Former England striker Alan Shearer is urging Wayne Rooney to retire from international duty to help his Manchester United career, reports The Sun.
Rooney was named in Sam Allardyce’s first England squad yesterday as a midfielder.
West Ham winger Michail Antonio, 26, is also celebrating after earning his first England call-up, It vindicated his decision to turn down repeated offers to play for Jamaica.
Chelsea have had a bid for Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez, 25, rejected but - Madrid president Florentino Perez would be open to a £60m deal, reports the Daily Mirror.
It could open up a rift with manager Zinedine Zidane, who has said the Colombia international will stay at the Bernabeu. (Daily Express)
Manchester United are considering a £1m bid for Sheffield United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 19. (Daily Mail)
The club also hope to bring in two defenders, with Southampton’s Jose Fonte, 32, and Monaco’s Brazil international Fabinho, 22, the leading candidates. (Daily Record)
But United manager Jose Mourinho could still miss out on Fabinho, who is more likely to remain with Monaco than move to Manchester. (Daily Express)

RUMOURS: Is James Rodriquez leaving Real Madrid for Chelsea?


Former England striker Alan Shearer is urging Wayne Rooney to retire from international duty to help his Manchester United career, reports The Sun.


Yorkshire’s lower order provided a spirited fightback to ensure they took a share of the spoils on a rollercoaster first day of their Specsavers County Championship clash with Nottinghamshire.
Andrew Hodd made his best score for the county while valuable contributions from Azeem Rafiq and Jack Brooks saw them recover from 51-6 to be bowled out for 282 at North Marine Road.
They then reduced the visitors to 38-2 at close to end the day 244 ahead.
With Nottinghamshire captain Chris Read having opted against a toss and chosen to field first, Yorkshire’s openers looked in little trouble until the somewhat fortunate dismissal of Adam Lyth.
The left-hander was left stranded as Steven Mullaney deflected a drive onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end, and his wicket sparked an almighty collapse that saw five more fall for just 30 runs.
Mullaney – who had previously only taken five Championship wickets in 2016 – proved to be the unlikely hero with the ball as he drew edges from both Lees and Jake Lehmann that were taken in the slip cordon.
From the other end Luke Fletcher was rewarded for a tight new ball spell with the wicket of Gary Ballance – who is captaining the Tykes due to a back injury suffered by Andrew Gale – before Mullaney picked up his third as Tim Bresnan offered no shot and was adjudged LBW.
Jack Leaning followed back to the pavilion after hanging a loose bat out to a wide Brett Hutton delivery and edging to Samit Patel at third slip to leave the hosts reeling with half an hour of the morning session to play.
But from there Hodd and Rafiq took over as they put together a partnership of 132 for the seventh wicket, with the latter being the main aggressor as he made an eye-catching 74 from just 92 deliveries with 11 fours just hours after being presented with his county cap by club president John Hampshire.
He was eventually dismissed by the final ball of Patel’s first over, and though Steven Patterson was trapped LBW by Imran Tahir, the Tykes were far from done yet as Brooks looked to tuck into anything loose that an attack shorn of the injured Harry Gurney and Stuart Broad, as well as late England call-up Jake Ball, delivered.
He bludgeoned his way to 48 from 66 balls during a stand of 88 with Hodd before chopping onto his own stumps while looking to cut Hutton away to bring up his fifty.
Ryan Sidebottom then fell victim to the second new ball as Hutton wrapped him on the pads to end the innings on 282 and leave Hodd unbeaten on an excellent 96.
Brooks then helped maintain the momentum as he trapped Jake Libby LBW with his first ball of the visitors’s reply before debutant Tom Moores edged Bresnan’s second ball to Lyth at second slip in the final over.

DAY ONE REPORT: Notts frustrated by Yorkshire’s lower order


Yorkshire’s lower order provided a spirited fightback to ensure they took a share of the spoils on a rollercoaster first day of their Specsavers County Championship clash with Nottinghamshire.


The Sacrifice is the final film in the Sculpting Time season at QUAD in Derby.
Andrei Tarkovsky’s final film, from 1986, screens from Sunday, August 28 – Tuesday, August 30. The Sacrifice (12A) explores a deeply personal statement on humanity’s self-destruction and the end of the world.
Starting on the precipice of World War III, the story is about Alexander, a journalist and former actor and philosopher who, on the outbreak of war, turns to God and offers himself up as a sacrifice to change the world and stop the war. The Sacrifice is a heart-breaking but ultimately reaffirming film.
Ticket prices are £8.20 or £7 concessions. Tickets can be bought from QUAD box office on 01332 290606 or online http://www.derbyquad.co.uk/whats-on/film.aspx
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Tarkovsky film season concludes at QUAD Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


The Sacrifice is the final film in the Sculpting Time season at QUAD in Derby.


It was very much a game of two halves, with the first two days bathed in summer sunshine and the second two ravaged by rain and wind. But when the final whistle blew, the consensus of opinion was that York’s Ebor Festival had been an end-to-end thriller.
Sorry about the footballing metaphors. It seems that not even the Olympics can camouflage the start of a new season. But you know what I mean. Certainly you will if you spent a day or four on the Knavesmire last week, lapping up some of the best entertainment Team GB Racing can deliver.
The trendy riposte to those who object to turning the sport into an artificial singing and dancing circus for the alcohol-fuelled masses is that racing should be fun. Well, if York’s meeting wasn’t fun, packing in as it did top-class, competitive racing, on a majestic racecourse, among sensibly-sized crowds that created a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere, then I don’t what is.
It definitely seemed to float the boats of Irish owners Aidan ‘Red’ Shiels and friends, judging by their wild celebrations after HEARTBREAK CITY’S runaway romp in the Ebor itself. Celebrations that even surpassed those the previous day of another owner, Clive Washbourn, who let rip with abandon when his juvenile colt, CONTRAPPOSTO, flew home to snatch second in the big £60,000 Convivial Maiden as a 50/1 shot.
Fun for those whose passion for racing runs as deep as Shiels’s and Washbourn’s equates to revelling in the kind of performances and storylines that emerged from York’s showpiece festival. Here’s my potted day-by-day review, complete with a handful of horses to follow:
DAY ONE (WEDNESDAY)
When the Ebor Festival was washed out by heavy rain in 2008, Juddmonte International Day became the first of four to be abandoned. This time round, the day belonged to POSTPONED, authoritative winner of the near £1 million Group One.
Roger Varian’s 5yo dismissed doubts not only about the wellbeing and form of the yard’s string, but also, and more significantly, the horse’s dubious record over 10f. One of the rare astute uses of a pacemaker, coupled with an eminently sensible ride by the brilliant Andrea Atzeni, put the fears to bed as Postponed made full use of his stamina to stride clear from the 3f pole.
A tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, for which he would surely have gone close last season but for owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid’s fall-out with previous trainer Luca Cumani, is the logical next step. However, the outcome was also a welcome shot in the arm for the increasingly maligned King George, with the 2015 winner of Ascot’s great race beating into second this year’s winner, HIGHLAND REEL.
The opening day also featured, albeit in a sub-standard Great Voltigeur Stakes, a similarly convincing performance by IDAHO, particularly as he was only just ready after a break and was given a lot to do in rear. As we identified after the Derby, the son of Galileo is a class act, although I wouldn’t be certain that he’ll appreciate the extra 2f of the St Leger, for which he is now a short favourite. His style of running, his turn of speed and his pedigree all point to his optimum trip being 12f or even 10f.
THREE TO FOLLOW: Mutakkayef, Oceane, La Casa Tarifa.
DAY TWO (THURSDAY)
A swathe of well-fanced horses obliged during the week. But a notable exception was the 2yo Frankel filly, FAIR EVA, turned over at 4/11 in the 6f Lowther Stakes. Excuses abounded, but not from seasoned trainer Roger Charlton, who kept a cool head and wisely suggested that she was simply beaten by a speedier offspring of the great horse and is more of a miler than a sprinter. In fact, the winner, QUEEN KINDLY, looked special, and the runner-up, ROLY POLY, is improving rapidly too.
Improvement is also the key word belonging to SEVENTH HEAVEN, who powered to victory in the Yorkshire Oaks, swamping two top-notch rivals, FOUND and QUEEN’S TRUST, who were travelling much more sweetly. Aidan O’Brien’s filly has stepped up dramatically for hold-up tactics and galloping tracks.
THREE TO FOLLOW: Mustashry, Abingdon, Jadaayil.
DAY THREE (FRIDAY)
As the rain clouds hovered, punters were faced with their worst guessing-game nightmare, particularly for a fiendishly competitive renewal of the Coolmore Nunthorpe. In the end, enough rain soaked one of the fastest 5f tracks in the country to allow MECCA’S ANGEL to treat us to a textbook display of polished sprinting. When sold to the breeding sheds at the end of the season, the 5yo grey will surely fetch a fee of seven figures.
Not for the first or last time during the meeting, the runner-up ran a blinder as well, especially as LIMATO was tackling the minimum trip for the first time.
Half an hour earlier, what a delight it was too to see NEMORALIA back in the winner’s enclosure. If ever there was a Group One heroine in waiting, Jeremy Noseda’s filly is it.
THREE TO FOLLOW: Rivet, Via Serendipity, Another Touch.
DAY FOUR (SATURDAY)
Contrary to public myth, most of Irish handler Tony Martin’s UK plots and raids do NOT succeed. But this one did, with knobs on, as 5lb claimer Adam McNamara was showered with glowing praise for steering home HEARTBREAK CITY in the Ebor.
The 6yo dual-purpose gelding had to share the limelight, however, with Gimcrack winner BLUE POINT, who laughed at criticism of his defeat at Goodwood. Yes, he’d been a beaten odds-on shot on the Downs, but only in a massive step-up in class against the best UK-trained juvenile seen so far this season, MEHMAS.
THREE TO FOLLOW: a real shame that Sandown’s Solario day clashed with York. Hope that, as a result, you didn’t miss the eyecatching runs of Persuasive, South Seas and Cartmell Cleave.
Skelton’s gold medal caps the most colourful of life-stories
All kinds of sports received a boost via Team GB’s record-breaking heroics at the Rio Olympics. And thankfully, racing didn’t miss out, courtesy of Nick Skelton, father of Jumps trainer Dan and jockey Harry, who strode to a glorious gold medal. As a youngster in the mid-1970s and early 1980s, I remember watching Skelton as a rookie rider, under the wing of Ted Edgar, when showjumping was shown on primetime TV by the BBC. His tear-jerking achievement in Brazil, made all the more remarkable by his well-documented broken neck and hip replacement, caps the most colourful of life-stories both on and off horseback. I loved how he deflected credit to his admirable mount, the 13-year-old Big Star. But I will love even more the updated version of his superb autobiography, ‘Only Falls And Horses’.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story York’s Ebor Festival proves it is one of the best meetings Team GB Racing delivers Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


It was very much a game of two halves, with the first two days bathed in summer sunshine and the second two ravaged by rain and wind. But when the final whistle blew, the consensus of opinion was that York’s Ebor Festival had been an end-to-end thriller.


York’s Ebor Festival proves it is one of the best meetings Team GB Racing delivers


Another quartet of top comics will be in action at Nottingham’s Glee Club.
Performing there on both Friday and Saturday (September 2-3) will be Paul Tonkinson, Luke Toulson, Martin Mor, and John Lynn.
Later in the month - September 15 to be precise - there’s a hometown gig for rising star Matt Forde. Matt is familiar from his many radio and appearances and is to get his own series on comedy channel in the very near future.
Glee Club Nottingham is based at The Waterfront, off Canal Street, in the city centre.
For bookings and enquiries at the venue, you can call 0871 472 0400.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Tonkinson and co raise laughs at Glee Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Another quartet of top comics will be in action at Nottingham’s Glee Club.


Today’s rumours from the world of football on Thursday, 25th August 2016
Boss Jose Mourinho has warned Anthony Martial he must raise his game after lacklustre start The United chief fears that his chaotic personal life is starting to affect his performances on the field. Martial, 20, recently split from childhood sweetheart Samantha and has been subjected to a series of public attacks from his ex-girlfriend. (The Sun).
Click HERE to read the full story
Olympic Gold medal winner Gabriel Barbosa is on Man Utd’s radar but they’ll have to hurry up if he decides to leave Brazil. United’s Brazilian wonder kid target Gabriel Barbosa has been told it is up to him whether he leaves Santos or not. Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho is said to be interested, however, the South American club’s president has revealed that, despite the Reds being linked with the 19-year-old striker, there have only been concrete bids from Italy. (Manchester Evening News).
Click HERE to read the full story
Mark Hughes is ready to offer Liverpool outcast Mamadou Sakho an escape route with a loan move to Stoke City. Hughes has made an inquiry for the French centre-half and is hopeful of concluding a deal before the transfer deadline. Sakho is free to leave Liverpool on a temporary basis after falling out of favour with manager Jurgen Klopp and Stoke have asked about his availability. (Daily Telegraph).
Click HERE to read the full story
Former Premier League player Richard Chaplow has been suspended for two matches for verbally abusing openly gay opponent Robbie Rogers. Rogers, 29, said he was subjected to a repeated “gay slur” during a match between his LA Galaxy II team and Chaplow’s Orange County Blues.
Click HERE to read the full story
Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater has signed a new five-year contract with the Premier League champions. The 26-year-old England international was instrumental as the Foxes won the title by 10 points last season. His previous deal was due to expire in 2018, and there had been speculation of a move to Tottenham. (BBC Sport).
Click HERE to read the full story
West Ham are aiming to push through a deal to sign striker Loic Remy on a season-long loan from Chelsea, according to Sky sources.
Click HERE to read the full story
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Martial warned over girlfriend row, United chase Olympic ace, Chaplow’s USA homophobia slur, Drinkwater deal Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Today’s rumours from the world of football on Thursday, 25th August 2016


Martial warned over girlfriend row, United chase Olympic ace, Chaplow’s USA homophobia slur, Drinkwater deal


Do you remember Swindon Town of the then Third Division — the third tier of English football — lifting the 1969 League Cup after one of the greatest giantkilling acts in our national game?
Swindon, inspired by Don Rogers, defeated mighty First Division club Arsenal 3-1, humbling the illness-hit Gunners in heavy rain on a mudbath pitch.
Not many football fans do, even those with rose-tinted, nostalgia-laden spectacles like myself, who love a delve back into the past and the ‘good old days’.
Do you remember Bradford City, again from the third tier, making the 2013 final, defeating Premier League Aston Villa in the semi-final before a 5-0 trouncing by Swansea City at Wembley in the final?
No, to be honest, I had also forgotten. Just like I had forgotten that a year later MK Dons defeated a youthful, but still strong, Manchester United in the opening round. I say defeated, but actually they hammered them 4-0!
The reason those giantkillings don’t seem to stay in the memory banks of the neutrals is because the competition has never had the romance and general appeal of the FA Cup.
We might have forgotten Swindon’s 1969 heroes, but I bet, like me, that many of you will recall the day non-league Hereford United, for example, knocked then top-tier, First Division Newcastle United out of the FA Cup.
Ronnie Radford’s screaming 25-yard drive to equalise England international Malcolm McDonald’s late goal lives long in the memory, as does Ricky George’s winner for the minnows.
We may have forgotten already Bradford’s run to the 2013 final, but many more fans will recall Chesterfield’s FA Cup semi-final adventure, even though that was almost 20 years ago.
That is one of the reasons why, reluctantly, I think it might be time for footballing authorities to scrap the League Cup — or whatever it is called these days after it has undergone more regenerations than Dr Who because of sponsorship requirements.
Giving the winners an automatic place in the Champions League, scrapping replays , regionalising the early rounds, scrapping the two-legged opening round — none of the recent changes have made the competition more appealing to the fans, clubs or players.
This year’s competition was seen as even more of an irrelevance by lower league clubs because of the changes to the EFL Trophy and the addition of two more matches into the football calendar.
No wonder so many managers ‘experimented’ with their team selections for the matches. No wonder there were so many empty seats in the stands up and down the country — for example, just 1,400 watched Chesterfield lose at Rochdale.
If the clubs and players are not going to treat the League Cup as a major priority than why will the fans?
Even the final no longer has top billing on the day it is held as it vies for TV coverage with the Premier League.
I know that traditionalists — like I usually am — will scream foul. I know it gives some lower league clubs the chance to topple ‘the big boys’ or go to grounds that they would normally not get the chance to visit.
For example, in this year’s second round League Two Accrington Stanley toppled Premier League Burnley and League One Gillingham won at top-tier Watford.
And in the first round Stevenage from League Two went to Championship Ipswich and won, while Cambridge — also from the fourth level of English football — pulled off a surprise by toppling Sheffield Wednesday from two leagues higher.
Not to mention Luton Town’s fightback to continue Aston Villa’s slide from the Premier League to Championship mediocrity.
As a Mansfield Town fan and reporter back in the 1980s I was lucky enough to go to Stamford Bridge, for example, as the Stags held the stars of the then First Division 2-2 at home and then lost 2-0 in London. No disgrace, a great evening out and great memories — for players, the club and fans alike.
So I fully appreciate the excitement that this competition can bring.
But in these days of an ever-expanding football schedule — and the opportunity for fans to watch the topsclubs live every weekend via their television screens — not to mention the cost of leisure activities in general, perhaps it is time to end the competition and let the FA Cup have an even greater focus.
The FA Cup is fighting hard for relevance and exposure as the Premier League sweeps all before it.
Scrapping the League Cup might give it a boost as well as allowing lower league clubs a little breathing space in the hectic list of matches now added to by the minimum three games in the EFL Trophy.

OPINION: Scrapping League Cup would give clubs breathing space


Do you remember Swindon Town of the then Third Division — the third tier of English football — lifting the 1969 League Cup after one of the greatest giantkilling acts in our national game?


Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire students at Ockbrook School have been celebrating their GCSE successes.
The school has recorded another successful year of GCSE and iGCSE (international) results, with seven students excelling with A* and A grades across the board in all subjects.
Overall, 56 per cent of pupils achieved A* - A grades, and 72 per cent grades A* - B.
Harriet Walker-Smith, 16, from Ockbrook, achieved nine A* grades and an A, while Jessica Langton, 16, from Langley Mill, gained five As and five A*s.
Francesca Muir-Harris, 16, from Borrowash, celebrated her five As and four A*s, and Lauren Nutty, 16, from Weston-on-Trent, took home six A*s and five As.
There was tears of joy for Karrissa Webster, 16, from Nuthall, who achieved one A and nine A* grades, while Sara Marriott, 16, from Trowell, gained five As and five A*s, and Rebecca Elvidge, 16, from Bramcote, left with three As and eight A*s.
Headmaster Tom Brooksby said: “I am so proud of our students who have pulled out all the stops to achieve these excellent grades; they are a credit to the school.
“With 72 per cent of papers graded A* to B and an impressive 56 per cent graded A* to A, students have great foundations on which to make the transition into their chosen A-level courses in our sixth form.
“As with many independent schools around the country, Ockbrook’s iGCSE (international) subjects are not reported by the Department for Education, but I’m delighted to report that 84 per cent of students achieved five A*- C grades, including iGCSE Maths and English.”


Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire students at Ockbrook School have been celebrating their GCSE successes.


The types of cookies we, our ad network and technology partners use are listed below:
Revenue Science ► A tool used by some of our advertisers to target adverts to you based on pages you have visited in the past. To opt out of this type of targeting you can visit the 'Your Online Choices' website by clicking here.
Google Ads ► Our sites contain advertising from Google; these use cookies to ensure you get adverts relevant to you. You can tailor the type of ads you receive by visiting here or to opt out of this type of targeting you can visit the 'Your Online Choices' website by clicking here.
Digital Analytics ► This is used to help us identify unique visitors to our websites. This data is anonymous and we cannot use this to uniquely identify individuals and their usage of the sites.
Dart for Publishers ► This comes from our ad serving technology and is used to track how many times you have seen a particular ad on our sites, so that you don't just see one advert but an even spread. This information is not used by us for any other type of audience recording or monitoring.
ComScore ► ComScore monitor and externally verify our site traffic data for use within the advertising industry. Any data collected is anonymous statistical data and cannot be traced back to an individual.
Local Targeting ► Our Classified websites (Photos, Motors, Jobs and Property Today) use cookies to ensure you get the correct local newspaper branding and content when you visit them. These cookies store no personally identifiable information.
Grapeshot ► We use Grapeshot as a contextual targeting technology, allowing us to create custom groups of stories outside out of our usual site navigation. Grapeshot stores the categories of story you have been exposed to. Their privacy policy and opt out option can be accessed here.
Subscriptions Online ► Our partner for Newspaper subscriptions online stores data from the forms you complete in these to increase the usability of the site and enhance user experience.
Add This ► Add This provides the social networking widget found in many of our pages. This widget gives you the tools to bookmark our websites, blog, share, tweet and email our content to a friend.


Simon Davis – who went missing from his Ilkeston home in the early hours of yesterday morning – has been found.


There will be something for everyone at this year’s Off The Tracks summer festival, taking place from September 2-4.
Visitors to the popular festival, as Donington Park Farmhouse, Isley Walton, near Castle Donington, can enjoy an exciting and diverse range of acts.
Guitarist and vocalist Hugh Cornwell, formerly of The Stranglers, will be performing, as will traditional African sounds from Zimbarambawe. Headliners include Simon Friend’s Seismic Survey, Treacherous Orchestra, the Scottish folk/rock barnstormers, and psychedelic rockers Ozric Tentacles, while Neville Staple, of The Specials, The Rattlers, Panic Room and LilJim and Z Theory will also take to the stage during the three-day event.
Off The Tracks takes pride in its food and drink, plus arts and crafts stalls, activities for children and camping facilities and showers.
For more, visit www.offthetracks.co.uk or see www.facebook.com/offthetracksfestivals
n HolidayLettings.co.uk, a TripAdvisor company, has announced that Off The Tracks has been chosen as one of the top music festivals in its recent blog article 11 Fabulous UK Music Festivals You Might Not Have Heard Of.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story On track for a top festival Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


There will be something for everyone at this year’s Off The Tracks summer festival, taking place from September 2-4.


UPDATE: Traffic is speeding up in the M1 between Chesterfield and Mansfield after a lorry crashed onto it's side.
Initially closing the whole Northbound carriageway between junctions 28 and 29, highways workers have now managed to re-open all lanes, planning to complete recovery work later tonight.
Highways England said: "Three lanes have now been reinstated. The recovery has now been postponed until 9pm tonight. Traffic is now free-flowing past the scene in three lanes."
The authority tweeted informing to inform that the stretch of motorway between junctions 28 and 29 saw lane closures, with traffic backing up past junction 27.
Derbyshire police said they were called by the Highways Department but no officers have been dispatched, and there are no reports of any injured parties.
Queues are backing up as far as Junction 27 with delays expected to last around 50 minutes.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story OVERTURNED LORRY: Highways reopen all M1 lanes Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


UPDATE: Traffic is speeding up in the M1 between Chesterfield and Mansfield after a lorry crashed onto it


OVERTURNED LORRY: Highways reopen all M1 lanes


There will be plenty of free fantastic fun for the family on Saturday, September 3, when Nottingham Playhouse holds its Open Day, between 12noon-3pm.
Take a peek behind the scenes at the successful city centre venue.
To celebrate the start of the autumn season at the Playhouse, there will be an afternoon of free activites and eye-opening behind-the-scenes events for all ages.
There will be live music, arts and crafts, performance poetry, drama workshops, special effect, make up and much much more.
Organisers are confident this will be a great family-oriented event for all to enjoy.
Some events require reservation in advance, so make sure you give theteam a call at the Nottingham Playhouse box office on 0115 9419419.
Alternatively, you can check out more details at www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Open day at Nottingham Playhouse Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


There will be plenty of free fantastic fun for the family on Saturday, September 3, when Nottingham Playhouse holds its Open Day, between 12noon-3pm.


The opportunity to see The Great British Bake Off judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood create their favourite dishes in a series of live cookery demonstrations is just one of the treats in store for visitors to Chatsworth Country Fair, running from September 2-4.
Hugely popular TV presenter and baker Paul Hollywood will be appearing for the first time at the fair. Paul (pictured) is widely known for being a judge on the BAFTA award-winning The Great British Bake Off alongside Mary Berry and specialises in artisan baking. He will be cooking up some treats for the Derbyshire crowd on Friday, September 2.
Queen of baking and favourite of the fair, Mary Berry returns for a fourth year and will be performing cookery demonstrations on Saturday, September 3, using recipes from her upcoming book.
Food writer and broadcaster Valentine Warner will also be making an appearance, rounding off the three day event by cooking up some delicious dishes on Sunday, September 4. Valentine’s deep love of cooking, nature and travel has seen him make nine television series and write four cookery books, and is sure to be a hit with food fans.
Tickets for Chatsworth Country Fair are £25 for adults per day and free for children under 14 years old. Fantastic discounts are available for tickets purchased in advance online. For more information visit www.chatsworthcountryfair.co.uk
Another Great British Bake Off alumni who is also making her first appearance at the fair this year is Martha Collison, the programme’s youngest ever contestant, who wowed judges and viewers alike with her baking skills in the 2014 series. Martha, a self-taught baker who started cooking at the age of eight, is now involved with a number of baking projects, including her weekly column with Waitrose.
With the hottest chefs from across the region packing out a full timetable each day, the Cookery Theatre is sure to be a highlight for visitors.
Around the showground, there are plenty more wonderful shopping opportunities, with some great boutique clothing stands, traders selling tools, pet supplies, shooting, hunting and fishing equipment, fine wines, arts and crafts, and gardening equipment. A popular favourite with all ages is the Olde Tyme Fairground, with its classic rides: the Helter Skelter; Chair-O-Plane, Gallopers and the magnificent Big Wheel.
Around the showground, look out for lots more entertainment with target golf; pony rides; bungee trampolines and climbing walls.
The Grand Ring is offering an action-packed schedule on all three days, with show-stopping entertainment coming from The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, the hugely popular Household Cavalry Musical Ride; and a parachute display from Jump4Heroes.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Big stars at Chatsworth Country Fair Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


The opportunity to see The Great British Bake Off judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood create their favourite dishes in a series of live cookery demonstrations is just one of the treats in store for visitors to Chatsworth Country Fair, running from September 2-4.


Police are searching for a teenager who has been missing for nearly two weeks.
Cameron Samuel, 15, was last seen at his home in Kilburn, near Belper, on the morning of Friday August 19.
At the time of his disappearance he was wearing dark jeans, black trainers and a black or grey body warmer over a hooded top.
He also wore a black Nike cap with a silver tick.
Cameron is mixed-race, 5ft 5ins tall and slim.
He has a diamond earring in his left ear.
Police are asking anyone who knows of Cameron’s whereabouts to call Derbyshire police on 101, quoting incident number 317 of August 19.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Have you seen missing Derbyshire teenager Cameron Samuel? Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Police are searching for a teenager who has been missing for nearly two weeks.


Have you seen missing Derbyshire teenager Cameron Samuel?


The results are in. All those months spent revising, sitting exams and waiting to find out how much the hard work has paid off are over. Amidst the celebrations, congratulations or commiserations there will probably be some pressure to sort out what’s next. Will it be more study, entering the world of work or a combination of the two? The career goal, the advice you got at school or college, family pressures and financial situations can all influence choices. For too long though, the apprenticeship route has been looked at as the second class route to qualifications and preparation for a career. University is still perceived as the best way to get ahead of the game by many.
We need to get over this perception and celebrate all the benefits apprenticeships offer. Apprenticeships can take you just as far if not further than studying full time at university. Learning and earning not only delivers the qualifications employers are looking for, it gives that valuable experience that can make you stand out. Teachers, parents and young people probably still have the perception that apprenticeships are associated with blue collar, practical jobs. The government’s ‘Get In Go Far’ campaign aims to challenge those myths and show the range of apprenticeships available and where they can lead. For more visit: www.getingofar.gov.uk.
I was an apprentice myself in one of those ‘get your hands dirty’ kind of jobs but learning in this way sparked a passion in me and I was the first in my family to go to university. I come across lots of other passionate young people doing some exciting and unusual apprenticeship roles with us who are destined for great things.

COLUMN: College principal explains earning and learning benefits


The results are in. All those months spent revising, sitting exams and waiting to find out how much the hard work has paid off are over. Amidst the celebrations, congratulations or commiserations there will probably be some pressure to sort out what’s next. Will it be more study, entering the world of work or a combination of the two?
The career goal, the advice you got at school or college, family pressures and financial situations can all influence choices. For too long though, the apprenticeship route has been looked at as the second class route to qualifications and preparation for a career. University is still perceived as the best way to get ahead of the game by many.


The musical Save The Last Dance For Me is on at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal.
From the team that brought you Dreamboats and Petticoats, the show is a nostalgic, feelgood journey that will transport you to a golden era of music as we follow two sisters through the summer of ‘63.
It features smash hits including the title song, Teenager In Love, Sweets For My Sweet, Can’t Get Used to Losing You and many more, plus a script by Birds Of A Feather writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran.
Call the box office on 0115 9895555.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Nostalgic glow to hit musical Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


The musical Save The Last Dance For Me is on at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal.


Here are your latest record reviews to enjoy, written by Kevin Bryan
The Cadillac Three - Bury Me In My Boots (Big Machine Records. The Nashville-based country rockers The Cadillac Three cheerfully exploit every redneck cliche in the book as they serve up this raw and gritty celebration of all things Southern. The band’s 2015 single, White Lightning, captures the essence of the trio’s intense and instantly appealing approach to music-making, and newcomers to their refreshingly adult sound would also be well advised to lend an ear to prime cuts such as Slide and This Accent.
Leslie West - Mountain (Repertoire Records). This muscular solo offering from larger-than-life guitarist Leslie West first saw the light of day in 1969 and provided the first vinyl outlet for the band which would go on to become Mountain with the later addition of keyboardist Steve Knight. The contents should be required listening for anyone who professes an interest in the development of the rock genre during the late 60s and early 70s, with Felix Pappalardi’s inventive bass lines underpinning a heavily Cream influenced set boasting classic creations such as Dreams of Milk & Honey, Blood of the Sun and Dylan’s This Wheel’s On Fire.
Vladimir Feltsman - Schumann (Nimbus). This impressive three-CD set finds acclaimed Russian pianist Vladimir Feltsman bringing his instrumental artistry to bear on a broad cross-section of keyboard works penned by one of the leading lights of German Romanticism. The entire recital was captured for posterity during the space of just five days in March 2014, and many of Schumann’s most attractive compositions are given an airing in the process, including Carnaval, Kreisleriana and the deceptively childlike Kinderszenen from 1838.
Asylums - Killer Brain Waves (Cool Thing Records). Southend’s Asylums have been described as “an irresistible cocktail of Lemonheads, Weezer and Sonic Youth,” and echoes of the finest 90s rock certainly permeate Killer Brain Waves, the band’s urgent and well nigh irresistible debut set. Their quirkily memorable material tackles subjects as diverse as austerity and gender equality via an appealing flurry of incandescent melodic hooks, with I’ve Seen Your Face In A Music Magazine and the curiously anthemic Joy In A Small Wage emerging as the pick of an excellent opener.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Record Review with Kevin Bryan Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Here are your latest record reviews to enjoy, written by Kevin Bryan


You can catch the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain when their The Gigasecond Tour visits Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall on Saturday, October 15.
The performance starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £20-£23. Call the box office on 0115 989 5555 or see www.trch.co.uk
The workd-renowned all-plucking superstars return with their toe-tapping music, hilarious banter, and superlative entertainment.
Last year, they celebrated 30 years of plucking action and this year they will have been active for one billion seconds.
See for yourself the performers who have earned celebrity fans and standing ovations all around the world.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Plucky performers to show off their ukelele skills again Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


You can catch the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain when their The Gigasecond Tour visits Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall on Saturday, October 15.


Plucky performers to show off their ukelele skills again


Arsene Wenger will splash out more than £50million before the transfer deadline on centre half Shkodran Mustafi and striker Lucas Perez, report the Daily Mail.
The paper reports the Arsene Wenger has had bids accepted on both players.
England goalkeeper Joe Hart is looking to clinch a move to Liverpool by taking a big pay cut, report the Sun.
The Guardian say West Ham have agreed a €28m (£24m) fee with Juventus for Simone Zaza, with the Italy striker set to fly to England on Friday for his medical after agreeing personal terms. Southampton defender Jose Fonte looks set to stay at the club and reject interest from Manchester United after holding one-on-one talks with Saints chairman Ralph Krueger to discuss his future. (Metro)
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata wants to stay at Old Trafford despite not being guaranteed a starting role under manager Jose Mourinho, reports the Daily Telegraph.
Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford is expected to agree a season-long loan with Burnley on Friday. (Daily Mail)

Transfer rumours: Arsenal to spend big and Joe Hart keen to drum up Liverpool interest


Arsene Wenger will splash out more than £50million before the transfer deadline on centre half Shkodran Mustafi and striker Lucas Perez, report the Daily Mail.


A boozed-up motorist registered just over three times the drink-drive limit after she was stopped by police following a tip-off from a member of the public.
Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Friday, on August 26, of Jane Louise Williamson, 56, of Northwood Avenue, Darley Dale, Matlock, was spotted by police attempting to reverse as she collided with a parked vehicle and she had slurred speech.
Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said: “Police were contacted by a member of the public who reported that they had seen a drink-driver.
“Police went to the home of the keeper of the vehicle and observed an Audi TT driving on to Northwood Avenue and it attempted to reverse park but collided with a Vauxhall Astra.”
Police revealed that Williamson had slurred speech and appeared drunk, according to Mrs Allsop, and the defendant registered 123microgrammes of alcohol in 100millilitres of breath when the legal limit is 35microgrammes.
Williamson pleaded guilty to exceeding the alcohol drink-drive limit after the incident on August 7.
The probation service explained that Williamson had drunk a bottle of wine but she had felt she was okay to drive because she has a high alcohol tolerance level.
Williamson also revealed to the probation service that she drinks when she is faced with difficulties and following a family argument she had drunk to excess.
Defence solicitor Bertie Mather said: “This experience has been a massive wake-up call for Mrs Williamson and brought to the forefront the potential dangers of driving when taking alcohol.”
Mr Mather added that Williamson who works as a student support teacher at a school and works at a shop has been concerned how the offence may affect her employment.
Magistrates sentenced Williamson to a 12 month community order with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and an Alcohol Treatment Requirement.
She was also given a three-month curfew and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.
Williamson was also banned from driving for 30 months.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Boozy motorist is banned from driving for 30 months Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


A boozed-up motorist registered just over three times the drink-drive limit after she was stopped by police following a tip-off from a member of the public.


Boozy motorist is banned from driving for 30 months


Just when you thought it was safe to talk positively about Nottingham Forest, they sell our brightest talent in the blink of an eye.
Unless you have been on Mars; you’ll no doubt have heard about Oliver Burke’s departure from Nottingham Forest at the weekend. However, I will embellish on this fiasco later on in the week.
So let us rewind to Saturday when everything was a bit brighter and even I refused to be negative!
Leeds United were the visitors the City Ground and under the stewardship of Gary Monk looked a tricky tie on paper.
It’s no surprise that both clubs have identical records since their respective tumbles from the Promised Land that we call the Premier League.
Leeds have had an indifferent start to this campaign under Gary Monk but you get the feeling that he will turn it around anytime now, luckily for us that time was certainly not 5.45pm last Saturday.
Forest started brightly against the Yorkshire men and forced some early corners, Oliver Burke almost netted one of them off Lansbury’s whipped delivery.
The home side did indeed take the lead by virtue of an identical delivery; Pajtim Kasami exploited the same defensive frailties and blasted home from close range with ease.
It was fantastic to see Stephen Henderson have a solid game too; despite the odd flap here and there he was on hand to produce a cracking save to prevent a Leeds equaliser. He also plucked a couple of dangerous crosses safely from their intended targets.
Speaking to a couple of Leeds fans, it soon became evident that they had a real problem defending crosses and corners. Forest punished them in this manner once again to go two goals ahead in the second half.
Damien Perquis hung in the air like Michael Jordan before planting an unstoppable header past Rob Green. It seems more than just a coincidence that the reds were utilising every opportunity to get the ball into the box, if this was indeed tactical nouse by Philippe Montanier, then hats off to him.
I’m still not sure about him but he’s certainly not boring, that’s for sure!
I even thought that we might achieve our first clean sheet of the season, but the home defence, manager and goalkeeper cannot be held responsible for Leeds United’s goal in the 83rd minute. Kevin Phillips scored an absolute beauty of a free kick, from all of thirty yards out.
The familiar nervous grumblings began to echo around our famous old stadium soon after the Leeds goal - a predicted score line of 4-3 carried itself from the Trent End to the A block, accompanied by a wave of nervous laughter.
Well, on previous evidence, you’d be a brave man or woman to disagree!
Unbeknown to the remaining supporters in the ground, they were about to witness a moment of history in added on time at the end of the game. In the same way that those stragglers who witnessed Des Walker’s only ever goal did, the Forest fans were treated to a swansong from Oliver Burke.
The young genius weaved and powered his way from the left touchline before finishing from the tightest of angles past Green. If this is the last we ever see of Oliver Burke in the famous red jersey, then it was a wonderful way to say goodbye.
You could compare it to Carl Froch’s last ever punch in professional boxing; a career defining moment that will live long in the memory.
It is beyond comprehension that the club have allowed such an amazing talent to go at the first sign of any real money, especially after we offloaded Jamie Paterson in the same week.
As I said at the beginning of this piece, I have LOTS to say about the Burke transfer but not just now. As the Irish like to say: “A windy day is not for thatching”.

OPINION: Oliver Burke says goodbye in style with Nottingham Forest


Just when you thought it was safe to talk positively about Nottingham Forest, they sell our brightest talent in the blink of an eye.


A busy August at The Doghouse in Nottingham is rounded off on Saturday, August 27, by a visit from Lizzie and the Banshees.
As you may have guessed from the name, this is a tribute to the mighty musical back catalogue of Siouxsie and the Banshees.
There will also be other bands on the bill. Check out www.thedoghousenottingham.co.uk for more details.
Meanwhile, at another Nottingham venue - the Rescue Rooms - you can see a set by Big Jesus - plus support - on Friday, August 26, followed by The Winter Passing - plus support - on Monday, August 29.
See www.rescuerooms.com
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Bands galore at city venues this weekend Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


A busy August at The Doghouse in Nottingham is rounded off on Saturday, August 27, by a visit from Lizzie and the Banshees.


Bands galore at city venues this weekend


Sean Lock is hitting the road again with his latest show Keep It Light and you can see him at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham on Thursday, November 17.
The performance starts at 8pm.
Every three years, the comedian - a long-standing team captain on both 8 Out Of 10 Cats and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown - writes and tours a new show.
Well, he’s only gone and done it again. What’s he like?
Come and see what he’s blithering on about this time.
The show is ideally for those aged 15 and over.
Call the box office on 0115 9895555.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Sean unlocks more comedy gold Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Sean Lock is hitting the road again with his latest show Keep It Light and you can see him at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham on Thursday, November 17.


Where has it all gone wrong for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the red-ball form of the game in 2016?
That is the question on most supporters’ lips as the county requires a miracle to avoid relegation to Division Two of the Specsavers County Championship – in the same season as they reached the T20 Blast finals day and continued to strengthen the success of the Notts Outlaws one-day brand.
Even victory in their final three County Championships Division One fixtures, including at Durham this week, will not guarantee their survival and avoid a second ever relegation.
You could say that it is unthinkable for a Test venue to be probably hosting Second Division cricket next summer, but it happened a decade ago and Notts bounced back.
There were no thoughts of relegation in May when Notts topped the table. Yet they will start at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday (31st August) 35 points adrift and with just one win all season from their 13 four-day matches – that victory coming as long ago as the opening game of the season against Surrey at Trent Bridge.
It has been a sudden fall from grace for Chris Read’s men, who won the County Championship just six years ago. But the side, coached by Mick Newell since 2002, have perhaps fallen guilty of not heeding the warnings of one year ago.
The 2015 season saw Nottinghamshire struggle in the opening months in Division One, before a terrific second half of the season took them up to third place.
The recovery was built on a strong batting line-up with Riki Wessels, Brendan Taylor and Alex Hales all scoring more than 1,000 runs. Not to mention the contribution with the bat of England’s James Taylor.
So it is perhaps ironic that both Read and Newell have both admitted as this season has worn on that a lack of runs has cost them dear this time around.
Yes, Nottinghamshire have been unlucky. First they lost James Taylor to the much-publicised heart condition that ended his playing career at the start of the season.
The success of opener Hales becoming a regular England regular has also been his county’s loss when runs have, so often, been at a premium. In fact, Hales has played just twice and tops the county’s batting averages.
More bad luck has come with injuries. Captain Read missed several matches after breaking his hand in May – and his runs have been badly missed.
Stuart Broad’s injuries and England duties have also severely limited his four-day cricket for Nottinghamshire – but that has been the case for several years.
However, his runs lower down the order would undoubtedly have helped as defeats became a regular occurrence in the championship.
Occasionally the experienced Broad and Read have chipped in with vital runs down the order, but the likes of Michael Lumb, Wessels, Brendon Taylor and Samit Patel (one incredible hundred apart) havn’t delivered often enough this summer – particularly in the second innings of matches.
Steven Mullaney leads the way (apart from Hales) with an average of 38, has struck two centuries and scored 856 runs, so should be exempt from criticism of the batting overall.
But the fact he is 43rd in the rankings of the division’s best batsmen shows how disappointing Notts’ run-gathering has been.
In contrast, England’s young seamer, local product Jake Ball, is 19th in the bowling averages.
Notts’ bad luck with the loss of James Taylor was compounded in the bowling department when injury prevented Australian international Peter Siddle from returning to Trent Bridge to be their overseas player before the season started.
But most observers do not place the blame for the almost-certain relegation on the bowling attack – or any perceived distractions by success in the one-day game.
The championship season started relatively well with that three-wicket victory over Surrey. But perhaps the alarm bells were ringing even then, in the second innings.
Notts, batting first, totalled more than 400 with Mullaney hitting a century and Notts enforcing the follow-on. Australian Jackson Bird, who replaced Siddle, and Ball underlined the strength of the seam attack to set-up a 169-run target, but the second innings wobble that saw Notts fall from 72 without loss to win by just three wickets was a sign of the batting frailty to come.
A week later an eight-wicket defeat to Lancashire was notable for the paucity of runs as only captain Read made passed 50.
A draw against old rivals Yorkshire in front of the Sky TV cameras saw Read hit the 25th century of his career and Mullaney, Broad and Patel strike half-centuries.
Notts came within one wicket of victory on a thrilling final evening and topped the table. But it needed 200 runs from the last four wickets in Notts’ second innings to keep them in the game as the top order again failed.
Hales, Lumb and Patel all made 50s in a rain-hit draw with Middlesex, before the fragility of the batting-order reared its head in spectacular fashion during a 53-run home defeat to Warwickshire.
Chasing a modest 227 to win, Notts collapsed with nine batsmen – including Lumb who struck a first innings ton – failing to make double figures.
The heroics of Patel, who smashed a 68-ball century while wickets tumbled around him, prompted coach Newell to admit: “When one bloke gets 75 percent of the runs you have to be a bit disappointed. Some of our players will have to reflect that they have not really had the best of games. You can manage with only eight or nine playing well, but not when it is only six or seven.”
Those thoughts were to be repeated by supporters for most of the rest of the summer as batsmen threw their wickets away cheaply.
Just three batsmen passed 50 in a defeat at Hampshire, where Read suffered that crucial injury, before a week later former Zimbabwe captain Taylor twice hit a century in a run-fest draw, marred by rain, with Durham.
When four-day cricket resumed a month later Notts were well beaten by 228 runs at The Kia Oval with only Taylor passing 50 against Surrey. Runs were again at a premium in a draw with Warwickshire, before Notts dominated a draw with Lancashire.
At that point Newell drew a parallel with last season’s fightback in the second half of the season – but this time it never came.
While the T20 side reeled off victory after victory, the four-day side continued to find runs hard to come by. A 10-wicket loss to Somerset saw Mullaney and Jake Libby put on almost 200 for the first wicket at the start of the match. Somehow no other batsmen then got past 44.
Mullaney hit his second century of the season in a losing cause as Notts were humbled by 176 runs by Hampshire at Trent Bridge two weeks ago.
Then last week, in a must-win clash with Yorkshire, Notts somehow again turned a strong position into a defeat.
Having reduced Yorkshire to 51 for six, Notts then crumbled to 94 all out in reply to Yorkshire’s first innings 282. A second innings capitulation for 146 runs has surely spelled the end for Notts’ survival hopes.
They lost 20 wickets in less than 100 overs at Scarborough in front of a noisy crowd full of holidaymakers. This season has been anything but a holiday for those who follow Nottinghamshire cricket.

OPINION: Where has it all gone wrong for Nottinghamshire in red-ball cricket?


Where has it all gone wrong for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the red-ball form of the game in 2016?


Derby Youth Musical Theatre will be performing Frank Loesser’s much loved musical Guys And Dolls at Derby’s Guildhall Theatre from September 21-24.
Following their highly acclaimed production of Phantom Of The Opera, DYMT return with this hugely popular musical, set amongst New York gangsters, gamblers and nightclub singers.
It also features songs such as Luck Be A Lady Tonight, Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat and Sue Me, among many others.
This musical will be performed by talented youngsters from all over the county.
Tickets to see the show are £14.
You can call the box office on 01332 255800.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Young talent to tackle Guys and Dolls Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Derby Youth Musical Theatre will be performing Frank Loesser’s much loved musical Guys And Dolls at Derby’s Guildhall Theatre from September 21-24.


The Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy rain later today (Saturday), potentially leading to some travel disruption.
The yellow alert comes into force at 11am today (Saturday), covering Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and remains valid until 9am on Sunday.
After a dry and cloudy start, showers will spread into much off the region, potentially turning heavy and thundery.
The Met Office has warned there could be the risk of local disruption to transport and outdoor activities.
“Thundery showers are likely to move northwards into some southern parts of England during Saturday morning, becoming more widespread and heavy over central UK through the course of Saturday and overnight into Sunday morning,” they said.
“There remains a lot of uncertainty in where the heaviest and most prolonged thundery showers will occur, with some places having only small amounts of rain. However, there is a risk of some locally large rainfall totals, with 25 to 50 mm of rain possible in places.”

WEATHER WARNING: Heavy and thundery showers for East Midlands


The Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy rain later today (Saturday), potentially leading to some travel disruption.


Witty songs, romantic ballads and rousing choruses feature in the evergreen light opera classic Merrie England.
Derbyshire’s Present Company will perform Sir Edward German’s patriotic piece in Buxton over the August bank holiday weekend.
The work is set in Windsor where townsfolk are gathering for the crowning of the May Queen and a visit from a real monarch, Queen Elizabeth I.
Murder plots and tales of witchcraft unravel to the background of the May Day revels.
The production includes Raleigh’s ballad, The Perfect English Rose; Queen Elizabeth’s song, O Peaceful England which often features in Last Night of the Proms and The Yeomen of England.
Performances of Merrie England take place at Buxton Opera House on Saturday, August 27 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and on Monday, August 29, at 3pm. Tickets £14-£19. Contact 01298 72190 or www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Merrie England promises a lively weekend for opera fans


Witty songs, romantic ballads and rousing choruses feature in the evergreen light opera classic Merrie England.


The Nottingham Classics season 2016-17 will launch next month with Brussels Philharmonic under the charismatic conductor Stéphane Denève, performing music from Beethoven, Connesson and Respighi on September 28.
Renowned pianist Stephen Hough will perform with the Hallé orchestra under the baton of Sir Mark Elder, performing Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 and music from Janáček and Dvořák.
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will perform music from Britten, Korngold and Berlioz under conductor Nicholas Collon and featuring violin soloist Vilde Frang.
American violinist, Hilary Hahn, a prodigious talent with a taste for adventure, and as easy in the company of rock bands as she is with orchestras, performs Bruch’s timeless Violin Concerto No. 1 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra on December. 4
Duncan Ward will conduct Sinfonia Viva and pianist Cordelia Williams as they perform music from Stravinsky, Sibelius and Beethoven. The world’s favourite guitarist Miloš Karadaglić, with Royal Northern Sinfonia, will perform a selection of music for classical guitar along with new arrangements of timeless Beatles songs.
Meanwhile, in addition to the Nottingham Classics season, Opera North will return with a week of stunning operas including Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier, Britten’s Billy Budd and Puccini’s Il Tabarro and Suor Angelica.
The popular Sunday Morning Piano series also continues, with performances this season from Nicholas McCarthy, Isata Kanneh-Mason and Alexander Ullman.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.trch.co.uk or call 0115 989 5555.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Classical stars in new season Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


The Nottingham Classics season 2016-17 will launch next month with Brussels Philharmonic under the charismatic conductor Stéphane Denève, performing music from Beethoven, Connesson and Respighi on September 28.


Nottingham was transported back to a golden era this week, reminding us of the music and magic brought to us during the swinging sixties, writes Daniel Bailey.
Starring Blue’s Antony Costa and Lola Saunders of X-Factor fame, Save the Last Dance for Me takes theatregoers on a nostalgic, feelgood journey of song and dance while following the trials and tribulations of two teenage sisters on a summer holiday.
Full of freedom and high spirits, Jennifer and Marie embark on a trip to the seaside for the first time without their parents, meeting a handsome young American who invites them to the local US Air Force base.
Things don’t run smoothly though as the doe-eyed siblings soon realise the complications of inter-racial relationships and that life and love can be much more complicated as it seems.
Costa, part of one of the biggest boy bands of the noughties, was the big draw as Milton, with Saunders, making her theatrical debut, playing the part of brassy Jennifer.
Ex-fishmonger Lola showed exactly why she’s made for a career in theatre as she looked completely at home on stage, wowing the audience with her powerful vocals and soulful tone.
Elizabeth Carter impressed as sweet teen Marie, while Wayne Robinson (Curtis) brought appreciative gasps with a chiselled physique which more than complemented his great singing voice.
The constantly-playing jukebox was a nice touch during scenes providing some background music, while the Lowestoft-themed props provided a colourful British seaside feel to the show.
Rock ‘n’ Roll classics included Elvis’s Viva Las Vegas, Can’t Get Used to Losing You, A Teenager in Love, Please Mr Postman and Save the Last Dance for Me, plus a superb acapella rendition of Sweets for my Sweet.
Save the Last Dance runs until Saturday, August 27. For tickets visit www.trch.co.uk.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Review: Save The Last Dance For Me Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Nottingham was transported back to a golden era this week, reminding us of the music and magic brought to us during the swinging sixties, writes Daniel Bailey.


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Yorkshire's latest Radio 1 stars The Sherlocks had a muddy great time at Leeds Festival - they drew a crowd of more than 6,000 fans then camped out with them.
The Sheffield indie four piece turned down a five star hotel and proved they are a real band of the people.
After packing out the Festival Republic stage they decided to pitched a tent in one of the muddy camp sites.
Frontan Kiaran Crook, aged 20, revealed: "We played our set then decided to camp through the night. We had an option to go into a five star hotel, with a jacuzzi and everything, but we decided to camp.
"We just love it."
He then joked: "We ended up camping next to the Red Hot Chili Peppers- I could hear Anthony snoring.
"But no, seriously, we love it. We love a bit of mud. We just thought, we might as well have the full festival experience."
Melvin Benn, Reading and Leeds Festival boss, said: "I didn't know The Sherlocks went and pitched up in the camp site. It doesn't surprise me. It's what my kids do. They want to be in the public camp site. Anybody who thinks the VIP area is the place to be, I can tell you it's a bit more boring."
Other Yorkshire bands who played at Leeds over the weekend included Sheffield's The Wired, Liberty Ship, Bang Bang Romeo, Leeds band Dusk, Fighting Caravans, York based Faux Pas and many more.
The Sherlocks, also featuring Kiaran's brother, drummer Brandon, 23, guitarist Josh Davidson, 22, and his brother and bassist Andy, 17, recently played the biggest music festival in the world, SXSW in Austin, Texas.
The Sherlocks played to over 6,000 people then camped out with fans in muddy fields at Leeds Festival.
They also played at Reading Festival at the weekend but said Leeds, their Yorkshire homecoming, was the highlight of their year.
Kiaran added: "Leeds Festival is really important to us. It's given us a chance to pick up new fans. We had a blast. The tent was packed. It exceeded what we thought it would be.We're going on tour next month, starting in Brighton and finishing in Stockton, with a sold out gig in Leeds.
"It would be nice to do the NME/Radio 1 stage next year, I think that's where we are heading."
Brandon added: "We are at home when playing Leeds festival. Now we need to get an album out while we've got momentum behind us."
The Sherlocks, who will record their debut album later this year, begin a 16-date UK headline tour later this week, including a sold out show at The Wardrobe in Leeds, on Tuesday, September 20.
The Sherlocks at Leeds Festival
For full dates and tickets visit thesherlocksmusic.co.uk
The Sherlocks on stage at Leeds Festival
Reading and Leeds Festival boss Melvin Benn
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story VIDEO: Sheffield's The Sherlocks camp in mud with fans after wowing Leeds Festival Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


VIDEO: Sheffield's The Sherlocks camp in mud with fans after wowing Leeds Festival


Take a step back into 1920s and 30s New York City and through the doors of Harlem’s hottest nightclub, in an action-packed show celebrating the music and dance of the Cotton Club.
Performances by Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Fats Waller would have had the club swinging – whilst dancers such as Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers lit up the stage with their breathtaking routines.
In this show, the exhilarating dance and music of the Cotton Club is recreated by the fabulous Lindy Hop Dance Company alongside the Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra, featuring American vocalist Marlene Hill and compere/vocalist Megs Etherington.
Other music events to come to Buxton Opera House include the music of the 50s and 60s with the Rat Pack Live on Saturday 8 October at 7.30pm. And audiences are invited to leave their inhibitions at the door and prepare to experience An Evening of Burlesque on Sunday, October 9, at 7.30pm.
Swinging at the Cotton Club is at Buxton Opera House on Sunday, October 2, at 7.30pm. Tickets £23.50 to £25.50. Contact 01298 72190 or www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Swing by for the hottest music and dance show


Take a step back into 1920s and 30s New York City and through the doors of Harlem’s hottest nightclub, in an action-packed show celebrating the music and dance of the Cotton Club.


They seek him here, they seek him there....and they’ll find him in a Derbyshire premiere.
Amber Valley-based Present Company is staging hit musical The Scarlet Pimpernel - by Frank Wildhorn and Nan Knighton - at Buxton Opera House from September 1 to 3.
Set against the backdrop of the bloody French Revolution, this a tale of courage, betrayal, justice, trust, intrigue, honour and love.
The story traces the exploits of Sir Percy Blakeney (played by David Partridge) and his “Bounders” during the 1793-4 Reign of Terror which followed the execution of Louis XVI. These aristocratic Englishmen rush across the Channel and using disguises and their wits, rescue their French counterparts from the guillotine. At home these ‘daredevils’ hide their identities, and their courage, by posing as Regency fops to avoid suspicion.
Sir Percy is married to French actress, Marguerite St Just (played by Rachael Louisa Bray), but she has a shadowy past including an affair with The Pimpernel’s arch enemy.
Performances are 7.30pm Thursday-Saturday plus a Saturday matinee from 2.30pm. For ticket details, you can call the box office on 01298 72190 or you can go online at www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Premiere for Present Company Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


They seek him here, they seek him there....and they’ll find him in a Derbyshire premiere.


Young people, there’s no need to feel down... the modern YMCA can offer you the chance to improve your life - and it’s not just for men!
Every year, YMCA Derbyshire helps hundreds of troubled young people aged between 16 and 25 get their lives on track by offering them education and accommodation.
“We take young people from the chaotic to contributing members of society,” Grace Harrison, fundraising communications manager for the charity, explains.
The Young Men’s Christian Association was founded in London in 1844 by Sir George Williams and the Derbyshire branch was set up shortly afterwards in 1847.
Nowadays the Christian organisation caters for young people indiscriminate of their faith or gender with the mantra, ‘protect, trust, hope and persevere’, which is taken from Corinthians 13: 4-7.
Grace continues: “We protect them, we trust them to make the right choices, we hope for their future and we persevere for them.”
She explains that the charity may help a young person more than once and persevere to help them overcome their troubles.
The YMCA has education and training centres in Ashgate Manor, in Chesterfield, Coronation Street, in Ilkeston, and various locations in Derby.
“We can offer maths and English GCSEs, we offer a lot of vocational training, hospitality, computer skills, health and safety,” Grace says.
“We track the jobs market to see where the most opportunities are and we offer training to meet that. That way we give young people the best chance of getting a job.”
The organisation works with employers throughout the county to offer young people work experience. An example of this is a group of ten young people who are currently carrying out work experience at Toyota in South Derbyshire, where they are working in various different sectors, such as catering, security and administration.
Young people learning catering are also able to put their skills into practice through the charity’s own learning kitchen in Derby.
They are often called upon to cater large events and will be doing so for a fundraising evening being held later this month, due to be attended by the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and managing director of Toyota among the 200 guests - the aim of which is to raise £15,000 for the charity.
Grace explains that the YMCA is a college, and like all other colleges, it is regulated by Ofsted - achieving an overall rating of ‘good’ in it’s last inspection.
YMCA Derbyshire offers accommodation or young people from all over the county who have no place to go on its campus in Derby.
“We have 88 units of accommodation on site with 24/7 care and support. We also have over 40 ‘move on’ units across the city,” says Grace.
The ‘move on’ accommodation is for when young people are ready to leave the campus, but not quite ready to be on their own yet. They are still able to access advice and support from the charity.
In 2015 alone the charity supported 211 people through accommodation and 262 through training.
Gillian Sewell, CEO of YMCA Derbyshire comments: “We offer young and vulnerable people a safe front door, supported accommodation, suitable accredited training and education courses, access to employment projects and mentoring opportunities. All of which is aimed at getting individuals in to further education, employment and on to independent living.
She continues: “I have seen many young people arrive at YMCA Derbyshire with damaged hope and enjoy seeing them leave with qualifications, increased confidence, self esteem and resilience. We believe that every young person should not limit their horizons they should work hard, engage in the support provided and then reap the rewards that comes with that.”
Gillian says the charity can offer you people a second chance.
“Whether mainstream school hasn’t quite worked for them, or there has been a breakdown in the family home YMCA Derbyshire are here to offer the support and guidance needed to enable every young person to belong, contribute and thrive,” she says. “We work in the local community for the local community.
“The need for our services is greater than ever and we require support to sustain and develop our work, and remain responsive to the real needs in our local community. We welcome support from individuals, businesses, churches, community groups and schools.
YMCA Derbyshire has regular intakes for training and education courses.
Further information on training opportunities, or how to make a donation, can be found at www.ymcaderbyshire.org.uk or by emailing enquires@ymcaderbyshire.org.uk.

Young people are given a second chance at life


Young people, there’s no need to feel down... the modern YMCA can offer you the chance to improve your life - and it’s not just for men!


GCSE students in Derbyshire have done their county proud by bucking the national downward trend and achieving an improvement in their grades.
Nationally, this year’s results have shown the biggest ever year-on-year decline – down to the lowest level since 2008.
But provisional results show that 62 per cent of Year 11 students in Derbyshire achieved grades A* to C in English and maths – an increase of 3 per cent from last year.
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Jim Coyle said: “I’m delighted that early indications show our GCSE students have bucked the national downward trend and achieved even better grades than last year.
“GCSEs are an important stepping stone for the future whatever route young people choose to follow, whether that be vocational or academic.
More than 7,500 students across the county’s 45 secondary schools received their results today (Thursday 25 August) with many outstanding stories from both schools and individual students.
Further education or training options open to Year 11 students are:
• Full-time education such as sixth form, college or work-based learning
• An apprenticeship
• Part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week
Coun Coyle said: “Young people staying on in education or work-based training can develop better skills, create opportunities and have more chance of fulfilling their learning potential and getting a job they enjoy.
“Even if students don’t do as well as expected in their GCSEs, schools can put them in touch with advisers who can go through all the options open to them. These include a wide range of vocational qualifications and apprenticeships which will be showcased at our Skills Festivals.
“Whatever results students may have received today it’s important for them to know what options are open to them as they stay on in education or training.”
The county council’s Skills Festivals are Derbyshire’s largest careers events for young people and are aimed at students aged 15 to 19, including those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school. This year’s events will be held at:
• Queen’s Park Sports Centre, Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield, S40 2ND on Thursday 15 September between 3.30pm and 8pm.
• The Roundhouse, Derby College, Roundhouse Road, Derby, DE24 8JE on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 September between 3.30pm and 8pm.
Training providers, the Armed Forces, larger employers and the county council’s community adult education service will be on hand to talk to young people. They will also be invited to take part in a range of have-a-go activities including forensic science, 3D printing and the use of technology in manufacturing.
There will be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and NEETs (young people who are not in education, employment or training) will also be invited.
Coun Coyle added: “I want to congratulate all the students for their hard work – and heads, teachers, staff, governors, parents and our school improvement service for supporting our young people in achieving their success.”
There is also a host of useful information for young people on the county council’s YOUTHINC website here.
Meanwhile, students who are not thinking about higher education can check out the Government’s apprenticeships website {www.apprenticeships.org.uk |herel|here}.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Derbyshire GCSE students buck the national trend with improved grades Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


GCSE students in Derbyshire have done their county proud by bucking the national downward trend and achieving an improvement in their grades.


Derbyshire GCSE students buck the national trend with improved grades


Paceman Tony Palladino and all-rounder Greg Cork have signed new deals to tie them to Derbyshire.
The 33-year-old Palladino has committed himself to a two-year contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2018 season. Alongside his playing duties with the first team, he will also take up a coaching role.
Palladino has claimed 258 wickets across all formats for Derbyshire since joining the county from Essex in 2011.
So far this season, he has bagged 26 wickets at an average of 36 in 11 Specsavers County Championship games, with his best bowling figures being 5-83 against Glamorgan.
Head coach John Sadler said: “Tony is one of our most experienced and knowledgeable players in the dressing room and can offer a lot, both on and off the field. He continues to take wickets and provides us with a consistent and reliable performer with the ball. He will now also play a key role in coaching and providing advice to the younger guys in their developments.”
Palladino said: “I’m delighted to sign the new two-year deal. I believe I still have plenty to give both on the field and also helping the guys off it as we push for success.”
Meanwhile Cork, son of ex-England all-rounder and Sky Sports TV pundit Dominic Cork, has signed a one-year contract extension with Derbyshire until the end of the 2017 season.
Cork, who made his first-team debut in 2014, has played 13 games for the county, taking 13 wickets with best bowling figures of 2-17 against Somerset in a List A fixture in 2015.
The 21-year-old has played 19 games in total for the second XI this term, scoring 362 runs, including a highest score of 73 against Lancashire. He has also claimed 17 wickets, with best bowling figures of 3-21 also coming against Lancashire.
Sadler said: “Greg has worked extremely hard over the summer, and his game continues to improve. He’s taken wickets and scored runs for the second XI this summer and is developing into a genuine all-rounder across all forms.
“Greg may have had limited opportunities in the first team this season, but we believe he has plenty of potential and can produce matchwinning performances for Derbyshire in the future.”

Fresh deals for Derbyshire duo Tony Palladino and Greg Cork


Paceman Tony Palladino and all-rounder Greg Cork have signed new deals to tie them to Derbyshire.


There is to be an open weekend on Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, September 4, at the RSPCA Derby and District’s Abbey Street Rehoming centre in Derby.
Admission is free. The event runs from 12noon-4pm on both days and the opening of the cat maternity unit and the rabbit house will be between 2pm and 2.30 pm on Saturday.
The event is being held to celebrate the opening of the cat maternity unit and the rabbit house.
There will be a Pimms bar, barbecue, cream teas, cakes, animal fact hunt, animal education corner, kitten shower and games and crafts for children.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Open weekend at RSPCA centre Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


There is to be an open weekend on Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, September 4, at the RSPCA Derby and District’s Abbey Street Rehoming centre in Derby.


Can you remember the last time Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United in a final?
Or do you recall the time Eric Cantona played for Sheffield Wednesday?
The Guinness Soccer six tournament was an annual competition that the country’s elite took very seriously indeed.
Fellow forest fans will remember this with fondness (those old enough), because we were consecutive finalists, in both 1987 and 1988.
For the record; Cantona featured in the competition whilst on a trial, at Sheffield Wednesday.
Former Forest legend Trevor Francis allowed the Frenchman to move on to Leeds United without signing him up. (Wonder whatever happened to him?)
The G-Mex arena in Manchester played host to the event and the crowds were healthy, having began back in 1981 it had gained some serious momentum by the time Forest lifted the trophy.
The Reds were crowned champions in 1987, after a nervy encounter with Man united, who were technically on home soil.
United had fielded a host of first team regulars as did pretty much everyone else, with the exception of Coventry who played David Speedie in goal!
Forest and Man United couldn’t be separated during normal time in that final, but we took the honours via a penalty shootout.
Tommy Gaynor calmly slotted home the winning kick to elevate himself into pub quiz folklore.
The winning team photo consisted of the following players; Steve Sutton, Nigel Clough, Calvin Plummer, Neil Webb, Colin Foster, Stuart Pearce, Gary Charles, Darren Wassall and of course, Gaynor.
Considering that this all took place in mid season, December in fact, it is all the more remarkable that Forest went on to finish third in the top flight that same season. An accolade that would see you into the
Champions League today!
Could you imagine the likes of Sergio Aguero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Eden Hazard turning out for their respective clubs, to play six-a-side, on a cold night in Manchester? Me neither but it does make a mockery
of the “over play and tiredness” gripes that reverberate from the mouth of the Premier League lion.
Such was the momentum of Soccer six, the following year 1988, every top flight club took part as well as a little club from the second division called Manchester City.
Forest once again passed their way through their opposition and progressed to the final.
When you think how Brian Clough had them playing on muddy fields back then, it was no surprise that the likes of Clough junior and Webb were untouchable on the Astro-turf.
FA cup holders Wimbledon were notable victims of the Forest fire power, the long ball specialists were well out of their comfort zone and were beaten 4-1.
Once again though, the likes of Vinnie Jones, John Scales and Dennis Wise were all in attendance.
Forest then sneaked past Norwich City to set up a second, consecutive final against Charlton Athletic.
Another thing to remember here is the tournament was played over a couple of days too. Not just your average competition at Power League followed by a session in the bar.
Forest’s side had only changed slightly from the previous year; Des Walker, Terry Wilson, Franz Carr and Brian Laws had entered the fray this time out. Such was the consistency of Clough’s philosophy;
whoever came in would play to feet at all times.
When the holders took on Charlton in their second final, you could just feel the determination of the London club and their vhairman, who was on the sidelines, shouting support. Again; could you imagine
Roman Abramovich doing that, down at the G-Mex?
In truth, Charlton outplayed Forest that night and fully deserved their silverware. They took a deserved lead through Peter Shirtliff and it wasn’t until the dying seconds of the half that Franz Carr drew us level.
The second period again belonged to the Addicks and they were rewarded with a fine winner by Paul Mortimer. The celebrations from the Londoners were something to behold, you could see that it really
meant something; the kind of attitude long gone in this country.
Worth noting too, was the £50,000 prize money for the winners; to Charlton this equated to triple the gate receipts of their recant league tie with Forest.
Ironically, Forest went on to lift the League Cup that same season and celebrated with similar elation.
How many clubs even field anything close to a full strength side in that competition these days?
Football and footballers have changed, so too have the fans to an extent.
But, looking back on the crazy days of The Guinness Soccer Six it fills me with great pride; knowing that any time I paid my hard earned cash to watch my heroes, they’d put in a shift, no matter what competition it was.

BLOG: When did Forest last beat Manchester United in a final? In a long forgotten but prestigious six-a-side tournament


Can you remember the last time Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United in a final?


A man has been ordered to complete 90 hours of unpaid work after he was caught by police with an ASP truncheon in his car.
Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Tuesday, August 23, how Mark Shaw, 38, of Beech Way, Danesemoor, near Clay Cross, was stopped by police for driving erratically and they discovered the ASP in the driver’s side pocket.
Prosecuting solicitor Neil Hollett said: “It was about 8.55pm when police saw the vehicle on Market Street, at Clay Cross, and the defendant was driving erratically with wheel-spinning.
“They stopped the vehicle and spoke to the defendant and saw the ASP in the driver’s side pocket.”
He told police the ASP was bought online and he had no good reason for having the weapon other than that he uses it to control his dog which can be aggressive.
Shaw pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse after the incident on May 27.
Defence solicitor Bertie Mather said there has been no complaint from any member of the public and no one has made any comments about being threatened with this item.
He added that the telescopic ASP was in a collapsed state when it was found and there had been no attempt to hide it and Shaw co-operated with the police.
Magistrates sentenced Shaw to a 12 month community order with 90 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Man found with truncheon is ordered to do unpaid work Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


A man has been ordered to complete 90 hours of unpaid work after he was caught by police with an ASP truncheon in his car.


Man found with truncheon is ordered to do unpaid work