The Mercury - Issue 1607

Page 1


camra calls for new fund to save locals

CAMRA is calling on the Deputy Prime Minister and her Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to introduce a dedicated fund for community groups looking to take over ownership of their local pub. The call comes after the existing fund which helped local people to take over their pub as a community owned business came to a sudden end before Christmas 2024. The Community Ownership Fund provided funding

for groups of local people to take over ownership and the running of community facilities that would otherwise be sold, converted or demolished, including pubs.

The Government announced on 23 December that the final Community Ownership Fund money had been awarded to successful bidders, including eight community pubs.

However, ministers also announced that no further funding or bids would be allowed.

The Government are introducing a new ‘Community Right to Buy’ for local groups looking to take ownership of a pub in their neighbourhood.

CAMRA believes right to buy must come alongside a dedicated programme of advice, guidance and funding to make sure community pubs go from strength to strength.

Commenting, Chair of CAMRA’s Planning Advisory Group Paul Ainsworth said:

“Having thriving pubs at the heart of community life can be a key part of

the Government’s mission to have vibrant communities and thriving local economies. There are now over 200 community-owned pubs in the country, and this has proved to be a remarkably successful model, with previously struggling pubs now popular and successful enterprises - pubs for the people by the people.

“Ministers have already announced that they are going to introduce a ‘Community Right to Buy’ for local assets like pubs that

are under threat of closure or conversion.

This is very welcome and is set to be a gamechanger for local people wanting to save their pub.

“However, it is vital that as well as a right to buy community assets, groups of local people can also access advice, support and funding to help make sure bids to take over pubs as community-owned businesses can be successful, securing the pub at the heart of community life for decades to come.”

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.

POWERLIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURN TO SHEFFIELD

The Sheffield Powerlifting Championships will return to Sheffield City Hall on Sunday, 26 January 2025, as 24 of world’s strongest powerlifters assemble in the United Kingdom to battle it out for the title of champion of champions. Launched in partnership with the International Powerlifting Federation, the Sheffield Powerlifting Championships showcases the stars of

powerlifting in a highprofile event with the largest prize fund in the sport’s history.

12 men and 12 women will form an all-star roster for an actionpacked night of heavy squats, bench presses and deadlifts, aiming to put together the biggest total weight across those three lifts as possible. From lightweight to superheavyweight competitors, all will be scored on the same metric: Who can break

the world record total by the greatest margin.

To automatically qualify for the event, athletes must compete at the 2024 International Powerlifting Federation World Championships, after which a select number will receive invitations to Sheffield 2025, and will have the opportunity to defend their place among the world’s best.

Tickets are available via www.sheffieldcityhall. co.uk/.

22/1/1984 - The Apple Macintosh is introduced during Super Bowl XVIII.

23/1/1973 - President Richard Nixon announces that a peace accord has been reached in Vietnam.

24/1/1908 - The first Boy Scout troop is organized in England by Robert Baden-Powell.

25/1/1881 - Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell form the Oriental Telephone

Crossword Clues

across

6) Mollycoddle (3)

7) Preferred (9)

9) Accept responsibility

(5, 3, 3)

11) Austere (5)

12) Passage (7)

14) Secrete (7)

15) Comfortable (5)

17) Standard for judgement (4, 2, 5)

19) Incredulity (9)

20) Interfere (3)

Last Week’s Solution across: 7) Jovial, 8) Enough, 9) Van, 10) Scare, 11) Rot, 14) Revue, 15) Accused, 17) In a mess, 19) Agate, 22) Mud, 23) Acute, 24) Yet, 27) Gemini, 28) Negate DoWN: 1) Locate, 2) Aid, 3) Slice, 4) Detract, 5) Mow, 6) Ignore, 12) Dummy, 13) Judge, 16) Psychic, 18) Neuter, 20) Treaty, 21) Sting, 25) Bin, 26) Egg To sponsor our weekly Time Out page call our

Company.

DoWN

1) Pendant (9)

2) Dashes about (5)

3) Arid (4, 3)

4) Battleship (11)

5) Consumed (3)

8) Crumbly coating (11)

10) Bad dream (9)

13) Antelope (7)

16) Proposal (5)

18) French ending (3)

26/1/1841 - The United Kingdom formally occupies Hong Kong.

27/1/1984 - Michael Jackson suffers second degree burns to his scalp during the filming of a Pepsi ad.

28/1/1958 - The Lego company patents the design of its Lego bricks, still compatible with bricks produced today.

Why can’t you trust atoms? They make up everything.

I’ve started saying mucho to my Spanish speaking friends. It means a lot to them.

Did you hear about the person who invented the door knocker? They won the Nobel prize.

Aladdin has been banned from the magic carpet race. Apparently he’s been using performance enhancing rugs.

As a kid, I really wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up.

But my parents told me the sky’s the limit.

My sexy neighbor told me her underwear keeps going missing from her clothes line and that shes going to report it to the police.

I almost pooped her pants.

Just heard a man had an accident while playing peek a boo.. He’s currently in the ICU.

An American, a Frenchman, a Spaniard and a German where all attending a Zoom meeting. The Supervisor asked “can you see me ok?”

To which they answered “yes” “oui” “si” “ja”.

Never ever spell part backwards, It’s a trap.

I caught my son chewing on electrical cords.

So I had to ground him.

He’s doing better currently. And conducting himself properly.

5) If you were ‘taking the Chiltern Hundreds’ then what employment must you have just resigned from? 6) What did the period of industrial unrest during the winter of 1978-9 become known as?#

If

TWO BEDROOM CARAVAN

1 Double Room & 1 Twin Room

Fully Equipped Kitchen

Living Area

Bathroom with Shower

Bedding Included Enclosed Veranda

THREE BEDROOM CARAVANS

(Currently Being Renovated)

1 Double Room, 1 Twin & 1 Bunk Fully Equipped Kitchen Dining Area, Living Area

Bathroom with Shower Bedding Included, Enclosed Veranda

News, Information and Advice

dogs

cold weather warning for owners

With the country facing a number of weather and flood warnings, Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has issued its own warning, and is advising owners to keep their dogs away from floods and ice. Many dogs love to swim but with the country experiencing freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall, they may find their usual bathing spot frozen over or flooded. While it might be tempting to let them run on ice or swim in flood water, Dogs Trust is warning that this could be dangerous for both dogs and owners alike. Ice may not be thick enough to take your dog’s weight, and they could fall through into the freezing water underneath. Meanwhile, flood water can contain toxins, which could be dangerous to your pet if swallowed, and submerged hazards, such as broken glass, may be lurking under the water. The charity strongly advises that, if your dog does fall through ice or enter flood water, you should never be tempted to go in after them. While it may be hard to resist the instinct to save your dog, the effects of cold-water shock on people can be fatal. It can cause heart attacks, even in the relatively young and healthy, and the involuntary gasps and panic caused by sudden immersion in cold water can increase the chance of inhaling water directly into the lungs. You could also inadvertently put your dog at more risk as anyone who may be able to help, such as the fire service, will prioritise your rescue over the safety of your dog. Instead, encourage your dog to swim back to you, and if you need help in an emergency, call 999.

Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust says: “Over the last few days, we have experienced all kinds of winter weather across the UK, from heavy rain and winds to snow and ice. While a frozen pond or flooded field might provide tempting opportunities for your dog to explore, ice can be incredibly dangerous for both you and your dog. If you are walking your dog anywhere near frozen lakes or floodwater, keep them on a lead. If your dog does go into the water, don’t follow them as this could lead to you

requiring an emergency rescue, and could cause you serious harm. In the event of an emergency, call 999.”

To help ensure dogs remain healthy and happy, the nation’s largest dog welfare charity has published some easy-to-follow guidance.

1 Stay warm - Dogs feel the cold just like we do, so it is important to keep them warm. Some breeds grow thick furry coats all year round, so, as the weather gets colder, consider letting your dog’s fur grow longer to give them added protection. Some shorterhaired pooches, smaller dogs, older dogs and puppies may need a little bit of help staying warm, so consider buying them a sensible winter coat. If wearing a coat is a new experience for your dog, it needs to be introduced in a gradual and positive way.

2 Stay out of flood water

- If you are near an area that has flooded, keep your pet out of it as the water could contain toxins, which could be dangerous to your pet if swallowed, and could remain on their coat if not bathed properly after the walk. If your dog loves water and part of your walking routine involves playing in water, change your walking route which will help to prevent your dog getting frustrated if the usual play opportunities aren’t on offer. A new route will make things interesting for them, and you could also introduce games such as laying treat trails for them to sniff out, so their brains are getting exercised too.

3 Keep your dog on the lead - If it’s snowing, or if you are walking near ice or flood water, keep your dog on a lead. Snow can be disorientating for dogs, and they can become easily lost in it.

4 Wipe after walking - Make sure you wipe your dog’s legs, feet and stomach after a walk, as grit from the roads and dampness from rain or snow can irritate their skin.

5 Avoid antifreeze – It is highly poisonous but tasty to dogs. Make sure you always keep antifreeze and other chemicals well out of reach and be sure to quickly mop up any spills. Always seek veterinary advice if you think your dog has ingested any.

6 Increase visibility - Your own safety is important

too. Before heading out for a walk, make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the weather with a suitable coat and shoes, and ensure you and your dog are visible. As the days grow shorter, consider wearing a high-vis jacket, and use a reflective collar, lead, high visibility coat or flashing collar for your dog. Coats and flashing collars should be introduced gradually and positively to ensure dogs are comfortable wearing them.

7 Check your leadRegularly check your dog’s leads, collars and harnesses to make sure they’re all functioning safely and won’t get damaged by winter weather, as wet weather can cause metal clips to rust. It can be trickier to do up lead clips and carabiners and attach them to collars and harnesses when it’s cold, so do this indoors if you can. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar, and their microchip details are up to date.

8 Consider indoor games - You might be spending more time indoors if the weather’s very bad, so always make sure your dog has plenty to do. Indoor games like hide and seek, or ‘find it’, are fun and mentally stimulating for your dog. Hide a toy for them to search for and play with them as a reward when they find it. Long-lasting tasty chews, or rubber food-releasing toys and enrichment games are useful for giving your dog something enjoyable to do that is mentally stimulating.

9 A walk should be as rewarding for your dog as it is for you. If you have a ‘fair weather’ dog who would prefer not to walk in very cold weather, it’s fine to stall their walks until the temperature rises. Just make sure you give them opportunity to exercise indoors, both physically and mentally, indoors and give them adequate opportunities for toilet breaks.

For further information on keeping your dog safe and happy over the winter, visit: https:// www.dogstrust.org.uk/ dog-advice/life-withyour-dog/seasonal/coldweather-advice

update on transport consultation

Thousands of people in South Yorkshire have had their say in one of the biggest franchising consultation exercises ever undertaken, anywhere in the country.

More than 7,600 people had their say on proposals to take bus services back under public control in South Yorkshire.

The 12-week consultation ran from Wednesday 23 October until Wednesday 15th January, and sought the views of people, businesses and organisations in South Yorkshire and beyond on proposals to introduce bus franchising.

Under bus franchising, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) would take control of the bus network including depots, bus fleets, routes, timetables, service standards, tickets and fares.

During the extensive consultation campaign 29 public information drop-in events were held in every corner of the region as well as every single college, university and main interchange in South Yorkshire. A communications and marketing campaign to raise awareness of the consultation and encourage people to get involved helped reach a big audience, including adverts on social media, billboards, buses and radio, as well as a leaflet drop. This multifaceted campaign was developed to reach as many audiences as possible.

As well as publishing the consultation online, to be as inclusive as possible, hard copies were posted out on request and were made available at transport interchanges and at drop-in events.

The consultation was also made available in an easy-read format, in the main community languages spoken in South Yorkshire and a language line telephone service covering a range of languages.

Mayor Coppard has been committed to improving buses in South Yorkshire and putting people at the heart of decision making since his election, with feedback from over 30 public meetings on bus services in 2023 and 2024 making clear that the current system was not working for them.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:

“Over 7,600 people have now told us what they want to happen to bus services in South Yorkshire, in one of the biggest franchising consultation exercises ever undertaken in this country. The sheer number of responses shows just how much people here care about having a proper functioning bus service in South Yorkshire. I have always been clear about my hopes for our public transport system, but I’ve also been determined to make sure we give everyone the chance to have their say throughout this process too. People across South Yorkshire have now spoken and spoken clearly. I’ll now take the time to fully consider the consultation responses, along with all the other issues we need to work through, before making a final decision on whether to proceed with bus franchising.”

Following the consultation, a full report on the responses will be published, and a final decision is expected to be made on the future of South Yorkshire’s buses in Spring 2025. Elected Mayors from across the UK have come together to launch a ‘Mayoral Innovation Exchange’ to foster collaboration, enable innovation, and share best practice between mayoral combined authorities. The inaugural event was hosted in South Yorkshire by Sheffield Hallam

University and PwC at the University’s state-of-theart Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre – a hub for world leading projects that focus on innovative new ways to increase people’s physical activity, improve health outcomes and drive economic growth. It was the first time that the UK’s elected mayors have come together since the Government published its English Devolution White Paper in December 2024 – which places Mayoral Combined Authorities at the forefront of delivering growth and raising living standards.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard welcomed mayors to discuss issues including harnessing data to tackle common health challenges, procuring environmentally sustainable public transport fleets, and aligning local skills systems to support the delivery of critical infrastructure such as new housing. Specialists from PwC, who work across the public sector in health, Higher Education and transport, facilitated sessions to share best practice, including international examples, and stimulate discussions and ideas. Mayors and representatives from each of the combined authorities also learned more about projects being pioneered by the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and its partners, which

focus on innovative new ways to increase people’s physical activity, improve health outcomes and drive economic growth. Findings from the inaugural innovation exchange will influence the work of combined authorities across priorities such as health, skills and transport, whilst also shaping how Mayors collectively influence the Government around the devolution agenda. The next Mayoral Innovation Exchange will be hosted by the North East Mayoral Combined Authority.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “As Mayors we are already tackling some of the biggest issues that face our communitieswhether that’s improving public transport, boosting skills and training locally or growing our economies. Mayors are making a difference and are here to stay. Now, as the number of Mayors and Combined Authorities across the country grows, we have the chance to tackle national challenges and help the whole country to thrive. The Mayoral Innovation Exchange gives us the opportunity to share the brilliant work we’re all doing in our regions – and also plan how we work

together nationally, with Government, to renew our country.” Professor Liz Mossop, Sheffield Hallam University ViceChancellor, said: “We were delighted to host the inaugural Mayoral Innovation Exchange event, and it’s particularly appropriate that it was held at our Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre on the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park – a hub for world leading innovation. Innovation is more than just a buzzword, it’s central to making progress on health, skills, and sustainability – which all underpin a wider economic strategy to boost growth and ultimately improve living standards. When it comes to supporting innovation within our regions, universities like Sheffield Hallam are willing and able to play our part.”

Katie Johnston, local and devolved government leader at PwC, said: “Less than a month since the Government published its English Devolution White Paper, it’s an important step forward bringing the Mayors together and collaborating to solve the biggest challenges facing cities and regions.”

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True NorTh Brew Co. ACquires ABBeydAle PiCTure house

True North Brew Co., an independent hospitality group based in Sheffield, has acquired the Grade II listed Abbeydale Picture House, marking a transformative chapter in the life of this much-loved building, as True North plans to restore it as a premier entertainment and social venue.

First opened in 1920, the Abbeydale Picture House was once the pinnacle of Sheffield’s social scene.

Known as the “Picture Palace,” its art deco architecture, tile-clad façade, and opulent interiors made it a favourite destination for glamorous cinema-goers and dance enthusiasts. However, over the decades, changing markets and the challenges of maintaining a historic building led to its decline and eventual closure.

True North’s acquisition represents not only a significant investment in restoring the building’s architectural glory but also a reimagining of its role in modern entertainment.

“Historic venues like the Abbeydale Picture House are treasures that should be preserved and invested in,” says Kane Yeardley, owner of True North Brew Co. “These spaces offer incredible potential to become ultimate social hubs, combining history, character, and community spirit. They’re exactly what hospitality should be about—creating places where people want to come together and make memories.”

As part of the restoration, True North is collaborating with heritage and cultural experts to ensure the building’s history is respected.

Professor Vanessa Toulmin from Sheffield University, a leading authority on historic cinema and theatre, will advise on the cultural significance of the Picture House, helping to integrate its heritage into the venue’s next chapter.

When fully restored, the Abbeydale Picture House will host a variety of live music, comedy, art events, and food and drink festivals, catering

to a diverse audience. Alongside the restoration, True North plans to create stylish, functional spaces throughout the venue, including its bars, balconies, and backstage areas.

“This is the biggest project we’ve ever taken on, and we couldn’t be more excited,” says Yeardley.

“We believe that keeping buildings like this in the hands of local, independent businesses is crucial. It’s not just about preservation—it’s about giving them a new lease on life and ensuring they continue to

serve their communities. This space remains a proud part of Sheffield, by Sheffield, for Sheffield.”

For True North Brew Co., this project isn’t just about bringing a historic building back to life; it’s about celebrating its potential to enrich the social and cultural fabric of the community. Yeardley concludes, “The Abbeydale Picture House is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a space with a story. We’re thrilled to be the ones turning the next page.”

SOUND

TUESDAY

Coronation Street: Pregnant Daisy has got something on her mind that she wants to share. She grabs the mic to make an announcement in the Rovers - but what will she say? When Dee Dee calls and tells Lauren the jury can’t reach agreement, Lauren’s worried that means bad news for her. Reluctantly, she heads back to court to hear the verdict. Is it going to be a life behind bars for the young mum? Adam and Alya come across Cassie alone at number 1 and ask her why she’s there when Ken is out. Cassie says she’s been doing some cleaning, but once she’s alone, she pulls Ken’s credit card out of her pocket. What is she up to? Leanne’s downward spiral continues when she wakes up hungover and late for court. Bethany tells Sarah she’s still moving to London, despite everything.

Emmerdale:

Down a country lane, Joe Tate sits in his car, struggling to stay conscious. On the floor of his car, his meds lay scattered. Has he overdosed? Has his mysterious illness notched up a gear? Is he about to die? Or has someone done something terrible to him? Meanwhile Laurel and Nicola are terrified about what’s become of Anthony, who’s found dead. Who killed him… how? And who finds the body? Is Steph about to find out that Anthony was the worst kind of man and that he’s been murdered as a result?

Eastenders:

Sonia’s ex-husband, Martin , and Jack are back in court as Sonia prepares to accept her fate... But WHAT will happen when Reiss suddenly arrives in court at the very last moment? Callum and Nigel decide to join forces to arrange a belated birthday party for Phil at the Vic. As Phil’s ex-wife, Sharon, and the rest of the Mitchell clan gather at the pub to wait for Phil, will Nigel be the bearer of bad news? Anna and Gina’s relationship with both George and Elaine is put to the test and things get tense. Ruby realises she has messed things up for her market trader ex-husband, Martin. Now she is determined to put things right. But the question is, will Martin approve of her risky plan?

MERCURYH LIDAYS

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Fully

FOOTBALLR UNDUP

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BBd returns to Bramall lane

A first move into the transfer market this month has seen the Blades land a popular forward, who enjoyed a profitable spell in South Yorkshire during the second half of the 2023/24 season.

Now of Southampton, Ben Brereton Diaz has made the move to S2 for the second time,

again joining on a temporary basis, with an option to make the switch permanent in the summer.

And understandably Chris Wilder is delighted to have sealed a deal for the return of the Chilean international, who proved to be a big hit despite United’s struggles in the Premier League.

Boss Wilder commented:

“This is a great fit for everyone and Ben will be an important player for us in the second half of the season. In a tough campaign, he was great for us last season and we would have loved to have kept him but the Southampton move was too good to turn down.

“So far it’s not worked

out as well as he would have liked and we’ve retained our interest in him. We know what we are getting, in terms of personality, culture, mentality and ability. Experience and age were also important to us and overall, it is just great for all parties.”

Brereton Diaz, 25, joined Southampton in the

kettle of fish for us.

summer on a permanent basis for a substantial fee from La Liga outfit Villareal and has made 10 Premier League appearances this term, the last of which came against Liverpool at St Mary’s before Christmas. In his first stint at the Lane, having arrived in January 2024, the forward bagged six

goals in 14 top-flight starts, including a home brace against Fulham and a strike that put the Blades ahead against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Looking ahead, the player himself says the opportunity to return to S2 and work with Wilder again was just too good to turn down.

He remarked: “I’m absolutely buzzing, it is a club I’ve been at before and really enjoyed and I obviously know the staff

and the players that are still here.

“For me personally, with a young family back in Southampton I didn’t want to go somewhere else unfamiliar, but most importantly I know what the gaffer and his staff are about and I’ve been delighted to see the team doing so well this season, for me it was a no brainer to come back.

“The atmosphere last year was tough at times, but I still enjoyed my

football and loved every minute of my time at the club, the fans were brilliant, it is a real family club and there is a connection now which is important. No other club was an option for me.

“Coming back to Sheffield United this time I know I will enjoy it more than the first time, the lads have done unbelievably well and I’m just here to hopefully help the team achieve the goal of promotion.”

Gillingham may not have been the happiest of hunting grounds for Rovers over the years but Grant McCann was delighted to continue his own personal good form at the Priestfield Stadium. Rovers had not won at the venue since McCann’s previous tenure in charge before Luke Molyneux’s fine finish saw them secure all three points. While the Gills had struggled for form in the build-up, the Rovers was

fully expecting a tough test, especially with new manager John Coleman at the helm for the first time.

“I remember that last win well,” he said. “Mallik Wilks scored a good goal here.

“It’s been a happy hunting ground for me over the years, I’ve always tended to come here and pick up points.

“I’m really pleased about this one.

“We came here last year after winning ten in a row

and looking to make it 11 but you saw how tough it was. I don’t think they had anything to play for at the time but you saw how tough it always is to come here.

“Today they had a new manager and you always get that bounce and fresh energy with that. John is a good manager and he’s technically good. People may have looked and thought Gillingham are struggling but we knew it would be tough. It was a completely different

“There was always going to be a difference about Gillingham because of the fresh ideas that John and Jimmy Bell would bring for them.

“We had to be ready for that. We weren’t really sure what they were going to do so the preparation for the boys wasn’t as good as it normally is.

“There was not much point in us working on a 4-2-3-1 when they came to this one with a 3-5-2.

“We had to be adaptable, we had to do a lot of work jut before the game and speak to the boys but even when it started, we

didn’t think it was going to be a 3-5-2. I’m pleased with the players that they can adapt so well in the game.”

McCann credited the full group for the hard-fought victory.

He said: “It’s a good win. Any win away from home is always pleasing.

“It wasn’t the prettiest, it was a bit scrappy at times. I’m really pleased the boys dug deep to defend and keep the clean sheet, and we scored an excellent goal.

“When Mols got in we all thought ‘goal.’ He’s deadly in those type of positions so I’m really pleased for him.”

Blades announCes tHree new Board memBers and InVestors

Three new board members and investors in the Blades have been unveiled, as COH Sports pushes forward with its ambitious and longterm plans for the club.

Joe Russo, Len Komoroski and Terry Ahern have all joined the board of directors of Sheffield United and become investors in COH Sports. Joe, Len and Terry bring decades of experience in sports, entertainment and real estate and will support the ambitious agenda that COH Sports and cochairmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy have for the Blades.

- Joe Russo is a recordbreaking director and producer who has been responsible for some of the most successful and culturally relevant global content. Through a quartet of movies within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Joe Russo raised the bar for blockbuster filmmaking.

- Len Komoroski brings more than 40 years of sports and entertainment experience. He currently is senior advisor of Rock Entertainment Group, which is an umbrella entity of teams and venues including the Cleveland Cavaliers

and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, previously having served 19 years as CEO.

- Terry Ahern is a leading figure in real estate advisory and investment management as cofounder, principal and chief executive officer of The Townsend Group.

Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy, co-chairmen of Sheffield United said:

“We are delighted to

welcome Joe, Len and Terry to the board of directors of Sheffield United Football Club.

“We want to see the Blades competing in the top-flight of English football consistently, not just on a one-off basis. An important element of this is ensuring Sheffield United Football Club has the highest quality team not just on the pitch but in the boardroom

as well. Each of Joe, Len and Terry bring outstanding capabilities and decades of experience to the table as we plan for the long term, develop the brand and ensure we have the best infrastructure in place. As prospective board members and investors we know all Blades fans will give them a warm welcome at Bramall Lane.”

I am Proud oF mY team - roHl

The Owls gave as good as they got at Leeds but emerged with nothing to show for their efforts in West Yorkshire.

The Whites ultimately flexed their promotion muscle, which Danny Röhl alluded to after the 3-0 reverse.

Rohl said: “I think this is the difference between the team at the top of

Bannan wIns

tHe

montH

Owls captain Barry Bannan has won the December Sky Bet Championship Goal of the Month award.

The Wednesday talisman produced another stunning strike in their 2-1 win over Derby early last month.

Trailing 1-0 at Pride Park with over an hour played, the skipper picked up possession 25 yards out and executed the perfect

the league. They were clinical, they took their chances and although we had our moments with very good transitions, we could not find a way through.

“I think it is unfair to compare us with Leeds right now because they have such a valuable squad, with a lot of good players off the bench

strike over both Rams keeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and defender Eiran Cashin on the line. It was the start of an impressive comeback victory for Wednesday as Jamal Lowe scored in stoppage time to register the Owls first win at Pride

as well. All in all, I am proud of my team and the performance we gave at the home of the team that I believe is the best in the Championship. “In my mind, that was not a 3-0 result that reflected the game. But the result is the result and we have to be better, of course, and now we look forward to Wednesday.”

Park since April 2006. It was Bannan’s third goal of the season but since then, the captain’s tally has moved to four having also scored in the return fixture at Hillsborough on New Year’s Day when the Owls ran out 4-2 winners over Derby.

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