The Mercury Issue 1500

2022 saw a

Arena Sheffield and City Hall, with a jam-packed calendar full of amazing milestones, both on and off the stage.

Moving forward in to this year they are both set to host an exciting range of shows in 2023, including some highly anticipated Steelers fixtures, an incredible lineup of talented music stars; Lewis Capaldi, Yungblud, Sam Smith,

and Louis Tomlinson, some of the country’s favorite comedians; Jon Richardson, Frankie Boyle, Dawn French, Dara O’Briain, to name a few; and a whole variety of shows ranging from Britain’s Strongest Man to British Bake Off star Prue Leith, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Next year, Utilita Arena Sheffield is going to host some huge shows! Peter Kay is returning

to stand-up and set for an amazing eight shows from 2023 and beyond.

Pulp announced two hometown comeback shows selling out within an hour. The TV cameras are also on their way to the Arena for the highly anticipated return of Gladiators, and we sure are ready… are you!?

Dom Stokes, Head of Live Events and Venues, said: “It is hard to believe 2022 was the first full year back for the live entertainment

and events industry. We can’t disguise the fact it’s not quite been the year this industry expected post-lockdown. We know there are challenges to overcome. However, across both Utilita Arena Sheffield and Sheffield City Hall we have hosted a variety of amazing shows and experienced some truly magical moments.

“2023 is shaping up to be a sensational year! Our talented and

dedicated teams will continue to deliver for the community of Sheffield, providing over thirty million pounds worth of local economic impact every year and raising the City’s overall profile.

“The very best in music, comedy and sport are eager to perform in our very special venues over the next 12 months, which will proudly continue our 120-year ‘Made of Steel Made of Stars’ legacy.”

ma Jor souTH yorksHire

scHeme beGins in roTHerHam

A major scheme to build new vehicular, walking and cycling infrastructure to improve transport connections across South Yorkshire has begun at Parkgate, Rotherham.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard and Leader of Rotherham Council, Councillor Chris Read joined contractors at the Parkgate link road and Park & Ride scheme – part of the region’s £166 million boost to cut congestion and create greener travel choices. The £12 million investment at Parkgate includes a new link road, footway and cycleway from Aldwarke Lane into Parkgate Shopping (Stadium Way); highway improvements at Taylors Lane roundabout; and a new 300-space Park & Ride facility for the Parkgate Tram Train terminus, including electric vehicle bays.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “Fixing our public transport system means making sure we’re building the network South Yorkshire needs and deserves. This is the beginning of an exciting scheme improving transport links around Rotherham – and will help us create the faster, smarter, greener public transport system we need. We need

our trams, our buses and our trains to work together to create a fully integrated system which gets you where you need to be. An integrated, 21st century transport network will make our air cleaner, our bodies healthier, our roads safer, and we’ll have more money in our pockets given the high price of fuel right now. That’s why fixing our public transport network is central to my vision of a greener, fairer and healthier South Yorkshire.”

Leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr Chris Read, said: “The Parkgate park and ride scheme is the latest major investment in the borough that we’ve secured and residents will start to see more visible works taking place in the coming weeks. As well as improving access to the country’s first tram-train, the new access road will provide some welcome relief on the congested local road network. Close working between the Council and the South Yorkshire Mayor's office has been key to unlocking this important transport scheme and we're really pleased to have works on site."

Communities in Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster and Sheffield are set to benefit from transport, walking and cycling schemes at iPort, a new Tram Train stop and P&R at Magna, rail station improvements and road widening.

Construction of the Parkgate scheme is expected to be complete in December 2023 and open for use in January 2024.

Hold on to your barbells, because Britain’s strongest Man will be back in Sheffield for a sixth consecutive year at the Utilita arena Sheffield at the end of the month on saturday the 28th for the ultimate showdown of strength.

Britain’s Strongest Man 2023 is the first stop on the prestigious Giants Live World’s Strongest Man Arena Tour - 6 of the UK’s biggest arenas play host to gruelling

challenges and epic lifts that will amaze fans and test our Giants to the absolute limit.

Rest assured the lineup will be STACKED with Giants Live athletes!

Giants Live is filmed for Channel 5 as part of the World’s Strongest Man Series. You’ve seen them on TV, now watch them live, up-close and personal! The Giants are poised, the camera crew ready and the world is watching to find out who

will be the strongest man in history!

This year’s confirmed line up includes Terry Hollands, Luke Richardson, Mark Felix, Louis Jack, Pa O’Dwyer, Zake Muluzi, Adam Bishop, Gavin Bilton, Graham Hicks, Paul Smith, Ryan Bennett and Shane Flowers.

Tickets are available from www. utilitaarenasheffield. co.uk

Crossword Clues

I showed the damaged remains of my luggage to a lawyer, and asked him whether I can sue the airline.

He said you don’t have much of a case.

Guy at a supermarket: Are those genetically modified tomatoes?

Store worker: Why do you ask?

Tomato: Yeah, why do you ask?

Have you all heard about the monk who claimed to see the face of jesus in a tub of margarine?

He said: “I can’t believe it’s not Buddha.”

How much does Santa pay to park his sleigh? Nothing. It’s on the house.

Just lost my job as a zookeeper.

In my defence there were signs everywhere saying “please don’t feed the animals.”

I am giving up drinking for a month.

Sorry that came out wrong.

I am giving up. Drinking for a month.

I think my calendar is trying to kill me. My days are numbered.

The other day, my friend told me I was delusional.

I nearly fell off my unicorn.

I found out my girlfriend is really a ghost. I had my suspicions the moment she walked through the door.

My friend filled an entire swimming pool up with herbs. He had a lot of thyme on his hands.

What do you call a shoe made of a banana? A slipper.

Quiz

8/1/2004 - The RMS Queen Mary 2, the largest passenger ship ever built, is christened. 9/1/1816 - Sir Humphry Davy tests the Davy lamp for miners at Hebburn Colliery. 10/1/1920 - The Treaty of Versailles takes effect, officially ending World War I. 11/1/1693 - Mount Etna erupts in Sicily.

5/1/1965 Vinnie Jones 6/1/1955 Rowan Atkinson 7/1/1985 Lewis Hamilton

8/1/1937 Dame Shirley Bassey 9/1/1913 Richard Nixon

10/1/1945 Rod Stewart 11/1/1938 Arthur Scargill

Sheffield Council

plea for donations £2 bus fares for all

Encouraging everyone to make space for merry making, the Age UK shop on Ecclesall road is calling on the local community to have a post-Christmas clear out and donate their unwanted items to the Charity.

The plea comes as Age UK gets ready to wrap up the 2022 Challenge, which aims to help the Charity’s shops receive 2.2 million bags of donations by the end of the year. So far over 2 million bags have been donated to Age UK shops across the country, with items sold on to be loved again and funds raised going towards vital services supporting older people who may have no one else to turn to. But the challenge isn’t over and the Age UK shop on Ecclesall Road is urging people to continue supporting the appeal during the festive season.

For many older people, the festive period can be a difficult and lonely time, especially when they have no one to talk to or ill health means they can’t get out and about. However, Age UK knows that this year is set to be even harder as large numbers also face a perilous winter of soaring energy prices and high inflation.

Age UK’s services are vital lifelines for older people who have no one else to turn to when times get tough. These include Age UK’s national free and confidential Advice Line and Friendship Service, which the Charity expects to be in high demand this Christmas. But Age UK can’t be there without everyone’s support, and donating to the Charity’s shops really can make

a big difference. Debbie Wright, Shop Manager at the Age UK shopon Ecclesall Road said; “Whether you want to declutter your home before your guests arrive, or free up room for more goodies, postChristmas is the best time to have a clear out. We accept everything from decorations that no longer match your colour scheme, to last year’s Christmas jumper. All we ask is that they are good quality so we can sell them on to be loved and used again. As well as doing your bit for the environment by recycling and reducing landfill, you will be helping Age UK raise much-needed funds to support older people across the country, including those who may be alone or have no one to turn to this Christmas time. Age UK’s 2022 Challenge aims to turn every bag donated into bags more support for older people across the UK. Your donations can help ensure that Age UK can be there for every older person who needs us this Christmas and beyond.”

The Age UK shop On Ecclesall Road is also encouraging people to make their donations worth an extra 25% for the Charity by signing up to Gift Aid. Simply filling out a basic form when dropping off donations means Age UK will receive an extra 25p from the government for every £1 that is raised from donated goods and it won’t cost you a penny!

Millions of people across England can now save money and ‘Get Around for £2’, thanks to £60 million government funding to cap single bus fares until the end of March.

From 1 January 2023 until 31 March 2023, over 130 bus operators outside of London will charge no more than £2 for their single tickets across over 4,600 routes, helping families, commuters and other passengers save money on travel. With the average single bus fare for a 3-mile journey costing around £2.80 outside London, passengers will save almost a third of the single ticket price, with even bigger savings in some rural areas where tickets can reach over £5. The initiative encourages people to get back on the bus to help the industry continue its recovery from the pandemic. It will also reduce CO2 emissions and tackle congestion by taking an estimated 2 million cars off the road.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “By helping passengers outside London save almost a third off the average single bus ticket and taking 2 million cars off the road, the Ј2 bus fare cap is a fantastic way to start the new year. Buses are a key part of our vision for a clean, efficient and modern transport network that is affordable for everyone. That’s why

we’re investing £60 million to encourage everyone to hop on the bus and ‘Get Around for £2’.”

The scheme forms part of the government’s Help for Households campaign, as the new cap can deliver real savings for those most affected by the rising cost of living.

This fare cap builds on the allocation of more than £2 billion to support bus services in England through the pandemic and a commitment to fund improved services, new bus priority measures and new electric or hydrogen buses as part of the ambitious National Bus Strategy, published in 2021.

Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said: “More than a third of small firms consider public transport important to their business. It is therefore encouraging to see support on bus fares as we battle tough economic conditions. This move will likely encourage shoppers to go to towns and cities – just the fuel we need for economic growth.”

The government will continue to work closely with bus operators and local authorities and consider future support to help passengers continue accessing reliable and affordable bus services after March.

really is a win-win. .

batteries a fire risk

LITHIUM ion batteries are responsible for a growing number of fires - and new rules are urgently required to safeguard the public, a leading environmental group has warned.

Experts say blazes linked to the items are worse over Christmas and New Year - especially in recycling centres and in the back of refuse collection vehicles.

That’s because so many more of us are chucking away batteries which, if not properly recycled, can start fires. A spokesman for the Environmental Services Association told

GB News: “What we are seeing at the moment is that lithium ion batteries are responsible for a growing proportion of the fires we face. They really are quickly becoming the number one culprit. So we would urge people to absolutely please recycle all batteries. But particularly with lithium ion batteries, recycle them separately, using proper battery recycling banks or small waste electrical recycling banks.”

Experts say new laws will be needed to make it easier to recycle batteries in the right way.

family business offers complete funeral service

Eric Eyre Funeral Service understands how difficult the process of planning a funeral for a loved one can be and offer a bespoke funeral service, whilst continuing to uphold traditional values.

Established since 1864, Eric took over the business in 1955 and has been looking after families in the local community and surrounding areas of Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham ever since, with branches at High Green and Sheffield Lane Top.

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and with decades of experience in guiding bereaved clients through this difficult time, Eric Eyre provide a professional yet personal service, caring for you and your loved ones while facilitating the necessary funeral arrangements and ensuring your wishes are carried out with care and compassion. Eric Eyre go the extra mile to provide an exceptional service and will take responsibility for ensuring everything is perfectly organised to deliver a fitting tribute to your loved one’s life story. “Just as other aspects of life have evolved, so has society’s approach to funerals, with modern funerals a very different affair to the traditional, formal black-tie events of years gone by,” says Wayne Pickering, manager at Eric Eyre Funeral Service. “For many, a funeral has moved from being a sombre affair to a celebration of life – complete with all that you’d expect from any other celebration, including music, entertainment and laughter. That is why we are always on hand to offer guidance on the many ways we can add a personal touch, just let us know what you would like and we will do our utmost to meet your requirements.” “

With over 20 years’ experience of the industry, and many years’ previous experience with John Fairest, Wayne was offered the opportunity to join Eric as

First Mainline

Supertram

Children’s Hospital

Hallamshire Hospital

manager in 2017, “I joined John Fairest as a hearse driver in 1997 and was later promoted to funeral director. It was there that I learnt how to arrange and conduct funerals, as well as the correct way to handle and line coffins and how to prepare the deceased for the family to pay their respects. This gave me a full scope of all aspects of the job and after ten years of service I was offered the position of manager at a new branch on Abbey Lane, which I accepted.

In September 2017 I was offered the opportunity to join the team at Eric Eyre’s and to ‘move back home’, as I say, as I live local to both branches. It was, and still is, a fantastic opportunity for me to grow and develop an already friendly family run business and provide our local community with a warm and compassionate service.”

Completing the team at High Green is Sharon Clayton and Kay Cooper, while Beverley Travis and Ruth Fenlon look after the branch at Sheffield Lane Top, which opened four years ago.

“Our aim is to be there for our clients in every way that we can and make sure that their loved one is sent on their final journey exactly as they would have wanted.

Your first point of contact will be the person you deal with throughout the process and whether the death has occurred at home, in a hospital or elsewhere, we will guide from the initial arrangement all the way through to directing the funeral. We even provide help following the service, should you need any further support or guidance.”

If you need help arranging a funeral for your loved one, contact Eric Eyre Funeral Service.

ERIC EYRE

Sparkle Sheffield’s High Tea to Celebrate Winning Queens Award

A Sheffield charity held a royal high tea and award ceremony at the Utilita Arena Sheffield to celebrate being presented the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services and to commemorate and celebrate the life of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Sparkle Sheffield held the official award presentation on last month on behalf of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by his King’s Lord Lieutenant Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE. The local charity supports children and young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and other social communication difficulties.

A range of dignitaries were also in attendance at the ceremony to see the presentation of the award which is the highest honour that any voluntary group can be awarded in the UK. Also present were Young Ambassadors (volunteers) of Sparkle Sheffield, and adult volunteers and some autistic children supported by the charity.

Liesje Dusauzay, Chair of Sparkle Sheffield said: “We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been nominated and selected for this prestigious award and especially so because it was awarded to our Charity from her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Sparkle Sheffield volunteers are absolutely amazing and this award recognises everyone’s hard work, dedication

and attainments, including the differences they all make daily to the lives and life opportunities of Autistic children, and young people and young adults and their families.

“We are so very grateful to the SY Lord Lieutenant and all in her office for making this a possibility and for being with us on this very special day and making it all the more special by their presence.

The SY Lord Lieutenant and other honoured guests were also shown around the Sparkle Sheffield Hospitality VIP suite by Dominic Stokes from the Utilita Arena Sheffield. The private suite is equipped with sensory items, including an interactive floor, sensory toys, ear defenders, PECS symbols and more. It also has its own toilet, and room service for any food and drinks to enable children and their families to enjoy the experience as much as possible, without the sensory overload from being in the main arena. The suite is gifted to Sparkle by Sheffield City Trust and the National Lottery on a ten-year agreement.

Dominic Stokes, head of live events and venues for Sheffield City Trust said: “What a fantastic achievement and acknowledgement this award is of the work that Sparkle does!

“Sheffield City Trust are incredibly proud of the small part we have played in the wonderful Sparkle story. The entertainment venues we operate on behalf of Sheffield City Council are national icons with incredible history and heritage.

“Utilita Arena Sheffield and Sheffield City Hall should be able to be enjoyed by all Sheffielders and our partnership with Sparkle allows us to make that a little more possible for the people Sparkle engages with.”

Liesje Dusauzay added: “We are also very grateful to all of our service users also and to all of our many allies for their belief in Sparkle Sheffield and their sterling support too.”

JANUARY

With 85% of pubs now serving alcohol-free beers the British Beer and Pub Association is urging people to get out, banish the January blues and enjoy time with friends and family whilst supporting their local, regardless of what they’re ordering at the bar.

Up from 78% just three years ago, an estimated 39,000 pubs across the UK now serve a low or no alcohol beer, in addition to a whole range of other nonalcoholic drinks on offer at the bar.

With the cost-of-living biting and times tough for the British public, the BBPA is encouraging people not to make the start of the year even more blue by staying home, but instead to come together, stave off loneliness and support the pubs at the heart of their

communities. The call comes as pubs across the country continue to suffer after the third year in a row of disrupted trading due to train strikes as well as battling with extortionate energy bills and inflation.

In what would be a quiet time of year for pubs, the BBPA is asking people to remember how much joy spending time at the pub with those closest to us brings and to banish the January blues by supporting the struggling industry, an opportunity that has been off the cards for two years running at the start of the year.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said:

“These are tough times for the country and people are understandably finding ways to cut back. But in what is usually

an already gloomy time of year, we’re encouraging people to seek out their community hubs and come together with friends and family at their local. Not only will you be greeted with warmth and friendly faces, but you’ll be supporting much-loved businesses that urgently need help to survive.

“Pubs are all to all and regardless of what you’re ordering at the bar there is something for everyone. Our nation’s ingenious brewers have made great strides in developing new ranges of delicious low and no alcohol options over the past few years, so if you can please head down to your local and taste what’s on offer. A warm welcome awaits you and you might even find a new favourite tipple amongst friendly faces.”

UKHospitality has backed plans to extend licensing hours in England and Wales to 1am for next year’s coronation celebrations for HM The King.

UKHospitality Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls, said: “The King’s coronation is an event that millions of people across the UK will want to celebrate, and it will be extra-special for thousands of hospitality businesses facing huge cost challenges because it affords them an opportunity to boost takings. We welcome government proposals that recognise the role that hospitality venues will play in the celebrations “We’re therefore urging the

Home Office to go ahead with plans to extend licensing hours in England and Wales for the coronation Bank Holiday weekend. Any extra

trading

Coronation Street:

Damon offers Jacob a full-time job on double his factory money - but Jacob immediately regrets his decision. Maria, Alya, Yasmeen, Daryan, Stu & Gary set up stalls at the Peace Market - but when Lauren gets a call warning her to stay away, will Max call the police and warn people? Spider regains consciousnessand Toyah assures him she will put up with the dangers of his job. Gemma & Bernie confront Mrs York as she dismisses Joseph’s BSL skillsbut Michael gets locked in with them. Stephen is in despair as Jenny returns from hospital with Teddy in tow - are his secrets about to come out? Brian catches Roy listening to classical music on his new smartphone!

Emmerdale: Jason catches Leyla as she is about to fall off the wagon. Liam meets Cain in prison and urges him to re-think everything. Dawn is suited & booted for a meeting - but wishes she was off to the pool for the kids’ swimming lessons. Marlon & Rhona despair over April’s attitude - leading to a row when she accuses Naomi of being involved - and she gets a sympathetic ear from Nicola. Bernice is excited about her new start at the B&B - until Mandy demands she works her notice period. Not to be outdone, Bernice tricks Mandy into sacking her on the spot!

Eastenders: Phil’s plan to get Keeble to back off has misfired - what can he do to save Kat & Tommy? Harvey is pleased he confronted Nish about the dodgy boiler - but when Suki takes a call from Health & Safety, what has she been told? Billy makes a big decision - but will it endanger his future with Honey? Meanwhile Vinny decides to step up and take a more hands-on role in the family business - but will he agree with Nish’s criminal ways?

John Egan’s last-gasp strike rescued a point for the Blades in the capital on Monday night.

The experienced defender atoned for an early mistake that led to the R’s opening goal to grab a deserved share of the spoils that maintained United’s currently unbeaten run.

Boss Heckingbottom made three changes for the clash in the capital. Baldock and Egan both returned to the starting XI, whilst Doyle started for the first time since late October. Lowe missed out with a side strain picked up in a tackle at Blackpool.

United started on the front foot, with Baldock’s low cross evading everyone following some good possession on the right.

Norwood then looked to catch Dieng out with a free-kick, but in the 12th minute, the home side opened the scoring in fortuitous circumstances.

CHAIR took aim with a speculative effort after Egan had given the ball away from a goal kick and trying to make up for his initial error, the Republic of Ireland attempted block ended up wrong-footing

Maxwell delighted with first rovers strike

James Maxwell was pleased to play a big part in Rovers picking up their first win of 2023 against Carlisle United.

The 21-year-old scored his first goal for the club

Foderingham. The Blades searched for something of an immediate response and after good combination play between Sharp and Ndiaye, the skipper was denied by the legs of Dieng, who then comfortably gathered Norwood’s attempt from distance. At the other end, Roberts got the better of Clark, but blocks from Egan and Berge prevented any real concern.

The opening 45 minutes ended with incidents at both ends. Baldock didn’t shoot when the chance presented itself, but Stevens did take aim and his effort flew inches wide.

Foderingham was then harshly adjudged to have handled outside the area under pressure from Dykes, he was subsequently booked and moments later Dickie saw a shot blocked by Clark.

Clark was withdrawn at the break, with Robinson taking his place in the back three and on the hour from Norwood’s pass after Ndiaye held off Dunne, Sharp looked to have done everything right when lifting the ball over Dieng, only to see

after five minutes at the Eco-Power Stadium, to set Danny Schofield’s side on their way to a 2-1 victory. “I’m delighted to get the goal, it’s been a long time coming as especially since the gaffer came in I’ve had a few chances to get one.

“It’s something I feel I can add to the team, so I’m really pleased to get the first and hopefully there is many more to come.

“I prefer those type of chances where you don’t have much time to think about it, it all happened quickly I just tried to stay

his effort land on the roof of the net. McAtee was then introduced, replacing Doyle.

United were now creating chances with more regularity, this time Ndiaye got the better of Kakay before twisting and turning his way through following a home corner, but his last touch was slightly heavy and Dieng denied him.

Jebbison’s introduction prompted a reshuffle of the Blades pack and there were appeals for a United penalty as Ndiaye went down after a tangle of legs

with Dickie. The home side were now happy to try and settle for what they had and the Blades were pouring bodies forward with Bogle the last substitution. There was a flurry of late bookings, as Chair saw a shot deflected over but after hammering on the door throughout five minutes of scheduled added time, United netted in the sixth! Norwood’s cross was kept alive twice by Stevens at the back post and EGAN’s well struck effort deflected off Dickie and into the bottom corner.

we foCUs oN oUrselves

Wednesday edged into the top two of League One and Darren Moore maintains his focus remains squarely on his side and side only.

The Owls’ comprehensive 5-0 victory over Cambridge concluded a positive round of festive fixtures, culminating into that automatic equation entry.

Moore said: “My focus is with Sheffield Wednesday, what happens elsewhere is not our concern. We are just focused on making sure we give the best version of ourselves.

“Of course it’s nice to be in the top two, it’s where

we want to be. Am I happy with that? Yes. Am I satisfied with that? No. Why? Because we can get better, we have to get better as the season goes on and the way to do that is hard work on the training ground and taking that work into games as we did today.

“I thought the performance today was excellent. We scored the early goal and that set the tone really because it forced Cambridge out and we were able to take advantage of that.

“Our attacking play was good and we showed that ruthless edge. Josh will take the headlines and

Moore’s MoviNg triBUte to Pele

Darren Moore has paid a personal tribute to Brazilian legend Pele, who passed away on Thursday before the Owls hosted Port Vale.

focused and hit the target.”

“The way we played was how we’d like to be every week, but we understand that sometimes in games you have to adapt to what you’re up against.

“The wing-backs have a big part to play and I think you could see in the firsthalf that we put together probably our best 45 minutes of football under the gaffer.

“We want to be consistent and we’re working hard to put a run together, to get back-to-back wins for the first time since the gaffer came in is important for us.”

A moving minute’s appreciation for the football great took place as players and supporters from both sides filled the S6 night air with rapturous applause. Speaking after the game to swfc.co.uk: “We only found out before kick-off and well done to everyone because normally these things take time to organise.

“Our thanks to Port Vale too as both clubs recognised that we just had to get it done to honour a man of Pele’s standing.

we CoUldN’t MatCh their iNteNsitytaylor

Rotherham United boss Matt Taylor said he didn’t feel as though his injury-stricken side were able to match Millwall’s intensity on New Year’s Day as they were defeated 3-0 at The Den.

The Millers boss is currently selecting from a squad depleted by no fewer than seven injuries to key players and was left

“That

Millers v Blades kiCked off tiMe Moved By PoliCe

rightly so because he’s come back into the team and scored a hat-trick, which is an achievement at any level.

“But we were excellent all over the pitch. It’s our

14th clean sheet of the season and that’s the foundation for any team to succeed.

“We were tight at the back and ruthless up front so it’s a perfect day in that respect.”

“Pele graced football like no other. When you look at his goals stats and appearances, it’s a phenomenal record and unrivalled.

“It’s incredible to think Pele graced the Hillsborough turf not once but twice and we can only thank him for his contribution to our game.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to his family at this very, very sad time.”

their hardest but they can’t get to the level which is required in terms of the league.

“We didn’t start the game well enough in terms of a second ball and a free kick in the middle of the pitch. The ball has come into our box and it is a good header from the lad but he’s in and around our bodies and they just got there first on too many occasions.

“Trust me, they are fighting, but they’re not good enough to do certain actions. We know that but they are fighting. There is no lack of effort from that group of players, even when there is a lack of quality and belief in terms of what we can compete with, but we’ve also come up against a good team today.

“We knew what was coming in terms of the way that Millwall play but we couldn’t quite match their intensity to get there first. We’re playing with a makeshift frontline for the majority of the game.”

“We’re feeling pretty sorry for ourselves at the moment and goals always make you feel worse for that. The ‘softness’ and ‘weakness’ in our defensive play is something that we have to eradicate and when we do get a sight of their goal – whether it is Haks’ header or Conor’s effort – we have to make sure we don’t compound the issue.”

The Millers welcome the Blades to Rotherham for the Sky Bet Championship encounter on Saturday 4th February 2022 with kick off being brought forward at the request of South Yorkshire Police.

Ticket details for the clash between the Millers and the Blades sides are yet to be confirmed, meaning that tickets for this game will reflect the new kick off time at the time of purchase.

Full details will be announced at themillers.co.uk and sufc.co.uk soon.

without the likes of Chiedozie Ogbene and Tom Eaves for the trip down to the capital.

group of players are trying. They’re trying

Rotherham United’s South Yorkshire derby against Sheffield United at AESSEAL New York Stadium has been moved to kick off at the earlier time of 12:30pm.