ARE YOU MATE ENOUGH TO SPEAK UP AND SAVE CHRISTMAS?
This December, football clubs, licenced venues and road safety partners across South Yorkshire are supporting a national campaign to tackle drink and drug driving.
In Great Britain, around 260 people are killed in drink drive collisions every year with a spike in crashes during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Local organisations are teaming up with the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) to spread awareness about the dangers of impaired driving as well as calling on mates to have a word when they think a friend or colleague is not safe to drive.
“Tackling drink driving is a shared responsibility
and the only way to stop it happening, is if we all work together,” said South Yorkshire Deputy Mayor Kilvinder Vigurs.
“We are delighted to have the support of South Yorkshire organisations who want their fans and customers to stay safe.
“If you are heading out to celebrate and have a drink, please plan ahead. Book taxis, agree a designated driver or use public transport. It is not always easy but please have that difficult conversation with friends and speak up because you could save a life.
“There is no need to take risks. You can still enjoy yourselves knowing that everyone will take their seat at the Christmas dinner table and see in the
New Year.”
The ‘Are You Mate
Enough’ campaign forms part of an annual police operation called Op Limit which was launched to combat the seasonal rise in crashes where the driver is over the legal limit.
And while officers deal with drink driving offences 365 days of the year, local neighbourhood teams will increase visibility around the night time economy during the festive season.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: “Drink driving is one of leading causes of people being killed or seriously injured in a crash.
“Our officers see the devastation first hand whether it’s attending the collision, or knocking
on the door of a family member to tell them their loved one isn’t coming home.
“We want to work with you to stop people taking risks in the first place.
Will you be the mate that takes the keys off a friend?
Will you be the mate that drinks 0% beer and gets everyone home safe?
“Will you be the mate that reminds everyone about their kids waiting at home for them?”
Drink driving can ruin people’s lives, including your own. If you are caught driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink, you risk six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a ban from driving for at least
one year (three years if convicted twice in 10 years).
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink risks life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, a ban from driving for at least five years and an extended driving test before your licence is returned. A conviction for drinkdriving also means your car insurance costs will increase significantly. If you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence and you may have trouble travelling to countries like the USA.
You can follow the campaign on social media via #OpLimit
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SHEFFIELD LIgHTS UP FOR NEW CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Sheffield City Centre is set to be lit up like never before, with a brand-new illumination event taking place 5 - 14 December 2025!
Light Up Sheffield will see three of Sheffield’s most iconic landmarks
- Sheffield Cathedral, Sheffield Central Library and Pounds Park - transformed with breathtaking light projections inspired by the city itself, for ten magical nights (5pm - 9pm).
Created in collaboration with Sheffield artists, the illuminations will celebrate both the city’s heritage and its creativity
today.
Internationally acclaimed artist, Pete McKee, will present an animated showcase of his distinctive work which will be projected onto Sheffield Central Library, accompanied by a voice-over from the artist himself reflecting on Sheffield and its inspirations.
At Pounds Park, street artist Peachzz’s largescale water wildlife mural ‘Reverie’, will come to life in an entirely new way, with illuminated digital animations set against a soundtrack provided by Sheffield DJ, Charla Green.
Meanwhile, Sheffield Cathedral will be alight with a spectacular mapping display, specially created by Double Take Projections, that will highlight its stunning architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. Inside the cathedral, visitors can also step into a festive spectacle of more than 40 Christmas trees decorated by local charities. These will be displayed alongside a special mural by Pete McKee, set against the backdrop of a school nativity, capturing the artist’s instantly recognisable, witty and
nostalgic style. Sheffield Cathedral is also hosting a Glow Quest for families to explore inside the building, while Light Up Sheffield is running.
The Art House will also be hosting a retrospective of Double Take Projections work.
Poster for the Light Up Sheffield event
Large outdoor mural painted on the side of a tall building, featuring vibrant depictions of wildlife including a heron, a kingfisher, and butterflies surrounded by reeds and water.
The mural is set against a bright blue sky, with
3/12/1999 - NASA loses radio contact with the Mars Polar Lander moments before the spacecraft enters the Martian atmosphere.
4/12/1791 - The first edition of The Observer, the world’s first Sunday newspaper, is published.
5/12/2005 - The Civil Partnership Act comes into effect in the United Kingdom, and the first civil partnership is registered there.
6/12/1768 - The first edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica
modern brick buildings and a paved walkway with benches in the foreground
Exterior view of Sheffield Cathedral with its tall spire, Gothic-style architecture, and large arched windows. The scene includes leafless trees framing the foreground and a paved walkway leading to the entrance, with soft daylight illuminating the stone building.
Wide-angle view of Sheffield Central Library, a historic stone building with symmetrical windows and decorative carvings. The street in front includes bollards,
signage, and pedestrians, with modern glass buildings in the distance.
Illustrated street map of Sheffield city centre highlighting three key locations with large yellow stars: Sheffield Cathedral near Church Street, Central Library close to Surrey Street and Arundel Gate, and Pounds Park near Charter Row. The map includes major roads, squares such as Orchard Square and Millennium Square, and landmarks like Town Hall and Cutlers’ Hall.
Crossword Clues
across
6) Recently produced (3)
7) Top flat (9)
9) Bleed (11)
11) Regal (5)
12) Regional sickness (7)
14) Two-panelled painting (7)
15) Court doorkeeper (5)
17) Socialist group (6, 5)
19) Cliff-nesting bird (9)
20) First lady (3)
DoWN
1) Of living processes (9)
2) Reduced barley (5)
3) Engraved drawing (7)
4) American legislator (11)
5) Donkey (3)
8) Without prejudice (11)
10) Order (9) 13) Child’s toy (7) 16) Ponder (5) 18) Intestine (3)
Last Week’s Solution
across: 7) Once, 8) Ethereal, 9) Kitchen sink, 11) Hazy, 12) Tea chest. 13) So lethal, 15) Chap. 16) Final record, 18) Jacobean, 19) Lute
DoWN: 1) Indicator, 2) Descry, 3) Seventh heaven, 4) The small print, 5) Crunch, 6) Jab, 10) Usual rate, 14) Editor, 15) Cackle, 17) Pan
is published.
7/12/1995 - The Galileo spacecraft arrives at Jupiter, a little more than six years after it was launched.
8/12/1980 - John Lennon is murdered by Mark David Chapman, a mentally unstable fan, in front of The Dakota apartment building in New York City.
9/12/1960 - The first episode of the world’s longest-running television soap opera Coronation Street is broadcast.
My boss said, “I find it highly suspicious that you are only sick on weekdays.” I said, “It must be my weekend immune system.”
You know there’s no official training for binmen? They just pick things up as they go along.
I invented a car that moves only when the driver is silent.... It goes without saying.
What starts with T, ends with T, and is full of T? Teapot.
There I was this morning, sitting and drinking Coffee in my slippers , and I thought to myself....I really need to clean a few mugs around here.
How do you tell the sex of an ant? You drop it in water. It sinks: girl ant. It floats:... Boy ant.
Freddie Mercury, Bruno Mars, and Venus Williams all walk into the same bar. But they didn’t planet.
I have a fear of speed bumps.
I’m slowly getting over it.
I’ve just written a book about falling down a staircase. It’s a step by step guide.
I told my wife she drew her eyebrows too high... She seemed surprised.
As I handed my Dad his 50th birthday card, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “You know, one would have been enough.”
My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We’ll see about that.
People say I’m a plagiarist, their word not mine.
My doctor says I’ve beaten arthritis, fingers cross...aaargh!
My father was a roofer, so dad, if you’re still up there..
1)
2) How is London’s Victoria & Albert Museum better known?
3) Which British Prime Minister sat as the MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath?
4) Which UK racecourse traditionally holds The Royal Meeting in June?
5) In which year did The Battle of Hastings take place?
6) Which BBC children’s tv show centres around The Squirrel Club?
7) Which ‘C’ is both a brand of perfume and a character from the Rocky film franchise?
8) Which ‘T’ is a Greek dish made from cured fish roe?
9) Which avenue is generally considered to be the heart of London’s West End? 10) Which name links Coronation Street character Barlow and radio presenter Bruce?
Which Irish actress played Hanna in the 2011 film of the same name?
News, Information and Advice
Eager cyclists in Sheffield have snapped up dozens of spaces in the latest round of Cycle Hangars to be installed on streets across the city, as residents work together to help tackle congestion in the city. Positioned on 12 streets around the city, the Hangars make it easier, quicker and more convenient for people to store their bikes near their home. Each Cycle Hangar offers long-term secure parking for up to 6 bikes, making them ideal for people who don’t have space at home or where accessing space in cellars or gardens is difficult.
The Council asked members of the public to suggest possible sites where the Hangars could be installed. Over 200 suggestions were made on roads and streets right across the city. Locations were shortlisted based on several factors including site suitability, overall demand, housing density and links to nearby cycle routes. 12 locations were selected, with all the Hangars now being put in place ready for people to use.
How do they work?
The Cycle Hangars can store up to 6 bikes and can be used by people renting a space for £72 per year per bike. People can book a rental space online at https:// cyclehoop.rentals/. Once they have booked their space they will be contacted by Cyclehoop and provided access to the Hangar. The storage units offer the highest levels of security. Only those who have rented a space are able to gain access to them. Users are encouraged to use quality locks for extra security and to take out appropriate insurance cover for their bikes. The Hangars help offer people a choice in how they get around the city, reducing congestion on the city’s roads and helping those without access to a car the chance to travel about.
Where are the Cycle Hangars located?
The 12 sites had been suggested by members of the local community and are located at:
• Albert Road, Heeley Anns Road, Heeley Beeton Road, Meersbrook
• Empire Road / Tavistock Road, Nether Edge
• Holtwood Road, Burngreave
Meersbrook Park Road, Meersbrook
• Norton Lees Road, Meersbrook
Pat Midgley Lane, Park Hill Flats
Rushdale Road, Meersbrook
• South View Road, Nether Edge
• Ulverston Road, Woodseats
Upper Valley Road, Meersbrook
The Council has previously installed additional Cycle Hangars in the following locations:
• Cross Lane
• Bosworth Street
Brighton Terrace Road
Suthard Cross Road
Bates Street
Heavygate Avenue
If a Hangar is currently full you will be added to a waiting list and contacted when a space is made available. You may be offered a space in another hangar nearby. What if my area hasn’t been chosen for a Hangar?
While the Council has installed Cycle Hangars at the above locations, it’s not the end of the project, more are planned to be introduced onto more of the city’s streets in 2026. If you would like a Cycle Hangar on your street, you can submit a request by emailing transport@ sheffield.gov.uk. All requests will be assessed before a decision on if a Bikehangar can be placed at that location is made.
Councillor Ben Miskell said: “We have already seen at locations across the city just how popular Cycle Hangars are and how much they have been needed. It’s given those who can’t store their bike at home the chance to keep on cycling either to commute to and from work or for pleasure. Sheffield is in a perfect location for people to enjoy the surrounding countryside but also to come into the city centre or to our local communities to find out what is on offer and enjoy the city they call home. These additional 12 Cycle Hangars will provide dozens of new spaces for people to use but I’m incredibly excited that the project isn’t just stopping here, we need your help to get more into our communities for people to use. As part of our Transport Vision for Sheffield, we know that people want a genuine choice in how they travel and these Hangars help us on that mission and I’m already looking forward to more being rolled out into 2026.”
reservoir level update
Yorkshire Water is taking steps to remove its drought permits, following a tenth week of increases to its reservoir levels.
As a result of continuous heavy rainfall over the last seven days, reservoir levels are recovering well at 84.6%, up from 80.5% last week, and Hull aquifer levels are 49.4%up from 46.6%.
The reservoir level increase follows a record-breaking increase of 15% as a result of Storm Claudia’s rainfall impact and the ongoing drought permit activity the company has put in place.
The removal of drought permits will enable Yorkshire Water to lift hosepipe restrictions earlier than initially thought.
Dave Kaye, director of water and wastewater services at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re now confident that we’re moving into a healthy position across our reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater water sources, after seeing further rainfall over the last seven days, and another significant jump in our reservoir levels.
Restrictions are still in place for the time being, but we are working to lift them as soon as possible, hopefully within the next few weeks. This is earlier than we had originally thought possible, and it’s thanks to the watersaving actions of people in Yorkshire that we’re able to pull it forward. We’re now working with the Environment Agency to reduce the measures we’d put in place to manage our water resources differently during the drought - a step we have to take before restrictions can be lifted. This can take a number of weeks, but we will not keep the restrictions in place any longer than is necessary. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor our resources and manage them carefully.
Once again, we’d like to thank all of our customers for continuing to do what they can to save water throughout the restrictions.”
don’t let the bells Fall silent
cycle hangars expanded stay alert For scams
Bell ringers needed urgently to stop centuries of history falling silent The bells are ready to ring again but without new recruits the sound of the North East Derbyshire village of Killamarsh could be lost forever.
Across the UK, the number of bell ringers is falling fast. There are an estimated 38,000 bells, but only around 30,000 active ringers — and that number is shrinking every year. At the time of King Charles III’s coronation, a national appeal had to be launched to find enough ringers to mark the occasion, underlining just how at-risk this ancient tradition has become. Nowhere is the threat more urgent than in Killamarsh, Derbyshire — where one of the most influential ringing methods in the world was born. The Killamarsh Treble Bob, developed over 100 years ago at St Giles Church, helped shape change ringing techniques across the globe.
Following the successful restoration of the church’s historic bells, funded by a £76,450 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a special event will take place next Sunday, 7 December, to recruit new bell ringers and celebrate the village’s unique heritage.
From 2pm to 4pm, experienced ringers will be at the church to meet potential new recruits, explain what’s involved, and share their knowledge. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just curious about how it all works, this is a rare chance to be part of a living tradition.
Project manager Richard Godley said: “We’ve brought the bells back to life after four years of silence — but if no one steps forward to ring them, we risk losing a part of Killamarsh history. Bell ringing is uplifting, sociable, and surprisingly satisfying. We’d love people of all ages to come along on 7 December and see what it’s all about.”
More information can be found at www. stgiles-killamarsh.org/ and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ stgilesandstmatthews/
With Black Friday just been and Christmas shopping in full swing, a lot of people will be scrolling through Vinted looking for deals – and adding even more items to carts that were already pretty full. Here are the scams experts say catch buyers out the most during the festive season, and how to avoid falling for them. Being asked to pay outside the app It’s one of the oldest tricks on Vinted, and experts say it tends to spike at Christmas. A seller offers a “better price” if you pay by bank transfer or PayPal instead of through the app –and that’s exactly when people get caught out. Never agree to pay outside Vinted’s system. The moment you send money directly, you lose all the protection the platform gives you. “Too good to be true” bargains
Black Friday and Christmas do bring real bargains – but scammers know that and use it to their advantage. If a luxury item or something that’s normally on the pricey side is suddenly listed for a tiny fraction of what should be the asking price, slow down. This trick shows up a lot with brand-name clothes, trainers and specialedition pieces that might be sold out elsewhere –exactly the kind of things buyers are desperate to find for Christmas. Empty package and “wrong item” scams
Another scam is the parcel that “arrives” – but
doesn’t contain what you paid for. Some sellers send an empty package or something worthless, then rely on the tracking to show it was delivered. On paper everything looks legitimate, which makes it incredibly frustrating for buyers. For more expensive items, he suggests filming yourself opening the package, so you’ve got clear evidence of what was inside.
Photos can help too.
“This kind of proof can make a big difference in a dispute,” he says. “If the tracking shows delivery but the parcel was empty or wrong, you’ll have something to back yourself up.”
Hacked or compromised accounts If you use Vinted a lot, you’ll know how comforting it is to find a seller you trust. You’ve bought from them before, the parcel arrived, everything went smoothly – great. This is exactly why scammers hack established accounts around Black Friday and Christmas. Fake designer and branded items Christmas is prime time for counterfeit goods –everything from bags and trainers to beauty sets and tech accessories.
Scammers know a lot of people will be searching for branded gifts, so they push out as many fake items as they can.
Stick to listings with real photos and good reviews, and to be wary of anything using only polished stock images.
budget - mayor responds
Responding to Wednesday’s budget, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Today’s Budget brings welcome news for South Yorkshire, for all of us who live and work here. I’m pleased to see the two-child cap scrapped. That change will help 38,000 children in South Yorkshire get the support they deserve. I’m also proud that we’ve secured a huge boost for housing; our capital funding is rising from £46 million to £118 million, alongside an extra £700 million for affordable homes. That’s money we’ll use to help more people onto the housing ladder. The Chancellor has confirmed rail fares and prescription costs will be frozen, and we’re doing our bit too. From January, we’ll keep tram fares frozen, cut the cost of longer Supertram journeys, and maintain child bus concessionary fares exactly where they are.
I also welcome new powers to introduce a Visitor Levy. Even a small charge on hotel rooms could raise up to £7 million every year for South Yorkshire, money we can reinvest directly
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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.
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into our local events and services to make our region an even better place to visit. And changes to the Mineworker Pension Scheme will mean an average increase of £100 a week for former miners, helping more than 6,000 people across South Yorkshire. Not everything in the Budget will please everyone. We didn’t get the detail we need on big rail schemes for the North yet, but I’ll keep pushing for what we need from Northern Powerhouse Rail. And while a tiny number of properties in South Yorkshire worth more than £2m will pay an extra council tax charge, it’ll help to fund cuts to child poverty, so I support that change. Overall, today feels like a good day for South Yorkshire. And together in Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield we’ll make sure every pound of investment works hard for the people who need it most, as we restore the pride, purpose and prosperity of our region.”
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Rock N Roll Circus will return to Don Valley Bowl, Sheffield for the 2026 August Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 28 – Sunday 30 August)and organisers have today confirmed another major headline name as the festival gears up for its biggest edition yet.
Richard Ashcroft will headline on Sunday 30 August, joining previously announced Friday headliners The Streets, with the Saturday headliner to be announced very soon. Widely regarded as one of the greatest British frontmen of his generation, Ashcroft
has enjoyed a monumental resurgence in recent years. In 2025 he joined Oasis’ global reunion tour as special guest, performing to stadiums across the world - including nightly, show-stopping renditions of Bittersweet Symphony. His long-standing connection with the Gallagher brothers - Noel Gallagher famously wrote Cast No Shadow about him - has firmly embedded Ashcroft at the heart of Britpop and British rock mythology.
Now, fresh from that worldwide run and the release of his acclaimed new album Lovin’ You, Ashcroft brings decades of
era-defining music to Sheffield. From Lucky Man and Sonnet to The Drugs Don’t Work and solo classics like A Song For The Lovers, his live performances remain some of the most powerful and emotionally resonant in British music. His Rock N Roll Circus headline appearance is set to be one of the standout moments of the 2026 festival season.
Supporting Ashcroft on the Sunday bill are Scottish festival giants The Fratellis, armed with huge indie anthems and fresh from their Costello Music anniversary shows, and Cast, one of the most important
guitar bands, fronted by John Power of The La’s who also toured with Oasis recently. Their presence adds a major thread of UK indie and Britpop heritage to the 2026 line-up.
Meanwhile, The Streetsconfirmed earlier this month for Friday 28 August - will perform their landmark album A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full for the first time. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast, fuelled by national demand for Mike Skinner’s anticipated 2026 UK tour. Known for incredible live performances that blur the lines between rave, theatre and rap storytelling, The Streets’ Big Top
appearance is already shaping up to be one of the most talkedabout live moments of next summer.
Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said: “Richard Ashcroft is a towering figure in British music and a phenomenal live performer, so we’re thrilled to be bringing him to Sheffield for 2026. It is shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting year yet. Sheffield always brings incredible energy to Rock N Roll Circus, and we can’t wait to return to Don Valley Bowl for another unforgettable weekend.”
Now firmly established as one
of the UK’s most unique live events, Rock N Roll Circus fuses world-class artists with aerialists, acrobats, fire performers, workshops and street theatre. With the main stage housed inside the Big Top, every show feels immersive, intimate and weather-proof. With Ashcroft and The Streets now confirmed - and Saturday’s headliner on the horizonorganisers will unveil further artists and circus programming in the coming weeks.
Tickets go on general sale this Friday 5th December from www.rocknrollcircus.co.uk
Connected is a tribute show celebrating the music of Genesis and the biggest selling acts connected: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike & the Mechanics.
This show has an incredible mix of material, from atmospheric anthems to chart toppers that will get the crowd dancing in the aisles. Hits spanning from the late 70s onwards including; Turn It On Again, Sledgehammer, In The Air Tonight, Over My Shoulder, Against All Odds, That’s All, Solsbury Hill, You Can’t Hurry Love, The Living Years and many more.
The frontman, Pete Bultitude, is not only an incredibly versatile vocalist, he is also a truly gifted drummer just like Phil Collins, So expect the show to include the iconic “double drums” element as featured on every Genesis and Phil Collins tour.
EMILY
LOuISE
The Licensing Act 2003 Section 34
Notice is hereby given that I: HALIme TAmer CHAmberS
Have made an application under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003 to vary a Premises Licence for the Premises known as 959 eCCLeSALL roAd, SHeffIeLd S11 8TN
The details of the variation are as follows:
To extend the times for sale by retail of alcohol for consumption ON the premises as follows: Monday - Sunday 12:00 - 23:30 New Year’s Eve 12:00 - 01:00
Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to Licensing Section, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 25th December 2025
For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents
For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing General Section. Telephone: 0114 2734264 or by e-mail to licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk
It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on conviction for this offence is unlimited
TUESDAY
Coronation Street: At the hospital, Becky checks no one is watching, before grabbing a syringe, intent on killing Costello before he regains consciousness. However, when she comes face to face with Lisa, the game could be up. Daniel asks Megan out and is thrilled when she accepts. When Megan gets a call informing her that she’s got the job, she shares a passionate kiss with Daniel, leaving Will heartbroken. Todd is panicked when he sees Dev and is forced to lie that he got back from London early and that the cut on his head is the result of a drunken afternoon. Roy is flustered at work, prompting Nina to explain to Shona that he received a letter this morning which has left him unsettled. As Asha settles back in at home, she is thrown when Dev suggests that she might want to rethink her paramedic training. Tensions continue to simmer between Maria and Eva.
Emmerdale:
Ray warns April that he knows what she’s been up to. He orders her to stop worrying about Callum’s fate and to move on from his “death”. Later, Ray tells Celia about April’s secretive actions and they start making plans to separate her from her family again. Marlon and Rhona both become determined to free April from the nightmare that she’s in –starting with a visit to the police station. Lydia tries on dresses for the upcoming Jason Donovan concert, but Sam has to come clean with the latest setback they’ve suffered. Laurel agrees to give Ray one last chance and seems totally smitten –unaware of what Ray is capable of. The Emmerdale villagers remain oblivious to just how close Bear is, as his nightmare on Celia’s farm continues.
Eastenders:
The Slaters come together for Freddie and Anna’s goodbye celebrations. But when the Christmas lights are switched on, a message appears in the window of The Vic that leaves Zoe shaken. Zoe finds something in Tommy’s rucksack that leads her to believe he is her secret tormentor. Howie decides to ask Kim to marry him. Lily grows increasingly concerned about Jean’s mental health, as she finds it difficult to cope with Freddie leaving the Square. Nicola feels sick at McKlunky’s, but doesn’t tell George that she’s pregnant. How long will she keep this secret for? Nigel, Lexi and Julie hold auditions for his upcoming Christmas film. During a difficult week, Zoe finds a friend in Lauren, and the pair grow closer
MERCURYH LIDAYS
luxury
Fully
FOOTBALLR UNDUP
Chris Wilder acknowledged his ‘outstanding’ side who showed some impressive attacking play and plenty of character to close out a 3-2 win over Leicester City.
United surged into a 3-0 lead at the break after goals from Tom Cannon, Callum O’Hare - although this has been credited in some circles to Jairo Riedewald - and Sydie Peck, but had to withstand a Leicester fightback in the second half which saw the Foxes reduce the deficit, before the Blades saw the game through for a third successive Championship win.
Wilder praised his side for getting over the line after a tough seven days which has seen his team defeat Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and now Leicester.
He said: “I’ve got a together group, I’ve got an honest group, they’re fighting for each other. There was a lot of tired
bodies out there, we had to do what we had to do tactically to try and see it out.
“We were a bit disappointed, as I said, just after half-time, it took a mistake for them to get back in the game and then it’s down to two and anything can happen.
Next goal is incredibly important and they got it, but from a character point of view second half, from a football point of view first half, absolutely
outstanding.
“We’ve delivered on a huge week for the football club, and we’ve got to keep delivering, that’s my challenge to the players, keep going.
“We’ve still got work to do, been in the game long enough, been hurt enough times in the game to know that we haven’t cracked anything, but we’re nicely working our way into the situations that I want.”
oWls Hit WitH a seCond points deduCtion
Sheffield Wednesday have been penalized with an additional six-point deduction by the English Football League for breaches of regulations, leaving them 27 points adrift of safety in the Championship.
Former owner Dejphon Chansiri has also been handed a three-year ban from owning or serving as a director at any EFL club. According to BBC Radio Sheffield, this latest deduction follows the
club’s failure to pay players in March, May, and June, along with other unpaid staff and HMRC obligations.
The Owls previously faced a 12-point deduction in October after filing for administration.
This new ruling puts them on minus 10 points, 27 points behind Swansea in 21st place.
The EFL continues to investigate the club’s conduct during the current season, but has stated it does not intend
to impose any further points deductions.
A statement on Sheffield Wednesday’s website confirmed:
“The EFL can confirm that Sheffield Wednesday FC are to be deducted six points with immediate effect for multiple breaches of EFL Regulations relating to payment obligations, with Mr Dejphon Chansiri prohibited from being an owner or director of any EFL Club for a period of three years.”
It added: “While matters remain ongoing regarding issues being considered by the independent Club Financial Reporting Unit, for alleged breaches in the 2025-26 season prior to the club entering administration, the league is not seeking any further points deductions.”
The club is also in ongoing discussions with the EFL about its appeal against a fee restriction currently set to last until the end of
the winter 2027 transfer window, which is expected to be resolved as part of the club’s exit from administration.
Chansiri, who led a Thai consortium to take over Sheffield Wednesday in 2015, saw his decadelong ownership come to an end when the club entered administration. Administrators are currently working to identify a preferred bidder, with hopes of announcing a takeover by Friday.
BelieF oVer relieF as roVers return to Winning WaYs
Relief was far from being the word of the day for Grant McCann as Rovers returned to winning ways in Sky Bet League One. The 2-1 triumph over Peterborough United saw Rovers end a tengame winless run in the league.
But rather than being relieved at the change in fortunes, McCann was instead pleased for his players that their work
Nothing could separate two of League One’s most in-form teams as Rotherham and Wycombe produced an exhilarating 1-1 draw that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the match.
Wycombe took the lead through Jamie Mullins in the first half, giving the away side an early boost, before Kian Spence sent the home supporters into a frenzy with a thunderous, unstoppable volley 20 minutes from the final whistle.
Mullins opened the scoring for the Chairboys in the 14th minute, expertly heading in from close range after Fred Onyedinma’s deflected cross fell perfectly for the Irish midfielder, putting Wycombe ahead and setting the tone for an intense contest. Spence appeared poised to level the score for the Millers right at the start of the second half, but Wycombe goalkeeper Mikki van Sas pulled off an incredible save, brilliantly blocking his effort from inside the six-yard box.
Cauley Woodrow came agonizingly close to doubling Wycombe’s lead midway through the second half, but it was Spence who finally found the back of the net in the 70th minute, volleying in from close range after Ar’Jany Martha found him unmarked just eight yards out, ensuring a dramatic equalizer.
Rotherham now remain undefeated in nine league games, extending their impressive run, while Wycombe stretched their unbeaten streak to eight matches, highlighting their consistent form and tenacity in this fiercely fought encounter.
had paid off.
“I’m just pleased for the players really,” he said.
“I’m pleased for them and for the fans because I think everyone could sense it was coming.
“It’s probably been from the Reading game onwards.
“I think we’ve been so unlucky along the way bit you make your own luck in football.
“We’ve had decisions that haven’t gone for us and even in this one we should have had a penalty that would have put us 3-0 up at half time.
“It’s just pleasing to get the three points. That’s all it is - three points and now we move on to Tuesday.”
McCann was happy with Rovers’
performance across a highly competitive game. Jordan Gibson scored twice to cap a dominant first half showing for Rovers with Peterborough piling on the pressure after substitute Harry Leonard pulled a goal back soon after the break. He said: “It had a bit of everything. Performances for us have been good and it was about turning them into wins.
“We did that by suffocating Peterborough in the first half. We never gave them a chance to play.
“You’re never going to have a game all your own way. I think over the last five or six hames we’ve had the lion’s share of possession, the
most shots, the most big chances. But guess what? We didn’t win.
“We’ve won by dominating the first half and defending tremendously in the second.”
McCann admitted feeling some frustration that his side will wait ten days until their next league outing but welcomed the opportunity to progress further in cup
competitions with backto-back matches against Chesterfield in the Vertu Trophy and Emirates FA Cup.
“This is what happens when you go further in the cups and we want to go as far as we can in both,” he said. “It’s two big games coming up against Chesterfield - another possessionbased team - so I’m sure they’ll be good football games.”
