... I think I’ve managed to cover my tracks.
My wife says I only have 2 faults. I don’t listen - and something else...
I told my wife that a husband ages like wine. We get better with age. Then she locked me in the cellar.
My author friend claims he “accidentally” glued himself to his autobiography, but I don’t believe him. Anyway, that’s his story and he’s sticking to it.
I recently found a round, black piece of plastic, with a hole in the middle and grooves on both sides. I picked it up and threw it. It flew for more than 300 yards.
I’m sure that must be a record.
My wife said she’d leave me if I didn’t stop eating Pasta. Now I’m feeling cannelloni.
I’ve been diagnosed with a chronic fear of giants. Feefiphobia.
I’ve been saying “mucho” to my Spanish friend a lot more often lately. It means a lot to him.
SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S MAYOR SEEKS PUBLIC VIEWS ON POLICING AND CRIME PRIORITIES
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard is asking people across South Yorkshire to share their views on the policing priorities he is proposing for his first Police and Crime Plan.
The Police and Crime Plan will provide the framework for community safety and policing in South Yorkshire over the next five years.
Mayor Oliver Coppard took on Police and Crime Commissioner responsibilities in May last year, when he was re-elected.
Since then, he has been responsible for working closely with South Yorkshire Police’s Chief Constable and other force colleagues, as well as partners across the wider criminal justice system, local authorities and communities to better understand the issues facing South Yorkshire and to develop his Police and Crime Plan.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard said: “When I was reelected earlier this year with those expanded responsibilities, I made clear my own priorities: tackling knife crime, establishing a Vision Zero for our roads, cracking down on anti-social behaviour, and making sure people could feel more confident about policing across South Yorkshire.
“But making South Yorkshire the safest place it can be isn’t just about my priorities, it’s about listening to and responding to the priorities of our communities. So, I want to know that we’re on the right track; that the priorities I’ve
laid out, and the things I think are important in South Yorkshire, feel right to people across Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield.
“I want to shape the future of policing in South Yorkshire with our communities, so I’m asking as many people as possible to complete the survey we’ve developed, so I can make the best decisions for our communities.
“When I was re-elected earlier this year, I said that everyone in South Yorkshire has the right to feel safe and secure, whoever they are and wherever they are, and I am committed to making that a reality.
“I have been listening to the public and partners, hearing their issues and concerns as well as learning about the good work that is already taking place across South Yorkshire. This has been brought together to inform my priorities for our Police and Crime Plan, which will set a clear direction to the police and partners to deliver a safer South Yorkshire for all our residents and communities.
“Now I want to hear from people across our communities and whether they think these are the right priorities for policing in South Yorkshire.It’s so important that people have their say and help us shape the future of policing here in our region.”
Based on the key commitments in the Mayor’s manifesto that people have told him, five themes have emerged which he hopes will form
the basis of our priorities:
1. Improving trust and confidence in the police and criminal justice system.
2. Preventing and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour with a particular focus on:
• knife crime
• violence against women and girls child sexual abuse and exploitation
• anti-social behaviour like littering and graffiti that can make places feel unsafe
3. Improving safety on all our transport networks, reducing the number of road deaths and the unsafe and nuisance behaviour that negatively affects our communities.
4. Breaking the cycle of offending and harm by taking an end-to-end approach to address the underlying issues that can make people more likely to break the law.
5. Tackling the most serious offences and building resilient communities.
The consultation will run until 31st January.
Following the consultation the responses will be reviewed and then used to shape the Police and Crime Plan, which will be published before the end of March 2025.
If you want to get involved and give your views on the Police and Crime Plan priorities, you can take part via www.southyorkshire-ca. gov.uk/news
News, Information and Advice
wonder puppy named in honour
Gill Wilkinson, one of our volunteers, has had a puppy named in her honour, as well as being given our Outstanding Contribution award.
Gill has helped Support Dogs to raise more than £70,000 in the past two years by manning stalls and giving promotional stalls, as well as talking on full-time care of our dogs. It was most definitely a case of puppy love at first sight when the charity volunteer met her namesake.
The Support Dogs charity has named one of its newest puppies Gilly, in honour of selfless volunteer Gill Wilkinson.
As well as manning stalls and giving promotional talks - helping to raise more than £70,000 in the past two years – Gill also took on full-time care of dogs for the Sheffieldbased good cause, which trains and provides assistance dogs to help people with a range of medical conditions to live more independently.
In recognition of her dedication, Gill was also presented with an Outstanding Contribution award during the charity’s recent Graduation and Awards ceremony, held at the Quays Hotel.
Accepting her award, she said: “Everyone who knows me knows just how amazing I think this charity is and I couldn’t do it without Liz (Kenyon, fellow volunteer) and Dandelion (mascot played by Connor Young) – they’ve been out just as much as me, so it’s for them as well.”
Afterwards, she added: “It’s so amazing. It’s hard standing in the freezing cold every weekend, but it’s so lovely to be recognised in this way. And having Gilly named after me is extra special. She’s going to be a fantastic support dog –I’m going to be watching her progress like a hawk!”
The 68-year-old, from Wadsley, has been volunteering for Support Dogs since 2017, after she gave up her job working with children and families following a heart attack.
Recalling how it all began, she said: “It was my granddaughter who said ‘when you retire, have a dog’. I phoned Support Dogs and they invited me in to find out more. Within about a week I’d got a dog.”
When the charity set up its puppy programme, Gill became a puppy socialiser for adorable yellow Labrador Cobble – who went on to become an epilepsy seizure alert dog for a former Met Police officer.
“I’m just so proud of him,” said Gill, who is married to Terry. “I just knew he was going to be a seizure alert dog – he would follow me everywhere.
I’m still in touch with his client.”
Gill, a mum-of-two and grandmother-of-three, then became a volunteer doggy foster carer for Sprocker Spaniel Charlie from the charity – but she ended up rehoming the pooch, who is now five. She started volunteering at Support Dogs events, and she took on full-time care of the charity’s ambassador dog Derek – who is a familiar sight accompanying Gill to countless talks and charity collections. Gill said: “I just think Support Dogs are amazing for what they do for families.
People will say ‘oh, I don’t know how you can give the dogs up as volunteers’, but just go along to one of the graduations and you hear what a difference it’s made to a family and you just know it’s the right thing to do. Although you’re upset when they go, it’s nothing compared to what the families who receive these dogs have been through.”
Gilly is being looked after by volunteer puppy socialiser Trevor Mountford in Doncaster. To find out how to become a volunteer with Support Dogs, please visit www.supportdogs. org.uk or call 0114 2617800.
active travel report
Thousands of young people and adults from across South Yorkshire have taken part in the Mayor’s Year Active of Travel that draws to a close at the end of the month.
The initiative was launched by South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, to encourage more people in the region to get active, to make the region a hub of active travel and to help build the healthiest future for the generations to come. Events took place throughout the year with people walking, wheeling and cycling along the way contributing to the Mayor’s ambition of making the region the healthiest in the UK. The Living Streets UK Walking Summit was held in Sheffield in March, and highlighted the importance of helping neighbourhoods become more walkable for people from every background. Thousands of schoolchildren from 78 primary schools were involved in the Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge in June; a ten-day activity to help every child choose whether to walk, scoot or bike to school. South Yorkshire By Bike highlighted the trafficfree paths, segregated cycle lanes, quiet roads and family friendly routes connecting communities across the region, with a 250km ride in July.
More than 150 different groups, that help people to get walking in their communities, were celebrated in SouthYorksWalks, a weekend event in September, organised by the South Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), and dedicated to the pleasure of walking. The Mayor also completed his own personal challenge by walking, running or volunteering at South Yorkshire’s 12 parkruns, celebrating the parkrun communities across the region that help thousands of people get active, where they live, every week. Concluding at Penistone parkrun on 14 December, the Mayor’s challenge was open to everyone and over 100 participants have claimed a limited edition free t-shirt for taking part. Oliver Coppard said: “My Year of Active Travel celebrated the progress we’ve made not just over the last year but all the work that went into making
owlthorpe fields grant
that progress possible over the last few years. We’ve made roads and streets safer through better crossings and safer cycle lanes and we’ve supported community groups with measures like School Streets and safer speed limits where people live. It’s been a pleasure to meet so many people over the last year who now have more choice about how they get around and how they can fit activity into their daily lives. I am always impressed by the communities and groups who champion active travel and who, every day, advocate for more from me and from others.”
The Year of Active Travel has also helped to inform the focus of a new walking, wheeling and cycling strategy for South Yorkshire that is currently being developed and will be published next year.
The ambitious plans will include an integrated approach on helping every child to choose to walk, scoot or bike to school and to encourage healthy habits at the start of life. There will be engagement with communities to create healthier neighbourhoods and safer roads; and connecting people to opportunities – to give everyone freedom and choice about how they get around. South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE, said: “There’s so much to celebrate about walking, wheeling and cycling in South Yorkshire. I’m inspired by the passion of our communities and partners making it easier for people to get moving and we’re just getting started.
“The new strategy we’re developing now will create safer, healthier neighbourhoods, giving children the choice to walk, scoot, or bike to school and connect people to opportunities. This ambition will be backed by behavioural science, community input and better infrastructure. I’m excited for what’s next. Let’s make South Yorkshire healthier, happier, and safer through active travel.”
Forthcoming improvements to access and conservation of Owlthorpe Fields has been made possible by backing from Sheffield Town Trustees and the Freshgate Trust. Their support helped the Owlthorpe Fields Conservation Group secure a £101,990 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund a few days ago.
Owlthorpe Fields is an important area in Southeast Sheffield, renowned for its biodiversity and historical importance as former agricultural land. The site has gained increased significance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising the need for effective management and enhanced accessibility to prevent degradation and promote inclusive use.
The £1,500 grant from Sheffield Town Trustees and a further £2,000 from the Freshgate Trust has enhanced the project’s scope, particularly in the areas of educational programming and volunteer engagement. The far-reaching project will enhance access for all, including those with disabilities, and
include the restoration of pathways, repair of historical stone walls and management of vegetation. The initiatives aim to preserve the area’s ecological and historical integrity.
Claire Baker, chair of the conservation group managing the project, said: “We are immensely grateful for the generous support of both the Freshgate Trust and Sheffield Town Trustees. Their help enabled us to gain the wider The National Lottery Heritage Fund support. We are now able to continue to develop Owlthorpe Fields for the well-being of our community and the preservation of its wildlife.”
Aligned with Sheffield City Council’s Open Spaces Strategy, the project includes community involvement in conservation tasks, educational programmes, and the creation of new interpretative materials and the learning of new skills for volunteers. These efforts are designed to deepen the community’s connection to their local environment and encourage ongoing preservation activities.
A warning has been issued over an online TravelMaster ticketing scam in South Yorkshire.
TravelMaster said it had been made aware of a social media scheme that offers travel for three months with a TravelMaster smartcard for £1.95. “This is not a genuine offer,” the company said in a statement. “We urge you not to click on any links or provide personal data.”
Multiple social media accounts and sponsored posts have promoted the scam. Some posts may contain images that look like products from the company. Fake accounts are used to comment on the post to promote the scheme and make it look genuine. This scam is not confined to South Yorkshire and similar fraudulent accounts are present across the UK. The accounts identified so far have names such as “Public transport in Sheffield” where the place name is switched along with local pictures.
TravelMaster is aware that this is not the first time we have seen this scam in the area. We continue to urge customers to be vigilant and follow the advice of South Yorkshire Police (SYP) to prevent
fraud which can be found on the SYP website. John Henshall, TravelMaster General Manager said on the scam: “It is saddening to see scammers looking to take advantage of customers at a time when money is tight due to the Christmas and New Year period as well as forthcoming changes in fares and tickets in January. We are working with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the local councils to raise awareness of the scam.”
A spokesperson for SYMCA commented: “Passengers should be alert to ticketing and other scams that are being promoted on social media this festive period. For advice on which ticket to purchase to get the best value for money on public transport, passengers can contact Travel South Yorkshire at travelsouthyorkshire.com or call 0800 952 0002.” All information about TravelMaster tickets including relevant pricing along with important ticket changes from 1 January 2025 can be found on the TravelMaster website sytravelmaster. com
IRON MEN RETURN TO THE CITY OF STEEL
The City of Steel welcomes the Return of the Iron Men! Britain’s Strongest Man will be back in Sheffield for a eighth consecutive year at the Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday, 1st February 2025 for the ultimate showdown of strength. Hold on to your barbells, because Britain’s Strongest Man is returning to Utilita Arena Sheffield for 2025. Britain’s Strongest Man 2025 is the first stop on the prestigious Giants Live World’s Strongest Man Arena Tour - 6 of the UK’s biggest arenas play host to gruelling challenges and epic lifts that will amaze fans and test our Giants to the absolute limit.
The line-up for Britain’s Strongest Man 2025 has just been revealed, featuring a powerhouse roster of competitors ready to showcase incredible strength and endurance. This year’s contenders include returning fan favourites and rising stars, such as Adam Bishop, Andrew Flynn, Chris Beetham, Gavin Bilton, Graham Hicks, Kane Francis, Luke Richardson, Luke Stoltman, Matt Dimond, Paddy Haynes, Sean Gillen, and Shane Flowers. Don’t miss your chance to see these elite athletes go head-tohead in what is sure to be an epic battle! 12 of Britain’s finest strength
athletes will face these 5 gruelling challenges; Log Press, Sandbag Steeplechase, Duck Walk Into Farmer’s Walk, Deadlift Ladder, Castle Stones.
Giants Live is filmed for Channel 5 as part of the World’s Strongest Man Series. You’ve seen them on TV, now watch them live, up-close and personal! The Giants are poised, the camera crew ready and the world is watching to find out who will be the strongest man in history!
Tickets are on sale now via www.utilitaarenasheffield. co.uk/.
THURS 23RD JANUARY - SAT 1ST FEBRUARY
2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as THE NICHoLS BUILDING (PART GRoUND FLOOR), 8 SHEPHERD STREET, SHEFFIELD S3 7BA
I intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 - 23:00 Sunday 10:00 - 20:00
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 26th January 2025
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 unlimited.
The Licensing Act 2003
(Premises and Club Premises Certificates) Regulations 2005
Notice is hereby given that I: JAGADEESH KELLAmPALLI
Have made an application under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as 4 ,SuFFOLk ROaD, SHEFFIELD S2 4aF
I intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: The Provision of Late Night Refreshment: Sun - Thurs 23:00 – 01:00 the following day Fri - Sat 23:00 - 03:00 the following day
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 January 2025
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 summary conviction for this offence is unlimited.
The Masked Singer,
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY
Coronation Street:
Roy is concerned for Carla’s wellbeing when she starts hearing things and looking confused. After being rushed to hospital, the doctor informs a shocked Carla that the sepsis has damaged her kidney and she may need another transplant. Sarah is worried when she sees Daniel Osbourne speaking to his ex Daisy. Steve and Tracy are shocked when Cassie appears in Steve’s dressing gown. Cassie explains that she stayed over to look after Ken as Steve was working a night shift and winds Tracy up by making out she fancies Ken. How will Tracy react? Lisa catches up with Mason and shows him some photos taken at the crime scene of Becky’s death and tells him that his brothers were driving the car that hit Becky.
Emmerdale:
As Jacob apologises for the hiccup, he’s grateful when Sarah grants him another chance and agrees to a second attempt at romance. Can the flirty pair get this thing off the ground? Meanwhile Jacob begins a four-week placement on a busy A&E ward. Will Jacob be able to handle the rigours of the job as patients with serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies start pouring in? Elsewhere, Bob is in pieces as he contemplates a year without his beloved son Heath on the anniversary of the lad’s tragic road accident death. Meanwhile, over a quiet lunch Cain and Moira contemplate what lies ahead at her hospital appointment. A flashback episode has revealed what has pushed Ruby to be so reactive and stressed, exposing how her dad Anthony sexually abused her throughout her childhood, pushing her to leave home at 16. When Chas pushes her to open up, Ruby finally breaks her silence – but how far will she go?
Eastenders:
It’s a New Year and hopefully the start of a romantic new chapter for Suki and her fiancee, Eve. The only thing that stands in the way of their happily ever after is Suki’s vengeful ex-husband, Nish. After sharing a kiss, Kat and Alfie decided to officially get back together again! Which meant that Kat’s second husband, Phil was left out in the cold. Martin rushes to Stacey’s side in her hour of need. But three’s a crowd, when Ruby joins them. Stacey is not happy to see love-rival Ruby and SNAPS! Martin is not impressed by Stacey’s rude reaction to Ruby. But the question remains, WHO does Martin have romantic feelings for as the New Year gets underway?
MERCURYH LIDAYS
luxury
Fully
FOOTBALLR UNDUP
Follow Your Local Team Every Week In The Mercury Follow Your Local Team Every Week In The Mercury
WILDER PROUD AFTER BAGGIES DRAW WE
Chris Wilder declared he was ‘super proud’ of his players following Sunday’s hard-fought stalemate with West Brom at Bramall Lane. With his squad down to nearly the bare bones, owing to injuries and illness, the Blades were good value for at least a share of the spoils and the boss emphasised
MILLERS FInISh OFF 2024
WITh POInT
AGAInST STOCkPORT
Hakeem Odoffin’s fourth goal of the season in all competitions earned Rotherham United a share of the spoils against play-off chasing Stockport County in their last Sky Bet League One clash of 2024. The Millers found themselves behind at the AESSEAL New York Stadium when highlyrated Louie Barry put County ahead with a smart finish but Odoffin levelled matters soon after.
There was a low-key start to the clash but Barry sparked the game to life when he left both Liam Kelly and Joe Rafferty in his wake, following a clever piece of skill, and a burst of pace, and although Odoffin tried to narrow his shooting angle, Dillon Phillips was called upon to make a point-blank save at close quarters.
The Hatters took the lead on 13 minutes when Barry – who threatened earlier - netted his 15th league goal of the season in Sky Bet League One. The Aston Villa loanee
the adversity those who played had overcome against the Baggies.
He commented: “I’m super proud of my team, we are so stretched it is unbelievable. I thought we were light at the start of the season and needed to keep everyone healthy.
“I look at Burnley, Leeds and West Brom, they
latched onto Ibou Touray’s touchline ball before getting the better of Kelly in a midfield duel, before advancing with menace towards the Rotherham goal, and with no home player closing him down, he showed great technique to pick his spot in the bottom corner from just outside the box beating the outstretched dive of Phillips in the process.
However, Stockport’s joy was short-lived when Rotherham equalised just six minutes later.
Clarke-Harris did well to win a corner and Powell delivered an in swinging set-piece which County could only half-clear, and Kelly, in an attempt to threaten the target, struck a shot into the AESSEAL New York Stadium turf, which bounced invitingly into the path of the backtracking Odoffin –who looked decidedly offside to the naked eye –and the converted centrehalf kept his nerve to head into the roof of the visitors net giving Ben Hinchliffe no chance.
The large travelling continent – who vehemently disputed the Millers’ equaliser –were up in arms again when firstly Tanto Olaofe collided with Phillips outside the home box before Barry took a tumble in the area following another incisive run, but to their dismay, no further action was taken on either occasion.
might have injuries, but they have Diangana, Dobbin and Swift coming off the bench, so looking at us, we are really stretched.
“The Championship is a tough division, but we’ve had three promotions, three seasons in the Premier League and an FA Cup semi-final in recent times, so
In the last action of the half, Hungbo cut inside before letting fly from distance but Hinchliffe correctly guessed his intentions to pluck the ball out of the South Yorkshire sky. With both teams now attacking their own set of supporters, County had the first sight of goal in the second 45 when Connolly took Ethan Pye’s pass in his stride before taking aim from distance, but his rasping effort flew just inches wide, and may have even grazed the upright on the way.
The Millers goal was living a charmed life and Clarke-Harris put his body on the line to divert Ollie Norwood’s strike to safety before Phillips – in a carbon copy of the firsthalf – found himself in no man’s land following a punt forward but Wootton – despite having the goal at his mercy – saw his attempted lob drift wide.
The visitors came close to the decisive winner when Bailey spread the play to great effect and sub Will Collar planted a delicious centre across the face of goal with Odoffin doing his utmost to prevent Wootton from making a telling connection.
The Millers had a couple
we’ve had a decent go at it since 2016 but it is tough. West Brom are trying to get into the Premier League, everyone is and we are as well.”
Wilder went on to confirm another huge injury blow, before looking ahead to consecutive away league matches to begin 2025.
of chances of their own despite being second best for much of the half, and sub Shaun McWilliams came agonisingly close to meeting Rafferty’s centre, but the ball was diverted to safety before McWilliams found himself on the end of James’ sliderule ball but again he was denied by a retreating County defender. The visitors had a strong
McCann’s praise for Gibson and frustration at dismissal at Colchester
Grant McCann praised an excellent performance from Jordan Gibson at Colchester United and expressed his frustration at the goalscorer’s sending off.
Gibson netted a superb volley to put Rovers ahead on his return to the starting XI.
But he was dismissed in the second half for two
He added: “Another one, Harry Souttar goes back to Leicester now having snapped his Achilles, he’s out for the season so that’s a big blow for us.
“Hopefully, we’ll have players back for the Norwich game, so it’ll probably be the same group we’re picking from for the Sunderland and Watford games.”
finish and Norwood’s freekick was blocked by the Rotherham wall before Bailey had County’s last chance of note in stoppage time.
There was further drama to come in the dying seconds when ClarkeHarris tumbled under the challenge of Pye in the box, but the referee waved away home appeals.
bookable offences, with the second yellow coming after wiping away some of the vanishing spray while preparing to take a free kick.
McCann thought the decision was very harsh and spoiled a very good afternoon for the winger.
“It was a great goal for Jordan - a tremendous finish off his left foot,” he said. “He was very good and it was great to see him playing like that.
“I’m just disappointed that he’s going to miss the next game.
“I said to the referee ‘you knew that Jordan was on a booking.’ I think he’s moved the white spray or flicked it so he can get a proper kick on the ball.
The referee is obviously thinking he’s moved the ball and straight away he’s
Josh Windass described a frustrated dressing room after the Owls’ 3-1 defeat to Preston.
Wednesday looked strong from the start of the clash at Deepdale, with the forward netting the Owls’ equaliser, but the visitors ultimately succumbed to a loss in their final game of 2024.
Windass said: “It’s quite frustrating because I think we were really good. Then you come out losing 3-1, I think it’s this division!
“You can’t be successful and go where we want to go while conceding three goals in a game.
“Overall, I think we were the better team.
shown the yellow card.
“You’re hoping the referee would show a wee bit of common sense and say ‘if you do that again, I’m going to have to book you.’ It was so quick for him to give that second yellow.
“Fair play to us, with our backs against the wall for the last 15 minutes, apart from the shot with the last kick of the game, we’d seen the game out to a draw and created a couple of chances of our own.”
McCann was largely pleased with Rovers’ performance at the Jobserve Community Stadium.
He said: “For us to come here and respond after the disappointment at Walsall, I thought there was a lot of really good performances.
We controlled a lot and played lots of good stuff, but we shot ourselves in the foot.
“You can’t keep coming from behind, because it won’t always happen. We need to start keeping clean sheets and scoring the first goal. “In the home game against Preston, they were miles better, but we got a point. Today, we were the better team and we have a 3-1 defeat. “Football-wise, it’s probably the best we’ve played in a while. But I’m sure if we keep playing like that, we’ll get the wins we deserve.” Windass notched his fourth goal in as many games to take his tally to
“We started brilliantly. There was a shot in the first 20 seconds of the game. We started positively on the front foot and had so many opportunities where we could have scored again.
“That is what we’re about - the attacking performances, getting forward and creating opportunities. We did it
nine for the campaign, his highest in the second tier. However, the forward was keen to focus on the Owls’ next two games back at Hillsborough in the New Year.
He added: “I’m just trying to do my best for the team. It’s nice to have been playing all the games, my numbers are always good when I’m playing. “We’ve got two massive home games now and we need to take maximum points if we want to be taken seriously. “We’re in a good position but we need to take that next step, we need to start picking up wins on the bounce”
for large spells. “I thought it would have been unjust, given our performance, if we hadn’t come away with something. We’ve come to a team that has got a bit of momentum at this moment in time and for large spells we were much the better team and we were unfortunate to not get the win.”
ECKINGTON SELF STORAGE
