NEILL Collins has already paid tribute to the positive influence Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson has had on his career.

But the Scottish centre-half, who is expected to anchor the visitors’ defence during this weekend’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, has also picked the brains of two accomplished exponents of the defensive arts as he prepares himself for the maelstrom of a Steel City showdown.

With a combined 1,229 senior appearances and nearly half a century of derbies on their respective footballing CVs, there is precious little Chris Morgan and David Weir have not experienced in their careers.

Morgan, who accepted a role on Wilson’s coaching staff when the former Northern Ireland international was appointed in May, has yet to resume playing duties after suffering a serious knee injury 17 months ago.

But Morgan’s new role has ensured he remains a powerful and influential figure behind the scenes, with Collins keen to benefit from his experience.

“Myself and the rest of the centre-halves here are really fortunate because we’ve got two of the best people with us that you could possibly learn from in Chris and David,” he said.

“They’ve been there, seen it and done it so it’s great to have them around because they can pass on so much.

“Both of them know exactly the challenges that you face in this position and they’ve dealt with everything the job can throw up before.

“It’s a real boost having them around the place with us.”

“Chris is hugely respected by everyone here,” Collins added.

“He might not be out there on the pitch at the moment but he’s still a massive part of what we are trying to do.”

Weir, a veteran of 43 Old Firm, Merseyside and Edinburgh derbies, had been training with United since leaving Glasgow Rangers earlier this term.

Wilson actively encouraged him to share his knowledge with players such as Collins as they devise a strategy to combat Wednesday’s aerial threat. Nevertheless, Collins, who has tasted success with the likes of Sunderland and Leeds, has warned against over-playing the ‘experience’ card when attempting to predict the outcome of Sunday’s contest.

“It counts for a lot but it doesn’t count for everything,” he said. “We’ve seen youngsters here come into high-pressure situations and they’ve more than coped.”Weir, who watched United beat Huddersfield Town earlier this month, is unlikely to be present at Hillsborough after accepting a coaching role with his former club Everton last night.He will work primarily with the Premier League outfit’s academy and reserves.“The manager (David Moyes) has always maintained there would be a role here for me when I finally decided to come back,” he said. “I’ll do whatever he requires.“It feels like coming home again.”

]]> 1.4270939 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:02:42 +0000 http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/jj_s_out_for_two_months_1_4270962

OWLS star Jermaine Johnson has been ruled out for around eight weeks.

The bombshell news coincides with the club landing Reading winger Michail Antonio on loan for the rest of the season.

Wednesday are also working on trying to sign an undisclosed forward. And it was suggested last night that a move for Doncaster Rovers’ Kyle Bennett had been turned down.

Johnson damaged knee ligaments in a tackle at Chesterfield last Saturday, it has been confirmed.

Manager Gary Megson summed up the blow by saying: “JJ has been playing arguably the best football of his career. scoring goals, making them and looking a huge threat. He’s expected to be out for eight weeks, We just have to tough it out”

He welcomed the arrival of Antonio, who first emerged as a loan target in November and played well at Hillsborough while on loan with Colchester.

“I wanted to have Michail on one wing and Ben Marshall on the other,” said Megson. “But it wasn’t possible at that time because Michail’s partner was due to give birth.” The baby was born last month.

“Michail has pace, strength, an eye for goal, and he works hard,” he added. “Our fans will have seen him when we played Colchester - I was surprised when he was taken off in that game.”

If Johnson is sidelined for eight weeks then he could be back for only the last few games of the regular league programme but will be available for the play-offs if the Owls end up in those - though hopes of automatic promotion are still alive.

The move for another forward in addition to the deal for Antonio - being handled by chief executive Paul Aldridge - comes after the club have hit a shortage of goals. Antonio, aged 21, could make a debut in Sunday’s Sheffield derby.

His last game for Reading was on January 28 in a 1-0 win against Bristol City. The loan includes the remaining league games and can be extended for any play-offs.

]]> 1.4270962 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:55:00 +0000 http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/howard_wants_to_be_lane_no_1_1_4270959

MARK Howard has set his sights on dislodging Steve Simonsen from Sheffield United’s starting 11.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday, the former Arsenal, Aberdeen and Blackpool goalkeeper admitted the prospect of playing in high-profile games such as the Steel City derby was one of the factors which lured him to Bramall Lane.

Howard, who made his first appearance in a United jersey during yesterday’s 6-1 Central League success over Stoke, told The Star: “I’ve come here to try and play football. There’s no point in denying that.

“Simmo is a brilliant keeper and he’s shown why he’s so highly regarded since I’ve been here. But I’ll be working hard to try to get my chance in the team.”

Howard, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Bramall Lane, added: “There’s always a lot of competition amongst us goalies and we don’t have any problems with that.

“Everyone knows what the score is because when you’re in our position there’s only one role in the team. Other players can swap about and change their roles a bit but we can’t. But it doesn’t mean to say that you can’t get along. In fact, you have to because we work pretty much on top of each other week in and week out.

“We’re competing against each other for that starting role but we also really help each other out when we can.”

United, who last night insisted injured midfielder Kevin McDonald will be given until “the final moment” to recover for the meeting with Gary Megson’s side, have placed Lee Williamson and Nick Montgomery on standby should the former Scotland under-21 international’s hamstring fail to heal in time.

“Kevin is undergoing treatment,” a spokesperson said.

]]> 1.4270959 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:50:00 +0000 http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/kyle_s_double_blast_1_4270958

KYLE Bennett pressed his claims for a place in the Doncaster Rovers’ side to face Peterborough on Saturday with a brace in yesterday afternoon’s 4-1 win over Lincoln City in a practice game behind closed doors at the club’s training ground.

It was suggested last night that Sheffield Wednesday had unsuccessfully tried to sign Bennett on loan.

Fabien Robert, who made his Rovers’ debut coming off the bench in Saturday’s game at Leeds United, also netted as did a trialist.

Striker Chris Brown and midfielder Paul Keegan, neither of whom have played at first-team level under manager Dean Saunders due to injuries, both played a full game and came through without any adverse affect.

Fit-again defender Shelton Martis, an unused substitute at Elland Road, played for around an hour.

Damian Plessis, yet to play at Championship level for Rovers, caught the eye in midfield.

Saunders will have to make a decision within the next few days on whether to try and extend keeper David Button’s loan spell.

The 22-year-old Spurs’ keeper is due to play his last game for Rovers as part of his second spell on loan in Saturday’s game.

Button again impressed for Rovers in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Leeds United.

He was initially brought in as emergency cover at the start of the year when Wolves loanee Carl Ikeme picked up a serious hand injury in training and needed surgery and long-serving Neil Sullivan was also booked in for an operation to try and resolve a serious wear and tear hand injury.

Saunders rates Ikeme highly and would like to bring him back to the club on loan.

But the Premier League club’s recent decision to part company with long-time manager Mick McCarthy could put any moves to bring him back to Doncaster on loan on ice.

It is likely that the new manager, when appointed, will want to assess his playing resources and will be keen to give everybody the chance to stake their claim before deciding who is surplus to requirements at this moment in time and who is available to go out on loan.

Another factor is that Sullivan could soon be back in the frame. The 42 year-old saw his specialist on Monday and following the all-clear he resumed light training with goal-keeping coach Lee Butler yesterday.

But with Rovers facing nine matches next month - two of which are away to the current top two sides and crucial relegation six-pointers against Nottingham Forest and Millwall - Saunders will want his strongest possible squad available. He will have former Aston Villa centre-back Habib Beye available after a three-match ban against the Posh.

Due to postponements, the 34 year-old, who recently signed a new 18-month contract at the club, has not played for over a month., but has trained hard.

Rovers have reduced the adult admission price for the Peterborough game to £15. Juniors 16 and under will be able to see the match for £5.

West Yorkshire Police, who questioned both teams in their respective dressing rooms following an incident in the tunnel after Saturday’s game against Leeds United at Elland Road, are continuing their investigation.

The two clubs have so far declined to comment on the incident, but a police spokesperson said: “There was a small disturbance in the tunnel after the game involving both teams. Officers dealt swiftly with the incident and there were no injuries or arrests. Both teams are working with the police and any necessary action will be taken in due course.”

Rovers’ media manager Steve Uttley confirmed yesterday afternoon that the club were assisting the police. But contrary to reports that the FA were also investigating the incident, he said that the football authorities had not been in touch.

LIFE is just a knockout right now for Kell Brook both in and outside the ring.

The Sheffield welterweight has one of the biggest fights of his career coming up against Matthew Hatton on Saturday March 17, after celebrating the birth of his first child.

Daughter Nevaeh - heaven spelt backwards - was born six days ago, weighing 6lb 8oz.

“My partner [Lindsey] came up with the name and I loved it,” said Brook, unbeaten in 26 bouts. “It was an unbelievable feeling holding the baby for the first time. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

]]> 1.4270954 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:40:00 +0000 http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/davey_raging_over_matches_1_4270952

DONCASTER Knights will be looking to bounce back from successive Championship defeats in today’s rearranged clash against London Welsh at Old Deer Park (2pm).

It is the first of two games in three days for the Knights, who also visit leaders Bristol on Friday in their last fixture before the play-offs start next weekend.

“I am absolutely raging about the situation,” said Knights’ boss Brett Davey prior to the team leaving for their overnight hotel. We were originally scheduled to play Bristol on Saturday but they approached us about playing the game on the Friday night in October or November last year and we didn’t have a problem with that.

But as it has panned out having to play London Welsh just 48 before is ridiculous. Today’s game was originally going to be played yesterday but London Welsh (who played London Scottish on Sunday) wanted it playing today.

“That is okay as far as they are concerned but everyone seems to have forgotten that we’ve already been inconvenienced in this situation. We had to travel down there earlier this month when, in my opinion, the pitch was never going to be playable.

“Now we’ve got to down there again as well as having to play away at Bristol in what will be our fourth game in ten days. It’s something that needs looking at because having to play in midweek, as we also had to do in the British & Irish Cup pool games, puts too much of a physical strain on the players.

“It’s probably not too bad for those clubs who have dual-registered players, or have links with a Premiership club. But when, like us, you have to operate with a 29-man squad it is an absolute joke.”

Eighth-placed Knights could finish two places higher but need to beat both Welsh and Bristol - who have both beaten them at home - and for other results to go their way.

KELL Brook has vowed to repair the sport’s reputation after the “absolutely terrible” scuffle between Dereck Chisora and David Haye.

The unbeaten welterweight, who takes on Matthew Hatton at Sheffield Arena next month, has branded the brawl in Munich on Saturday night a “disgrace”.

The British pair clashed in the post fight news conference after Chisora was beaten by Vitali Klitschko. Haye and Chisora squared up to each other, with Chisora accusing Haye of “glassing him” before saying at least four times that he would shoot the former WBA heavyweight champion.

Chisora was detained on Sunday but released without charge, while Haye left the country before authorities were able to question him. Chisora offered an unreserved apology for his part in the incident and Haye offered a lengthy explanation of his actions while stopping short of saying sorry.

Brook, nicknamed ‘Special K, told The Star: “I thought it was absolutely disgusting and absolutely terrible for the sport.

“I don’t want the fans or the people to think that all boxers are like that. They disgraced themselves and I would never conduct myself like that.

“Hopefully Matthew and I can boost boxing when we face each other. We are two nice guys. We will do our fighting in the ring. Outside the ropes, we will conduct ourselves in the proper manner.”

Dom Ingle, Brook’s trainer, added: “Kell’s fight can get boxing back on track. What Chisora and Haye did was bad and it is the type of thing you see in wrestling.

“People look up to guys like David and Dereck so for them to behave like that is terrible and it sets a bad example to kids.

“It has not scarred the rest of the sport because ninety nine per cent of boxing is good. If anything, in my opinion, it has blemished their personalities and careers.”

Top promoter Ricky Hatton also condemned the scrap but said it was “rare” incidents occur like that at shows.

Sheffield Steelers 5 Fife Flyers 1

BEATING up the smallest kid in the class brings little satisfaction when you have been well and truly bashed by classmates your own size.

But, in fairness, Steelers can only take on those that are put in front of them and they at least had the satisfaction of a ‘first half’ spanking of bottom club Fife Flyers, last night.

After being taken down by leaders Belfast Giants and third place Nottingham Panthers earlier this month, a re-shaped Sheffield outfit were handed an easier opponent at iceSheffield: the steeply descending Fife Flyers, who have won four matches in regular time out of 42 this term.

It enabled coach Ryan Finnerty to rest import goalie John DeCaro and unleash the full force of all his import skaters.

Steelers, with Geoff Woolhouse a spectator in goal, took only seven minutes to go ahead when Jonathan Phillips scored his second in four games.

At 15:41 the match seemed over as a contest when Neil Clark, thoroughly enjoying a spell back in the side, scored from Jason Hewitt and Mike Ramsay.

It was Ramsay who twisted the knife at the start of the second period.

He combined with his new linemates Hewitt and Clark to make it 3-0 and then set up Clark for his second of the night.

A fifth goal arrived at the half-way point from centreman Jeff Legue, after set up play from his wingers Colt King and Luke Fulghum.

And that was it! The home side eased their foot off the pedal in the second half of the evening.

Bizarrely the final goal came from the Scots, former roller hockey left winger Steve Gunn spoiling stand-in goalie Woolhouse’s shut-out hopes with a goal produced after good work from former Steeler Dan Ceman and d-man Tim Maxwell, at 54;42.

The win puts Ryan Finnerty’s team on 70 points, seven behind Belfast, with four games in hand.

Steelers have more three more Scottish adventures ahead - they play Braehead Clan on Friday, Fife again on Saturday and Edinburgh Capitals at home on Sunday (5pm).

TERRY Curran believes that Sunday’s derby could be a turning point in the Owls’ season.

He feels that they certainly need to win if hopes of automatic promotion are to be kept alive.

Curran played for both Sheffield clubs but he is a Wednesdayite - he says it was the only reason he dropped out of the old First Division and left Southampton to join the Owls in the third tier.

“The home team should have the advantage,” said the man who starred in Jack Charlton’s promotion-winning 1980 side.

“But United are on a terrific run while Wednesday have lost their last four in the league and cup.

“It’s a good opportunity for Wednesday to get back on track, and if they want to get automatic promotion they have to win.

“It puts them under a bit more pressure, on top of the pressure that goes with a derby.

“So doubtless Gary Megson will be doing everything to make sure he gets the utmost from them.”

Curran believes that different factors have contributed to the Owls’ few setbacks this season: “I think they’ve been unlucky at times. But luck doesn’t get you results.

“And teams are going to raise their game when they play Wednesday, but they have to overcome that.

“At Exeter the other team scored two wonder goals from free kicks. However you prepare for games, there’s nothing you can do to legislate for goals like that.

“Teams such as Charlton and Stevenage have been well organised, and when you’re the home team you have to push forward while the opposition can just try to catch you on the counter attack.

“Wednesday have had chances where they haven’t won games: Chesterfield was a prime example. Wednesday were looking like the team who were going to score, then the other side got a penalty through a rash challenge.

“When you get goalscoring chances you have to take them. All the strikers, not just Gary Madine, have hit a bad patch. That will be disappointing to Gary Megson and he’ll be doing his utmost to try to get them out of it.”

A win for the Owls at Hillsborough on Sunday would put them only two points behind United, though the Blades still have two games in hand.

“This could be a turning point for Wednesday,” says Curran. “This is a game they can’t afford to lose.

“I think they’ll take the game to United but will have to be prepared for the counter-attack.

“I also think United will want to get through the first 20 minutes without conceding a goal and hope the home fans get on their team’s back.

“It’s going to be a tough game. United are playing well and Ched Evans is scoring goals for fun. Danny Wilson has done a tremendous job there.

“It’s down to Wednesday and Gary Megson to get themselves motivated for Sunday.”

Curran, who scored in both games against United in 1979-80, will be attending this Saturday night’s Hillsborough reunion dinner for the team who beat the Blades 4-0.

But he cannot attend the derby. He coaches at Doncaster Rovers’ centre of excellence and has a match on Sunday.

THIS is a ground where Rotherham have ventured with some trepidation in recent years. Not surprising really as no Millers side had won there since 1988 and in the subsequent 10 visits up to last night since then had managed just two draws and suffered eight defeats.

Well, they still struggle to win in this part of Kent but at least they earned themselves a draw, a well deserved one, and in the final half-hour - in which they were well on top - they looked by far the likeliest side to win it including right into stoppage time when, from a corner, Jason Taylor’s header flashed right across goal with no one able to get a touch.

It stretches their unbeaten run to four matches but they will feel they may just have missed an opportunity in this second half.

Missing from the Millers side which drew at Burton were Richard Naylor and Kieron Cadogan.

Naylor came off a few minutes from time on Saturday with what manager Andy Scott said was a rib injury which was affecting his breathing although he had indicated yesterday that the experienced central defender was okay - as were the rest.

Cadogan, the winger on loan from Palace, wasn’t in the squad for the first time since he started four games ago and it meant a recall to the starting line up for top scorer Lewis Grabban.

Gillingham, starting the night with five straight defeats in the league, had home debuts for young defenders Jack Evans and Connor Essam who both got their first starts in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Port Vale.

With the string of defeats behind them, Gillingham started edgily but might have had a second minute boost from defender King’s header from a free-kick but Taylor dived full length to push it away.

The home side have been conceding a few goals lately and the youngster Essam showed true bravery when he threw himself in front of a thunderous volley by Harrad from 15 yards.

Taylor then had a shot blocked from a corner but then Rotherham could have fallen behind on two occasions.

From a long goal kick, it was a Mullins header that sent the lively Kuffour in behind the defence. He looked sure to score but his shot deflected off the challenging Rhys Taylor and bounced agonisingly wide.

Then the Rotherham keeper’s speed off his line paid dividends again.

A long ball from Evans sent Tomlin clear. Taylor came out to block as Tomlin tried to knock it past him and from the loose ball, Weston struck his effort wide from 20 yards.

There was an air of vulnerability about Gillingham’s defence and Rotherham exposed them with a good move.

Revell found Griffiths who slipped a cute ball inside the right back for Wood. He drove it across low but Taylor couldn’t get away a first time shot and then, when he tried to take control, was unable to do so and Jackman scrambled the ball away. Rotherham then should have been in front - and one of their own players appeared to prevent the goal.

Bradley overlapped and produced a fine cross to which Harrison rose superbly and put a header on target. It was on its way in only for Grabban, about two yards out, to help the ball into the net using an arm - the ‘goal’ was ruled out and Grabban was booked.

Gillingham, lifted by going towards the vociferous ‘home’ end in the second half, had a spell of pressure in which Mullins, twice, Griffiths and Raynes, all produced vital bits of defending inside the area.

Rotherham sent on veteran Paul Warne, his first appearance of the season, for Harrad who couldn’t get into the game. Warne scored the Millers goal in a 1-1 game here nine years ago which gave Rotherham one of those draws garnered since 1988 and the veteran certainly made an impact, lively and always on the go and might even have had a goal.

Rotherham emerged from a spell on the backfoot to go on and dominate the final half-hour. The busy Wood drifted a centre to the far post but Grabban’s header travelled across the goal face and Warne was just beaten to it.

When Grabban had space, he had the chance to play the ball in early for Warne. However, he delayed and the opportunity was lost.

As Rotherham’s threat grew and grew, Revell hooked an effort wide and then set up a half-chance for Wood whose volley was blocked by King.

Rotherham sensed they could back up their defensive work by snatching a winner and Wood almost got reward for his endeavours but saw his header deflected over.

GILLINGHAM; Gazzaninga; Evans, King, Essam, Jackman; Whelpdale, Weston (Lee 72), Payne, Tomlin; Kuffour, Kedwell. Subs: Richards, Martin, Montrose, Hawkes.

ROTHERHAM UTD: R Taylor; Bradley, Raynes, Mullins, Griffiths; Grabban, Harrison, J Taylor, Wood; Revell, Harrad (Warne 57). Subs: Warrington, Tonge, Cresswell, Pringle.

Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northants).

Attendance: 3,248

Bookings: Mullins, Grabban

CRAIG Davies’s sharply-taken tenth goal of the season wasn’t enough for Barnsley as Chris Hughton’s impressive Birmingham kept up their challenge for automatic promotion.

The much-changed Reds gave a pleasing account of themselves against the high-flying Blues and Davies was denied a second goal by the woodwork, but the visitors look the real deal.

Despite Saturday’s Oakwell victory against Portsmouth, Reds boss Keith Hill opted for five changes to his starting line-up for last night’s clash against a Birmingham side who were bang in form and unbeaten in 10 Championship games.

David Perkins was out with a knee injury, while also dropping out of the starting XI were Jim O’Brien, Scott Golbourne, Andy Gray and Stephen Foster.

In came Jay McEveley, Matt Done and Chris Dagnall - all promoted from the bench - while 17-year-old midfielder Paul Digby and recent signing David Cotterill were both handed Barnsley debuts.

It was perhaps no surprise that the promotion-chasing visitors were quickly on the offensive, and they got themselves a fortunate opening goal after just eight minutes.

Chris Burke latched on to Marlon King’s cross and, although his curling shot looked to be heading over the crossbar, Reds skipper Rob Edwards got in the way and diverted the ball past Luke Steele with his head.

The Reds maintained a good tempo and levelled in the 18th minute.

And Cotterill was the architect. Hill will have been delighted to see his new capture turn neatly down the flank before sliding in a lovely low cross for striker Davies to convert easily from eight yards.

Within another nine minutes Birmingham had struck back to retake the lead, this time with a real cracker.

Morgaro Gomis produced a bit of trickery to play in Keith Fahey in, and the Blues midfielder crashed home a great left-foot shot off the post from 25 yards.

Still the Reds continued to probe for a second leveller, and hot-shot Davies came agonisingly close when his curling shot bounced back out off the crossbar with goalkeeper Boaz Myhill clutching at thin air.

Into the second half and the Reds were still striving to impose themselves on their loftier opponents, with Korey Smith trying his luck, unsuccessfully, from long range.

It was Blues left-back David Murphy who threatened next, as his floated free-kick from way out on the right somehow deceived Steele and almost dropped in at the far post.

Similarly at the other end, the Reds almost profited from more fortune as Birmingham’s Jordon Mutch nearly sliced sub O’Brien’s corner-kick into his own net.

It was the impressive Burke who was the creator supreme for Birmingham’s killer third goal with just 12 minutes left.

The Reds’ back four had worked tirelessly all evening, but Burke’s pace created space down the left and he whipped in a cracking cross for sub Nathan Redmond who finished from a tight angle just five minutes after entering the fray.

The atmosphere fell immediately flat inside Oakwell.

Barnsley (4-4-2): Steele 7; Wiseman 6, McNulty 6, Edwards 7, McEveley 6 (Golbourne 73); Cotterill 7 (O’Brien 61, 7), Smith 5 (Tonge 73), Done 7, Digby 6; Dagnall 5, Davies 8. Subs not used: Preece, Gray.

Birmingham (4-5-1): Myhill 7; Spector 6 (Ibanez 89), Davies 7, Caldwell 8, Murphy 6; Burke 8, Mutch 7, Gomis 6 Redmond 73, 7), Elliott 7, Fahey 8; King 5 (Rooney 73). Subs not used: Doyle, Jervis.

Goals: Davies 18 (Barnsley); Edwards og 8, Fahey 27, Redmond 78 (Birmingham).

Referee: Carl Boyeson.

Bookings: Cotterill, McNulty (Barnsley); Spector, Mutch (Birmingham).

Attendance: 9,555.

Two players who were emerging as potential major figures in Sunday’s big clash at Hillsborough face a desperate battle to even make the game.

Jermaine Johnson, outstanding for Sheffield Wednesday in recent games, and Kevin McDonald, who has become a huge midfield influence for Sheffield United, are both under treatment for injuries picked up on Saturday.

Neither has been ruled out and will be given every chance to make it, but both appear to be major doubts at this stage for the big promotion showdown.

By coincidence, the two of them went off within a minute of each other in their respective games at the weekend.

McDonald was replaced in the 24th minute of the 2-1 win over Preston when he pulled up with a thigh injury.

Manager Danny Wilson confirmed that he had injured a hamstring and said, rather ominously, “He felt it go straight away and that’s not a good sign.”

“It’s unlikely he’ll be okay for Sunday but we’ll know more and have a better idea later.”

Johnson went off in the 25th minute of Wednesday’s derby at Chesterfield, with the initial diagnosis being an injury to the medial knee ligament.

Boss Gary Megson, like Wilson with McDonald, was reluctant to rule Johnson out at such an early stage and also adopted a policy of wait and see.

“We’ll see how it settles down; it could be just a knock, but we’ll have a proper look and take it from there,” he said.

The flying winger has been a key figure for Wednesday since getting his chance in January. He had started just one league game until he made a goalscoring impact when going on as a substitute in a 2-1 home win over Hartlepool on January 21.

Since then he has scored three more goals, including some outstanding ones, and re-emerged as a key attacking force.

In fact, Megson said he felt that Johnson going off had a lot to do with them failing to penetrate Chesterfield’s defence in the second half, as they had done earlier.

“He certainly gives you that pace and penetration as an individual,” said Megson.

McDonald’s impact and influence on the Blades has been growing in recent times.

He did not earn a regular place in the side until mid-September but has now forged a strong midfield partnership with Michael Doyle. McDonald’s range of passing is integral to the way the side wants to play under Wilson and he has blossomed under the manager’s tutelage.

United have begun talks over a new contract with the midfielder.

Meanwhile, both clubs will be anxiously awaiting the medical bulletins.

]]> 1.4267686 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:55:00 +0000 http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/hallam_s_hopes_dented_1_4268110

Sheffield Hallam men’s Conference North title hopes suffered a setback after a below-par second half performance at Olton and Warwicks.

The return to National League action proved hugely disappointing as the Abbeydale-based first team were held to a 3-3 draw in the Midlands showdown.

Hallam started the game just one point adrift of leaders Brooklands MU but finished three points off the pace after the leaders 3-1 win over Doncaster. However they remain three ahead of Durham University and all three teams have to play each other before the end of the season.

The Longson brothers gave their side the perfect start at Olton, Pat laying off the ball to Duncan who rifled it into the bottom corner. Numerous other chances came and went and Hallam should have been three or four goals to the good at half-time.

It was a completely different ball game after the interval as sloppy play was punished twice over in the space of three minutes as the home side took a 2-1 lead.

Hallam showed their character and equalised against the run of play courtesy of a trademark reverse stick shot from Will Musgrave. This was followed by a superb Phil Roper reverse stick shot into the top corner from the narrowest of angles to give his side the lead once more but just as it seemed they would hang on for a crucial win, the home side levelled it up with three minutes remaining. Hallam now face a huge double-header weekend at Abbeydale, starting against Leek on Saturday (noon) and followed 24 hours later by Preston (2pm).

Leek are in fourth place but aren’t likely to trouble the top trio come the end of the season while Preston, in their first ever National League season, are embroiled in a bottom end tussle with Deeside Ramblers to see who will finish in the play-off spot. Preston will want to forget Hallam’s visit in October when the visitors recorded an 8-2 win.

Hallam’s mixed team received a walkover in the EHB Trophy when Stockport Bramhall conceded their first round match.

It was a poor first half that proved to be the fourth team’s undoing in their home match against Yorkshire Division One promotion rivals Leeds University Thirds. Second-placed Hallam, one point ahead of Leeds with a game in hand, were hit by a goal blitz and found themselves three goals down at the break.

Two telling breaks by Tim Elliott in the space of six minutes brought goals for Simon Law and Chris Wilkins and Hallam were right back in it. However the critical moment in the match come with 12 minutes to go when Leeds won a penalty corner which resulted in a fourth goal.

]]> 1.4268110 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:53:43 +0000 http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/matthew_back_on_top_of_world_1_4268095

Nick Matthew is back at the top of the world rankings and has now set his sights on winning the British Open.

The 31-year-old from Sheffield admitted he was surprised to return to the summit so soon after injury at the expense of chief rival James Willstrop.

Matthew came through a ‘brutal’ battle against his chief rival to seal a record-equalling fourth British National title at Manchester’s National Squash Centre.

He extended his winning streak over his fellow Yorkshireman to 19, stretching back to December 2007, with an 11-8, 11-3, 6-11, 14-12 victory in 81 pulsating minutes.

“James will to win is staggering and at times, particularly in that last game, some of the points were just brutal,” said Nick.

“Everyone talks about the rivalry but I think there’s also a great deal of respect between us.

“There’s definitely more twists and turns to come between us, I think. I would love to stay as World No1 but if we end up taking the top ranking in turns then that would be fantastic for the game as a whole.”

There was no ranking points on offer in Manchester but it will be business as usual next week when they get ready for another possible head-to-head in the North American Open to be held in Richmond, Virginia.

But the main focus for Matthew is the British Open in May, a championship he last won in 2009.

“My aim is to peak for each tournament with the British open being the big one,” he added.

Big games dominate as the non-league programme gets ready to re-start after the mini-freeze.

Sheffield FC, who stand fourth in Division One South, face a tough four days and I will travel with them for tomorrow’s crucial clash at Stamford who are just a point behind.

They then entertain New Mills next Tuesday and will be out to put the record straight after their 2-1 defeat earlier in the season.

Sheffield will doubtless give a debut to striker Jason Bradley, the ex-Owls player who was signed recently from Eastwood Town.

Stocksbridge also have a new striker in Dale Kelly who joined them last week from Ossett Albion and he’s expected to get the call for Saturday’s trip to bottom club Burscough in yet another six-pointer.

There was some good news for the club when Mickleover Sports were deducted three points for playing an ineligible player in their recent big win over North Ferriby United, which leaves them below Stocksbridge in the Premier Division relegation battle.

Another top game will be at Sandygate where I and an expected big crowd will watch a fascinating derby between ninth-placed Hallam and fourth-placed Worksop Parramore.

Hallam have lost just one of their last seven outings in Baris North Counties East League Division One with Morris notching eight goals and Moxan six of the 22 they’ve scored. Worksop, with manager Darren Bland making a return to his old club, are unbeaten in their last three and something simply has to give.

Second-placed Handsworth, unbeaten in their last six matches, face a showdown at Olivers Mount against fifth-placed Albion Sports who are only three points behind but have four games in hand on Rus Eagles team. Not to be outdone Dinnington Town take an unbeaten six match run to AFC Emley, no doubt looking to avenge an early season 3-0 defeat.

In the Premier Division, two of our clubs are among the nine seeking the one promotion place to the Evo-Stik Division One South. Staveley who are currently third, face a home game against Nostell Miners Welfare, who though in 14th place have a good away record. Billy Fox’s side were, of course, due to host Oadby Town in last night’s FA Vase tie with a quarter-final against either St Ives Town or Gresley awaiting the winners.

Parkgate’s manager Doug Shelley must keep his players discipline in check if they want to gain promotion as he can’t afford to lose players like Swindells. Saturdays league game at Long Eaton United looks likely to see the Steelmen complete a winning double. Next to bottom Maltby Main and Worsbrough Bridge have a day off although Worsbrough are scheduled to face either Albion Sports or Barton Town in the League Cup third round next Tuesday.

]]> 1.4268094 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:50:42 +0000 http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/six_free_skating_lessons_up_for_grabs_as_wendy_leads_city_team_1_4268093

A team of 23 Sheffield skaters will be hoping for medal success when they compete in the British Adult Championships over the next three days.

The three-day National Ice Skating Association (NISA) event is being staged at the squad’s home rink, iceSheffield, from today until Saturday.

Almost 200 skaters from across the UK, aged between 21 and 76, will take part in Men’s, Ladies, Pairs and Ice Dance categories. Among those representing iceSheffield will be 51-year-old Wendy Ollivant, who won a bronze medal at last year’s Championships.

Wendy, who will be competing in singles pre-bronze class 2, is a former competitor of the Real Yorkshire Ice Factor – iceSheffield’s version of Dancing on Ice for novice skaters.

For more information about sessions and lessons at iceSheffield visit www.icesheffield.com.

lWith ice fever sweeping Sheffield and to celebrate the 2012 British Adult Championships, we’ve teamed up with iceSheffield to offer one lucky reader the chance to win six free skate lessons.

Whether you’re a total beginner or already confident on the rink, iceSheffield’s popular Learn to Skate programme lets you improve at your own pace. It is also a fun and challenging way to get fit and improve flexibility.

The six-week Skate UK course teaches the basics of skating and, as you move through the levels, progresses onto more advanced techniques such as snowplough stops, backward skating and even a spin or a jump.

IceSheffield boasts two Olympic-sized ice rinks so you can learn away from the busier public sessions. Courses and instructors are approved by the National Ice Skating Association and sessions run in six-week blocks so you can progress through the 10 Skate UK levels at your own pace.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply enter by text, or online at www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/competitions

Text SNL (SPACE) followed by SKATE (SPACE), followed by your name, house number and postcode and send to 61500,

Deadline for entries is 10am on February 23.

Texts cost £1.50 plus your usual network rate. The Editor’s decision is final. By supplying your telephone number you’re happy to receive SMS messages from Johnston Press and its approved business partners. Johnston Press (or via its agents) and its business partners may contact you about new promotions, products and services. Please add the word EXIT at the end of your message if you do not wish to receive these. Please note if you should enter after the stated closing date your entry will not be valid but you still may be charged. For quality and training purposes we may monitor communications. SMS service is provided by Velti DR Ltd SE1 8ND - 020 7633 5000 Full terms and conditions are available on request from Sheffield Newspapers Promotions or go online at www johnstonpress.co.uk/jpplc/competition

]]> 1.4268093 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:50:26 +0000 http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/lane_boss_eyes_loan_signing_1_4267670

SHEFFIELD United manager Danny Wilson has refused to rule out another foray into the loan market.

Wilson, who signed Brighton striker Will Hoskins on a temporary deal last month, said: “There’s an opportunity and we’ll see who exactly is available but there’s no rush.

“The players who have come in recently have done fantastically.

“It’s a credit to their professionalism that they were ready when called upon because it isn’t always an easy situation to be in.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Blackwell, one of Wilson’s most recent predecessors, has admitted he is ready to return to football after taking time out for “family reasons.”

Former United defender Keith Curle has taken charge of League One rivals Notts County.

DONCASTER Rovers’ attacking midfielder Habib Bamogo will miss Saturday’s home game against Peterborough United.

Bamogo, who was starting his third successive game for Rovers, limped off with a hamstring injury midway through the first half of Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Leeds.

“I thought he did well while he was on the pitch,” said Rovers’ boss Dean Saunders. “I don’t think it is too bad. He will be out this weekend but there could be a chance of him playing against Brighton the week after.”

Left-back Tommy Spurr, carried off following a clash of heads in the closing stages of Saturday’s game with concussion, will be assessed today and may not train but he is expected to be fit for the Peterborough game.

Saunders gave his players the day off yesterday to get over their ‘disappointment’ of losing a two-goal lead.

Some were due to train today while others will feature in a behind-closed-doors practice match against Lincoln City at the club’s training ground.

The club, who will be dealing with the incident ‘in house’ said yesterday that they will not be making any statement on the trouble which flared in the tunnel at the end of Saturday’s game at Elland Road.

Saunders felt the incident served to detract from what he felt had been another good performance by his side.

“It was a game that we deserved to win and it is probably the best organised we’ve been as a side since I’ve been here,” he said yesterday.

“We created a lot of chances and in addition to the two goals we also hit the post and the crossbar. There was a bit of luck involved with two of their goals and we are just not getting the rub of the green at the moment.”

Saunders made several changes to the side beaten 3-1 at home by Blackpool in midweek and said that he had been happy with the results.

“We brought Simon Gillett in to stop Robert Snodgrass getting a lot of crosses in and I thought it worked well. I felt that we needed a bit more size and strength in midfield against Leeds so we brought in Giles Barnes.

“He’s got a lot of things that you look for in a footballer; it has just been a case of trying to get him to fit in with our formation at times.

“I also thought Mamadou Bagayoko did well. A lot of players struggle when they first come over here; it takes time.

“But I was pleased with him; he scored two and could have had a third.”

SHEFFIELD’S new boxing hero was back down to earth yesterday.

Two days after winning the WBC international superbantamweight title in a show watched by two million TV viewers, Kid Galahad, aged 21, was back working behind the till of the family newsagents in Worrall.

“I am happy to help out,” beamed the boxer, whose real name is Abdul Barry Awad.

“I am so happy after the win (against Nottingham’s Jason Booth at the Magna Centre, Rotherham). Booth was quite dirty, he tried to hold on to me trip me up and headbutt me several times. I’d never been up against that sort of thing before. But I’d been warned and avoided him. The 12 rounds were a very good learning experience for me.”

SHEFFIELD Steelers coach Ryan Finnerty has admitted for the first time that the expensive addition of an extra import can be a draining experience for him and his out-of-sorts Sheffield side.

The club has one more import than is allowed in a match-night squad and Finnerty has had to make big and inevitably unpopular decisions in dropping the likes of Neil Clark, Colt King, Chad Huttel and, before last Saturday’s 5-1 defeat at Nottingham Panthers, the newest recruit to the squad, Nick Duff.

Finnerty, whose side line up tonight against Fife Flyers (8pm), said: “Having an extra import can work against you, it’s tough, there’s no question.

“In many ways it is nice to have the option, but there is always the 50-50 question of whether a change will make the fit better or whether you will get it wrong. Do you go with your gut feeling or your heart? You have to have your best line-up out there and, in hindsight, maybe I should have used Duff at Nottingham, with our defence tired after so

many games. But I talk with all our ‘D’ every day and they were ready to go.”

“Finnerty recognises he has to “be creative” in his choice for tonight’s game, as he hopes to bang in the goals against the

league’s worst club. “We’d have lost to an English National League team last Saturday night and I started to call our Power Play our Power Kill - we have to up our game,” said the coach.

“Things have got a bit stale and we may have to shuffle the lines to spark something.” good.”

Meanwhile, Nottingham’s 5-1 defeat of Sheffield, followed by a 9-0 routing of Edinburgh Capitals, sees them tucked just one point behind second-placed Steelers.

The champions, however, have five games in hand, including tonight’s Fife mission.

The Scots are the bottom club and are on a six game losing streak.

Sheffield are back in action again on Friday when they travel to Braehead Clan. The Scots chalked up a 6-4 win at Coventry Blaze on Sunday, leapfrogging the Midlanders to go into fifth spot.

The victory created a new club record of six straight wins.

IT was hardly the footballing equivalent of the Great Trek or worthy of a John Steinbeck novel but Danny Wilson, the Sheffield United manager, took as much satisfaction from the number of uninvolved players who made their own way to the recent Yorkshire derby with Huddersfield Town as he did the result.

And, as Bramall Lane enters arguably the most emotive week of its season so far, Wilson hopes a similar show of solidarity will give his team a psychological edge during Sunday’s Steel City showdown at Hillsborough.

The wealth of attacking talent now at United’s disposal guarantees some high-profile omissions when Wilson names his squad for the visit to Sheffield Wednesday.

However, those who fail to make the final cut will still be encouraged to play an active role in ensuring their colleagues are properly prepared for the most combustible fixture on the League One calendar.

Wilson, whose team followed up their success at the Galpharm Stadium by winning last Saturday’s meeting with Preston North End, said: “One of the most pleasing things I’ve seen lately was the number of players who travelled to our previous away game under their own steam.

“They weren’t involved but they turned up to support the rest of the lads and that speaks volumes about what a tight-knit bunch they are.”

One of those players on the periphery of Wilson’s squad who opted to spend his night off at Huddersfield was former Scotland and Glasgow Rangers defender David Weir. The 41-year-old, a veteran of 43 Old Firm, Merseyside and Edinburgh derbies, has been training at Shirecliffe since leaving Ibrox.

Wilson has refused to rule out the possibility of “calling upon David’s services” at some stage between now and the end of the campaign and described Weir as “relaxed” about the fact a permanent contract with United has not yet been forthcoming.

“He’s got no problem with the situa-

tion whatsoever,” said Wilson. “He enjoys being here and we enjoy having him around.

“What

David has achieved means you can’t help but be inspired by him. He’s got so much knowledge and experience to pass on and he’s fitted in really, really well with the rest of the lads.”

The expertise Weir has acquired during two decades in the professional game is likely to be in much demand as United look to extend or, at the very least, maintain the five-point advantage they enjoy over Gary Megson’s side. But the likes of Neill Collins - who six years ago anchored their back four at Hillsborough only hours after completing a loan move to Bramall Lane while still with Sunderland - Nick Montgomery, James Beattie, Richard Cresswell and captain Michael Doyle will also assume influential roles in the dressing room beforehand.

A re-arranged fixture against Scunthorpe follows hot on the heels of their clash with Wednesday, so this weekend’s match is not the only key match looming large on United’s calendar.

“We have to try and be as consistent as possible,” said Wilson. “If you look at the rankings, all the teams around us have stayed exceptionally consistent as well.”

Meanwhile, new dates have also been confirmed for United’s postponed games against Colchester and Chesterfield. Wilson’s men now visit Essex on Tuesday March 13 before entertaining John Sheridan’s JP Trophy finalists on Wednesday March 28. Both games kick off at 7.45pm.

HOWARD Wilkinson has led the tributes to former Sheffield Wednesday chief scout, coach and academy director Clive Baker who died yesterday, aged 77.

The former Owls manager took Baker to Hillsborough in 1984 and his Wednesday career spanned 18 years in a football lifetime that began 60 years ago when he was signed as a teenager by his home-town club, Doncaster Rovers.

“For me, Clive was a great advert for the ‘stereotypical’ English gentleman and, contrary to what people might think about football and the people who inhabit it, he was also a great advert for those people who are the substance and backbone of the sport in this country,” said Howard.

“He was like so many who work away, who love the game - and he succeeded in it. Clive had the total respect of everyone he came across and was a person you were delighted to have working for you.”

Baker initially joined Wednesday as chief scout with coaching responsibilities and he travelled extensively doing player-watching and opposition assessment.

Added Wilkinson: “What people like Clive need are people who are just as considerate and understanding over the requirement to work long and strange hours.

“His wife, Pat, was an absolute brick in that respect and a mirror-image partner.”

Baker headed up the Wednesday Youth Academy as its director until 2001 and coaching was a major part of his footballing life.

Even when full-time work stopped, he continued with

coaching which had included coaching, assessing coaches and taking FA courses. Last year the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA honoured him with an award for

“outstanding achievement within the community and within football”.

Baker, born in Doncaster and latterly living in Rotherham, was signed by Rovers as a youngster but played league football for Halifax Town where he was to get his first coaching job.

He later became first-team coach at Rotherham United under manager Jim McAnearney.

He was also coach at Hartlepool and York City and in 1977 went to Norway to coach there for a year.

He stayed for almost eight years in all and enjoyed promotions with his clubs.

He obtained the UEFA ‘A’ licence in 1997 and also coached in USA, South Africa, Canada and Scandinavia.

ROTHERHAM United have already looked into the prospect of keeping Shaun Harrad at the club.

The striker, two weeks into a loan spell from Bury, scored his third goal in three games to secure a 1-1 draw at his former club Burton Albion on Saturday.

Ahead of tonight’s trip to Gillingham, manager Andy Scott said they had had dialogue with Bury and that chairman Tony Stewart knows the Bury chairman reasonably well.

“I’m hopeful we can keep him but it depends on various factors - on Shaun himself, on Richie Barker (Bury manager), on the financial side of it,” said Scott.

He said that they would be looking at a loan extension adding: “If we can extend it and they have a recall on him, then that’s better than him going back.”

“He got a three year contract when he joined Bury last August but, right now, for us, it’s a short-term thing where he is helping us, hopefully to climb the table and get where we want to be.

“He’s enjoying it and we’re enjoying having him.”

Scott declared no fresh injuries for tonight’s trip which means defender Richard Naylor is available. He went off near the end after a blow in the ribs and his breathing was affected. Ryan Cresswell went on for his first appearance since September.

Danny Schofield missed out on Saturday after having a troublesome wisdom tooth removed.

Scott brushed aside Rotherham’s poor record at Gillingham where no Millers side has won since 1988 and, on the 10 visits since, Rotherham have ended up losing eight and securing just two draws.

In fact, Rotherham have played there 25 times in all and won just three times.

“I’m not bothered about a poor record there,” said Scott.” Yes, it’s a tough place to go but I’m confident we’ll lift our game considering how we’re going about things.

“They are having difficulties right now and I feel we can go there and exploit that.”

Gillingham have recently fallen off the pace in the Play-off race due to five successive league defeats, the last of them to a stoppage time penalty at Port Vale on Saturday.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler made five changes for that game including debuts for right back Jack Evans and central defender Connor Essam. He was partnered by Simon King, making his first appearance since April.

“I got the performance I wanted,” said Hessenthaler.