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Rotherham Council is showing its support for charity Andy’s Man Club by displaying a new mental health message on the side of one of its waste collection vehicles.
The vehicle has been fitted with new artwork promoting the charity’s simple but powerful message:
“It’s OK to talk.” The initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage conversations around mental health as the vehicle travels through communities across the borough.
Andy’s Man Club is a peer-to-peer support group for men aged over 18, offering free, informal sessions
where men can talk openly about the challenges they face.
The idea was put forward by council staff member, Les Elvin, who supports Andy’s Man Club by running his own club in Swinton, outside of his role with the Council. Les has also been hosting drop-in sessions to help support Council staff.
Les said: “We have five clubs in Rotherham at Swinton, New York Stadium, Tesco, Kiveton Park and Bramley. I’m a big believer in getting anyone struggling with their mental health through the door. If you’re struggling with your mental health,
speak out and please come forward.
“It’s ok, not to be ok, it’s ok to talk, and we’re there for anyone who wants to come to one of our clubs.”
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Waste, Leisure, and Green Spaces, Cllr Lynda Marshall said: “This is a simple but effective way of spreading an important message to people right across Rotherham. Andy’s Man Club does fantastic work supporting men’s mental health, and by helping to promote the message that ‘it’s OK to talk’, we hope more people will feel able to open up and seek support when
they need it.
“I’d also like to thank Les for bringing this idea forward, it’s a great example of how our staff can make a positive difference both inside and outside of work.”
The artwork will be seen on rounds across the borough, helping to reach residents in their day-to-day lives
and prompt conversations about mental health.
Andy’s Man Club runs weekly groups nationwide, including in Rotherham, offering a safe and supportive environment for men to talk without judgement.
The artwork and installation is funded by GMB union.
CAMPAIgNERS WANT INvESTIgATION IN TO THE BEER MARkET
A new report, published this week by CAMRA, shows how independent brewers are being excluded from bars across the UK, and sets out the case for the Competition and Markets Authority action.
‘Beer in the UK’ is the authoritative consumer view on how the UK beer scene actually works, or doesn’t work, for beer drinkers and independent brewers. The report lays bare the stark state of British brewing – that
it is dominated by four international conglomerates with little affinity with our brewing heritage, or what beer drinkers want.
Other headlines from the report include:
• Seven of the top ten selling ‘craft beers’ in the UK are made by just four global brewing conglomerates.
• Many of the UK’s favourite ‘continental’ and ‘import’ lagers are brewed in the UK.
• Data from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA)
shows that the demand for independent beer is 280% higher than the share that they have of the pub market.
Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA Chairman said:
“Ordinary drinkers are being short changed when it comes to choice and quality at the bar.
Our report proves how the global players are exploiting the status quo to squeeze out independent brewers, to the detriment of ordinary publicans and beer drinkers.
“The Government needs
to step up, start taking the issue seriously, and take action that matches up to their statements about supporting pubs and the communities they serve.
“Andy Burnham recently said that ‘People need to be able to look forward to a night out’. The best way he can deliver on that is by ordering a proper market investigation to sort this mess out and deliver a fair deal for publicans and drinkers, and the independent brewers that they want
08/7/1889 The first issue of The Wall Street Journal is published.
09/7/1540 King Henry VIII of England annuls his marriage to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.
10/7/1553 Lady Jane Grey takes the throne of England.
11/7/1962 First transatlantic satellite television transmission.
to support.
“If this report makes you as angry as it makes me, that’s good. CAMRA is fighting for changes to the status quo, and I hope you’ll join us and get involved.”
Tim Webb, Report Editor, said: “The fact that a narrow clique of multinational corporations dominates the UK brewing industry is a national embarrassment. They only make beers that suit their production facilities, ignoring the types that beer lovers
want to drink. They do not know how to reverse beer’s downward spiral, make little profit, and brew nothing worth exporting. They cannot grow the UK economy.
“The way that better, independent, brewers are excluded from the on-trade beer market is scandalous. Brewing is a business that competition authorities need to investigate, take apart, and reassemble, so the UK can return to playing a leading role in the world of beer.”
12/7/1962 The Rolling Stones perform their first ever concert, at the Marquee Club in London. 13/7/1985 The Live Aid benefit concert takes place in London, and Philadelphia, as well as other venues such as Sydney, Australia and Moscow, Russia 14/7/1789 French Revolution: citizens of Paris storm the Bastille.
Give a Man a Fish and You Will Feed Him for a Day. Teach a man to fish and he will spend a fortune on gear he will only use twice a year.
I told my wife I’m going to arrange the herbs in alphabetical order from now on. She said, “Where would you find the time?” I said, “Easy. Right next to the sage.”
What was the cannibal given after he showed up late to the dinner party? The cold shoulder.
My favorite time of the day is 6:30 Hands down.
A copper stopped me and demanded i get out of the car. “You’re staggering” he said. “Well thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”
Did you hear about the depressed ghost? He’s going through some things.
Does anyone remember the joke I made about the Chiropractor?
It was about a weak back...
I visited a monastery the other day and as I walked past the kitchen I saw a man frying chips. I asked him “Are you the friar?”
He replied “No, I’m the chip monk...”
Cop: You seen anything unusual?
Me: I saw a dolphin wearing a hat once. Cop: I mean around here?
Me: Nah, they usually live in water.
When visiting Hawaii you’re not allowed to laugh out loud. Only a low ha.
2. Which English entertainer holds the record for winning the most BRIT Awards - having won 13 as a solo artist and five with a band?
3. Which Scottish cities would be first in a list alphabetically?
4. Chris Moyles presented which BBC Radio One show for eight years between 2004 and 2012?
5. The cartoon character Bart Simpson is usually seen in a t-shirt of which colour?
6. How many Dalmatian dogs featured in the 1961 animated film?
7. Alopecia is a term for the loss of which protein filament which grows from the human head?
8. Which girl’s name originated in the Latin word for Olive tree?
9. Which is the largest country which is entirely in the Earth’s southern hemisphere?
10. Schnozz, honker and beak are all nicknames for which body part?
1. Which British politician is known as ‘BoJo’?
News, Information and Advice
unclaimed child trust funds
Hundreds of thousands of young people could soon be reunited with unclaimed savings worth more than £1.6 billion, as the Government launches a new push to trace matured Child Trust Funds (CTFs).
Around 6.3 million Child Trust Fund accounts were opened for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, predominantly by parents and guardians, with the remainder established by HMRC. Accounts can go unclaimed for a number of reasons difficulty locating them, people forget they have them, or a decision to leave the funds invested for the time being. Child Trust Funds were introduced to give every child a financial asset at adulthood, and this Government is doing everything it can to make sure young adults are aware of and can access their accounts.
To make this happen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Rachel Blake MP, has convened a new Child Trust Fund Taskforce, bringing together CTF providers and the Government to drive a coordinated effort to increase reunification of accounts. Members of the Taskforce will include One Family, Coutts, Nationwide, HSBC UK, Pilling, The Coventry (Co-operative), Sheffield Mutual, Unity Mutual, Forester, Healthy Investments and The Share Foundationwith the first meeting happening today.
More than 750,000 young adults still have unclaimed matured accounts, holding £2,200 on average. The funds were originally set up by the government for those born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. The Taskforce will improve coordination across government and industry to encourage more young people to access their unclaimed matured CTFs. Rachel Blake, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Too many young people are missing out simply because they are not aware of where their Child Trust Fund is or how to access it. We are acting to fix that by bringing government and industry togetherimproving coordination and making it easier for people to find and claim what’s rightfully theirs.”
JP Marks, HMRC’s Chief Executive and First
Permanent Secretary, said: “Many young people have Child Trust Fund accounts with an average £2,200 waiting to be claimed. This is their money, and we want to do all we can to help them find and access it. If you think you have one, you can use the ‘Find my Child Trust Fund’ tool on GOV.UK to find out where your account is held.”
The Taskforce will bring providers together to improve tracing approaches, test more effective engagement with young people, and drive practical actions that lead to more accounts being claimed. The move builds on existing action to tackle unclaimed matured accounts, including ongoing HMRC communications campaigns and direct letters going out to eligible 21-year-olds. Anyone born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 can search for their account on GOV. UK. The search is free, requires only a National Insurance number, and takes minutes. Those aged 18 or over can access funds immediately.
Jim Islam, Chief Executive Officer, OneFamily, said: “We welcome the creation of the Child Trust Fund Taskforce to help more young people access their savings. We know from our own experience that making this process as easy as possible is essential and we look forward to working together with government and industry partners. Child Trust Funds have already provided a valuable financial boost to millions of individuals who have claimed their accounts as they enter adulthood, making a real difference to people’s lives. We’re committed to playing our part in helping people who have not yet claimed. Anyone born after 1 September 2002 who has already turned 18 will have a Child Trust Fund, and can search for their account on the government website.”
Richard Stocker, Head of Savings, Nationwide said: “We remain committed to working collaboratively across the industry to build on the progress made so far and deliver a meaningful outcome on this important issue.”
pickleball in sheffield
Sheffield has become the UK’s leading city for outdoor pickleball, with 18 new courts now available in parks across the city.
Pickleball is a fastgrowing racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a paddle and a lightweight ball, making it easy to learn and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Sheffield has responded to its growing popularity and now has more outdoor courts than anywhere else in the UK.
Sheffield City Council has worked with Courtside and Sheffield Pickleball Club to expand access to the sport, with new court markings now in place at:
• Graves Park: 2 x full court pickleball lines (each within a tennis court)
• Hollinsend Park: Corner markings for 2 x pickleball courts (each within a tennis court)
• Millhouses Park: 2 x full court pickleball lines (each within a tennis court)
• High Hazels Park: 4 x single lines to mark out the “kitchen” area only across two existing mini courts
• Hillsborough Park: 4 x full court pickleball lines (across a single tennis court)
• Abbeyfield Park: x 2
• Norfolk Park: x 2
The new courts, which are now available to hire, increase the number of outdoor pickleball courts in Sheffield significantly, helping to meet growing demand for the sport and providing a widespread offer across the city so that it’s accessible to all. The project has been delivered through a partnership between Sheffield City Council, Courtside and Sheffield Pickleball Club. Courts are maintained by Courtside and can be booked online, with pay-and-play options available alongside annual parks pass.
Sheffield Pickleball Club is supporting the rollout by delivering free and low-cost sessions, helping beginners get started and building local communities around the sport. At Hillsborough, High Hazels and Hollinsend, the sessions are free and it is £3.50 for two hours of pickleball at all other venues and sessions.
connecting sheffield
Major improvements to routes in Sheffield city centre are set to begin this month as part of the Connecting Sheffield: Nether Edge – City Centre project.
The upgrades will create safer, greener and more attractive routes linking the city centre with Nether Edge, Broomhall, the West End, the University of Sheffield and the city’s hospitals, giving people more choice in how they get around.
Work on the first phase of the project, focused on Charter Row and Moore Street, are due to start on Monday 6 July. The improvements will form a key part of Sheffield’s growing walking, wheeling and cycling network, making it easier for residents, workers, students and visitors to move between some of the city’s most important destinations.
Future phases will see continuation of these facilities beyond the city centre, out across the Inner Ring Road at London Road and up Cemetery Road towards Nether Edge.
As part of the first phase works, pavements will be upgraded to match the high-quality standards seen in the heart of the city centre, with new planting and landscaping creating a more welcoming environment.
The enhancements will also support sustainable drainage and make journeys on foot, by wheelchair or mobility scooter, easier and more comfortable.
It will also deliver new signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings at Fitzwilliam Gate, improving safety at one of the city’s busiest junctions.
Dedicated cycle routes will be created on both sides of Charter Row, connecting with existing infrastructure at Charter Square and Moore Street to provide safer and more direct cycling connections into and around the city centre.
The project will connect into Sheffield’s wider walking, wheeling and cycling network, building on other investments being made through the Connecting Sheffield programme to create safer, more accessible and sustainable ways of travelling across the city.
sheffield’s young marketeers
Children from schools across Sheffield will swap the classroom for market stalls this summer as they sell fresh, school-grown fruit and vegetables to the public in support of a great cause. The Young Marketeers Sheffield Market Day will take place on Wednesday 15 July from 10.30am12.30pm at Moor Market. Children from four local primary schools have spent the past few months growing produce from seed with support from expert gardeners as part of Young Marketeers, a food education programme run by charity School Food Matters. Now, they’ll harvest and sell their produce to shoppers, putting their new gardening, teamwork and marketing skills into practice while learning more about where food comes from. Visitors to Moor Market can expect to find the children selling a colourful selection of seasonal produce, including beans, beetroot, chard, kale, peas, potatoes, radish and spinach, as well as salad leaf and tomato plants.
Young Marketeers helps children develop practical gardening and enterprise skills while nurturing a life-long positive relationship with food, providing hands-on outdoor learning opportunities and increasing awareness of food waste. Giving access to food education equips children with the knowledge, confidence
and appreciation of nutritious, sustainable food needed to make healthy, informed choices well into adulthood. Stephanie Slater MBE of School Food Matters, said: “Food education is a vital life skill, and hands-on experiences such as growing and selling fresh produce can help children build a real connection with food and where it comes from.
For 15 years, our Young Marketeers programme has been giving children the chance to learn new skills, work as a team and take pride in what they’ve grown. Market Day is a celebration of the value of food education and a moment for hundreds of enterprising young gardeners across the country to shine.”
Money raised from sales on the day will be donated to Open Kitchen Social Club, a social eating project in the centre of Sheffield which provides food, peer support, and a place to meet for destitute asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and anyone in food or social poverty.
Last year, Young Marketeers reached 120 schools in 14 cities across England. Feedback from participating children highlighted the programme’s impact, with 86% saying they learned a new gardening skill, 60% learning more about where food comes from, and 52% discovering something new about healthy eating.
transport consultation
People across South Yorkshire are being invited to help shape plans to make it easier, quicker and more convenient to travel by public transport, as part of a wider ambition to transform how the region moves.
SYMCA has launched public engagement on proposals to expand the Park & Ride at Meadowhall Interchange – one of the region’s busiest transport hubs – helping more people connect to jobs, education and opportunities. The engagement will run from Wednesday 1 July to Tuesday 28 July 2026, giving residents, commuters and visitors the chance to share their views.
Meadowhall Interchange Park & Ride currently has 328 spaces and is often full by around 8am on weekdays. The proposals would create around 175 additional spaces through a new multistorey car park, alongside improvements designed to make journeys simpler, safer and more accessible.
Plans include:
• A new lift and better access routes
• Step-free access to rail platforms
• New walking and cycling links
• Additional accessible and EV parking spaces
• Improved lighting, CCTV and signage The project is part of Mayor Oliver Coppard’s South Yorkshire People’s Network – a long-term vision for a joined-up, affordable and reliable public transport system that serves every community and puts people first. Backed by significant investment, the People’s Network is designed to give people real freedom and choice,
First established in 1865, Eric Eyre has personally looked after families in the local communities of Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham since 1955.
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, personalised customer requirements.
A selection of the services we provide:
Professional and sympathetic funeral arrangements in our office or in the comfort of your own home
connecting communities to opportunity while supporting jobs, growth and a stronger economy. Oliver Coppard said: “For too long, people in South Yorkshire have been let down by a transport system that hasn’t worked for us - too expensive, too unreliable, and too often failing to connect people with the places and opportunities that matter. We’re putting that right by bringing public transport back into public hands, where it belongs. We’ve already brought the trams back under public control, and from next year, our buses will follow. We’ve opened the new Magna Tram Train station, we’re bringing key bus depots into public ownership, we’re getting Doncaster Sheffield Airport back open, and we’ve secured major investment in our rail network through Northern Powerhouse Rail. The plans for Meadowhall Interchange Park & Ride are a practical part of that bigger vision - making it easier for us to choose the bus, tram or train, to get to work, to education, and to the opportunities we deserve. We want to hear from everyonewhether you already use the Park & Ride or you’ve never set foot on one. Tell us what’s working, and what isn’t, so we can get this right. Because the People’s Network is about all of us shaping what comes next. So please take a look at the plans and share your views. If we do this together, we can build a proper public transport system that genuinely works for South Yorkshire – one that’s joined up, affordable, and designed around all of us who depend on it every single day.”
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MPs revive ParliaMentary clubs grouP
A vital parliamentary voice for the UK’s members’ clubs has been re-established after a period of hiatus, thanks to the efforts of the CIU and Peter Bedford, the Member of Parliament for Mid Leicestershire.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group(APPG) for Non-Profit Making Members’ Clubs provides a formal cross-party forum to discuss the unique challenges facing members’ clubs across the country. The move comes as the sector grapples with soaring energy bills, changing social habits, and other financial pressures.The CIU has been leading the charge to revive the group, recognising that without a dedicated voice
in Westminster, clubs risk being overlooked in key policy decisions.
Peter Bedford MP said:“Clubs play a vital community role across MidLeicestershire and indeed the whole country.
“However they are struggling due to a tough economic climate. The APPG will bring together MPs, on a cross-party basis, to support the sector and ensure clubs continue to play a positive role in our communities.”
The newly reformed group will aim to highlight the social and economic value of non-profit members’ clubs. Kenneth D Green CMD ACM, CIU General Secretary, welcomed the revival of the APPG, stressing the
importance of clubs having their say at Westminster.
“For too long, the unique status and contribution of non-profit members’ clubs has been overlooked in parliamentary debates,” he said. “Our clubs provide affordable recreation, companionship and a sense of belonging. That is why it is absolutely vital that clubs have a voice in Parliament.”
“The CIU is asking all our clubs to contact their local MP and ask them tojoin the APPG, so that together we can protect the future of our clubs.”
For further information please contact CIU Head Office Manager Stephen Goulding who is coordinator for the Group at: sgoulding@wmciu.org
icons
Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, The Everly Brothers and Ray Charles.
Graham Norton.
Pictured, left to right: Ken Roberts CMD ACM (Union President), Nathan Clarke (NEC Member), Bob Russell CMD (Union Vice-President),Kenneth D Green CMD ACM (Union General Secretary), Kim Leadbeater MP, Wendy Morton MP, Peter Bedford MP (seated), Liz Twist MP,Lewis Atkinson MP, Warinder Juss MP, Gurinder Singh Josan CBE MP and Charles Littlewood (Chief Executive, ACC)
SCOTTY & ThE FLOWING LOCKS
BALL INN
Every Sat - Bingo is Back! Jackpot on First House!
PENNY BlACk
FRIDAY 10th July /// kARAokE with JoNNY world cup warmup & live match! TONy lEwIs fROm 9Pm
dJ dEano’S karaokE & play your cards right! from 5pm THURS 9th July ///DJ MUSIc & FUN GAMES! 4PM - 8PM all the hits!
TUESDAY 14th July /// GolDEN MikE ’S kARAokE from 5PM - free hotdogs!
Sheffield City Council by:DAnA ShARif of WAingATe fooD AnD Wine, 36 WAingATe,SheffieLD, S3 8LB
For the following variation(s) of the premises licence :-
1.To amend the plans.
2.To Increase the hours for the sale of alcohol and opening hours from existing to 00:00 –00:00 Sunday to Saturday.
3.To add conditions to the licence.
Representations should be made in writing to the licensing Officer by no later than: 27.07.26 to: Sheffield City Council, Licensing Service, Block C, Staniforth Rd Depot, Staniforth Rd, Sheffield, S9 3HD.The licensing register and record of this application are available for inspection at the above office by appointment only. For further details visit licensingservice@ Sheffield.gov.uk.
it is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application that carries an unlimited fine.
Town and country planning (Development management Procedure) (england) order 2015 noTice UnDeR ARTicLe 13 of AppLicATion foR pLAnning peRMiSSion
Proposed development at: 50 MonTgoMeRy RoAD, SheffieLD S7 1Lq
Take notice that application is being made by: DR BenjAMin BenTLey
For planning permission to:
The old side extension (not original to the property) will be removed and replaced with one of a similar design, a smaller footprint, restored slate roof to match the rest of the property, with front and rear facing timber windows, counter levered off the main property to avoid complex ground work.
Local Planning Authority to whom the application is being submitted : SheffieLD ciTy coUnciL, hoWDen hoUSe, 1 Union STReeT, SheffieLD S1 2sH.
Any owner of the land or tenant who wishes to make representations about this application, should write to the council within 21 days of the date of this notice.
Dr Benjamin Bentley 27th May 2026
Statement of owners’ rights: The grant of planning permission does not affect owners’ rights to retain or dispose of their property, unless there is some provision to the contrary in an agreement or lease.
Statement of agricultural tenants’ rights: The grant of planning permission for non-agricultural development may affect agricultural tenants’ security of tenure.
‘Owner’ means a person having a freehold interest or a leasehold interest the unexpired term of which is not less than seven years.
‘Tenant’ means a tenant of an agricultural holding any part of which is comprised in the land.
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY
Coronation Street: The jury reveal their decision. Is Megan finally being sent down for grooming Will? All becomes clear to Abi when she makes a call at the Bistro and notices Idris’s phone ringing nearby. Abi is relieved when Alfie is discharged from hospital. As it’s no longer safe to keep living at the flat, she arranges for them both to move back in with Kevin. Abi and Sally meet up with Adam at the Rovers, wanting to discuss a potential legal case against Idris. Cassie surprises Steve by proposing to him in the cab office! Glenda worries that Christina is hiding something from George and looks through her handbag, which leads to a shocking discovery. Maria warns Gary that it’s time to tell her everything about what really happened on the evening of Theo’s murder.
Emmerdale:
Kim, Joe and Graham are all left unsettled by Kyle’s visit – can they give him any answers? Kyle reacts badly to the latest drama and sets the Dingle family’s shed on fire. Kev tries his first big gesture – changing his surname to ‘Barton’ to strike up a better bond with Lewis, but it fails to impress the café co-owner. Caleb and Kerry discover the human cost of their counterfeit shoe scheme when they find a label sewn into one of the products, which reads: “Help me”. Mack is honest with Charity about how he doesn’t see a way back from her baby deception. Billy comforts Gabby when he discovers that she’s upset, but she misreads the signals by going in for a kiss. Serena tactlessly seeks information from Moira about Nate’s murder. Moira makes it clear that she doesn’t trust the village newcomer – is she right to be suspicious?
Eastenders:
Nicola and Honey meet up with Billy in secret, but Honey soon realises that the detective wants to speak to her about her shocking discovery. After the vigil, Honey spots a hooded figure watching her. Honey wakes up trapped in a cottage with Bea, while her loved ones in Walford realise that she is missing. Amy is worried about how her dad Jack is dealing with Denise’s illness. While Max tries to end things with Priya in the garage, the pair end up giving into temptation once again. Cindy and Lauren turn up unexpectedly, so Max tells Priya to hide in a car boot – but Lauren then drives away in the vehicle, not realising that Priya is in the back! Suki and Eve continue getting to grips with caring for their foster child, Ria. Kim and Howie meet up with Sheila and confront her about her true intentions.
FOOTBALLR UNDUP
He’s back and ready for his first full season as a Blade.
Jaïro Riedewald is a United player after agreeing a new one-year deal, with the option of an extra year.
The former Ajax and Crystal Palace midfielder joined United in October last year on an initial onemonth deal, impressing sufficiently to have the deal extended to the end of the campaign.
Discussions continued between the club and his representatives through the summer, leading to a new contract for the Dutch international to stay at Bramall Lane.
Boss Chris Wilder remarked: “Everyone here holds Jaïro in the highest regard, his
performances last year were excellent, and I am delighted he’ll be part of the new journey.
“I have to say the board have been great. They knew I wanted Jaïro here and made it possible for the dialogue to continue and thankfully patience has paid off on both sides.
“It has just taken a little longer to get there but we’re all thrilled he’s staying with us.”
Jaïro added: “The patience has definitely paid off, so I’m really happy. I stayed in good contact with the coaching staff; I’m back in the building now and I am very excited.
“I wanted to come in as soon as possible, it’s still early in pre-season, so
I’m very happy to be back in July and excited about the season ahead.”
A product of the Ajax academy, he first made the move to England in 2017 when he signed for Crystal Palace, making close to 100 appearances in all competitions at Selhurst Park.
He left in 2024, enjoying a spell in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, before a successful period training with the Blades which resulted in a permanent deal.
Riedewald made 26 appearances last season for United, scoring two goals. The 29-year-old made his international debut for the Netherlands in 2015 and has been capped three times at senior level.
aGNEw arrIVEs as assIsTaNT HEaD coacH
Rotherham United are delighted to confirm the appointment of the vastly-experienced Steve Agnew as Assistant Head Coach to Alex Bruce.
The 60-year-old has enjoyed huge success throughout a decorated coaching career which began with Gateshead and has seen him take in stops at prestigious clubs such as Newcastle United, Leeds United and Aston Villa.
The celebrated former Barnsley midfielder can call upon experience from a coaching career spanning over more than 20 years, largely spent as the right-hand man of Alex’s father, Steve.
His most recent roles have seen him operate alongside Steve Bruce at Blackpool and then on the coaching staff with Alex at Salford City,
ensuring that he has hands-on experience of Sky Bet League Two, the level above and the qualities that make up successful teams and players in those divisions. Beyond that, the Shipleyborn coach has a real understanding of what fans of South Yorkshire clubs value within their teams, having earned legendary status as a player at Oakwell before spending time on the coaching staff at Sheffield
Wednesday.
Agnew’s arrival adds further nous to that of Head of Football Steve McClaren with the pair able to support Alex Bruce with a wealth of knowledge as he begins his journey with the Millers as Head Coach. Everyone at Rotherham United would like to formally welcome Steve to the club and wish him all the best during his time with us here in South Yorkshire.
sIL swINkELs sEaLs owLs moVE!
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Dutch defender Sil Swinkels.
The 22-year-old centreback joins the Owls on a three-year contract from Premier League Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.
Swinkels moved from the Netherlands to Villa Park in 2020 and subsequently rose through the academy ranks before signing professional terms with the Villains.
The Dutchman made his first team debut in an Emirates FA Cup tie against Liverpool in 2024, whilst also gaining experience in the EFL through
multiple loan spells in recent seasons.
Now, Swinkels has his sights on Wednesday after completing his switch to S6.
He said: “The project brought me here. The people here made me feel like it’s a longterm vision and that’s something I want to be a part of. We all know the ambition and where the club want to go.
“At a club like Sheffield Wednesday, it’s natural that you’re going to have competition for places – it’s a healthy environment and I’m looking forward to it.
I’m very happy to get this over the line.”
Sporting Director, Simon Wilson, said:
“Sil is a player we are excited to bring to Sheffield Wednesday.
He gives us natural balance as a left-footed, left-sided central defender, alongside strong physical attributes and the ability to progress the ball effectively.
“His loan spell at Chesterfield was particularly impressive, where he made a real breakthrough and played every available minute over the second half of the season.
At 22, he has strong foundations but still significant room for development, and we believe he will benefit greatly from the environment we are
building.” Following his senior debut, Swinkels went on to become a regular feature in UEFA Champions League and Premier League squads under Urai Emery.
After a temporary stint
with Bristol Rovers during the 2024-25 season, he spent last campaign with Exeter City and Chesterfield, making 35 appearances across League One and League Two.
THE sTorY bEHIND roVErs NEw awaY kIT
Cast your mind back 88 years. A gleaming streak of Garter blue, thundering south down Stoke Bank, whistle screaming, smoke trailing behind it like a promise. Mallard, made in Doncaster and built by Doncaster hands, wasn’t just built to run. It was built to win.
This month in 1938, Mallard hit 126mph. A world speed record for a steam locomotive. Nobody has beaten it since. Engineered in Doncaster, Mallard scorched its name into history and took Doncaster with it.
One engine. One town that never stopped being proud of it. And now, that same
fire is running through Rovers. This season, Rovers take to the road wearing 36A, the historic shed code stamped onto Doncaster’s locomotives. Now it belongs to Rovers’ Fans too. Every away day, every long trip down the motorway, every away end bouncing in someone else’s back yard, we carry it with us. That’s what 36A means. That’s what it’s always meant.
The new away kit is finished in Mallard’s rich locomotive blue, the same blue that flew past Stoke Bank 88 years ago, with fine black and gold detailing throughout. The 36A identity sits proudly on the hem. And on the inner neck tape, stitched
in close to the badge, Mallard’s own engine number rides with every player, every fan, every shirt sold.
Four numbers, one legend:
LNER No. 4468: the original number given to Mallard when it was built at Doncaster Works in 1938.
LNER No. 22: a brief renumbering in 1946, still under the London and North Eastern Railway.
BR No. E22: a temporary number issued after nationalisation, when British Railways took over in 1948.
BR No. 60022: Mallard’s final running number, carried from 1948 right through to its retirement in 1963.
made in Doncaster and built by Doncaster hands, weren’t just built to run. They were built to win.
From the Plant to the pitch. From Stoke Bank to away days up and down the country. A gleaming streak of Garter blue, filling away ends up and down the country, voices roaring, belief trailing behind it like smoke. Rovers,
