Doncaster’s airport is being supported by £20m to press ahead with its planned mobilisation programme.
City of Doncaster Council’s Cabinet has last week (February 12) approved £10m funding package to continue with the plan of re-opening the former Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) in Spring 2026. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has also matched that figure.
The cabinet heard in a report the progress made to date on the programme to reopen the site which closed in 2022.
Mayor Ros Jones said: “Re-opening our airport is
my number one priority, I am vigorously pursuing the reopening of our airport and despite the challenging timeline, our plan is to see our airport open in Spring 2026.
“The financial package will enable critical mobilisation works to continue and drive forward momentum in our drive to reopen the airport given its strategic importance to Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the North. I would like to thank South Yorkshire leaders for their continued support of our airport with their further funding approval.
“The residents and businesses of Doncaster are behind us, proven by the over 130,000
people who signed a petition. This is the people’s airport and I will do all I can to ensure it drives forward economic success, new jobs, growth and prosperity.”
The council’s £10m funding proposal is one off funding from the priorities revenue budget, coupled with £10m proposed by SYMCA for revenue costs which was approved yesterday. (February 11). The council funding would help support work to secure the airport’s suspended airspace and essential work needed to meet the necessary Civil Aviation Authority’s certification standards.
The SYMCA funding in the form of a grant will
support costs associated with managing the site.
The cabinet report also sets out the arrangements and scope of FlyDoncaster Ltd, a wholly-owned council company, initiated last year to operate the airport alongside strategic partners Munich Airport International GmbH (MAI) which will provide operational and management services and FP Airports Ltd, aviation sector specialists in the UK.
CDC submitted an outline business case on the financial and economic benefits of reopening the airport which was approved by SYMCA last February. A Full Business Case (FBC) has been
The FBC highlights the scale of economic growth potential should the opportunity be realised: over 5,000 gross direct jobs by 2050; GVA uplift of £5bn (cumulatively by 2050); gross welfare benefits (cumulatively by 2050) of £2bn; a project benefit cost ratio of 9:1; and a region in the vanguard of the next technological revolution, building on core regional capabilities, and reconnected by air to global markets. The Cabinet report can be viewed on the council website.
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.
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE TO HEADLINE SHEFFIELD FESTIVAL
rock N roll circus is back in Sheffield for its third and biggest year yet and this week organisers have confirmed that rock giants Queens of the Stone Age will launch this year’s festival on the 27th of August.
Following the huge success of previous editions, the event returns to Don Valley Bowl in summer 2025 with more stages, and even more jaw-dropping circus entertainment.
American rock royalty Queens of the Stone Age have been confirmed as the headline act for Wednesday, 27th August, hot on the heels of their latest album,
In Times New Roman. They will be joined by very special guests Viagra Boys, Fat Dog, The Bug Club and So Good.
The Sheffield show is more than just another tour stop for Queens of the Stone Age - it’s a city with strong ties to the band’s history. Their connection with Arctic Monkeys is well-documented, with Joshua Homme producing the Monkeys’ critically acclaimed third album Humbug in 2009. Sheffield has long been a special place for Homme and his band, making this headline performance even more significant.
Formed by Joshua Homme against a backdrop of 1990s Palm Desert, California, Queens of the Stone Age is what happens when a multidimensional musical entity outgrows the very genre it creates. Too prolific, ambitious, and just plain brilliant to be confined by categorization, QOTSA has morphed over the course of eight utterly essential albums into the behemoth that has blessed us with a cornucopia of bangers from “No One Knows” to “Little Sister,” “My God is the Sun” to “Emotion Sickness” and so many more. Regularly hailed as one of the greatest live bands
in existence, QOTSA consists of Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore. What started off as generator parties in the desert has evolved into an undeniable multisensual juggernaut that returns to light up stages across Europe and the US throughout the months ahead. Now, Queens of the Stone Age are gearing up for a massive show at Rock N Roll Circus, one of only two shows that the band will be performing in the UK this year. Fans can expect more heavyweight and genre bending acts to be revealed soon,with QOTSA curating the entire line up
19/2/1878 - Thomas Edison patents the phonograph.
20/2/1877 - Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake receives its première performance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
21/2/1952 - The British government, under Winston Churchill, abolishes identity cards in the UK to “set the people free”.
for the day.
Festival organiser Ali O’Reilly said: “We’re taking Rock N Roll Circus to the next level in 2025. Bringing a band such as Queens of the Stone Age to Sheffield is a huge moment for us and we can’t wait to welcome them to the Big Top in August. They are the perfect act to open our celebrations and fit everything that our brand is trying to achieve. It’s been a long time since they’ve performed in this part of the world, and we’re honoured and excited to have them.”
This year, Rock N Roll Circus is expanding in every way. Extended opening hours mean more time to
soak in the sights, sounds, and thrills of the festival, while a sprawling food and drink village will serve up everything from gourmet street eats to craft cocktails. Across three stages, fans will be treated to an unforgettable lineup of legendary acts and rising stars, while the iconic Big Top transforms into a dazzling realm of jawdropping performances.
Pre-sale tickets for Queens of The Stone Age go live on Wednesday, 19th February at 9 AM, followed by general ticket sales on Friday 21st February at 9 AM at www. rocknrollcircus.co.uk
23/2/1998 - In the United States, tornadoes in central Florida destroy or damage 2,600 structures and kill 42.
24/2/1920 - The Nazi Party is founded.
February - 25th February
22/2/1797 - The Last Invasion of Britain begins near
25/2/1964 - Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston, Ali took the title.
My wife tells me I have 2 major faults, I don’t listen - and something else.
I was walking past a farm and a sign said: “Duck, eggs!”
I thought: “That’s an unnecessary commathen it hit me.”
I went the doctors the other day complaining about my sore feet. He said: “Gout!”
I said: “But I’ve only just walked in!”
What does a grape say when it’s squashed? Nothing, it just lets out a little wine.
Why is Peter Pan always flying? Cause he Neverlands.
I’ve been teaching myself to juggle clocks. People are saying I’ve got too much time on my hands.
I’m not wearing glasses anymore. I’ve seen enough.
My landlord says he needs to come talk to me about how high my heating bill is. I told him, my door is always open.
Waiter: Do you wanna box for your leftover food?
Dad: No thanks, but I’ll wrestle you for them.
A man walks into his home to realize that all his lamps were stolen. He was delighted.
the author and son of a British civil servant, was born in which country?
2. Ceuta is an enclave in Morocco belonging to which country?
3. SpaceX is an aerospace manufacturer founded by which entrepreneur?
4. The ‘Pequod’ was a ship from which novel?
5. Which bridge was both the longest and tallest suspension bridge when it opened in 1937? It carries U.S. Route 101.
6. To what did British Guiana change its name when it gained independence in 1966?
7. The Orang-utan is native to only 2 islands, one is Borneo, which is the other? a) Madagascar b) Sumatra c) Java
8. Which childrens book character was told “your Father had an accident there; he was put in a pie by Mrs. McGregor”?
9. Which former England international cricketer had the nickname of ‘Pica’?
10. Which Austrian went on to become Governor of California?
1. George Orwell,
TWO BEDROOM CARAVAN
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THREE BEDROOM CARAVANS (Currently Being Renovated)
1 Double Room, 1 Twin & 1 Bunk
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News, Information and Advice
re-start a heart day
Secondary schools across Yorkshire are being urged to sign up for free life-saving CPR training from Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff and volunteers on Restart a Heart Day 2025.
Registration is now open for schools to provide their students with the skills needed to respond effectively to cardiac arrest emergencies.
Since the event began in 2014, the Trust has taught CPR to 270,153 students during 1,212 school visits thanks to staff and volunteers who have given an incredible 44,320 hours.
Jason Carlyon of Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “We believe that every student should have the chance to learn CPR and would encourage all secondary schools to take advantage of this valuable opportunity for free training. By working together with our fabulous staff and volunteers who give up their own time to deliver the training, we can ensure that more young people are equipped with the skills they need to save a life.”
The event is supported by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charity which is committed to providing young people with life-saving education. The charity will contact all participating schools with fundraising opportunities to support the development of the Restart a Heart campaign.
Over 30,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest out of hospital in the UK every year. The earlier a patient can receive CPR and a shock from a defibrillator, the greater their chance of survival.
Currently in the UK, less than one (8.6%) in ten people survive a cardiac arrest. If we achieved the same survival rates of countries like Norway (25%), where CPR is taught in schools, 100 more lives could be saved each week - the equivalent of approximately 5,000 every year.
For more information visit the Restart a Heart Day website or email yas.restartaheart@nhs. net
re-branding of the city
A city’s brand and identity play a crucial role in attracting visitors, investors, new residents and new talent by promoting a place’s unique assets to the world and giving a city a recognisable identity.
In turn, this helps drive economic growth, bring in business and makes a city a better place to live and work for residents.
Research suggests that by improving people’s perception of the city by just one decimal place, so for example, increasing it from 3.5 to 3.6, it is estimated this would equate to a rise in economic value of 5%.
For Sheffield, this would mean an additional £70m for the city, in tourism alone.
City branding also helps to foster a sense of pride and belonging amongst local communities and residents.
Sheffield already has a strong visual identity, which has been developed over the past six years and has supported the city’s visitor economy by helping to raise awareness and profile of the city across the UK and beyond. But by refreshing the branding helping Sheffield to ‘stand out’ and ‘stand apart’, the team at Marketing Sheffield aim to gain the city recognition as one of the UK’s top five most attractive cities for trade, tourism and talent.
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council said “We know from research the impact of place branding and perception on an economy. It suggests that a positive shift in perception equates to a significant rise in tourism and economic value. The work to develop our city’s visual identity is nothing short of inspiring. I am confident this will have a positive impact on our city, local businesses and residents by helping us attract more visitors and talent and set Sheffield apart from the rest.”
The Marketing Sheffield team, part of Sheffield City Council, have been working on refining and developing the city brand over the past 12 to 18 months, alongside partners, businesses and organisations across city. The concept for the work is to highlight the impact Sheffield has on the world – how what has happened in the city over
the years and continues to happen here, inspires changes in the world elsewhere.
Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of The Sheffield Chamber of Commerce said “The development of the city’s place brand goes beyond just attracting tourists and visitors to come and visit the city. One of our roles is to promote Sheffield as a place for investment. We want to promote the city to talent who might want to come and make Sheffield their home, to individuals that want to come here and open sustainable businesses that provide job opportunities. Every single one of our sectors here in Sheffield can use this branding as it applies to so many of corners of our workforce and industry.”
As part of the work, web content will be developed that will focus on a range of themes and messages that relate to how Sheffield as had an impact on the world. From Sheffield’s green credentials that have been recognised internationally, to Sheffield’s advanced manufacturing capabilities that have had a huge impact around the world.
There will also be a new video/animation to launch the city brand and promote these key messages, which has been worked on by local creative talent.
By commissioning local, Sheffield talent to bring the work to life, the team hopes to harness local pride and encourage the city and its people to get behind and support this proposition for the city. It will also be delivered by a range of stakeholders across the city, who will act ask champions of the branding.
At an Economic Development and Skills Committee on Thursday 6 February, Members endorsed the developed of the branding work that had been completed so far and approved the ongoing work of Marketing Sheffield, alongside partners and stakeholders, to bring the brand to life for Sheffield through a range of campaigns and activities.
The new branding is set to be launched in the coming weeks.
mayor’s update: supertrams & cycles
Supertram is launching a new safety campaign aimed at increasing awareness among pedestrians when crossing tram tracks. The campaign, titled “TWO Lines = STOP!” is designed to remind the public to stay alert at double-line crossings, where trams operate in both directions.
As part of the initiative, yellow safety boards have been installed at key locations across the Supertram network. These highly visible signs are attached to overhead line equipment (OHLE) poles positioned along the tracks, acting as a clear reminder for pedestrians to check both directions before crossing. This proven safety measure, developed by LRSSB, has already been successfully implemented by several light rail operators across the UK including Edinburgh and Manchester. Joshua Keeling, Safety Manager at Supertram, highlighted the importance of the campaign, stating: “Pedestrian safety is a key priority for us and other light rail operators, and we are committed to taking proactive steps to reduce incidents at crossings. These new safety boards serve as an additional visual cue for pedestrians, ensuring they take a moment to look both ways and stay aware of trams passing in both directions. By working with LRSSB, we are reinforcing our dedication to making the Supertram network as safe as possible.”
Carl Williams, LRSSB Chief Executive, commented: “We’re delighted that Supertram has become the latest network to join our nationwide safety campaign. Our research shows that, across the county, making pedestrians more aware of their surroundings when near a tramway is key to reducing the risk of accidents, and by adopting our ‘Two Lines = STOP’ message Supertram is rising to this challenge.” Supertram urges all pedestrians to be vigilant and take extra care when crossing tram tracks.
Meanwhile neighbourhoods across South Yorkshire will benefit from new pedestrian crossings, safer streets around schools, walkways and cycle lanes thanks to over £6.6million of new
funding to boost walking, wheeling and cycling in the region.
The investment is part of a £300million boost to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, safer and better across the country, announced by the Government and Active Travel England (ATE) today (Wednesday 12 February). Working with local councils, the money will also help deliver cycle training for children and more walking, wheeling and cycling initiatives in schools and communities across South Yorkshire. It comes in addition to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s (SYMCA) existing £160m programme, already underway across South Yorkshire, including planned investment in healthier neighbourhoods, safer streets, and the creation of better routes to opportunity – to give everyone freedom and choice about how they get around.
Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “I want South Yorkshire to become the healthiest region in the UK. Helping people to choose walking, wheeling, and cycling will help us make that happen. That’s why I’m so pleased about this increased investment from Government, which recognises long held commitment to Active Travel and means we can do more to make South Yorkshire a wealthier, happier, healthier, and safer place to live.”
Under SYMCA’s 2020-
2027 investment into walking, wheeling and cycling across the region, the Authority has:
• Built 67km of new or improved walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
• Installed 65 new or improved crossings.
• Built 249 new cycle parking spaces.
• Improved 4,208m2 of public places.
• Directly supported over 13,000 people to walk, wheel and cycle.
South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy, said: “Active Travel England’s new funding will enable us to help thousands more people have the freedom and choice to walk, wheel and cycle, every day. Better paths, crossings, bike lanes and cycle training will help children to walk, scoot or bike to school, open up new routes to jobs, and ways for everyone to move more and differently. At the heart of our plans is bringing about safer, healthier and happier neighbourhoods.
Working with local councils, communities and charities to transform shorter trips and create a future built for everyone.”
SYMCA is working with Active Travel England (ATE) in order for local ambitions to be realised in further rounds of funding. More information about walking, wheeling and cycling in South Yorkshire: www. southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/ explore/active-travel
worksop workhouse re-opens
Following its annual winter conservation clean, the National Trust’s Workhouse & Infirmary in Southwell will reopen to the public on Wednesday 19 February, in time for half term.
Visitors are invited to put their detective hat on and take part in a family-friendly children’s trail, The Workhouse Whodunit, uncovering the mystery of who broke the rules and what punishment they received.
Visitors can also take a step back in time with Tales of The Workhouse on Thursday 20 and Saturday 22 February. Through encounters with the costumed characters, learn about what life was like for the inmates who lived here. Property Operations Manager, Victoria Mason-Hines says “Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist painted a bleak picture of life in the workhouse. However, our focus here is to show that although harsh and monotonous, aspects such as education, medical care or diet may
have been better for the poor than in their own homes. The Workhouse not only tells a powerful and enlightening story of how it provided for the poorest in society but how it was pivotal in the development of our national health and welfare system”. She continues, “Digital media, personal objects, and the stories of those who lived and worked here help to bring the history of The Workhouse to life. Younger visitors will find plenty of handson activities to enjoy like weighing ingredients in the kitchen, writing on slate in the school room, and experiencing the jobs of the paupers, as well as handling items, sitting on the beds, and dressing up”.
The Workhouse is open Wednesday – Sunday with additional days in Nottinghamshire school holidays. Full opening times, alongside details of weekly and monthly walks, seasonal events, and activities, can be found on the website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ theworkhouse
First established in 1865, Eric Eyre has personally looked after families in the local communities of
Operating from branches in High Green and Sheffield Lane Top we offer a bespoke funeral service upholding traditional values whilst progressing to cater for modern,
Sheffield city centre reaccredited with a purple flag award for 13th consecutive year
Sheffield city centre has been reaccredited with a Purple Flag award for the way it manages the city centre's night time economy.
Purple flag status is awarded by The Association of Town and Centre Management (ATCM) to towns and city centres that meet or surpass standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy and in 2012, Sheffield was the first city in Yorkshire to apply for accreditation.
Purple flag is an internationally recognised accreditation for the management of a city centre and Sheffield has had this accreditation now for 13 years.
Councillor Joe Otten, Chair of Waste and Street Scene said:
“We are all very pleased again this year to receive this accreditation and its testament to the hard work of partners, city centre businesses and the Council.
“It shows that people feel welcome when they visit our city centre. We’re continuing to build on its appeal to a wide range of people, from restaurants and bars, the culture and heritage, events and entertainment and making sure that it is a safe and clean attractive space for those who visit, live and work here. It’s clear that the judges were
impressed by what we’re doing.
“Our Purple Flag Working Group will continue to work together with its partners and organisations so that the city centre stays on course to continue to receive this prestigious accreditation.”
Businesses and partners continue to support initiatives in the city centre that add to the city’s nighttime offer.
One of these initiatives is the ‘Best Bar None Scheme’ which operates in licenced businesses who sign up to the scheme to help venues make sure that customers and staff feel protected. More information, including how businesses can become a member is at Best Bar None.
The Ask for Angela scheme also operates in the city centre, and is supported by a nighttime charter and toolkit, a Council initiative to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls and to improve the safety of women and girls who work, visit, or socialise in the nighttime economy.
‘Sheffield Safe Square’ is another initiative that aims to support Sheffield’s nighttime economy and keep residents and visitors safe when out in the city centre and after a pilot, has been extended into the Spring.
The Sheffield Safe Square service is based at Barker’s Pool and is made up of a
Medical Treatment Unit Trailer, a privately funded ambulance, and two heated tents. This combination of facilities offers both medical and welfare assistance to anyone on a night out in Sheffield city centre.
Judges for this year’s Purple Flag award assessed the city centre on a range of criteria including:
• Personal safety
• Cleanliness
• Transport
• Food and drink offer
• Bar and restaurant offer
• Attractiveness and appeal
• Arts and cultural offer
• How welcoming the city is
• Strength of partnership working
Sheffield’s partners in the Purple Flag Process are:
• Sheffield City Council
• South Yorkshire Police
• Sheffield BID
• City Centre Retailers Group
• Changing Sheff
• Friends of Sheffield City Centre
• UNIGHT The City Centre’s Pubs and Clubs Group
• Sheffield Street Pastors
• Marketing and Tourism
Sheffield
• Business Sheffield
Sheffield Safe Square returnS for 2025
An initiative aiming to support Sheffield’s nighttime economy and keep residents and visitors safe when out in the city centre, has been extended into the Spring.
The Safe Square service is based at Barker’s Pool and is made up of a Medical Treatment Unit Trailer, a privately funded ambulance, and two heated tents. This combination of facilities offers both medical and welfare assistance to anyone on a night out in Sheffield city centre. The Scheme will be returning for several dates between now and the end of March 2025.
Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council: “Safe Square is a free to use, non-judgemental service open to anyone in the city centre needing help or support during
the night on Friday and Saturday nights.
“So far, it has been incredibly successful and has helped hundreds of individuals whilst out enjoying the local nightlife. The impact on both people living and visiting Sheffield, as well as our city centre nighttime economy, has been very positive.”
Since the Safe Square was first piloted in December 2023, the scheme has supported over 500 people out in the city centre. From people who have required medical attention to individuals that have become separated from their friends, and others needed a safe space to wait for their taxi home. This latest round of funding that has meant Safe Square can be extended until Spring 2025, has been provided by the Safer Sheffield Partnership.
The Partnership is made up of public sectors organisations in the city – including Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Police – and representatives from the private and voluntary sectors.
Inspector Andy Rimmer, of the Sheffield city centre NPT team:
“The support offered by the Sheffield Safe Square service goes hand-in-hand with our nighttime economy work, and its return in 2025 is positive news for the city centre.
“The facility provides an alternative place to direct people who may be feeling vulnerable while out in the city centre at nighttime when further police intervention is not required.
Kayleigh Waine, Project Manager of Sheffield Safe Square:
“We’re thankful for the work carried out by Sheffield Safe
Square team and will continue to work with them as the scheme is reintroduced in the coming weeks.”
£20,000 in funding was provided by the Partnership with an additional £2,000 from the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Safer Sheffield Partnership and the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit for this funding.
“We’re so happy to be back helping, hopefully you don’t need us but if you do, we’re here.”
to 4:30am on Friday and Saturday Nights between now and Saturday 29th March plus Monday 17th March.
Safe Square is based in Barkers Pool, outside Sheffield City Hall and will run from 10:30pm
TUESDAY
Ryan tells Daisy that it’s time she paid Carla back the money she owes her and fast. Later, Ryan overhears Bobby on the phone agreeing to pick up some cash for someone and goes into the factory after him. Meanwhile, Lisa is brought in for questioning about what happened to Rob. Debbie hands out flyers to Todd and Billy for a tea dance for singles at the hotel. After some convincing to get Billy to go, he and Todd attend but when a couple of men offer to buy them drinks, Billy hurries out. Sally and Tim visit Kevin in hospital and when Kevin asserts that Abi needs him and he’s going to discharge himself, Sally orders him back into bed.
Emmerdale:
In A&E it’s bedlam as the emergency services arrive with gurney after gurney of casualties who’ve been pulled from the crash and the freezing lake disaster. Jacob’s aghast to recognise every single one of the patients. Knowing his mum Leyla was in one of the crashed limos, he’s desperate to lay eyes on her among the casualties. Noah is one of the many being treated. Later, a doctors informs Noah that their tests have revealed that he’s been spiked. As Noah’s head swims, a flashback washes over him prompting a hazy memory. In the wake of the horrific events of the ice crash and the terror and fatalities that followed, the village is in mourning and the police are swarming. But how many villagers have lost their lives? Which families are now looking at a very different future?
Eastenders:
On a special ONE HOUR episode, celebrating the official 40th Anniversary of the BBC series, there’s a fight to survive following an explosion at the Queen Vic! During the wedding celebrations of Billy and Honey, a huge explosion rocks the pub! There’s total panic as Billy, Honey and their wedding guests face a desperate fight to escape from the Vic before the building collapses... But unfortunately, not everyone will make it out of the Vic alive... And on a LIVE episode (screening as part of the 40th Anniversary celebrations) Sonia finds herself going into labour during the explosive events at the Vic. With no medical support on hand and only two traumatised people close to lend a helping hand, will both Sonia and her baby make it out alive? The terrible turn of events lead Denise to realise it’s time for her to decide WHO the man of her future is. Will it be ex-husband, Jack, or bad boy lover, Ravi? For the first time ever, EastEnders viewers can vote to decide the outcome of an ongoing storyline. WHO should Denise choose? Jack or Ravi?
MERCURYH LIDAYS
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We shoWed personality and character - Wilder
Manager Chris Wilder acknowledged United’s personality and character after standing up to and beating a revitalised Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. The home side threw plenty in United’s direction, backed by a partisan home support, but Wilder’s side stood firm to work their way into
the contest, eventually earning a valuable three points thanks to Anel Ahmedhodžić’s late winner.
After the game, Wilder was quick to point towards his side’s mettle after coming through another big test to go back to the summit of the Sky Bet Championship.
He said: “We spoke and
had to expect the Luton Town of old. It was and everything like the team in the year which they went up. It was everything that was in the Premier League that Premier League teams struggled to cope with. It came long from the off when it went straight back to the goalkeeper and bang they are on top of you. Every free
kick, on top of you and you just have to deal with it. At times it is really difficult to come out of it and try and play your natural game. We tried at times, but they were massively up for it, the target was on our back because of the position that we are in, and it never felt like a game at the top of the division versus the team
Win a Match Kit For yoUr teaM
To celebrate the extension of Sheffield & Hallamshire FA’s partnership with LensGo Visual Media, one lucky team from our region will win a set of Nike match kits, courtesy of the award-winning film production company. LensGo has teamed up
with Kitlocker to support grassroots football in our county by covering one of the biggest expenses for any team – the match kit!
Your brand-new kit will include shirts, shorts, and socks (including one GK set), featuring:
• Your club’s logo
obitUary - GeorGe daVies
Sheffield Wednesday are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of their former player George Davies. Born in Rednal on 1 March 1927, the defender moved to Wednesday in June 1950 from Oswestry Town.
For the next five years, Davies battled with the likes of Doug Witcomb and Eddie Gannon for a place in the first team.
During his time at Hillsborough, he played in the Wednesday’s Division
Two promotion campaign of 1951/52, which saw the Owls return to the First Division as champions. It was an eventful few years at the club, which also included relegations in 1951 and 1955 and an FA Cup semi-final in March 1954 against Preston at Maine Road in front of over 75,000 supporters.
Davies proved an outstanding winghalf during his time at Hillsborough before moving to Chester City in 1956.
Making his debut on 14 April 1951 against Bolton, Davies’ final Wednesday outing came on 5 March 1955 in a top flight clash with Everton.
In total, George made 109
(printed)
• LensGo Visual Media as the front-chest sponsor
• Kitlocker.com as the back-of-shirt sponsor
• Your choice of kit colour from a selected Nike range
How to Enter
To be in with a chance of winning, simply comment with your full team name on the LensGo Visual Media competition post on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Your team must be affiliated with the
appearances for the club and scored two goals.
After subsequent spells at Chester and Wellington Town, Davies hung up his boots and returned to his previous trade as a baker and later started his own window cleaning business.
George sadly passed away surrounded by his family on 9 February.
The Owls thoughts and condolences are with George’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA.
The competition closes on Friday 28th February, and the winning team will be picked at random and announced on LensGo Visual Media’s social media channels. Terms & conditions apply – see the competition post for details.
last Gasp penalty pUnishes Millers
Harvey Knibbs netted a last-gasp penalty as Reading boosted their League One play-off hopes with a dramatic victory over Rotherham. Leading marksman Knibbs gave the hosts a 1-0 halftime lead after scoring in the 24th minute.
Sam Nombe equalised from a penalty 12 minutes into the second period,
that was rock bottom.
“You have to show different qualities for different games if you want to be successful. We have shown a huge personality and character. The bit in the middle was pretty hectic at times but we found a great winner, we found a couple of other opportunities and when we have had to defend
in the box, we have defended with our lives which is a great quality to have.”
Wilder’s half-time changes helped swing the tide of the match with United changing formation to great effect in the second 45. He added: “They got their supporters on side by their attitude towards the game and we have
had to fight against that. We fought for our own supporters who were outstanding and kept with us, we found that winner and the change at half time - ideally I wouldn’t have wanted to do that - but I felt that would give us the best opportunity of getting a foothold in the game. I thought Rob (Holding) when he came on
was outstanding. His presence, he was calm, he made good decisions with the ball and gave us another header in there because it was coming forward. He settled everybody down so an absolute massive plus point is Rob’s introduction to first team football at Sheffield United. He is going to be a key player us.”
Danny Röhl rued an afternoon of misfortune at Hillsborough as Wednesday were beaten 2-1 by Coventry.
Ellis Simms’ brace downed the Owls, the striker’s second goal deciding the outcome in stoppage time.
but Knibbs grabbed the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time to leave the Royals one point off the top six.
Prior to that, the hosts were in charge for the lion’s share but couldn’t capitalise in the final third.
“I would not have been happy with one point but to get nothing is so hard to take.
we can improve but today I saw a lot of good things and we deserved three points.
Röhl said: “We did everything today but win the game, we invested so much and I feel sorry for the players, I am proud of my team.
levelled before the break, only to blaze over from a Joe Powell free-kick.
“We had control, more possession, more shots, but we could not score the goal and we lost the game.
“There are some parts of our game I am not happy with and where
so hard to taKe - danny röhl in roVers We trUst Fan sUrVey retUrns
Reading went in front midway through the half when, in the same incident, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan struck a post and Jayden Wareham followed up to force a good stop from keeper Dillon Phillips but, as the ball ran loose, Knibbs tucked home from close range.
Lewis Wing almost doubled the lead when his angled attempt cannoned into Phillips’ far post and away to safety.
Yet Nombe should have
Rotherham equalised in the 57th minute when Wareham handled a shot from Louie Sibley and Nombe coolly despatched the spot-kick for his eighth goal of the campaign.
Reading manager Noel Hunt was booked near the end for venting his frustration on the touchline but his side were rewarded when former Royals defender Zak Jules fouled Knibbs in the area.
Knibbs calmly beat Phillips from the resultant penalty for his 13th goal of the season.
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“But this is football, you do not always get what you deserve so we must move on and go again when we play out next opponent, Burnley on Friday.”
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