Sheffield United vs Leeds United: Dominic Picksley comments ahead of tonight’s game
A big match is set to take place at Bramall Lane Stadium tonight with Sheffield United set to take on Leeds United.
A win for the Blades would see them moving to the top of the Championship table, yet both teams head into the 8pm match in strong positions as they have both won each of their last four matches.
Dominic Picksley, a Sports Page Editor for PA Sport said: “Daniel Farke’s side are unbeaten in 15 league games and two points clear of the Blades at the summit ahead of one of the most eagerly-anticipated fixtures of the campaign.”
He said this match “should not disappoint as you’d expect both sides to go hell for leather."
Chris Wilder said he believes his team has everything it takes to achieve promotion back to the Premier League and win tonight’s game.
Dominic Picksley said: “The Whites hold something of an Indian sign over their near-neighbours after tasting success in the last three encounters between the two fierce rivals separated by the M1, while the home side will, in turn, be full of confidence after stringing four successive victories together."
Farke has labelled tonight’s match as their “toughest of the season”, while also praising “unbelievable” former Blade Jayden Bogle, who has played a significant role at Elland Road since making the switch in the summer.
He said that former players “have a habit of haunting old clubs on their returns to their old stomping grounds, so many eyes will be on the 24-year-old who Farke declared “one of the best signings of the summer.”
There is a lot of anticipation ahead of tonight’s game, with so much at stake and both managers confident of their team’s ability it is hard to say what the outcome will be.
Sheffield businessman takes on ‘One-Year-No-Haircut Challenge’ for charity
A year of floppy locks, headbands and several extra bottles of conditioner; that’s the story of one Sheffield businessman who swapped his usual formal attire for a more natural look, undergoing a dramatic transformation for a unique ‘One-Year-No-Haircut’ challenge.
Paul Hardy, 65, owner of Hardy Transactions, celebrated his 65th birthday on February 7 by finally visiting the barber, marking the end of his year-long endeavour.
He said: “I just wanted to do something to raise money for charity. I’m not going to cycle to Paris, I’m not going to swim 150 lengths, nor am I going to sit in a bath full of custard, so this was the line of least resistance.”
His efforts were rewarded with a £5426 fundraising total for Ben’s Centre, a local charity which provides a safe space for people suffering from substance misuse.
“Surprisingly, people have said it looks alright, it doesn’t look silly or embarrassing at all," Paul said.
The businessman's hair-growth challenge even sparked a family-affair after his eldest son joined him and got his hair cut during half-time at the Super Bowl.
Paul openly admitted to holding unkind thoughts in the past about men in business with unkept hair. His mission was just as much a personal challenge in overcoming past judgement as it was a charitable act.
He said: “Washing hair which is very long involves a great deal of physical effort which I hadn’t anticipated at all.”
It’s no surprise then that Paul’s main motivation was supporting a charity that helps others in a non-judgmental way.
“We see people in the street everyday who we assume are homeless because they’ve become addicted to substances, and I know that’s not always the case," said Paul. "All of us are only a few bad decisions away from being in the same situation.”
Donald Beedham, Marketing and Communications Officer at Ben’s Centre, said: "We appreciate all fundraising efforts. It really helps us."
Recognisable by its blue door, the charity provides a daily drop-in service for those suffering with substance abuse, welcoming nearly 40 people every day.
The charity provides clients with a hot meal and access to clothing and washing facilities, as well as support with well-being and housing. It is the only 'damp' centre in Sheffield and surrounding areas, meaning people can access their services while under the influence.
Mr Beedham explained this approach is vital to ensure people are not cut off from other services in the city.
“A lot of our clients don’t have the capacity to get up in a day without having a drink," he said. "We don’t want to prevent their access to food, clothing and hygiene just because they need to have a drink beforehand.”
However, the generalisation of homeless people presents one of the biggest challenges. Many clients of the Ben’s Centre are in some form of accommodation but have experienced trauma in their early lives and out on the streets, some even suffering brain injuries.
Mr Beedham said: “We just want it to be a happy and welcoming environment where they can forget about the chaos of their lives for a few hours every day.”
As the cost of living crisis continues, the number of people accessing the Ben’s Centre may well further increase. Paul’s fundraising efforts will hope to alleviate some of the financial pressures, ensuring their vital work continues.
But Paul’s hair growth journey isn’t over yet; he now has his sights set on a ponytail!
You can donate to Paul's endeavour via his GoFundMe.
Watch the full story here.
Sheffield’s Fargate is the latest in a long list of the city’s redevelopment projects behind schedule
When will Sheffield's City Centre ever be done? That's the question on everybody's lips four years after the city council was given millions to breathe new life into Fargate.
The Fargate restoration has been underway since 2023, connecting the new Castlegate Quarter - still under construction - to the ‘heart of the city’ - also still under construction. Today Councillor Ben Miskell, who is in charge of the regeneration of Sheffield, vowed Fargate would be "substantially ready" within weeks.
Fargate’s restoration project received a £15.8 million cash injection back in 2021 after a successful government bid from the “Future High Streets Fund”, and will eventually become a social hub showcasing the city’s diverse talent in the new Event Central building. The building will showcase local artists, exhibitions, performances, talks and events.
Work for this new building will start in either the spring or summer of this year, despite the funding having been in the bag for the past four years.
Fargate will also feature flower planters inviting insects, while comfortable seating areas and adequate lighting is set to make it a vibrant and welcoming place for all.
This idea was inspired by the award winning Grey to Green scheme, with work beginning back in 2023. Sheffield City Council told the BBC this part of the project will be ready by February, but Cllr Miskell told Sheffield Wire that this has been pushed back and will now be ready by mid-March.
He said: "Historically Fargate has been the heart beat of the city centre, it will still be a place to buy things, but It will also be a fabulous event space as well. Over the next few weeks we'll bringing an end to that project and by Mid-March it will be largely done."
Cllr Miskell also said Sheffielders have become used to construction around the city centre because it means progress.
The original grant from the Future Hight Streets Fund was £15.8 million, and the initial estimated cost of Fargate at the start was £8.8 million. The estimated cost of Fargate so far stands at £14.4 million, taken from a total pot of £33.6 million according to the current Council figures.
Cllr Miskell said: "Its important to be really clear with people isn't it, and projects like this do take time, when we build extensions to our houses we know it could take weeks, months and sometimes years. Here we are talking about really complex situation. But yes Fargate will be substantially ready by mid-March.
"I remember someone asked me when will the city centre be finished and my answer to that is a good city centre is never finished."
Sheffield City Council's original regeneration plan said: “By 2038 The city will be a stronger, more inclusive sustainable city. It will also be known as a city that increases the skills of its people and the productivity of its businesses, enabling everyone to reach their full potential regardless of where they live or grew up.”
Massive new homes plan will “make sure people can stay in Sheffield”
An ambitious regeneration masterplan for Sheffield will "contribute to the economy and keep money in people's back pockets."
Speaking to Sheffield Wire earlier today, Cllr Ben Miskell discussed the plans for regeneration in Sheffield, and how that encompassed housing.
The Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, Cllr Miskell, spoke of the council's “masterplan”, which contributes to the building of 20,000 homes across Sheffield by 2039 in central areas, Neepsend and Furnace Hill, Moorfoot and the station.
These developments include an intended 20% of affordable housing with a variety of different models and tenures suitable for different people.
Cllr Miskell said: “We realise that the market hasn’t worked in Sheffield as much as we would have wanted it to in terms of providing the sorts of homes that people need.”
He said their aims were, “to improve the housing quality but also to be able to get more affordable homes and more social rented homes as well”.
These types of affordable developments come at a key time, with Sheffield falling short in comparison to other major cities across England.
Data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government showed that there was no additional affordable housing provided by local authorities in Sheffield between 2023-24.
Cllr Miskell attributed some of the city’s loss of social housing to the Right to Buy scheme, where properties have been lost from council ownership and taken into the public sector.
A lack of council homes in Sheffield is a growing issue, with the waiting list standing at nearly 25,000 people.
Cllr Tom Hunt announced in February 2024 that there would be 1000 new council homes built by 2029 however, a report by Yayha Aydin into low use homes in Sheffield showed that there are over 700 vacant council homes.
Cllr Miskell said: "We are working with registered social landlords and with government agents Homes England in order to package together different sites across the city to be able to develop social housing.”
He acknowledged growing rent prices and said: “We are committed to making sure that people have a home, at a rent level they can enjoy.”
A ruff ride? Sheffield citizens share their views on letting dogs board the Supertram
A proposal that would allow dogs to ride on the Sheffield tram network has been met with mixed reactions from the public.
Today, the Sheffield Wire spoke to people across the city centre, as a public consultation on the matter by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority enters its final week.
Some people have said that I’m barking mad for not letting all dogs on trams - it’s been a great bone of contention for them.
Oliver coppard, SOUTH YORKSHIRE mayor
Currently, only service animals and dogs in carry-cages are allowed onto the Supertram network, which connects cities and towns across South Yorkshire.
One tram-goer said: "Dogs should be forbidden - except for the blind."
However, many dog owners were supportive of a change to the rules, saying it would improve transport accessibility, and would likely result in them using the tram more often. But some feared that untrained animals would cause disruption on the trams, or frighten passengers with a fear of dogs.
Jamie Lee, who recently moved with her dog closer to the city centre, said: "If I could take Bella on, I'd use the tram more."
One couple, Sue and Mick Owen, found themselves divided on the issue. Sue believes the changes would be "wonderful" - but Mick had some reservations.
Sheffield's canine citizens - and their owners - shared a range of views on the matter with us.
Mrs. Owen and Ms. Lee both pointed out that non-service dogs are allowed on other bus & train networks in South Yorkshire, without issue, making the Supertram an outlier.
Mrs. Owen said: "If dogs aren't a problem on the bus, then I can't see why they should be a problem on the tram."
The SYMCA took the Supertram back into full public ownership last year, and the consultation comes as part of broader plans to integrate and expand South Yorkshire's transport networks into a cohesive whole.
Oliver Coppard, the regional mayor, said: “The brilliant thing is that choices like this are now ours to make since we took back public control of Supertram."
Sheffield City Council is also involved in plans for the future of the tram network, with the hope it could spearhead a broader regeneration of the city centre.
Cllr. Ben Miskell, chair of the Transport Committee on the Council, said: "We know well-behaved dogs can coexist with public transport. However, people may have different views - and we do want to hear them."
The consultation closes on 3rd March at noon. To hear some responses from Sheffield's citizens, watch the video below!
Bands dejected over Leadmill’s eviction: “Leadmill is the people that work there”
Sheffield bands have expressed their disappointment after a judge ruled against the tenants of a 45-year-old music venue and enforced an eviction notice.
The Turncoats, who have previously played in the 900-capacity building, said: "If The Leadmill disappears then grassroots gigs will end up in the hands of companies such as the O2 Arena which is another huge faceless chain."
The owner and landlord of the building, Electric Group, originally served notice on tenants The Leadmill Ltd, which owns the iconic brand, back in March 2022.
A judge dismissed the tenant's appeal last Wednesday, meaning that they will have to leave the venue within three months and 21 days of the ruling.
Joe Murphy, a bass player for Sheffield band Frogmango, said he was doubtful that new management will be able to capture the soul of place.
He said: "It is really disheartening to be honest. Switching the management means the place won't be the same."
The grassroots music venue has been a culturally significant institution for Sheffield which has seen notable bands nationwide such as The Stone Roses and Coldplay perform. Following the ruling, local musicians are worried about the future of the venue.
A spokesperson for the landlord has reassured the public on the future of this building. They said: "It will continue to be a cornerstone of the live music scene in Sheffield, supporting artists, fan, and community projects for the next 100 years."
However, while some have spoken out about their concerns that the London-based landlord will ruin the spirit of the venue, Joey Pollard from the band Polat voiced his doubt about the Leadmill's campaign to hold onto their tenancy.
Mr Pollard expressed sadness at the possibility that the band may never get to play at the iconic building, however he said: "The grassroots underdog narrative they [the tenants] have been pushing in an attempt to drum up support rubs me the wrong way."
He said he believed members of the public had been convinced that they were saving a part of Sheffield as opposed to "the interests of a wealthy business person whose business is about to be bought out by another, richer businessman."
Phil Mills, who has trademarked The Leadmill business and name, was given the opportunity to buy the building back in 2014 when it went to auction. The reasons for his refusal to buy the building is not public and he has not spoken out since the ruling.
Leadmill Ltd was approached for comment but did not respond. However it released a statement in which it said it will continue to liaise with their legal advisers.
The statement added: "We are in it together, doing everything we can to fight for the place that means so much to us and to so many others."
The River Sheaf uncovered after 100 years
A section of the River Sheaf has been uncovered in Castlegate, Sheffield this morning after being underground for 100 years, as part of a wider project in the regeneration of Sheffield.
The £15m project is to create a new public park on the Castlegate site, where members of the public can sit and enjoy the views.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transportation, Regeneration, and Climate Policy Committee said: "What we’re creating is a thriving city centre park and it’s really important that people have space that they can enjoy.
"We have been closing off places for over 100 years, now we are opening them up as a vital part of our city."
The River was covered up in 1917 as part of a project in Castle Markets, which was later demolished in 2015 and the space has been vacant ever since.
After being industrialised in the Steel City, the river became polluted and acted as a waste bin for nearby slaughterhouses.
The Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust have been campaigning to revive the river, due to its significant role in Sheffield’s history.
The River Sheaf dates back to the 18th century, serving as a key water source for the city.
The uncovering of the River Sheaf is a cornerstone of the Castlegate regeneration project, and in the coming year, the public will begin to see the transformation of this area into a welcoming park space.
Watch the full story here.
Sheffield City Council’s £11.5 million grant for electric buses: How will it impact the community?
Image: Cllr Ben Miskell stands next to zero-emission bus. Source: Sheffield City Council
A proposal to invest in more electric buses in Sheffield city centre has attracted praise and criticism from residents.
The City Council announced plans to deliver an extra 30 to 40 zero-emission buses running routes into the city centre on 12 February.
Councillor Ben Miskell, chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “The introduction of more electric buses will be a major milestone as we continue to clean up the air we breathe and improve the passenger experience.”
It is hoped the move to electric buses will improve air quality, which currently leads to around 500 premature deaths each year in Sheffield, according to a council action plan.
The council’s Facebook post introducing these plans met with a mixed response from Sheffield locals.
Commenting on the post, Chris O’Grady said: “All buses should absolutely be electric, if only to improve the air quality surrounding them and noise they generate.
"You don't have to be a pedestrian or cyclist in a city for long to realise that diesel buses are a massive problem to general peace in the urban landscape.”
Meanwhile, Jane Stadonland commented: "It's a good idea and it means anyone who struggles with their health can get down to the Moor and back again easily."
Residents also expressed concern online for how often the service will be used.
Sheffield Connect, a similar free electric bus service in the city, launched in 2024. Referring to the project, one local said: “It’s another waste of money, they’re always empty.”
Cllr Miskell added: “We’re increasingly more mindful of how public transport works for everyone, including blind people.”
According to government figures, since the Clean Air Zone was introduced in Sheffield in February 2023, the amount of Nitrogen Dioxide in the air has decreased by an average of 16%.
The council have said they are keen to continue their plan to clean up the city’s air.
Sheffield kitchen serving traditional home-cooked food whilst providing opportunities for South Asian women
The fragrant smell of Indian spices emanate from the warmly lit kitchen, as sounds of joyful laughter and endless chatter can be heard from the busy chefs behind the counter.
It is 10am on a Wednesday morning and Naheed and Shazia, are busy preparing a plethora of 'home-cooked' foods inspired by their South Asian heritage.
The popular kitchen-cafe is run by Roshni, a Sheffield-based Asian Women's Resource Centre on Queens Road, in Nether Edge. Locals frequently pop in for an affordable traditional hot meal at the centre which has now been open for 10 months.
Fouzia Ali, the Women's Empowerment Project Co-ordinator for Roshni, who has worked with the charity for 14 years, is enthusiastic and passionate about the work the centre carries out.
"There are so many women who are brilliant cooks," she says. "We wanted to provide training opportunities to the women so that they can use their cooking skills to find employment or start their own business. In addition, our cafe is our way of connecting with the local community.
"Roshni runs a number of support services, including lots of short courses in English and other skills to build independence in women. A side benefit of the courses is that women get social opportunities to build connections. We see the cafe as an extension of this connection building."
The charity's name, Roshni, means 'light' in Urdu, was set up in 1992 by a group of passionate women who wanted to provide services and support to empower women.
The centre aims to help women from disadvantaged backgrounds who are often cut off from external support due to their culture and language barriers.
Fouzia explained a lot of the women who come to Roshni are from immigrant backgrounds and have struggled because they lack the skills and confidence to integrate in the society here.
"They weren't raised to live independent lives," she says. "It was very much the belief that you should look after your children, husband and house."
The kitchen, which opened in April 2024, was set up to provide women training and work experiences. There are a mixture of volunteers and paid staff who have completed a hospitality course in partnership with Free2Learn and UMIX.
Shazia moved to the UK from Pakistan, several years ago, and through Roshni became fluent in English, which gave her the confidence to apply for jobs. After a recent career break, Shazia joined the Roshni kitchen as an assistant cook.
"Roshni helps women who come to the UK from Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. The staff are bi-lingual, which is very helpful for women."
Last month, the cafe, a social enterprise, extended their opening hours from three days a week to six which will mean more opportunities for volunteers to build their skills. As well as learning new skills, there is an opportunity to meet women from similar backgrounds.
"We have a great time working in the kitchen," says Shazia. "I enjoy socialising with my colleagues. I have worked with vulnerable women in the past and being part of Roshni's work allows me to put my experience to good use."
Roshni Kitchen's volunteers are recruited from the charity's service users, helping them gain practical experience.
Fouzia, is also an Ayurveda practitioner who specialises in a holistic system of medicine and lifestyle which originated in India.
“One of my ambitions is to use my skills to help both the Asian and the general community by helping them think about their health through what they eat," she says.
The Thali dishes are inspired by the Ayurvedic system, and have a variety of components to provide a balanced diet. This includes rice, dhal, vegetables, some achar (pickle) and chutney.
The cafe serves 30 freshly cooked meals, free of charge, every week to their clients who are struggling with the rising cost of living crisis and also runs healthy living courses, including a diabetes programme which aims to inform women about healthier dietary choices.
The charity is planning to run a series of short courses, focussing on gut health and managing general health through a better diet. They are also aiming to offer courses in Ayurvedic cooking and alternative holistic remedies.
Sheffield schools picked for government breakfast club scheme to tackle child poverty
Parents could save up to £450 a year from a new government initiative to curb child poverty, improve school attendance and increase educational attainment.
Primary school-aged children will be entitled to a free breakfast and their parents will have daily access to at least 30 minutes of free childcare anytime between 8am and 6pm which will alleviate their stress about getting to work.
The schools selected for this scheme were High Green Primary School, Carfield Primary School, and Totley All Saints CE Primary School.
Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, said: "Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds, so every child begins the day ready to learn."
The Department for Education announced this initiative as part of the greater plan to better support parents and tackle the issues children may face as a result of poverty which is on the rise. As of 2023, one in four children suffer from absolute poverty.
Government research have shown that breakfast clubs can bolster children's reading and writing skills and maths by an average of two months.
The 750 schools chosen across all nine regions could launch the scheme as early as this April. It is unclear how schools were picked as smaller neighbouring cities such as Doncaster and Bradford had more schools participating in the scheme.
However, schools were chosen from all across England to test and learn from a variety of locations including those that do not have an existing breakfast club. Of the 180,000 children in this phase, around 67,000 of them attend schools in deprived areas.
Schools will be provided the funding to cover food and staffing costs. They must provide nutritious breakfasts that adhere to government standards such as wheat bisks, porridge, fresh fruit, and yogurt. They will also host activities like arts and crafts, reading, and educational games.
Sir David Holmes CBE, Chief Executive of Family Action said: "We know that an effective breakfast provision delivered in a supportive and enriching environment can make the world of difference to a child."
The clubs come as part of a greater plan to reduce the cost of living for families. The government also aims to lower uniform costs through a cap on branded items and generate more government-funded care.
Kearsley West Primary School is one of the schools participating in the first phase. The Headteacher, Jackie Fitton, said: "For our school, the funding provided will be a real-life saver, ensuring we can provide a healthy breakfast and supportive start to the day for our pupils."
More information on the breakfast club policy will be given after the first phase has been tested appropriately while the access to childcare offer will continue to roll out across the country.
Final Goodbyes to Hope Works following Closing Weekend Party
Photography: James Ward
Hope Works, Sheffield's iconic underground electronic music venue, opened its doors for the last time on Saturday night.
The venue, which has been a vital part of the city's underground music and rave scene, was set up in November 2012 by Founder Liam O'Shea.
After 12 years, Liam announced on Instagram in December that the venue would be closing, with the closing party taking place at the end of February.
In his statement, Liam said: "[Hope Works] has been my passion, an act of determined resilience to create something in Sheffield like no other. A uniquely programmed beacon of hope and restless freedom in the Steel City."
It has to be said that running an underground music venue in today's ever shifting and volatile nightlife landscape has been challenging. We survived COVID and have delivered hundreds of parties since 2012.
"However for me to continue to expand my work into new areas and have time for my family, something needed to change."
Liam started a project called 'Mixed in Sheffield' back in 2009, which aimed to strengthen the electronic landscape of Sheffield.
As an artist himself, Liam 'Lo Shea' wanted to broaden Sheffield's musical range past the infamous indie scene and put it on the map as an underground music hub.
He began to set up multi-genre parties in the city, which resulted in creating a club night with his friends called 'Downlo' at night-life venue Dan Sane from 2010-2012 and shortly after, Hope Works was created.
Hope Works was originally a WWI gun barrel factory in the industrial heart of Sheffield before it was repurposed as an events place.
I've been told by so many people how Hope Works was the soundtrack to their university years or it introduced them to real rave culture.
At the event on Saturday, one partygoer said: "I moved over here in 2012 and this was the first nightclub I ever came to. Before I even moved to Sheffield, I came to this nightclub. It was nice to come and feel like I'd found somewhere I belonged."
Another first-timer at Hope Works said: "This is my first time here. From the door staff, to the people here, to the music that's on, it feels safe.
"Sheffield used to be indie music, now it's the kind of music we're here to listen to tonight."
Nowadays, you go into any club and you hear bassline. It's the sound of the city. That's what was so good about Hope Works - it was Sheffield sound.
While Hope Works will be missed, Liam has ensured that his festival 'No Bounds', which draws in crowds from all over the country, will continue to go ahead.
He says that Hope Works is "a story that's still ongoing".
Sheffield hospice appeals for donations in wills
A Sheffield Hospice has appealed for people to leave 'legacy gifts' in their wills to support their services due to a lack of public funding.
St Luke's Hospice has joined the Hospice UK ‘National Gift in Wills’ campaign, alongside 143 hospices across the UK. The campaign highlights the importance of caregiving and leaving legacy gifts to keep hospices running across the UK.
The charity’s Chief Executive Jo Lenton said: “The gifts we receive in wills are a crucial part of our charitable funding, paying for the care of one in six of our patients, and without them, we simply could not continue to exist as we do.”
Through the 'National Gift in Wills' campaign, people can leave a legacy gift or funds in their will to a hospice of their choice, which then helps caregivers provide future services for the ill.
Since hospice care is offered free of cost to those who are admitted to St. Luke’s care and services are estimated to cost around £14 million per year. Only a quarter of these funds are provided by the NHS and the government, the hospice is heavily reliant on public funds.
St. Luke’s looks after people over 18 across Sheffield with all kinds of terminal illnesses. Last year, the charity cared for around 1,800 patients – some of whom came to the hospice but many more were looked after at home by the St Luke’s team of community nurses.
Although St. Luke’s has participated in several campaigns over the years, this is their first time participating in a targeted campaign that not only raises money, but also raises awareness required to provide care for future generations.
John Highfield, the media relations manager at St. Luke’s believes that if the hospice decides to run solely on the government funds, then it would not be able to sustain for more than a few months.
“Public support is vital to our future. The 'Gift in Wills' campaign is one more way of saying to the people that one day you might need us, and we need to be there for you.”