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ISSUE 1684 // 15 T
j ULY - 21 ST j U LY
Plans to transform
Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Theatre are set to take a significant step forward this week, with councillors due to consider the next phase of design and development work for the landmark £45 million project.
The report, due to be considered by Sheffield City Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee on 16 July, provides an update on progress since plans for a major investment in the Grade II listed venue were announced earlier this year.
A feasibility study commissioned by the Council has now concluded that the Crucible’s capacity can be increased from its current 964 seats to around 1,500 seats when required through a significant, heritageconscious and sympathetic redevelopment. This is all while protecting the
qualities that have made the theatre internationally renowned.
The study also identifies wider improvements that could modernise the visitor experience, including new hospitality facilities, a public-facing café, improved circulation throughout the building and increased toilet provision. Behind the scenes, improvements could also be made to support accessibility for performers, creatives staff and participants, as well as for the future operation of the venue.
The committee report seeks support for approximately £1.3 million of development funding to enable the next stage of design work and the preparation of a full business case.
The report also outlines further progress on the funding strategy for the
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project, with officers confirming there is now a credible route to securing the full £45 million investment required. The proposed funding package includes contributions from public sector partners alongside private, philanthropic and strategic funding.
Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council said: “The Crucible is one of Sheffield’s most recognisable and important buildings. It is a world-class theatre, a major part of our cultural identity and an asset that attracts visitors from across the globe.”
“Since announcing our ambitions earlier this year, a huge amount of work has taken place behind the scenes. This report demonstrates that there is a viable and deliverable way to upgrade the theatre, improve the audience experience and secure the
long-term future of the venue.”
“The next phase of work will enable us to develop the detailed designs, strengthen the business case and continue discussions with funding partners as we work towards making this oncein-a-generation investment a reality.”
Tom Bird, CEO of Sheffield Theatres added:
“Sheffield Theatres are pleased that plans for the redevelopment of the Crucible continue to progress.”
“Our exceptional theatre, where so many world-class productions have originated, will benefit hugely from this investment. It will allow for a more flexible auditorium while also increasing accessibility for our audiences, creatives, performers, participants and staff, it will also enable
us to become significantly more environmentally sustainable.”
“We continue to work closely with Sheffield City Council and other partners to ensure the Crucible is redeveloped in a way that is sympathetic to this much-loved building while also being innovative and future-facing.”
If approved, the next stage of work will include further design development, technical work and preparation for future planning and listed building consent applications, including appropriate consultation with stakeholders and the public. The proposed redevelopment would support the Crucible’s future as one of the UK’s leading producing theatres, strengthen Sheffield’s cultural offer and enhance the city’s ability to host major international events.
SHEFFIELD CITY CENTRE GEARS UP FOR GRAND PRIX CYCLING
Bringing competitive cycling back to the streets of Sheffield’s city centre, Sheffield Grand Prix returns on Wednesday 22 July.
The event, now in it’s 12th year will again be part of the British Cycling National Circuit Race Series and will attract the UK’s top teams and riders to race around a new reworked 1.4km circuit, which was first used in 2023, with additional event activity focused on the Peace Gardens and surrounding area. Riders will travel anti-
clockwise around the course and on leaving the start on Pinstone Street onto the front of the Town Hall and will travel past the front of the Peace Gardens, swinging onto Union Street. From here riders will sweep around the roundabout on Furnival Gate, continue on Arundel Gate, past the Crucible Theatre, up Norfolk Street and Surrey Street on the Cocker & Carr cobbled section, before sweeping onto the front of the Town Hall to complete a full lap.
The Sheffield Grand Prix circuit will open to the public before racing starts to give everyone the chance to cycle round, traffic free. Rock up & ride, scoot or wheel your way round the pro-circuit with Olympic champion and South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE. To ride, participants should register their details at the British Cycling gazebo, outside the Town Hall on race day from 4:00pm. For more info see: www. sheffieldgrandprix.com
15/7/1983 The Nintendo Entertainment System, the best-selling game console of its time, is released in Japan.
16/7/1377 Coronation of Richard II.
17/7/1955 Disneyland is dedicated and opened by Walt Disney in Anaheim, California.
18/7/1925 Adolf Hitler publishes his personal manifesto Mein Kampf.
Crossword Clues
What’s blue and not that heavy? Light blue.
I’m not very good at skiing. I get to the top of the mountain then it’s all down hill from there.
The salesman at the furniture store told me, “This sofa will seat 5 people without any problems.”
I said, “Where the hell am I going to find 5 people without any problems?”
I asked the doctor if I could sew up my own wound. He said “suture self”.
Did you hear about the new Italian restaurant that just opened in the afterlife? It’s called Pasta Way.
Did you hear about the depressed Swede? He wished he’d never been Bjorn!
My friend was really proud of his heritage until he found out that his great grandfather was from Transylvania.
Now he can’t even look at himself in the mirror.
My friend said, “My kid refuses to eat fish. What do you think is a good replacement?”
Me: Cats. Cats love fish.
I was so bored sitting at home that I memorized six pages of the dictionary. I learned next to nothing.
Gyrating cutter (5)
What do you call a French guy being mauled by a lion?
19/7/1553 Lady Jane Grey is replaced by Mary I of England as Queen of England after only nine days of reign.
20/7/1903 The Ford Motor Company ships its first car.
21/7/356BC The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is destroyed by arson.
1) The first underground rail service in the southern hemisphere was opened in 1913 in which Latin American city?
2) In 1941 who was the Japanese Emperor who gave approval for the start of their war against the USA?
3) Which undersea tunnel was completed in Dec 1990 before being opened to traffic in 1994?
4) Which car company was the first to introduce the moving assembly line in December 1913
5) Marie Tussaud the French-English sculptor who founded Madame Tussauds Wax Museum was born in December but in which century?
6) In December 1939 LaGuardia airport opened to service which city?
7) In 1942 a team led by Enrico Fermi initiated the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. What was the project called?
8) Formed in 1971 Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, and Umm al-Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and which other Emirate formed the United Arab Emirates?
9) In 1976 who became President of Cuba, by replacing Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado?
10) NASA launched the Space Shuttle Endeavour on a mission to repair which telescope in 1993?
News, Information and Advice
why not send
The humble postcard – a communication staple for over 150 years – is at risk, English Heritage warned as new research commissioned by the charity reveals that only 8% of adults send a postcard once a year and 52% never send them at all. In a bid to revive the once popular British holiday tradition and inspire children to take up postcard-writing, English Heritage has commissioned three limited edition postcards, designed by children’s illustrators Nick Sharratt and Sir Quentin Blake, which will be available to collect for free at eighteen historic sites as part of their Great British Summer events. The charity has also acquired around 800 historic postcards depicting Dover Castle in Kent – an intimate time capsule with the earliest dating from the 19th century. Introduced to Britain in 1870, postcards were an instant success, allowing a nation of long, laborious letter-writers to send quick, cheap and easy correspondence with little formality for the first time. With numerous postal collections and deliveries per day, in 1871 around 75 million postcards were sent in Britain and volumes increased to over 800 million a year by the end of King Edward VII’s reign in 1910 – for a population of almost 45 million at that time, that’s an average of just under 18 postcards being sent per person, at a rate equivalent to one postcard every three weeks. The traditional postcard served a lighter purpose too, and for some might conjure up memories of flaky fish and vinegar-soaked chips, salty sea air, sandcastles and writing to tell your nan/best friend/ neighbour how much fun you’re having because you’re on holiday and alas, they’re not. But new research suggests that this once beloved holiday ritual could soon become a relic of the past and the numbers tell a story of good intentions undone by modern life. While 86% of adults grew up either sending postcards or in a household where a family member did, and 62% say they’d love their own kids to carry on the tradition, the reality doesn’t match the sentiment: over half of us now never send a postcard at all.
a postcard?
So why the decline?
The usual suspects: digital communication is cited as easier, postage costs add up, and for many, putting pen to paper feels, sadly, too time-consuming. Matt Thompson, English Heritage’s Conservation, Curatorial and Learning Director, said: “The postcard was once as much a part of the British holiday as a bucket and spade or the drip of ice cream; a handwritten note dashed off from the pier or a historic landmark, stamped and posted to friends and family back home. But our research reveals a habit fading fast and, if this decline continues, there’s a chance it could become a distant nostalgic memory, and there’s something genuinely sad about the idea of this tradition disappearing. At English Heritage we believe the postcard deserves more than a place in the nostalgia tin – it’s a living tradition worth preserving and we need your help to give it a new lease of life. We want to inspire the next generation so pick up one of our three brilliant postcards, designed by Sir Quentin Blake and Nick Sharratt, write your message, pop it in the post and give your grandmother or friend’s fridge door something to get excited about. English Heritage has collaborated with Judges, the nation’s last family-run postcard business, to print these exclusive designs.
Graeme Wolford, whose family took over the original 1902 business in 1983, said: “Our business has weathered the postcard decline for many years – from its peak in the 60s and 70s when roughly 12 million were sold annually to 3 million a year now. We’ve also seen a striking evolution; postcards may not be as prevalent, but they’re now printed on higher-quality paper and they’re cherished, they’ve become more of a collector’s item, transforming into a mini art-form. In spite of this, some things remain constant – we still see a higher demand for postcards in summer and there’s definitely been an increase in demand for those nostalgic seaside designs. It’s been wonderful to collaborate with an organisation like English Heritage who also value tradition and legacy.”
use water wisely in heatwave
Yorkshire Water is urging customers to use water wisely as temperatures across the region could hit 30 degrees once again, and new research indicates just 15% of adults in Yorkshire and the Humber understand how much water they use.
On average, people use five times more water each day than they think, with respondents predicting their use at 30 litres a day rather than the actual amount of around 126 litres.
Andy Shaw, director of control, production & process at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re experiencing another heatwave in the region this week and we’re urging customers to think carefully about their water use. In the last heatwave, we saw water usage increase by 190 million litres during the highest temperatures –which is what we supply to Leeds and Harrogate combined on a daily basis. We’re predicting demand to peak at more than 1.5 billion litres per day during this heatwave as temperatures rise. We’re in a much better position this year with our water resources in the region this year, with reservoirs stocks currently at 75.7% - much higher than the 53.8% they were at this time in 2025. This is due to the extremely wet start to the year, our investment to replace over 200km of water mains in the last 12 months, investment in new water supplies, continued efforts to reduce leakage and our work to install 250,000 smart meters that have helped to find leaks on customers’ properties. All of this means our network is more resilient than ever, and we have no expectations of hosepipe restrictions this summer. Our teams will be working around the clock, as they do all year round, to maintain supplies and move water through the network to areas experiencing the highest demand. We’re out and about 24/7 finding and fixing leaks and doing everything we can to look after every drop.”
The research is part of a major new initiative across the country to transform how society thinks about and uses water. The Let’s Save Water campaign comes as scientists, environmental experts and industry leaders warn
funeral industry regulation
new burial space secured
of increasing pressures on water resources driven by climate change, population growth and rising demand. It aims to build awareness of the precious and finite nature of water while encouraging simple behaviour changes –from taking shorter showers to fixing dripping taps – to reduce water use today and help protect supplies for future generations.
Professor Lizzie Kendon, strategic head of climate processes and projections at the Met Office, explained: “More rainfall doesn’t automatically mean more usable water. Climate change is driving increasingly extreme weather patterns, with wetter winters, drier summers, and more intense bursts of rainfall. When rain falls on dry, hardened ground, much of it cannot soak into the soil where it is most valuable, instead it runs off and is being lost. This growing imbalance is placing mounting pressure on our water resources, and there is an urgent need for action. By acting now and embracing small, everyday changes, we can help safeguard this precious resource for future generations.”
Water companies are investing billions to upgrade infrastructure, including fixing leaks and developing new sources such as reservoirs.
However, these measures alone will not fully close the gap between the projected supply and demand, and experts agree that action across society will also be needed. Clare Cashon, south project officer at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Water in England needs to be carefully managed, and we have to be careful about how much we take from the environment. If demand keeps rising, it’s going to be harder to make sure there’s enough water for both people and nature. At Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, we look after important rivers, streams and wetlands that so much wildlife depends on. Wet habitats can support entire life cycles, and they’re already under strain from changing climate and growing water use. Our natural environment offers rich habitats for wildlife, health and wellbeing benefits and solutions to drought and floods, but only if we take care of it.”
Campaigners have welcomed indications from the Prime Minister that the government may regulate the funeral industry.
New regulations for the sector moved one step closer following comments from Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs on Wednesday (July 1).The PM said he wanted “stronger standards and oversight,” following shocking cases of babies’ bodies being mistreated.
The Prime Minister was responding to a question from MP Mark Sewards, telling the Commons: “The status quo here is not working for families and people deserve to know that their loved ones are treated with dignity and compassion.”
Today this intervention was been welcomed by campaigners Sacha Mulligan and Michelle Harvey.
The pair are the founders of the Funeral Officiant Authority (FOA),. The FOA aims to introduce clearer professional standards across the UK and has recently launched a national register of vetted funeral celebrants and officiants.
Ms Harvey said: “It is extraordinary that an industry entrusted with caring for families at one of the most devastating times in their lives is still operating without comprehensive statutory regulation, and most members of the public have no idea this is the case. This is why we founded the FOA - to give bereaved families confidence that the
professionals supporting them have been properly vetted, are accountable for their actions, and are committed to recognised standards of care. Trust needs to be rebuilt.“Ms Mulligan said the lack of oversight, and public awareness of it, was what made regulation so urgent.
“What’s striking is not just that this industry has no overarching regulation, but that when things do go wrong, there is currently no clear route to hold anyone accountable,” she said.
“That has to change. We need a proper framework - recognised standards, a formal complaints process, and real consequences when someone fails in their duty to a grieving family.
“The families we serve deserve nothing less.”
Currently, there is no formal regulation preventing individuals from conducting funeral ceremonies without recognised training, vetting or accountability processes.
The situation has led to horrific cases, including a woman claiming to run a baby loss support and funeral service who instead kept the bodies of babies in circumstances that a grandmother of a baby compared to a horror film.
Due to the absence of regulation in the funeral industry, the individual in question is still operating, and police found nothing actionable in any of the cases.
A new report sets out the progress made since the Council committed to developing a longterm solution to burial provision. New burial plots have already been created, additional capacity has been created at existing cemeteries, and work is progressing to identify and develop future cemetery sites.
The new report sets out the progress made since the Council committed to developing a long-term solution to burial provision. The work includes creating new burial space at existing cemeteries, identifying potential new cemetery locations, and strengthening engagement with communities and faith groups to help shape future provision.
Among the key achievements highlighted in the report are the creation of more than 100 new burial plots at Tinsley Park Cemetery through the clearance of previously unused land. This will help to address immediate capacity pressures and provide additional space for Muslim burials, with further phases of work are planned. The Council has also progressed work to increase capacity at existing cemeteries, including City Road and Stocksbridge, while detailed technical, legal and environmental assessments continue at a number of potential new cemetery sites across the city. Particular focus is being given to options in the south-east of Sheffield, where existing burial capacity pressures are most significant and there is a clear need to bring forward future provision.
The report notes that recent and planned
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
interim measures have the potential to significantly extend burial capacity while new cemetery sites are brought forward. This will reduce the immediate risk of burial space being exhausted before long-term solutions can be delivered. It also highlights extensive engagement with local communities, including the establishment of a Sheffield Muslim Bereavement Partnership Forum, helping to ensure future provision reflects the needs of Sheffield’s diverse communities. Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council said: “Ensuring that Sheffield residents have access to dignified, accessible burial provision is a responsibility we take extremely seriously. This report demonstrates the significant progress being made, from delivering new burial plots now to developing longer-term solutions to help meet Sheffield’s future burial needs. We know how important this issue is for many families across the city. That’s why we are continuing to work closely with communities, faith groups and experts to develop sustainable, inclusive burial provision that meets Sheffield’s future needs.” Mahmood Hussain, Chair of the South Yorkshire Muslim Bereavement Trust commented: “The continued dialogue between the Council, faith representatives and community stakeholders will be important in helping to ensure that future burial provision meets the needs of Sheffield’s diverse population.
Chalk Lane, Burgh Le Marsh, Skegness PE24 5HN A Lincolnshire holiday park offering holiday cottages, touring, camping and caravan holidays near Skegness. Relax, unwind and escape to the country with a stay at our Lincolnshire holiday park. Set in 14 acres of countryside, we offer a range of accommodation options, including static caravans, holiday cottages, touring and camping pitches - so there’s something for all tastes and budgets.
RotheRham’s new maRket hall welcomes fiRst customeRs
Shoppers can now visit their favourite Rotherham Market traders in the town’s newly opened Market Hall, marking a new chapter in the historic market’s rich history.
Market Hall – which has 37 independent businesses ready to explore – offers the same value, quality products and friendly service shoppers know and trust in a modern space.
Ninety-six-percent of the stalls are let, with everything from fruit and veg and fresh meat to clothing, jewellery and more on offer.
The Market Hall - open Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 4pm - can be accessed
via Eastwood Lane, on the Rotherham College side of the building, through a newly created outdoor area where several market stalls are also based.
A temporary step free access entrance can be found on Henry Street, opposite Tesco, with clear signage in place to help shoppers find their way.
Convenient parking is available nearby, including at Drummond Street car park, which offers up to one hour of free parking from Monday to Friday.
Free parking is also available in all council-operated offstreet car parks on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Councillor John Williams, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the Market Hall now open and our traders settled into their new home right in the heart of the town centre.
“There’s a real buzz around the new Market Hall. It’s bright, welcoming and full of brilliant local businesses, so I’d encourage everyone to come along, have a look around and support our traders.
“These businesses have been serving the people of Rotherham for years and this move allows them to
keep trading while we invest in the future of the market.
Whether you’re picking up your weekly essentials, looking for a bargain or simply want to see the new space for yourself, now is a great time to visit and be part of this exciting new chapter for Rotherham Market.”
James Hill, from family-run dairy business Milk from the Hills, said: “We could see what was happening with Rotherham Market before we moved into the old indoor building, including the investment that was being put in and the rejuvenation of the market. So we thought, we’ll
get involved from the very beginning.
“This is a new space, a fresher space, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
For more information about Rotherham Markets, visit the Rotherham Town Centre website at www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk
Market Hall, part of the wider regeneration of Rotherham Market, is just one example of Rotherham Council’s investment in the town centre.
New businesses continue to open at Forge Island, with contemporary street-food restaurant Smoke and Pepper now open.
Rotherham’s new town centre library is on track to be completed this year, with an opening shortly after.
The Riverside Gardens public space, alongside refurbished public realm on Corporation Street and Effingham Street, continues to progress, while the Council recently announced that renowned social impact developer Capital&Centric will continue exploring opportunities to transform five town centre sites into residential and mixed-use developments. The Indoor Market will welcome back customers towards the end of next year.
BALL INN
PENNY BlACk
17th
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.
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY
Coronation Street:
Sarah speaks to Gary about her mounting guilt over murdering Theo, but he pleads with her to keep quiet — or he could go to prison. As Kit tells Sarah she needs to get hold of Gary’s phone so they can delete any data that could incriminate her, can she get hold of the device? DC McLaughlin tells Lisa that they’re ready to arrest Theo’s murderer. But given their previous wrong moves, will it be Sarah facing charges or another innocent party? Cassie tries to warn Tracy that Ross is not to be trusted. But Tracy pays no mind to Cassie’s attempt to help her. George and Christina return home to find Mary holding a flash sale and flogging some household items recently bought by Christina. While Christina is furious, Mary points out that they were bought with her card, so they’re hers to sell.
Emmerdale:
Mack decides that it’s finally time to take revenge against Ross, so he lures him to a barn under false pretences. DS Reid returns to the village to see Vanessa. She explains that a serious allegation has been made about Dr Todd, so the police need to ask some questions about their former relationship. Kev finally remembers the full story behind where he knows Serena from and decides to let Robert know. Aaron and Chas make a pact to keep an eye on Serena – and it’s not long before they make a discovery that shocks them. Chas discovers that Charity has now told Mack the truth about baby Leyla’s parentage. She offers to help Charity as they still need to keep Sarah in the dark.
Eastenders:
Peter and Lauren encourage Ian to seek further advice, while Kathy is adamant that he should enter a not guilty plea. With time – and options – running out, Ian finally reaches a decision and shares it with his family. Denise’s family are excited and relieved to welcome her home. However, they don’t know that Denise has been told that she hasn’t responded to the treatment as well as expected. Phil is floored when he learns that Sharon has decided to sell her half of the Boxing Den. However, an interested buyer soon makes their pitch – and it’s Max who’s first in line... Vicki and Ross are back from their honeymoon, and Sharon’s thrilled to see them back on the Square. Despite their close call recently, Priya continues with her efforts to seduce Max. Gina and Harry find themselves in a tricky situation when they lose some of Penny’s stock. As they panic and attempt to trace the missing items, can they resolve things before Penny finds out?
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FOOTBALLR UNDUP
Romelle is a Blade
United’s attacking ranks have been boosted with the addition of an exciting talent from the Premier League.
Romelle Donovan has arrived at Bramall Lane on a season-long loan from Premier League Brentford.
Capped for England at U18, U19 and U20 level, the 19-year-old winger has committed himself to Chris Wilder’s Blades for the upcoming Championship campaign.
“He’s an exciting player with a bright future and we’re delighted to have been entrusted with the next stage of his development,” said Blades boss Wilder.
“We’ve tracked him for a while, and he arrives with the added endorsement from the likes of Keith Andrews and Jack Lester who are two individuals
we know and respect from their time working here.
“They obviously rate him highly because they’ve utilised him in the Premier League last season, so that’s testament to his ability and potential.
“This is a great opportunity and having spoken with the lad I know he’s keen to take it with both hands.”
Birmingham-born Donovan started his career at Birmingham City and made his senior debut in the Championship as a 16-
year-old in 2023. During the 2023-24 season he made 10 senior appearances and made a further nine outings in 2024-25 during a loan spell at League
One Burton Albion which was cut short in December 2024.
He then signed for Brentford, initially on loan with an option to buy, for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, with the deal becoming permanent in June 2025. Last season he made nine appearances in all competitions for the Bees.
Jellis JoiNs The milleRs
Rotherham United are delighted to confirm the signing of midfield player Jamie Jellis, who has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal at AESSEAL New York Stadium, subject to both EFL and FA ratification.
The arrival of the Aylesbury-born 25 year old makes him the fourth to sign on the dotted line for the Millers this summer following the earlier arrival of attacker Fabio Tavares, dynamic winger Aaron Nemane and fellow midfielder Ossama Ashley as the hard work of the recruitment team and our Head of Football over recent weeks starts to bear fruit.
The energetic operator cut his teeth in nonleague football before earning his first opportunity in the EFL with Walsall in 2024. He enjoyed promotions with Tamworth before becoming a mainstay for the Saddlers in Sky Bet League Two over the last
two seasons.
At the tender age of just 16, Jellis made his debut for Buckinghamsire outfit Aylesbury United, coming off the bench and making an instant impact by finding the back of the net. The Ducks certainly saw potential in the young midfielder, as he made 10 first team appearances before turning 17. It wouldn’t be long until the midfielder found himself in the EFL, with a move to Stevenage coming in 2017. Jellis would return to Aylesbury United on loan, before making further loan moves within non-league, turning out for both Hitchin Town and Wingate & Finchley. In 2020, Jellis was released by The Boro, and made an immediate return to Aylesbury United for a third stint with the club, spells at Kings Langley and Hemel Hempstead Town would follow, before he linked up with Tamworth in
the 2022/23 campaign on another loan deal. It was to be a successful spell as The Lambs went onto lift the Southern League Premier Division Central title. Jellis would return to The Lamb the very next season on a permanent deal, and it was to be more success as Tamworth took the league by storm and picked up the National League North title, wrapping up back-toback league wins.
Jellis’ involvement in a successful Tamworth side caught the eye of Sky Bet League Two outfit Walsall where he would go onto sign in January of 2024. He would go on to become a virtual ever present figure over the next couple of campaigns, making 43 and 35 appearances over the following couple of seasons.
Upon the expiration of his contract at Walsall, the Millers have swopped in to bring Jellis to AESSEAL New York Stadium.
WedNesday siGN Joe lUmley
Sheffield Wednesday are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Lumley from Championship side Bristol City on a free transfer.
The experienced goalkeeper has signed a two-year contract at Hillsborough, where he enjoyed a brief loan spell last season. Lumley joined the Owls on a short-term emergency loan in October 2025 and started two second tier games in S6. He returns to Wednesday on a permanent basis and is delighted to link up with the squad ahead of our 2026-27 League One
campaign.
He said: “I jumped at the chance to come here. I was here last season and just got a feeling within that time of the set-up of the club, how big the club is, how passionate the fans are. It was a no-brainer for me to come here.
“I’m here to serve the team and serve the club, so it’s not about me. Obviously, I’m going to put my best performances in that I can, train as hard as I can, week in, week out, every single day.
“I’ve heard that the season tickets are selling out fast. So, I can only imagine the atmosphere is going to
be exactly how it was when I experienced it before, which is perfect. I’ve played at Hillsborough as an away player too and when the ground is bouncing, it’s intimidating, which as a home team, you want that. And the old cliche, make your home ground a fortress, you have to do that. With everyone at the club, everyone involved, I’m sure we will.”
Sporting Director, Simon Wilson, said: “Joe was with us last season for a short period and I know that players and staff alike are delighted to see him return to Sheffield Wednesday. His experience within
the game is vast and he’s spent a significant part of his career to date playing in the Championship, which speaks to his quality.
“The group felt his leadership qualities last year and he will set high standards alongside the other senior members of the team. His relationship with Darryl Flavahan is also excellent and returning to a familiar environment, we believe he can settle quickly and make an immediate impact.”
The custodian has over 200 senior appearances to his name after starting out with the QPR youth academy in
2014, graduating to play 84 first-team games for the R’s.
During his time in West London, Lumley built his stock with loan stints at Accrington Stanley, Morecambe, Stevenage, Bristol Rovers, Blackpool, Gillingham and Doncaster Rovers.
The 31-year-old made a permanent move to the Championship with Middlesbrough in 2021, posting 39 appearances. Lumley switched to Reading in 2022, playing 42 games before signing for Southampton the following summer. The keeper spent two seasons on the south coast and moved to Bristol City in 2025.
RoVeRs BolsTeR GoalKeePiNG oPTioNs
Rovers have bolstered their goalkeeping options once again with the signing of Josh Clarke, who joins the club on an initial loan from Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle, which will be converted into a long-term contract in January for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
The 21-year-old started the 2025/26 campaign on loan at the Jags, before agreeing a permanent deal in February. During his time there, he made 33 appearances, keeping 12 clean sheets, with Thistle narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premiership following
defeat in the play-off final. Clarke’s sporting ability at a young age was not limited to just football. After his career started with his local club, Chelsea, at the age of eight, he would go on to represent Harlequins academy in Rugby Union, as well as playing for cricket side Surrey County. Once Clarke had settled on football, the shot-stopper made the switch from the Blues to Bournemouth in 2020, before starting his senior career at Northern Irish outfit Glenavon two years later. A season after, a deal to join Celtic was completed, which saw him gain media traction for saving four penalties in a shootout with
Rangers B. Loan spells at Airdrieonians and Ayr United followed, which culminated in Clarke eventually settling at Thistle.
In a unique circumstance, the goalkeeper has played for four countries at youth level, due to eligibility from a varying national background.
He made appearances for both Sweden and England’s Under-17 sides, featured for the Republic of Ireland’s Under18s, and eventually represented Northern Ireland Under-19s and Under-21s, receiving a first senior call up for the latter in March 2022.
Speaking about his move to Rovers, Clarke said: “I am really looking forward
to getting going “I have had a walk around the stadium, and it seems like a great place to be a part of, and conversations with Grant and Kyle made it an easy decision to sign here.”
Clarke has joined the club right at the start of pre-season training, with a fixture list that sees him return to Glenavon later this month, which he is very much looking forward to.
“It will be nice to see a couple of familiar faces.
“I loved my time there with great people who did a lot for me at an important time in my career, so it will be a special game.”
On the signing of Clarke, goalkeeping coach Kyle
Letheren said: “I’m delighted to welcome Josh to the club.
“Josh is a highly thoughtof young goalkeeper with an outstanding pedigree.
We’ve spent a lot of time watching him over the last couple of months, and throughout that period he has consistently shown all the attributes, character and mentality we look for when recruiting goalkeepers.
“His potential is clear, but just as importantly, his attitude and willingness to improve stood out to us from the very beginning.
“We’re delighted to have Josh with us and look forward to being part of his development for the foreseeable future.”
