Lord Mayor awards ceLebrate contributions to sheffieLd Life
Sheffield’s trailblazers were celebrated last week (13 March 2025) at the Lord Mayor Awards, supported by E.ON Blackburn Meadows, for their significant contribution to life in the city.
Hosted by the Lord Mayor’s office, the awards ceremony highlighted the dedication of some of Sheffield’s most skilled and dedicated citizens, for their contributions across sport, education, environment, arts, community and young hero.
The ceremony sparkled, led by The Lord Mayor, Cllr Jayne Dunn, a renowned speaker and
advocate, who has held a number of positions and gained a broad range of experience during her time at Sheffield City Council. She said: “The Lord Mayor Awards has brought together our diverse communities ensuring we celebrate each other and the wonderful people in Sheffield. Congratulations to all our worthy winners. We were thrilled to celebrate everyone, both our winners and runners-up, who have dedicated their time and efforts to putting Sheffield on the map and making this a brilliant place to live. When I was appointed Lord Mayor,
I pledged to make sure that the achievements of our residents and the dedication they show to the city is given a platform, and these awards have demonstrated why this is so important and so worthwhile. It’s been a truly humbling experience that I am honoured to have brought to life.”
Winners of Lord Mayors Awards 2025:
• Outstanding Contribution to Local Community Winner - Firas Sharefy
• Outstanding Contribution to Environment & Science
– Sustainability Connects
• Outstanding Contribution
• Outstanding Contribution
• Outstanding Contribution to Education – Cheriene Bailey
• The Young Hero - Leah Walton
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“RAISE THE OOF” AS SHEFFIELD COMEDY LEGENDS CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY
Sheffield’s very own Radio 4 favourite, comedy legend, and ‘the 42nd best reason to love Britain’ (Telegraph) John Shuttleworth, is back with more hilarious stories and songs performed on his trusty Yamaha organ (with built-in auto accompaniment!)
In Raise The Oof John celebrates 40 years in showbiz. Calling in at Sheffield City Hall on Wednesday 26th March. Yes, it was 1985 when he met TV’s Clarinet Man –next-door neighbour Ken
Worthington – who came last on New Faces in 1973
(Tony Hatch crucified him!)
“When I met Ken he was eating a CurlyWurly” recalls John, “although initially I thought it was a packet of sparklers, so I gave him a wide berth”, and the rest, as they say, is hysterical!
“Actually, I feel rather calm” muses John, “although after 40 years and still no chart success, perhaps I should be slightly anxious. My wife Mary says I should get a proper job, but there’s no
time – I’m about to retire!
Besides, Comet – where I used to demonstrate audio equipment – no longer exists. As for the sweet factory in the Rotherham area where I worked as a security guard in the 1980s – that’s now an Axe Throwing Centre. Oof!”
But he’s posting off his songs (on cassette tape with Dolby so it’s not too hissy) to cutting-edge pop acts like Chris Rea and the Lighthouse Family, plus he’s still being booked for nostalgic singalongs
at the local hospice (for petrol money only) so you have every reason to celebrate his long and
illustrious career. Do come along and join him in punching the air, and helping – in an orderly
and controlled fashion –to Raise The Oof! Tickets are available now from sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
19/3/2003 United States President George W. Bush orders the start of war against Iraq.
20/3/1916 Albert Einstein publishes his general theory of relativity.
21/3/1965 Martin Luther King, Jr. leads 3,200 people on the start of the third and finally successful civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
22/3/1888 The first Masters Tournament is held at
Crossword Clues
(7)
8) Protected (6)
9) Card game (7)
10) Chump (6)
11) Sulky (6)
12) Celtic type (8)
18) Rain storm (8)
20) Hot pepper (6)
21) Postponed (3, 3)
22) Very bad (7)
23) Persuade (6)
24) Club entertainment (7)
DoWN 1) Observer (7)
2) Strong feeling (7)
3) Oil (6)
5) Interview programme (4, 4) 6) Temple soothsayer (6)
7) Bring together (6)
13) Show (8)
14) Wise king (7)
15) Hard worker (7)
16) Irrational fear (6)
17) Cellular fluid (6)
19) Toffee-like sweet (6)
Last Week’s Solution across: 7) Finale, 8) Avenue, 9) Few, 10) Ready, 11) Pin, 14) Spoof, 15) Abscond, 17) Has been, 19) Groom, 22) Bit, 23) Skill, 24) Hem, 27) Choose, 28) See off DoWN: 1) Line up, 2) Cap, 3) Beret, 4) Bad debt, 5) Set, 6) Fusion, 12) Lobby, 13) Score, 16) Heckler, 18) Alight, 20) One-off, 21) Class, 25) Hop, 26) Wee
Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
23/3/1888 In England, The Football League, the world’s oldest professional Association Football league, meets for the first time.
24/3/1923 Greece becomes a republic.
25/3/1306 Robert the Bruce becomes King of Scotland.
My wife asked me to prepare our 4 year old son for his first day at school.
So I stole his lunch.
My doctor friend is addicted to hitting his patients on their knees to check their reflexes. He really gets a kick out of it.
What does a lawyer name his daughter? Sue.
Which country is filled with very poor vocalists? Singapore.
How many insects does it take to fill an apartment? Ten ants.
I bought a new pair of gloves today... But they’re both lefts, which on the one hand is great but on the other it’s just not right.
A policeman pulled me over and said: “PAPERS.” I yelled “scissors” and drove off.
My buddy said “There’s only one thing about Halloween that scares me.”
I asked: “Which is?”
“Exactly!” He replied.
I got booed off stage on open mic night because of my terrible Schwarzenegger impersonation but I’m not gonna let that get to me.... I’ll return!
What kind of prize do you give someone who hasn’t moved a muscle in over a year?
A trophy.
My friend claims that he can print a gun using his 3D printer, but I’m not impressed. I’ve had a Canon printer for years.
I got picked for this five-day-aweek, year-long sleep study. It pays £15,000 a month. It’s my dream job.
1
Bedding
News, Information and Advice
zero access to services
A new report has exposed a serious lack of progress on the availability of ear wax services in England, leaving 8.1 million with zero support and at risk of preventable hearing loss.
Research from RNID, the charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, has revealed a postcode lottery across England, as almost half (45%) of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)the commissioners of most NHS services - are still not providing wax removal services in line with public health guidelines. An estimated 2.3 million people in the UK require professional ear wax removal every year. Older people, hearing aid users and people with learning disabilities are more likely to be at risk. According to the report, in areas with zero service, people with ear wax build-up have no choice but to pay for private removal, which can cost up to Ј100 per session. With 1 in 10 people requiring ear wax removal three or more times per year, this can become prohibitively expensive and more than a third surveyed by the charity say this is unaffordable. Without access to ear wax services, many people are also left to attempt ear wax removal at home. A survey conducted by RNID has revealed the extent to which dangerous DIY selfmanagement methods are used, despite the fact these methods are known to cause infection, ear canal or ear drum damage and permanent hearing loss.
When a nationally representative sample of people in the UK were asked the question: “what have you used to remove or treat ear wax at home?” the answers were:
1. Cotton buds - 1 in 3 (33%)
2. Finger or fingernailalmost 3 in 20 (14%)
3. Earwax scoop removal tool - over 1 in 20 (6%)
4. Ear candles - 1 in 20 (5%)
5. Tweezers - 1 in 20 (5%)
6. Hairpins or bobby pins – 1 in 20 (5%)
Further polling from RNID has revealed the painful and distressing symptoms faced by people unable to access the necessary wax removal services. Nearly half (45%) experienced
hearing loss, a third experienced earache, and a quarter developed tinnitus. Additionally, one in five reported poor mental health and feelings of isolation, whilst 1 in 10 had to take time off work as a result. For many years, wax removal was available at GP surgeries, but the latest research from the charity shows that half of people with ear wax build-up have been forced to pay for ear wax removal services, with the majority doing so because of a lack of NHS services locally.
To address the ongoing crisis, RNID has launched the Stop the Block campaign and is urging the Government to step in to ensure everyone who needs wax removal can access it on the NHS. The charity is calling on the Department of Health and Social care to:
• Work with ICBs and ensure that everyone with a medical need for wax removal has free access to it, in line with NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) guidance.
• Publish improved patient information on the self-management of ear wax, so people can manage their wax safely from home, and ensure that GP surgeries share consistent, safe and evidence-based information with their patients.
Crystal Rolfe, Audiologist and RNID Director of Strategy, said: “It is unacceptable that millions of people across England are still unable to access vital ear wax removal services from the NHS in their local area. Thousands are being forced endure painful and debilitating symptoms, or resorting to costly private treatment - options that many simply cannot afford. Whilst some improvements have been made over the past year, they fall well short of what is needed. The pace of progress remains too slow and without clear national leadership, health inequalities will persist, leaving countless people without the care they require. We urge the Department of Health and Social Care to commission an urgent review to ensure that everyone who needs ear wax removal has access to local NHS services when they need them.”
For more information on Stop the Block campaign, visit www.rnid.org.uk/ stoptheblock
First responders receive special award
Community First Responders at Sheffield’s Crystal Peaks shopping centre have been presented with special King’s Coronation commemorative coins from the region’s ambulance service in recognition their valued contribution to public safety throughout 2024.
Crystal Peaks linked in with Yorkshire Ambulance Service in 2023 to train colleagues as Community First Responders, meaning they are now able to provide vital care, comfort and reassurance in medical emergencies before an ambulance arrives on scene.
Security colleagues from across Crystal Peaks are trained in CPR, operating a defibrillator, administering oxygen and assessing a patient’s condition to decide whether an ambulance is required, with the centre committed to having at least one trained CFR on site at all times.
Last year they gave almost 2,500 hours of cover and helped 29 patients who became unwell during their shopping visits.
This included responding to a man in cardiac arrest in December when cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out, restoring circulation and enabling a safe transfer to the Northern General Hospital, from where he was well enough to return home in time for Christmas with his family.
“We are so pleased that our Community First Responders have been recognised for the vital work they are doing in ensuring the safety of our visitors,” said Crystal Peaks centre manager Lee Greenwood.
“We already had a number of first aiders amongst our team and this training means that we now have people with enhanced skills on site should they be needed.
“Moving forward, we expect that more colleagues will participate in the CFR training, to enhance our preparedness for any emergencies that occur.”
This is the second award in just a few months for the centre’s Community First Responders.
At the prestigious SCEPTRE Awardsrecognising the best practice and people in the shopping centre industryCrystal Peaks was named winner of the Innovation of the Year prize in recognition of the First Responders scheme.
walk and wheel
The Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge 2025 will take place during Living Streets’ national Walk to School Week, between the 19 and 23 May 2025. This unique South Yorkshire collaboration means that the first 100 South Yorkshire primary schools joining the challenge will receive a free resource pack for classes – including stickers, activity tracking charts, bookmarks and fun activity sheets. The South Yorkshire challenge will also include a prize draw for participating schools to win scooters, bikes and cycling workshops with Ed Clancy, South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner. This year’s challenge builds on the successful Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge in 2024, part of the Mayor’s Year of Active Travel. In total 78 schools across South Yorkshire were involved in last year’s event. The Walk and Wheel Challenge encourages every primary school child in South Yorkshire to walk, wheel or cycle to school each day to become more active and healthier. The challenge forms part of the Mayor’s key manifesto commitment to make South Yorkshire the best place in the country to walk, wheel and cycle for our children, with an ambitious plan for active travel with schools at its heart. Oliver said: “Our children deserve the best start in life, and helping kids build activity into their everyday life is a big part how we will reach that goal. We know that giving children the freedom and choice to move more and move differently can help build a strong foundation for an active lifestyle, encouraging young people to develop healthy habits. I’m delighted we’ve been able to work with Living Streets to develop a unique approach to their national Walk to School Week campaign here in South Yorkshire, through my Walk and Wheel Challenge.” The five-day Walk and Wheel Challenge involves encouraging every primary school aged child in the region to choose to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ to school each day. This year’s challenge will see pupils take on The Great Space Walk.
charity halF marathon
Sheffield-based architect, Paul Holden and his wife Gail are taking on the London Landmarks halfmarathon in aid of the national Support Dogs charity. They’ve set themselves a £2,500 target and are on track to smash their goal in honour of the charity, which is also based in Sheffield and trains and provides assistance dogs to help autistic children and adults with epilepsy or a physical disability. It’s a real collaborative effort as Paul is director of Peak Architects, which has been appointed to work on Support Dogs’ new national training centre of excellence and headquarters, on the site of a former warehouse and offices at Hillsborough. Paul said: “Working with Support Dogs over the last few years has given us an insight into the incredible work that they do. Their vision for a new centre to treble its capacity and the lack of funding has given us the incentive to support their fundraising efforts to deliver this new facility.”
The London Landmarks half-marathon takes place on Sunday, April 6 and takes in the City of Westminster and City of London, with runners passing iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Nelson’s Column, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. Keen runner Paul, who has been gearing up his training ahead of the big day, has taken part for other charities over
the past two years and is hoping to beat last year’s time. Gail, who works as an accountant at Sheffield-based Chimp Management, took up running three years ago via the Couch to 5k challenge and will start the race in a separate group to Paul. “It’s all about finishing, knowing that we will be raising money for such a great charity”, said Paul, who lives in Hathersage and is dad to Abi, a 20-year-old civil engineering student at Cardiff University.
“There’ll be thousands of people on the streets, like a mini London Marathon, with 20,000 runners – it’s really enjoyable, with a great atmosphere.”
Rita Howson, chief executive at Support Dogs, said: “We’re extremely grateful for Paul and Gail’s dedication to Support Dogs, both professionally, in helping our new centre come to fruition, and personally in their commitment to taking on the London Landmarks halfmarathon on our behalf. We wish them both the best of luck on the day and look forward to their continued, valued collaborative work with Support Dogs.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor Paul and Gail can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com and searching for Paul and Gail Holden.
To find out more about the work of Support Dogs, please visit www. supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.
event road closures
Thousands of runners will be heading to Sheffield on Sunday 23rd March for South Yorkshire’s biggest road running event, the Sheffield Half Marathon. Inspiring runners and athletes alike will be lacing up their trainers to take part in what is now a well-established favourite in the region’s running calendar.
Famous for its mile-long climb up Ringinglow Road, the Sheffield Half Marathon will be returning to it’s muchloved city centre start and finish on Arundel Gate. The race will start at 9.30am.
A number of road closures and restrictions will be in place to ensure the safety of all those taking part. The event will require the closure of roads and road junctions as well as a number of parking suspensions around Ecclesall Road/ Dore from 20:30 on Saturday 22nd March to 13:30 on Sunday 23rd March and around the city centre from 20:30 on Saturday 22nd March to 16:00 on Sunday 23rd March.
Road closures will begin at 04:00 for: Arundel Gate, Norfolk Street, Surrey Street, Charles Street and Union Street
and these will re-open for 16:00. The rest of the closures on route will be enforced between 08:00 and 09:00 including: Furnival Gate, Charter Row, Ecclesall Road, Ecclesall Road South, Knowle Lane, Ringinglow Road, Sheephill Road, Hathersage Road, Brickhouse Lane, Cross Lane, Causeway Head Road, Rushley Road and Limb Lane. The final closures on route will be re-opened for 13:45 and closures will be reopened on a rolling basis. For full details of the road closures and other traffic restrictions visit: www.runforall.com/ All road closures will be lifted as soon as the safety of runners, spectators and visitors can be assured. Providing fundraising opportunities for charities is the primary objective of every Run For All event, ensuring that the money being raised by the event stays local and supports the causes that need them most. Runners are encouraged to fundraise for their own charity of choice or one of the event’s partner charities; Element Society, Framework, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Paces and St Luke’s.
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less booze than bread!
The BBPA is calling for a change in UK No/ Low definitions considering many supermarket staples contain more alcohol than No alcohol beer and current rules penalise British brewers.
The leading trade body says a slight change in the threshold to 0.5% ABV would lead to brewers being able to create many more No/ Low alcohol beers, which would help people choose moderation if they want to.
Currently, ‘alcohol free’ beer in the UK must be 0.05% ABV or below, whereas non-alcoholic beer from many other European nations and international markets is allowed up to 0.5% ABV.
Brewers across the UK are investing a huge amount of time and money in creating innovative products, and 86% of pubs now stock No/ Low options. On top of this, 8% of pubs are serving a No/ Low option on draught, proving
how the industry is helping public health goals and helping pubs be even more inclusive.
However, given the lack of a level playing field, British brewers are effectively penalised – even in the UK – as they cannot compete with European brewers who have greater freedom to make No/ Low beer.
In the UK an ‘alcohol free’ beer must be below 0.05% ABV whereas non-alcoholic beer from many other EU and international markets adhere to a slightly higher threshold of 0.5% ABV.
With the sector forced to work within such a restrictive threshold, the BBPA has pointed out that many products contain more alcohol than a 0.05% beer.
This was acknowledged in the previous Government’s evidence review published alongside their consultation on No/ Low definitions. The then Government
recognised that foods such as bread, fruit juice and yoghurt can all contain a level of alcohol that is undeclared and does not need to be labelled or indeed is a cause for concern.
Specifically, their evidence found levels of up to 1.2g of alcohol per 100g of bread, and 0.77g of alcohol per litre of fruit juice. The Government also highlighted that an individual would need to drink 8 pints of 0.5% ABV in an hour to reach the same blood alcohol content as if they consumed one 4% ABV pint of beer.
This highlights the challenges and unfairness faced by UK brewers.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA said: “It couldn’t be clearer that British brewers want to create more No/ Low options and cater to booming demand but are at a distinct disadvantage when compared to international neighbours.
“Our sector is committed to tackling harmful alcohol consumption, proven by how
brewers are creating more No/ Low products and more pubs are stocking these products.
“Changing current highly restrictive ABV thresholds to match international neighbours will help brewers create more products and give consumers more options when choosing moderation, all of which will help public health goals.”
From a public health perspective there is clear and robust evidence that no and low alcohol drinks are effective in supporting those seeking to moderate or reduce their alcohol consumption.
The No/ Low category is coming off a recording breaking 2024 and Christmas period with up to 140 million pints expected to have been drunk last year. However, there remains huge scope for further growth.
With this in mind, it is vital that the No/ Low category is supported so that it can continue to grow, and be an option those who are choosing moderation, the BBPA said.
“hendos” adds sheffield flavour to st luke’s Quiz night
What’s the perfect brain fuel to feed a quizzing mastermind? A good splash of Hendo’s should do the trick!
The Double Tree by Hilton in Bramall Lane will be the setting for the latest St Luke’s brain teaser evening – complete with pea and pie supper - on Thursday, June 19 from 6.30pm.
And to add a real Sheffield flavour to the event, the sponsor for the evening will be Henderson’s Relish.
“Whether you’re a trivia master or just enjoy a good challenge, this event is for everyone and we are delighted that Henderson’s are adding their generous support to the evening,” said St Luke’s Retail Partnerships Manager Jemma Dalton.
“It’s the perfect blend of brainteasing questions, friendly competition and charitable giving, with a pie and pea supper all making for a great evening’s entertainment.
“All you have to do is gather your friends, family or colleagues and form a team of six members.
“Then simply collaborate, brainstorm and combine your knowledge to outsmart other teams and claim the title of St Luke’s Quiz Night Champions.
“It’s going to be an unforgettable evening of trivia, laughter, and community spirit - a great evening for a trivia master or for somebody who just enjoys a good challenge.”
Tickets cost Tickets cost £150 per team of six – that’s just £25 per person - and can be booked now at www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/ support/events/detail/quiz-night
For more information email fundraisingevents@hospicesheffield. co.uk or 0114 235 7584.
GRoke Coffee LTd
Have made an application under Section 17 Part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as GRoke Coffee, 1A keLhAm SquARe, SheffieLd S3 8RY
We intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol for consumption ON the premises: Monday - Saturday 11:00 - 23:30
Sunday 11:00 - 22:30
New Year’s Eve: Extended hours until 00:30
Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Block C, Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Rd, Sheffield S9 3HD by 9th April 2025
For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents
For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service 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 We: kopi ANd ChAi LTd
Have made an application under Section 17 Part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as 55 deRbYShiRe LANe, SheffieLd S8 9eh
We intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol for consumption ON & OFF the premises:
Monday - Friday 12:00 - 21:30
Saturday - Sunday 11:00 - 21:30
Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Block C, Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Rd, Sheffield S9 3HD by 10th April 2025
For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents
For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service 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 Jonathan Ross Show, ITV�, �.��pm
TUESDAY
Coronation Street: Rob persuades Tracy to meet up with his contact and collect his fake passport. Mary watches intrigued as Tracy accepts a package in the ginnel. As Tracy returns and urges Rob to get going, they’re startled by Mary hammering on the door. Rob tries to make his escape but his legs give way and he screams in pain. Tracy manages to get rid of Mary but when she enters the kitchen she’s horrified to see Rob lying on the floor. When Rob suggests that they should leave together and start a new life, Tracy’s stunned. Julie explains to Eileen and Todd that she wants to discuss her funeral but Eileen can’t face it and heads out. Dee-Dee discusses the adoption process with her social worker and confirms that she’d like to arrange a meeting with the prospective parents.
Emmerdale:
John is fixated on Chas’ cool reaction to his and Aaron’s engagement. A hullaboo brings the pub to a hush when landlady Chas suddenly drops to the floor. John, who’s a paramedic, happens to be there to swoop in and tend to her. What’s wrong with Chas? And will John’s medical help end up impressing her? Before long, questions are being asked about why Chas dropped to the floor and given Ella’s dark past history and hatred for the landlady who ‘stole’ her man, Liam, the fingers are pointing in her direction. Did Ella have something to do with it? Will Manpreet stick up for her housemate and work colleague? Jai continues to follow his hunch that the Miligans are covering up something about Anthony’s disappearance. Charity’s gutted when she finds Sarah kissing Kammy who’s the last kind of bloke she wants her granddaughter dating.
Eastenders:
After reading one of the letters that depressed Phil wrote on the night he planned to end his own life, Lexi has jumped to the WRONG conclusion that Phil is dead... Upset, Lexi turns to Billy and Honey for answers before breaking down in tears! Billy blames Nigel for failing to stop Lexi from seeing the letters. After Billy angrily confronts Nigel, Callum decides it’s time to tell Lexi the truth about where Phil really is. A special episode features four weeks in Phil’s life inside the mental health unit. Phil is faced with confronting his inner demons and what may have contributed to his depression and his symptoms of psychosis. But is the tough guy of Albert Square prepared to open-up about his feelings during group therapy sessions?
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Wilder hails players as Blades earn steel City douBle
It’s a challenge which boss Chris Wilder is well-versed in, and he knows more than most what is required to rise to one of the toughest tests around.
Part two of this season’s Steel City derby showdown is upon Wilder and his side this weekend and the
boyhood Blade, who has been on terraces and touchline over the years, knows it’ll be another tough task in a division littered with difficult assignments.
He said on the Owls:
“A good recovery when the manager went in last year, as I said in my press conference when
we played them at the start of the season. A couple of great results for them on the road.
The away record has been fantastic, and I think they are in and around the top of the division, their home record hasn’t been as good, but I have to say that all goes out of the
window on Sunday afternoon.
“It is going to be a competitive game; it is going to be an emotional game as we always understand these games are. Very rarely have I seen a free-flowing game between both sides, and I should imagine
- it is so hard to taKe
Danny Röhl rued the derby defeat to Sheffield United after Wednesday edged much of the key data other than the one that counts.
Rhian Brewster’s second half goal was the difference in a game that never truly ignited, although the Owls created the better
staleMate at the nys
Rotherham and Exeter battled out a 1-1 League One draw at the New York Stadium. Reece James and Alex Hartridge scored either side of the break and neither of the midtable sides could find a winner.
Both could have scored within a minute of one another as, first, Rotherham’s Hakeem Odoffin made a crucial block from Ryan Trevitt’s shot after Jack McMillan had snuck in down the right. Sam Nombe was released at the other end but he was eventually crowded out after rounding Exeter goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.
chances.
Michael Smith, Josh Windass, Marvin Johnson and Svante Ingelsson each went close but it was not to be and the Blades took the points back to S2.
Röhl said: “It is so hard to take. The datas tell the story of the game but the one thing missing was the goal
Rotherham took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Mallik Wilks’ shot was palmed into the path of James and he lashed in his second goal of the season.
Exeter levelled after 56 minutes when Ed Francis’ free-kick found its way through to Hartridge who turned past Dillon Phillips at the back post.
Shaun McWilliams almost put Rotherham back ahead but Ed Turns headed off the line.
Pelly Mpanzu then fired off target after Wilks’ shot had been pushed out to him.
Exeter could have nabbed the points but Josh Magennis headed off target after being found by Tony Yogane.
and they scored it.
“I think it is a mirror of our home performances this season, I think of Coventry, Sunderland, Luton recently – we did a lot of good things but did not get the result and this is what counts.
“It was similar to the first derby with one goal deciding the game and I feel for our massive fans
because we wanted so badly to get the result for them.”
Röhl also expressed his frustration at losing another defender as Max Lowe hobbled out of the action in the first half.
He explained: “It is too soon to say what the situation is and I am keeping everything
it’ll be exactly the same. We have the opportunity of doing the double over our nearest rivals for the first time in a long time, and obviously they’ll want to rectify that result that they had in November.
“They’ve got some good players, some
crossed it is not a bad injury.
“If it is the case, we will deal with it but let’s see. We have Dom back and Akin is getting closer but we are hoping that we have not lost another defender.
“We must deal with any situation. We have eight games to go, eight cup finals, this is 24 points to play for and we will not be giving up, that is for sure.”
really good players.
The likes of Gassama, Windass, Barry Bannan - he’s an outstanding footballer who makes them tick. They have got a competitive group, and they’ll want to deliver on the day. We’re getting ready for their best performance.”
Wilder has praised
oBituary | Jon durhaM
Everyone at Rotherham United has been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Jon Durham, aged 59. Born and bred in Greasbrough, the locally-produced striker made 11 appearances in-all for the Millers in his one season spell at Millmoor in
his side for meeting challenges head on this season, with Sunday’s showdown at Hillsborough one of a number of big tests remaining at the back end of the campaign.
He added: “We have dealt with everything which has been chucked in front of us
1983/84 during which opportunities were limited as he found himself behind attacking options including Ronnie Moore, John Dungworth, Terry Donovan and Phil Walker throughout the campaign. Educated at Greasbrough Junior School and latterly Wingfield Comprehensive School, Jon proudly became a product of the club’s
so far, we’ve dealt with the home game where we won a tight game and we’re going to have to deal with certain challenges between now and the end of the season. They don’t come much bigger or tougher than playing a local derby against your fiercest rivals.”
youth system after leaving education and the local striker only represented the Millers in the 1983/84 Division Three season before later moving on to Torquay United. Jon netted his first and only goal on his full debut for his hometown club as he struck the decisive blow in a 1-0 win over Yorkshire rivals Bradford City on 29th October 1983.
MCCann ConFident BreaK has CoMe at Good tiMe
Grant McCann believes the timing of the international break will prove to be a positive for Rovers. With Ted SharmanLowe, Charlie Crew and Patrick Kelly away on international duty, Rovers took up the option of requesting a postponement of the scheduled trip to Salford City. The addition of four injured players played into McCann’s decision and he is confident Rovers will be in a
healthier position when they resume action against Carlisle United on March 29.
“I think it comes at a good time for us because we’re going to be missing the three boys on international duty. Well done to those three for being called in.
“But also it gives us a chance to get Joseph Olowu, Jay McGrath, Jamie Sterry and James Maxwell back.
“As I stand here today, going into next week we’ve got seven players
missing. You take that out of a Premier League team, never mind a League Two team, it’s a big chunk out.
“It gives us a chance to try to get them back for the Carlisle game without rushing them and risking them breaking down again.
“It comes at a good time for us, I think.
“There’s lots for us to work on and for us to do. The players will get one or two days’ rest and then we’ll be back in to work hard.
“We’re looking forward to coming back into a busy period because we know we have to fit the Salford game in somewhere.
“There’s a couple of dates we’ve looked at and one we’d prefer but regardless we come back into a SaturdayTuesday-Saturday so we have to make sure we keep the boys in a good place.”
McCann admitted none of the four injured players were close to featuring against
Crewe Alexandra and the fortnight before the next match would be valuable in their recoveries. He said: “None of the lads trained all week but they are improving. The break gives Dave [Rennie] and the medical team time and leeway rather than having to force them out there and risk them breaking down again.
“We have the chance to build their fitness and their robustness up ready to come back into our squad.”
ECKINGTON SELF STORAGE
