Our payment system will be undergoing essential maintenance starting at 7am on Tuesday, 6 May 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Please try again later. Rotherham Council’s cross-party Senior Officer Appointments Committee is set to recommend John Edwards for the role of Chief Executive. This recommendation will be put to Full Council for ratification on Wednesday 21 May 2025. John currently holds the position of Director General at the Department for Education. A teacher by profession, John previously spent 14 years in local government, culminating in a role as Director at Manchester City Council. He subsequently held roles as Regional Schools Commissioner and Chief Executive of the Education and Skills Funding Agency at the Department for Education. Councillor Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “John’s significant experience and strategic vision, coupled with his strong public sector leadership background, make him ideally suited to lead Rotherham forward. I look forward to working closely with him to build on the progress we’ve made and continue delivering for our residents.” John Edwards said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Rotherham Council will be recommended to appoint me as their next Chief Executive. If confirmed, it will be a privilege to serve the Leader, Cabinet, elected members and residents of the borough, and to work with great colleagues right across the Council.” Subject to Full Council’s ratification, John Edwards will begin his role as Chief Executive in June 2025. All content © 2025 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. All Rights Reserved. Hi, I'm Bailey, how can I help you today? You can ask me questions relating to a number of council services. Rotherham United’s season is over but it is now that the hard work starts for the management team and recruiting staff. As fans we will all answer that question with ‘not as well as expected’. But should we really answer ‘not as well as we were told we were going to do’. I think most of us fell into the world of ‘Steve Evans’ when he came to the Millers in April last year and told us things like ‘Rotherham United don’t belong in this division’, ‘We will be in the Championship next season’ and the like. Well that didn’t work out as planned. The League One Table saw the Millers finish in 13thplace with 59 points and a goal difference of -5 which is miles away from the 111 points Birmingham City got to finish in top place. Matt Hamshaw arrived at the end of March and was made the permanent Manager on 15th April. In the 8 games he’s been in charge of Rotherham there have been four wins, two draws and two losses. After Saturday’s win Matt Hamshaw said that he’s made it clear to the players who are staying what’s expected of them next season. ‘It’s going to be another big summer,’ the Millers Boss told the Official Site while also hinting that he will be bringing in a number of new players. We know that there are still players under contract – Jonson Clarke-Harris, Joe Rafferty, Shaun McWilliams, Reece James, Sean Raggett, Joe Powell, Liam Kelly, Zak Jules and Cameron Dawson all signed two year deals last year. Jordan Hugill still has a year left on his contract. I’d think that seven of those players will still be around next season. I’d be surprised if he is here next season. Another who will be looking to sign up for another season or looking to go elsewhere is goalkeeper Dillon Phillips and I really don’t know what will happen with him. I would expect Andre Green to leave after almost two years of injuries with Rotherham. Others out of contract are Jake Hull, Hamish Douglas (who has been at the club for seven years), Ciaran McGuckin, Ben Hatton and Josh Ayres (the club have a further twelve month option on their contracts). And all the on-loan players have returned to their parent club – I’d like to see some of them back next season in a Rotherham shirt but will any get offered that choice and if so will they want to come back? This coming week will be a week of talks with players for the Millers Boss – and I never think that’s an easy job, maybe the worst job of all for a football manager in a club like Rotherham United. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Website#d9349902c3af4deeea2b7389{display:none} Graham Slinn, 81 was hit by a Volkswagen Golf on the A57 at Todwick, Rotherham, on Friday, 4 April. He died at the scene, but the driver fled. In a statement, Mr Slinn's family described him as a "kind soul". They said: "He was always giving, always helping — from mowing the neighbour’s lawn to rescuing stray animals, to lighting up a room with his singing at karaoke. "He was gentle. Funny. Kind to his core. And now he’s gone." Mr Slinn worked as a scaffolder, before becoming a carer for adults with learning disabilities. He was due to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary this year. Two men, aged 20 and 21, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop and have been released on bail. A 46-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting offenders has been released under investigation. A 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting offenders and perverting the course of justice remains in police custody. South Yorkshire Police said the car, which had damage to its front bumper, passenger side headlight and wing mirror, is still missing. Officers believe it drove off towards Killamarsh following the collision. Mr Slinn's daughter appealed for people to come forward with information. "We just want justice because if someone could do this to my dad, they could do it to yours too," she said. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know. Latics took control with Maleace Asamoah's effort being saved by Dillon Phillips But the Millers goalkeeper had no answer nine minutes before the break when Owen Dale's deep corner was nodded home by Carragher at the far post Rotherham had an immediate opportunity to level when Joe Powell's free-kick was nodded wide of the target by Mallik Wilks Sam Tickle then made a superb save right on half-time to keep Latics ahead That was about it from Rotherham as an attacking force with Asamoah seeing a second-half shot saved before substitute Jonny Smith sent two efforts off target for Wigan To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made Clarke-Harris at 62 minutesSubstitutesNumber 44 McWilliams Match OfficialsReferee: Greg RollasonAssistant Referee 1: Drew DuttonAssistant Referee 2: Mark CunliffeFourth Official: Declan BourneMatch StatsKey Scroll LeftScroll RightWigan Athletic are unbeaten across their last 10 league games against Rotherham United (W6 D4) Rotherham United have failed to win any of their last five away league games against Wigan Athletic (D2 L3) failing to score in each of their last four matches in that time Wigan have lost seven of their last nine league games played on Easter Monday (W2) conceding 2+ goals in six of those defeats Rotherham have won just one of their last six league games played on Easter Monday (D1 L4) though that sole victory did come last season against Millwall (2-1) Foul by Jonson Clarke-Harris (Rotherham United) Will Aimson (Wigan Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half Jonson Clarke-Harris (Rotherham United) wins a free kick on the left wing Shaun McWilliams (Rotherham United) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right Fourth official has announced 5 minutes of added time Chris Sze (Wigan Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box is close Dillon Phillips (Rotherham United) wins a free kick in the defensive half Jonny Smith (Wigan Athletic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked Shaun McWilliams (Rotherham United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked Joe Powell (Rotherham United) wins a free kick in the defensive half Our payment system will be undergoing essential maintenance starting at 7am on Tuesday We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience Communities from across Rotherham will be coming together to recognise and celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day throughout May From afternoon teas to fun activity days to lighting beacons community groups and Rotherham Council have arranged a variety of events to recognise the sacrifice made by soldiers VE Day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe when the Nazi forces formally surrendered to the Allies A full list of community events can be found on this dedicated events page Residents are also invited to a special commemoration event at Clifton Park Museum on Thursday 8 May where original archival materials from WWII will be on display Find out more about this event on the Clifton Park Museum website. Mallik Wilks put Rotherham ahead at Edgeley Park but Jack Diamond levelled before half-time and Brad Hills and Kyle Wootton completed the turnaround the Millers took the lead against the run of play in the ninth minute when Wilks nodded home Reece James' cross Stockport stopper Corey Addai saved Joe Powell's curling 20th-minute shot and later Ibou Touray could have equalised but headed Hills' cross over County levelled three minutes before half-time thanks to Diamond's sublime curling effort beyond Cameron Dawson from the edge of the box Stockport went ahead on the hour when Hills emphatically headed home from substitute Odin Bailey's inviting cross at the back post Dawson clawed away Fraser Horsfall's header before Wootton swept home from a 73rd-minute Hatters counter-attack moments after Rotherham's Wilks appealed for a penalty at the other end Wootton nearly scored his second and Stockport's fourth but stabbed inches wide 15 minutes from full-time Victory leaves them all but certain of a play-off place and just five points behind Wrexham in the second automatic promotion spot Cosgrove at 91 minutesSubstituteshome team Cosgrove at 91 minutesSubstitutesNumber 27 Ogunfaolu-Kayode at 82 minutesSubstitutesNumber 9 Phillips Match OfficialsReferee: Lee SwabeyAssistant Referee 1: Rob SmithAssistant Referee 2: Matthew JonesFourth Official: Richard AspinallMatch StatsKey Scroll LeftScroll RightStockport County have won just one of their last eight league games against Rotherham United (D4 L3) This will be Rotherham United’s first away league game against Stockport County since January 2011 which finished in a 3-3 draw to extend their run to five such visits unbeaten (W1 D4) Stockport are unbeaten across their last seven home league games (W6 D1) Rotherham United have won three successive league games their longest such streak since February 2022 Odin Bailey (Stockport County) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left Callum Connolly (Stockport County) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal Jack Diamond (Stockport County) wins a free kick in the defensive half Joe Rafferty (Rotherham United) wins a free kick in the defensive half Fourth official has announced 4 minutes of added time Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (Rotherham United) wins a free kick in the attacking half Joe Powell (Rotherham United) left footed shot from outside the box is too high Cameron Humphreys (Rotherham United) wins a free kick in the defensive half Jordan Hugill (Rotherham United) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked Expectant mothers across Rotherham have been highlighting the benefits the Rotherham Baby Packs will have on their newborns after the first packs were delivered The Rotherham Baby Packs have started to be given to pregnant women across the borough whose baby is due on or after Monday April 7 The Council has funded the Rotherham Baby Packs up to the value of £360,000 per year The packs aim to provide essential items to families with newborns and forms part of the Council’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Rotherham gets the best possible start in life New mum Jaspreet Kaur said: "I was confused about what to buy for my child it contained almost all the items which I needed after my baby’s delivery there are 2,740 babies born each year who live in Rotherham and all will be eligible to receive a pack Midwives are registering expectant mothers to receive a baby pack at their 25-week appointment Cabinet Member for Children and Young Peoples Services said: “I’m thrilled that the first Rotherham Baby Packs have been sent out Every expectant mother in Rotherham is eligible to receive one “As well as providing key items to new parents we’re also ensuring that they get timely help and support from local services as their baby continues to grow and develop.” Continued support for children and families in Rotherham is provided through the Council’s Family Hubs network.  Families should register with their Local Family Hub by visiting the registration page Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health said: “We believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life and therefore it’s pleasing to hear the feedback from expectant mothers who have been receiving their baby pack about what difference it will make to their lives.” The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust’s Director of Midwifery Sarah Petty said: “I am pleased that Maternity services at The Rotherham Foundation Trust (TRFT) are able to support the Rotherham Baby Packs initiative These packs greatly benefit the health and development of newborns and help promote a nurturing environment right from birth “We’re pleased to be involved with this initiative which highlights our support of families during the critical early stages of parenthood and our commitment to ensuring that every child in Rotherham gets the best possible start in life.” The baby packs are being delivered by FMI on behalf of Rotherham Council For more information about The Rotherham Baby Pack visit Rotherham Baby packs – Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council 225 CommentsRotherham United have sacked manager Steve Evans following their run of seven defeats in 11 League One games The 62-year-old Scot, who was in his second spell as Millers boss, had come under fire from fans after Saturday's 4-0 hammering at home by relegation-threatened Crawley Town which pushed Rotherham down to 16th place in the table The club confirmed in a statement, external on Sunday they had parted company with Evans who served as caretaker boss of Derby County last month has been appointed to take temporary charge until the end of the season a club Evans guided into the Football League earlier in his managerial career was the Millers' heaviest of the season and prompted some supporters at New York Stadium to call for his dismissal Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield after the game Evans said: "There's no hiding place when you have a performance like that "Everything that my teams have been famous for was not deployed I think this is as low as it's been in 31 years as a manager I've had fantastic times at this club and I'll be back in the future as a fan." During his initial three-and-a-half-year stint as Rotherham boss from 2012 to 2015 the Glaswegian oversaw successive promotions and kept the club in the Championship he took over at Leeds United a month later but departed Elland Road at the end of that season after eight months at the helm He subsequently took charge at Mansfield Town as well as leading Stevenage to promotion from League Two in 2023 when their relegation back to the third tier had been confirmed – but they have failed to mount a promotion challenge this term and he leaves with the club nine points above the bottom four Tony Stewart (right) first brought Steve Evans to Rotherham in 2012 The boos started in the 15th minute against Crawley When Rotherham conceded their second goal just after half-time At one point an angry fan came up to me in the press box demanding I get answers from Steve Evans and [owner] Tony Stewart as to why things were so bad "We want Evans out" and "You're not fit to wear the shirt" were the calls at the end of the game This was how toxic things had become on Saturday Stewart wanted to recapture the magic of the past when Evans led the Millers to back-to-back promotions For a number of reasons it didn't work out The manner of the performance against Crawley meant the writing was on the wall and I think the manager knew that when he spoke to us after the game The problem is Rotherham are now going through managers and there doesn't seem to be any stability culture and DNA of the Paul Warne era suddenly feels like a long time ago Matt Hamshaw is an inspired appointment until the end of the season He knows the club inside out and was a big part of Warne's staff We're talking about a coach who is highly rated within English football circles This is an ideal opportunity for the club and the new boss to see View comments | 225Top storiesHis stats are better but will Yamal build legacy to rival Messi 'Calamity keeper' or 'human wall' - which Donnarumma will Arsenal face Premier League reaction & Champions League race latest as Forest draw at Palace The final series of Man Like Mobeen has arrived John Simm stars in the provocative 90s drama Warm-hearted comedy with Ben Miller and Sally Phillips Follow two ambitious river restoration projects Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week Trailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China Alexander-Arnold leaves as modern Liverpool great - but fans will feel hurt Zhao beats Williams in historic final - highlights VideoZhao beats Williams in historic final - highlights 'Scheffler and DeChambeau wins further raise US PGA excitement levels' Match-fixing scandal to Crucible champion - fall and rise of Zhao 'We need to take a look at ourselves' - Arsenal stalling at wrong time Palmer's brilliance could be key moment in Chelsea's Champions League quest Europa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney VideoEuropa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney Ask Me Anything the new BBC Sport service designed to serve you Bayern's 'James Bond' - how Kane clinched his first trophy Nine bolters with a shot of making the Lions squad How 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool VideoHow 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool Still number one & 'sparring' with Draper - return of Sinner Saints 'punch' favourites Leinster in game for the ages VideoVardy the best £1m ever spent - Shearer Poppy's tears Elton John & Happy Gilmore - McIlroy on Jimmy Fallon show Two opposing views on football's transgender ban Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. A complaint has formally been raised with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman over serious concerns about how the Environment Agency has handled the situation at Droppingwell Tip Following long running correspondence over the regulation of a borehole close to the site The complaint centres on incorrect advice from the Environment Agency about a key monitoring borehole (BH05) located on Council-owned land The Agency had previously told the Council that the borehole was not essential to the site's permit — advice that has since been contradicted has been calling on the EA to apologise for its confusing information and propose a solution – which the Agency has so far declined to do councillors have declared no confidence in the Environment Agency and yet still we find ourselves in the bizarre position where the Agency claims a regulatory test is both necessary and unnecessary at the same time refuses to acknowledge that that is what they have done or to take action to require the tip operator to comply with the conditions in its licence Now it’s time we got a straight answer to a straight question.” The Council’s complaint highlights a series of failures that have undermined public confidence and potentially leaves residents exposed to risk in the future “I’ve consistently opposed the reopening of the tip at Droppingwell and am deeply concerned that it has been given the go ahead in the face of staunch opposition from the local community RMBC and myself as the Member of Parliament The local community are understandably sceptical about the approach taken by Environment Agency Their confidence has been damaged still further by the EA’s contradictory statements to RMBC The Agency’s responses have been desperately poor and RMBC have been left with no alternative but to complain to the Ombudsman.” The Council is calling on the Environment Agency to: Rotherham Council remains committed to doing everything in its power to protect the health and wellbeing of residents and to holding national agencies to account where they fall short All content © 2025 Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council You can ask me questions relating to a number of council services Families across Rotherham have been notified about which primary school their child has been offered a place for the 2025-2026 academic year National Offer Day for Primary School places was on Wednesday 16 April 2025 and is the day when parents and carers of children starting Primary School or moving up from Infants to Juniors learn which school they will be attending from September onwards Data shows that the majority of Rotherham children will be starting the new academic year in September at a school of preference The total number of places offered to start Reception in September 2025 in Rotherham is 2,646 with 96.1% of children having been offered a place at their first preferred school 99.1% have been offered one of their three preferred schools For applications received for children to attend Year 3 in a Junior School in September 2025 100% have been offered a place at a preferred Junior School Rotherham continues to perform above the national average. Nationwide, in 2024/25, 93.2%% of children were offered their first preference primary school place, with 98.8% offered one of their preferred schools (Department for Education statistics) Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services said: “Starting a new school can be a daunting process for many students however securing their preferred choice can help to alleviate many fears pupils have when starting a new school and ultimately allow them to excel in their studies I am proud to once again see Rotherham continue to buck the national average with 99.1% of pupils across the borough being offered a place at one of their preferred schools “Education is a priority for parents across the borough who want to ensure that their child has access to the best levels of education available Rotherham has excellent schools which are committed to giving children the best possible start and getting their preferred school choice is the first important step in their education journey.” The Council also maintains a waiting list until 31 December 2025 and will work closely with families affected to ensure that they are supported throughout the process.   Further information can be found on the Rotherham Council website.   The hunt is back on to find the best gardens in Rotherham with the annual Rotherham in Bloom Garden Competition now open for entries The borough’s favourite competition is open to all Rotherham residents The categories this year include best garden From each adult category there will be one winner and three runner ups Winners will receive a £150 Love2Shop voucher and runners up will receive a £50 Love2Shop voucher The young person’s category will have one first place prize winning a £100 Love2Shop voucher and one runner-up prize of a £50 Love2Shop voucher The competition is held in partnership with Rotherfed Mears and Rotherham Council Tenant Engagement Team Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing said: “I think Rotherham in Bloom is an amazing way to celebrate what residents are doing to not only better their home environment Every year I look forward to seeing so many wonderful entries and as always will be scanning for any ideas to include in my own garden!” To enter the competition upload four photographs of your entry here - www.rotherham.gov.uk/housing/garden-competition If you are unable to enter online you can call 01709 822100 for assistance to enter The closing date for entries is Friday 27 June Winners will be announced at the end of July This February we are running lots of fun events across Rotherham Rotherham Music presents a free music festival which will take place at various locations from Friday 14 to Sunday 23 February 2025.  Signals Festival is a festival celebrating developing and platforming young talent from Rotherham while helping to build a new creative community here for children and young people There will be performances by young artists and bands in Rotherham Town Centre an interactive musical machine at Catcliffe Glass Cone and music-making workshops and pop-up performances across the borough This brilliant festival is brought to you by the Arts Council England and Rotherham Council in collaboration with the Rotherham Music Service The Signals event forms part of the Children's Capital of Culture 2025 festival year An Evening with Bradley Wiggins will be taking place on Sunday 23 February is a British former professional road and track racing cyclist who competed professionally between 2001 and 2016 but later made the transition to road cycling Sir Bradley is the only rider to have won both World and Olympic championships on both the track and the road He has won the leader’s jersey in each of the three Grand Tours of cycling and held the world record in team pursuit on multiple occasions He won a gold medal at four successive Olympic Games from 2004 to 2016 and held the record as Great Britain’s most decorated Olympian with eight medals Join the Tour De France and Olympic medallist as he discusses his fantastic career Thursday Stories is back with a brand new programme Thursday Stories is a weekly interactive storytelling session for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups run by professional theatre maker Cassie Vallance of Story Craft Theatre Each session is based on a different theme and is jam-packed full of songs as they discover a wider world through story Suitable for ages one to five year old. Sessions cost £3 per child and include a free hot drink for the accompanying adult Please note that these are not Council run events but led by volunteers There are lots of events taking place around Rotherham Rotherham is the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture in 2025 designed and delivered by children and young people from across the borough in partnership with a range of organisations and funders Children’s Capital of Culture is bringing you a full year of creativity and community Rotherham Civic Theatre has something for everyone from dance Come along and join us at one of the performances Located in Rotherham’s new retail and leisure destination The Arc Cinema offers a big screen experience combining both luxury and affordability.  Rotherham Libraries host regular weekly activities across the borough such as: Lego clubs Street Market: Every Tuesday 8:30am to 4pm, Effingham Street Rotherham Bazaar: Every Thursday 10am to 4pm Indoor Market: Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 5pm Regular events take place on many Saturdays in Rotherham Town Centre free Saturday parking is available every Saturday in all Rotherham Council off-street town centre car parks You can ask me questions relating to a number of council services.