Diligent work between South Yorkshire Police and the Rotherham Council Trading Standards team has led to thousands of suspected counterfeits and unfit for sale vapes being seized from shops in Rotherham.
In 2024, partnership work between Rotherham Central Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Council has resulted in £563,000 worth of counterfeit vapes being recovered. After a store has been identified through local intelligence, Police officers support the Council’s Trading Standards officers who use their powers
to seize the vapes before overseeing the prosecution.
These products often contain contaminants which make them more harmful to a user’s health – failing to meet relevant safety standards.
Rotherham Central NPT
Inspector John Crapper said:
“These vapes are undercutting legitimate businesses and unfortunately sometimes find their ways into the hands of children – posing potential health risks.
“Our work to stop these unfit products from hitting the streets of Rotherham forms part
of our ongoing work with Rotherham Council to ensure the safety of our local communities.
“This excellent work shows how important partnership work is.
Working together on the issues that matter the most to local communities is what pushes us to achieve results like these.
The hard work does not stop, and we will continue to focus on this issue.”
Rotherham Council’s Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment, Andrew Bramidge said:
“As a partnership, the Council and South Yorkshire Police are
committed to tackling the sale of illegal vapes.
Illicit tobacco and vapes, many with added synthetic hazardous chemicals in them, can be associated with significant health problems for users, along with funding potential criminal activity.
“We will continue to work with local businesses to ensure
they are complying with the law, and any retailers who continue to sell illegal products will have them confiscated and face prosecution.”
If you have any information relating to the suspected sale of illicit vapes or tobacco products from shops anywhere within your area, please report online or by calling 101.
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
QUEEN HAND PICK MUSICIANS FOR ANNIVERSARY SHOWS
Fans of legendary rock band Queen are to experience another ‘kind of magic’ next month when official tribute band Queen Extravaganza tours the UK and Ireland to mark the 50th anniversary of the phenomenal anthem Bohemian rhapsody. With musicians handpicked by Roger Taylor and a show produced by the original Queen stars, Queen Extravaganza: Celebrating 50 years of Bohemian Rhapsody will visit 25 venues across the UK and Ireland in early 2025 including a date
at Sheffield City Hall on Friday, 14th February 2025.
Alongside the incredible singalong classic Bohemian Rhapsody, fans can expect the biggest hits from the biggest band in the world, including Another One Bites The Dust, We Will Rock You, Radio Ga Ga and many more. Speaking about Queen Extravaganza, Roger Taylor said: “We handpick the most incredible musicians for Queen Extravaganza – and they do a fantastic job honouring our songs. It’s
a great show, designed to celebrate the legacy of Queen for fans of all ages.”
Brian May added: “QuEx is something unique - not just a tribute band, but an extension of the Queen family, whose dedication to excellence is now legendary. The Queen Extravaganza Will Rock You!”
Queen Extravaganza has been touring for more than a decade, bringing the spectacular show to fans around the world, with previous tours taking the band to the USA, Canada, Australia, South
America and beyond.
The 90-minute set is packed with more than 20 hits taken from Queen’s huge backcatalogue – with fans hailing the show as being the closest they can get to the original.
The 2025 line-up is to be confirmed.
Queen Extravaganza, the official Queen tribute produced by Roger Taylor and Brian May, is presented by Phil McIntyre Live.
Tickets available now from www. sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
8/1/2004 - The RMS Queen Mary 2, the largest passenger ship ever built, is christened.
9/1/1816 - Sir Humphry Davy tests the Davy lamp for miners at Hebburn Colliery.
10/1/1920 - The Treaty of Versailles takes effect, officially ending World War I.
12/1/1908 - A long-distance radio message is sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time.
13/1/1929 - Johnny Cash performs live at Folsom State Prison.
14/1/1978 - The English punk rock band Sex Pistols broke up amidst their US tour.
I’ve been saying “mucho” more when talking to my Hispanic friends. It means a lot to them.
What’s the difference between an African elephant and an Indian elephant? About 5000 miles.
I used to think I was indecisive, now I’m not so sure.
I went to the doctor yesterday and he says I’m paranoid. Who else has he told?
My flat-earther friend decided to walk to the end of the world to prove it is flat. In the end, he came around.
I’m annoyed because I had to work at the museum tonight moving suits of armour. I hate knight shifts.
I just got hired at a company that makes bicycle wheels!!
I’m the spokesperson.
I called the tinnitus help line. It wouldn’t stop ringing.
I’m making a new documentary on how to fly a plane. We’re currently filming the pilot.
My wife is incredibly smart. When I called her from my buddy’s phone she answered “Hi Darling.” She already knew it was me!
Astronaut 1: hey I can’t find any milk for my coffee. Astronaut 2: in space, no one can. Here, use cream.
Friend: Your wife and daughter look like they could be twins! Me: Well they were separated at birth.
2. What famous building sits on the small tidal island of Bennelong Point?
3. Which capital city, host to a number of EU institutions, has the river Zenne running through it?
4. James Backus was famously the voice of which near-sighted cartoon character?
5. What is the boundary between two different types of air masses known as?
6. Which reservoir is the largest in England in terms of area?
7. What is a traditional gift for a couple celebrating a 15 year marriage anniversary?
8. The composer and songwriter Irving Berlin, was born in which country?
9. The study of the heart is known as what?
10. Carbon Dioxide in a solid form is known as what?
1. Marlon Brando played the role of fighter Terry Malloy in which 1954 film?
News, Information and Advice
new operator takes over sheffield venues
As of this month (January 2025), ASM Global have taken over operation of Sheffield City Hall and Utilita Arena Sheffield, who will join ASM Global’s network of more than 350 venues, which collectively host 20,000 events and welcome 164 million guests every year. The new operators will oversee a new chapter for the Sheffield venues with investment powering a series of improvement works, funded by Sheffield City Council and ASM Global. Taking place across all areas of Utilita Arena, the vision is to reimagine the venue as a world-class touring destination, while developing the venue experience at Sheffield City Hall in line with its prestigious heritage identity.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council said: “Sheffield has an excellent reputation for hosting major events, festivals, live music, culture and sport, and the city’s venues play a huge role in this. As our new venue operator, ASM Global will bring the benefits of global scale and expertise to operate and invest in the Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall. Last year, the Utilita Arena played host to MOBO Awards, Matchroom Boxing and countless global stars and is home to the Sheffield Steelers. Sheffield City Hall is one of the city’s most historic venues and has hosted some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, from Elton John to the Beatles and Kylie Minogue. We have big ambitions to develop Sheffield’s events offer even further and our new partnership with ASM Global will ensure our city continues to have fantastic venues for the best events.”
Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, added: “ASM Global have a world-class reputation within the venue and entertainment industry, I am confident that both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield are in great hands and that this new investment will help our fantastic Sheffield venues
compete on the global stage. As we enter this new exciting chapter, we would also like to thank the amazing team at Sheffield City Trust, who have done so much for our entertainment venues and the people of Sheffield. The majority of these teams will transfer to ASM Global where they will continue their hard work to help Sheffield’s event and cultural offer thrive.”
In 2023, Sheffield City Council revealed that the city’s leisure and entertainment venues were set to receive £117 million of investment including rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield’s Arena and City Hall. As part of these plans, a competitive procurement process was launched in a bid to attract the best in leisure and entertainment provision to run Sheffield’s venues. Last year, ASM Global were announced as the new operator for both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield.
Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe said: “We are excited to welcome Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall to the ASM Global family - two amazing venues with a rich history. We’re looking forward to working with the teams to elevate the guest experience and future proof both venues for years to come. Everyone who walks into an ASM venue is a guest - fans, production, artists and athletes; and with this in mind, our ambition is to reimagine the venues, delivering world-class live entertainment in Sheffield.”
Venue improvements to begin this month
The Utilita Arena fan experience is set to be transformed.
The first phase will focus on enhancements to the venue concourses including more points of sale to improve speed of service, the introduction of Boxbar – the world’s first automated selfserve drinks solution, improvements to the entire food and beverage offering to ensure great quality and more choice than ever, improved digital signage on the concourses, scan-andcollect options for drinks,
and more. There will be additional major developments such as new supersuite spaces, a newly refurbished arena club, and revamped lounges for an unparalleled premium experience. As part of the overall enhancements, the venue’s capacity will increase, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before. And through ASM’s global network, the venue will see a packed calendar of events with the world’s biggest acts and hottest shows. The Arena’s back of house will be dramatically upgraded with a complete overhaul of the backstage areas for artists, production and crew, to ensure a best-in-class experience for all who set foot in the venue.
At Sheffield City Hall, ASM Global will undertake improvements to the concert-goer experience including the addition of more tills and the introduction of a new and improved food and beverage offering. In Spring, the focus will be on enhancing the customer journey around the venue, with improved signage, screens and security. ASM Global’s operation of the venue will retain a heavy focus on upholding the cultural heritage of what is one of Sheffield’s most historic buildings, futureproofing it for years to come while preserving its iconic features. Enhancement works are set to get underway this month and will continue throughout the year, whilst the venues remain open for the duration.
Dom Stokes, General Manager of Utilita Arena Sheffield & Sheffield City Hall: “Joining ASM Global is an exciting new chapter, and an incredible opportunity, for both Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall. ASM’s network, vision and expertise are unmatched, and their ambition for both venues is truly inspiring. Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall are integral to the region, and we can’t wait to showcase new experiences while ensuring they remain at the heart of our wonderful community.”
letter from shelterbox
Dear Editor,
When there’s so much conflict and so many disasters around the world, it can be hard to know how to support.
As we start the new year with more people than ever displaced from their homes, at ShelterBox we’re appealing locally for volunteers to join us in making sure no-one is left without shelter after disaster.
Like many charities, the one I work for relies on volunteers in the local area to raise vital funds and awareness of our work and the people we serve. At ShelterBox, our volunteers have a global impact and make a tangible difference to the lives of people uprooted by conflict, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and extreme weather like drought, flooding, and tropical storms.
One of the first disasters that ShelterBox responded to was the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004. Our response, 20 years ago, was only possible because of people willing to volunteer their time. And it’s no different today. Our work continues at scale, supporting people around the world whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. Right now, we’re supporting people affected by Cyclone Chido and by conflict in countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Thanks to our volunteers and supporters, we’ve reached more than three million people across around 100 countries since we were formed 25 years ago by Rotary volunteers.
Every contribution is just as crucial as it was when we first started - whether it’s fundraising, hosting events, delivering talks to school children and community groups, or sharing our work on social media. Volunteering with ShelterBox offers a special opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and gain insights into the humanitarian sector. The roles are very flexible around your skills and the time you can give. If you think it might be for you, we’d love to hear from you. Contact me directly via jennifersandiford@ shelterbox.org or visit shelterbox.org/volunteer/ ambassadors to find our more.
carers uk - 60 yr milestone
Charity Carers UK is reflecting on 60 years of change in campaigning with and for unpaid carers across the UK looking after an older, disabled or chronically ill friend or family member.
The charity’s history stretches back to 1965, when Reverend Mary Webster founded the first ever national unpaid carers organisation to raise the plight of women who were ignored and invisible, whilst caring for their older relatives.
Today, Carers UK campaigns with thousands of carers who have lent their voices to help to lead and shape the charity’s direction to make life better for the 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK. The focus now is on the needs of unpaid carers today – and what we need to do to create greater equality, support and further recognition in the future.
Research has shown that despite these hard-won rights, support still falls far short of what carers need to have an equal place in society. 600 people a day have to give up work to care. Carers are much more likely to be in poor health as a result of caring, and many experience loneliness and isolation.1.2 million unpaid carers are currently living in poverty. This is why for Carers UK’s 60th anniversary, the theme is ‘Equality: today and tomorrow’. Although there have been advances for carers during this time, there is
still much to do to ensure unpaid carers have equality in all walks of their life. Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “For the past 60 years Carers UK has fought for a better deal for carers, the charity’s mark can be seen in every major piece of legislation for carers – an incredible legacy to look back on, but whilst we have seen visible progress, stark inequalities persist. 60% of carers report a longterm health condition or disability compared to 50% of non-carers, and the rate of poverty amongst unpaid carers is 50% higher in comparison to those who do not provide unpaid care. Unpaid carers in the UK provide care worth a staggering £184 billion a year,iv yet still too often do not receive the recognition or support they need. The reality for many is extremely tough. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone in 2025 to join us in taking action to help make life better for carers. With our focus on equality, we also want to see caring made a protected characteristic, which could help to improve awareness of carers’ inequalities and address invisibility. We are using our 60th anniversary year to put unpaid carers in the spotlight, to continue our drive to campaign for lasting change, focusing on what we need to do to create greater equality, support and recognition for carers in the future.”
appeal for willow!
Willow, a 5-month-old Springer Spaniel puppy, is facing an incredibly tough start to life after breaking her elbow. Unfortunately, euthanasia was considered as her owners couldn’t provide the extensive aftercare she required. Thankfully, the PDSA in Sheffield reached out to RSPCA Sheffield, who were able to take over Willow’s care and give her a second chance. Willow was brought into the PDSA in Sheffield recently as she urgently needed specialist orthopaedic surgery due to breaking her elbow. Unfortunately, her owners were unable to provide the extensive aftercare she desperately needed, including strict crate rest, regular medication, and ongoing vet checks. Tragically, euthanasia was even considered as an option. Luckily for Willow, RSPCA Sheffield stepped in to ensure Willow received the care she needed. After undergoing surgery, Willow is now recovering in the loving home of her foster mum, Carolina, alongside her doggy brothers, Jasper and Berty. Carolina shared, “Willow is a sweet girl who is full of love and her personality is really coming out now. She has become best friends with her older foster brother,10year-old Shih-tzu, Jasper.
Willow won’t lie down unless Jasper is next to her. Jasper is blind so they’re supporting each other with their health problems. Thankfully, Willow’s elbow appears to be on the mend following the surgery.” While Willow is making great progress, her journey to recovery isn’t over yet. To ensure she gets the ongoing care she needs, RSPCA Sheffield has launched a fundraiser, and they are calling on the community for help. An RSPCA Sheffield Spokesperson said: “The fundraiser has already reached over halfway, but every little bit makes a difference to help Willow heal and live a happy, painfree life. The fundraiser will pay for Willow’s orthopaedic surgery, medication, food and any other care she requires. RSPCA Sheffield would like to thank everyone who has donated so far, and is incredibly grateful to anyone else who donates. We’re working to give Willow the bright future she deserves.”
Anyone wishing to donate to Willow’s recovery fund can donate at: www. justgiving.com/campaign/ willowsrecovery.
Operating
New
Management of two of Sheffield’s most iconic venues has now been handed over to one of the world’s biggest venue operators.
As of this month (January 2025), ASM Global have taken over operation of Sheffield City Hall and Utilita Arena Sheffield, who will join ASM Global’s network of more than 350 venues, which collectively host 20,000 events and welcome 164 million guests every year.
The new operators will oversee a new chapter for the Sheffield venues with investment powering a series of improvement works, funded by Sheffield City Council and ASM Global.
Taking place across all areas of Utilita Arena, the vision is to reimagine the venue as a world-class touring destination, while developing the venue experience at Sheffield City Hall in line with its prestigious heritage identity.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council said:
“Sheffield has an excellent reputation for hosting major events, festivals, live music, culture and sport, and the city’s venues play a huge role in this.
“As our new venue operator, ASM Global will bring the benefits of global scale and expertise to operate and invest in the Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall.
“Last year, the Utilita Arena played host to MOBO Awards, Matchroom Boxing and countless global stars and is home to the Sheffield Steelers.
Sheffield City Hall is one of the city’s most historic venues and has hosted some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, from Elton John to the Beatles and Kylie Minogue.
“We have big ambitions to develop Sheffield’s events offer even further and our new partnership with ASM Global will ensure our city continues to have fantastic venues for the best events.”
Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City
Council, added: “ASM Global have a world-class reputation within the venue and entertainment industry, I am confident that both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield are in great hands and that this new investment will help our fantastic Sheffield venues compete on the global stage.
“As we enter this new exciting chapter, we would also like to thank the amazing team at Sheffield City Trust, who have done so much for our entertainment venues and the people of Sheffield. The majority of these teams will transfer to ASM Global where they will continue their hard work to help Sheffield’s event and cultural offer thrive.”
In 2023, Sheffield City Council revealed that the city’s leisure and entertainment venues were set to receive £117 million of investment including rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield’s Arena and City Hall. As part of these
plans, a competitive procurement process was launched in a bid to attract the best in leisure and entertainment provision to run Sheffield’s venues.
Last year, ASM Global were announced as the new operator for both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield.
Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe said:
“We are excited to welcome Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall to the ASM Global family - two amazing venues with a rich history.
“We’re looking forward to working with the teams to elevate the guest experience and future proof both venues for years to come. Everyone who walks into an ASM venue is a guest - fans, production, artists and athletes; and with this in mind, our ambition is to reimagine the venues, delivering world-class live entertainment in Sheffield.”
Venue improvements to begin this month The Utilita Arena fan
experience is set to be transformed.
The first phase will focus on enhancements to the venue concourses including more points of sale to improve speed of service, the introduction of Boxbar – the world’s first automated self-serve drinks solution, improvements to the entire food and beverage offering to ensure great quality and more choice than ever, improved digital signage on the concourses, scan-and-collect options for drinks, and more.
There will be additional major developments such as new supersuite spaces, a newly refurbished arena club, and revamped lounges for an unparalleled premium experience.
As part of the overall enhancements, the venue’s capacity will increase, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before. And through ASM’s global network, the venue will see a packed calendar of events with the world’s biggest acts and hottest shows.
The Arena’s back of house will
be dramatically upgraded with a complete overhaul of the backstage areas for artists, production and crew, to ensure a best-in-class experience for all who set foot in the venue.
At Sheffield City Hall, ASM Global will undertake improvements to the concert-goer experience including the addition of more tills and the introduction of a new and improved food and beverage offering. In Spring, the focus will be on enhancing the customer journey around the venue, with improved signage, screens and security.
ASM Global’s operation of the venue will retain a heavy focus on upholding the cultural heritage of what is one of Sheffield’s most historic buildings, futureproofing it for years to come while preserving its iconic features.
Enhancement works are set to get underway this month and will continue throughout the year, whilst the venues remain open for the duration.
The Masked Singer,
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY
Coronation Street:
Joseph admits to a prank call to the emergency services, and reveals it was Hope’s idea. Lisa confronts Carla about her knowledge of Betsy’s involvement in the factory robbery. Carla is touched by Bobby’s offer of a kidney. But Booby goes a step further and urges his killer dad to help by donating. Will Rob agree? Abi Webster is in turmoil after Mason Radcliffe’s stabbing. Kit receives a call from Shona telling him that Matty and Logan are in Freshco car park. Kit orders her to leave as quickly as possible and Sarah overhears. When she tries to voice her concerns to David, he jumps to the wrong conclusion and takes Sarah’s car, speeding off in pursuit of Kit. How will this fight end? Chesney receives a £20k cheque through the post as compensation for Les Battersby’s death and Gemma insists they go for a celebratory drink. Meanwhile, Dev proposes to Bernie, but will she accept this time?
Emmerdale:
So far there’s been no news of April Windsor who vanished into thin air on Christmas Day. At the Woolpack, Jacob’s hanging out with his medical student mates. Sarah finds it difficult to integrate and is left cringing with some of them recognise her from her recent drunken admittance to A&E. Marlon lives to regret his video appeal as he is is viciously attacked by online trolls.
Eastenders:
Sharon attempts to enlist the help of Teddy, Billy and Jay to stage an intervention. But how will Phil react when Sharon and the fellas confront him at home about what’s been going on in his life? Three residents of Walford share a secret. They struggle to decide on the best course of action after making a discovery. After much discussion, the trio attempt to keep what they have found hidden. But their plan proves far more difficult that first expected. Denise’s sister, Kim, wants an update on her love life. Will Denise come clean about the complicated love triangle brewing between Jack, Ravi and her? At the Vic, Reiss summons the residents of Walford to discuss his new plan ahead of Sonia’s trial. However, it soon becomes clear that not everyone is on board with Reiss’s plan. And in the meantime, WHAT has happened to Sonia’s sister, Bianca, who was kidnapped by Reiss after she discovered the terrible truth about him?
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 acknoWledges incredible effort in Watford Win
An extremely proud Chris Wilder hailed what he described as an incredible effort from his side after United earned a deserved 2-1 win at Watford.
Down on numbers and facing a fourth game in 10 days, Wilder’s side produced a heroic effort to returning to winning ways after goals from
Gustavo Hamer and Andre Brooks either side of the interval. After the game, Wilder heaped praise on his players who left everything out on the pitch in their quest for three points.
Wilder beamed: “I’m quite emotional about it. I just thought it was an incredible effort
two or three of the boys in a different area of the pitch and it would open up for us and I think it does. We missed some big chances and Mallik (Wilks) gets a couple. He worked incredibly hard like all the players do.
“We pressed and pressed trying to get the winner.
Millers boss Steve Evans had mixed emotions over his side’s draw with Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The Millers were rewarded for their hard working display in West Yorkshire with a share of the spoils but Evans felt his side - who were more than a match for their promotion-challenging opponents for much of the Yorkshire derbywere unfortunate not to return south with maximum points.
“We go away disappointed we have not won the game.” Evans said. If I took the first half in general, they looked a little crispier than us and a little bit sharper than us. That comes from a freshness having not played two or three days ago. We had to allow for that. We had to defend really well. We had one off the line with Shaun (McWilliams). We were counter attacking and in the game without any real quality.
“We got in at half time and tactically we wanted
We broke 3 v 2 and 4 v 3 and countered but the final bit of quality, we did not get out of the locker.
Following their New Year’s Day victory over Lincoln City, Rotherham have amassed four points out of six at the beginning of the year, and Evans is hopeful his side are starting to turn the corner after a challenging 2024.
“I’m pleased with the two games.” Evans enthused.
“There were a lot of people down on us. You can see we named the same team and it worked today. Before they had the man sent off, I felt we were much the better team in the second half and we caused them real problems. Some of the football was really good to watch and in the dressing room, my words were I couldn’t ask for more, but we left two points here
“We went to Barnsley, we were poor and our supporters made it absolutely clear to us what the minimum standards are.
“We’ve gone away,
from everybody. We are so stretched in terms of some of the players should never have walked onto the pitch never mind got through 90 minutes or 75 minutes. How Tom Davies got through 90 minutes I’ll never know.
The effort of the boys, the character of the boys when we are up against
reviewed it and looked to come up with a collective plan towards a performance that we think will work and I think we’re slowly getting there.
“I thought there were exceptional performances again today. Cameron Humphreys was excellent today and I think Shaun McWilliams must have covered every blade of grass. We don’t go away happy in the sense that we’ve drawn here at Huddersfield. I’ll go away reflecting on the previous 17/18 games where we haven’t played with that intensity or aggression that we did today.
“It’s a difficult place to come, Michael Duff has got a very talented squad at his disposal, but we’ve proven today that if we can keep that effort and passion that this football club is famed for, we’ll win games. It’s also important that we have a positive transfer window.
“I think we perhaps lacked the final ball today, but we’ll go back on the training ground next week and work on that and work towards a big game against Bolton.”
it. Fine margins really, fine margins Burnley, Sunderland fine margins, West Brom fine marginsall decent sides. Watford, good home record and you look at their group. To lose Kieffer Moore yesterday as well, and then put Ryan on the pitch, I just thought we have to use this as what this club is all about and
what it really means to us as a group.”
ised all areas of his patched-up side for their efforts, and also the 2,000+ Blades supporters who got right behind their team at Vicarage Road in a sell out away end.
Wilder continued:
“The supporters were incredible today, they
frUstrating Port Vale defeat
Grant McCann has warned his players that anyone not putting in the required effort will not be selected in future after expressing his frustration at the defeat to Port Vale. McCann was largely pleased with the overall performance from Rovers but was hugely irritated by slack defending which led to Port Vale’s two goals at the Eco-Power Stadium.
“We just work on it,” McCann said. “But what I will say is that people who don’t want to run won’t be in the team. It’s a fact.
We need people to run, fight and get back into the shape, picking people up in the box and tracking runners. It’s the only way you be successful and where we want to be.
“The two goals are so avoidable which is really frustrating and disappointing for us.
To put low crosses into the box and not pick up runners is not like us really. We pride ourselves on man marking in the box. Space never scores goals but we end up marking space.
“Two cutbacks, two goals, which is really annoying.
“What I was pleased with
was the response by the group in the second half to keep going, keep grinding and keep digging out opportunities.”
With the Emirates FA Cup tie at Hull City next weekend, Rovers do not feature in the league again until January 18 at Gillingham.
McCann admitted he would have preferred to be preparing to go again in Sky Bet League Two as soon as possible.
“We just need to get back on track,” he said.
“I wish we had another league game on Tuesday. It’s disappointing that we haven’t got one until Gillingham.
“It was an opportunity for us today and every time we have an opportunity to put a gap between ourselves and the chasing pack, we disappoint.
“We need to get to the bottom of why we’re doing this, why we’re not getting back into our shape quicker or tracking runners.
“We’ll keep working. I do believe wholeheartedly in this group in this group as I say all the time. We just let ourselves down, all of us.”
recognised it. They recognise the boys are running on empty. We didn’t have opportunities to rest players, we didn’t have opportunities to change it up.
“The players are giving everything. I’ve always said about our club, that’s what they (the fans) want to see. They have seen that in buckets today.
We MUst get it rigHt in botH
boXes
Danny Röhl has underlined the importance of getting it right in both boxes following the 2-2 draw with Millwall.
The Owls are amongst the highest goalscorers in the Championship but the same is true for concessions – something
fantastic figure for Poppy appeal!
The Owls are proud to announce that our supporters raised a fantastic figure of £8,723 for the Royal British
“Huge performances by Davies, Peck, Robinson, Anel, O’Hare etc. I’m so proud of this group, and everybody should be in terms of what they are doing and what they are achieving.”
Röhl says much change as soon as possible. He told swfc.co.uk: “I am very happy with the offensive part of our game but we are conceding too many goals and this has to stop.
“We are high in the table for scoring goals but in the bottom six for conceding goals. This has to improve because it is the difference for getting into the top six in the table. So while I am happy to come back and get a point, I am disappointed overall and frustrated because we controlled the game, had plenty of chances, hit the post, the crossbar, missed a penalty and we should have won but we didn’t.”
One of the main talking points from a pulsating
Legion Poppy Appeal.
The money was raised by auction of signed matchworn shirts following our Remembrance derby fixture against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in November. The unique Wednesday shirts featured a poppy emblem and were auctioned on the MatchWornShirt
contest was Wednesday’s missed penalty whilst 1-0 up.
The ball was handed to Iké Ugbo, who sent his spot-kick over the crossbar.
Röhl explained: “We have a list but on this occasion I think there was a feeling with the players and inside the stadium that Ike was going to take it and of course hopefully score. If he scored, everyone would have been talking about this great opportunity, the togetherness of the players and the fans.
“But he missed and these things happen in football. I would not say it turned the game because even at 2-0 there is no guarantee you are going to win the game.”
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