The Sheff
Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure becomes chairman of Sheffield FC
Is a Wrexham-esque Hollywood fairytale rebuild incoming?
Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure has officially been confirmed as the new chairman of the oldest football team in the world, Sheffield FC.
He might be a die-hard Wednesday fan, but given the turbulence his lifelong club have been through over the past couple of years, maybe this is the start of a new love affair.
Sheffield FC had teased that important news was coming soon earlier this month, simply writing on socials: "Not long until we can tell all. We’ve been sitting on something big."
As it turns out, the news is that one of the Steel City's most famous and beloved sons is now part of the club's new ownership structure. McClure quickly took to social media to help join in with the announcement as well.
The veteran indie frontman and Day Fever co-founder has continued to branch out from solely music-related ventures, having gone into business not only with multiple names for the smash hit afternoon-into-early evening music festival, but also joining forces with a fellow Sheffielder.
Since November of last year, Jon's has often appeared alongside his brother Chris, who plays the comedy character of 'Steve Bracknall' on the Game's Gone podcast.
A bit like Yorkshire's answer to Alan Partridge, there remains a sporting throughline in pretty much all of the 44-year-old's career at the moment - now so more than ever.
Speaking online, McClure said: "What am I doing at the world’s oldest football club, you ask? Well, meet the new chairman of Sheffield FC.
"Our vision is that we honour the club’s roots and pay homage to its incredible history, whilst restoring it to its former glory." He's already been making his presence known around their home ground.
While some are still looking for updates on the plans to bring the historic outfit back closer to Sheffield proper - the non-league club currently playing at The Home of Football Stadium in Dronfield, Derbyshire - this fresh start for the now oft-neglected native minnows has still sparked some excitement.
At present, 'The Ancients' are in the process of developing a new 5,000-seater arena at the old Sheffield Transport Sports Club site in Meadowhead, which was initially slated to open this year.
But as for the musician, he went on to add that "There’s a lot to be done, but we’re ready to get stuck in and give Sheffield FC the love it deserves"; McClure and co. have dubbed this "a new chapter" for "the first in the world", and the update will no doubt bring some fresh hope to the organisation.
What do you make of the announcement, and is a local figure like Reverend and the Makers' Jon McClure the right person to help take over this community cornerstone and national institution?
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Featured Images — Sheffield FC/Reverend and the Makers
The Sheff
‘Silly sausages’ – Sheffield cafe pokes fun at clumsy burglars after break-in
Daisy Jackson
A cafe in Sheffield has addressed the burglars who broke into the business this week, in a surprisingly light-hearted statement.
Birdhouse Tea Co. seems to be looking on the bright side of the break-in, which saw the criminals make off with the staff's cash tip as well as some 'interesting choices from the bar'.
In a statement shared online, the beloved cafe described the burglary as bring like 'something out of Home Alone', describing the CCTV that caught one of the criminals falling through a mop bucket.
They also wrote that their choice of alcohol to steal - pink gin, Aperol, and Chambord - had them thinking they'd 'been robbed by Gemma Collins on her way to bottomless brunch'.
Birdhouse has passed the CCTV over to the police in the hopes that the crew will be caught, assuring followers that they have 'beautifully clear footage of all the silly sausages involved'.
Their full statement said: "Sadly, we were broken into last night, and they got away with the staff cash tips, along with some interesting choices from the bar
"Out of all the booze they could have taken, they left with Pink gin, Aperol and Chambord.
"If I hadn’t watched the CCTV footage (yes, you silly sausages… we have cameras inside and outside, so turning one around achieved absolutely nothing) of a bloke carrying them out, I’d have assumed we’d been robbed by Gemma Collins on her way to a bottomless brunch.
"Hope they enjoy drinking warm Aperol straight from the bottle. Some crimes really do punish themselves.
"Police have been informed, and we’ve handed over some beautifully clear footage of all the silly sausages involved, including the chap who pressed his face right up against the window while his mate tried to climb through another one by standing on a mop bucket which immediately collapsed under him it’s giving Harry & Marv from Home Alone tbh.
"Thankfully, there’s very little damage, so it’s business as usual today. And don’t worry, we’re professionals. We have emergency backup Aperol.
"Half price Aperol Spritz today with every vajazzle."
Read more: Sheffield’s beloved Baker’s Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site
Featured image: The Sheff
The Sheff
Plans to revive Sheffield’s Ski Village into major new leisure destination have been unveiled
Clementine Hall
Plans are now advancing to transform the former ski village site at Parkwood Springs into a major new leisure development.
Skyline Enterprises is a New Zealand-based sector leader in adventure tourism, and they're now setting their sights on Sheffield.
A strategic framework how now been agreed upon with Sheffield City Council, establishing a shared plan to revive the long-derelict site, which sits one mile north of Sheffield city centre.
The proposed development would bring forward a landmark visitor destination for the city and be delivered in multiple phases.
The final mix of attractions is still being confirmed, the first phase would include Skyline’s signature gravity-fed downhill karting attraction (Luge), alongside a family playground, food and beverage offering, and the indoor attraction ‘Beat the Storm’.
A zipline and surf wave experience remain key elements of the site’s longer-term vision, while dry ski slopes are also being explored.
A public consultation is expected to launch in September, providing local residents the opportunity to learn more about the proposals and provide feedback ahead of planning application submission.
Geoff McDonald, CEO of Skyline Enterprises, said: “Sheffield is seen as the ideal city for our next UK development. Our adventure and experience brand aligns perfectly with Sheffield’s renowned ‘Outdoor City’ ethos.”
“We know that Parkwood Springs has been a challenging site to bring forward over the years, but with strong support from Sheffield City Council and an experienced project team on board, the pieces are now in place to deliver something truly special for the city. The scheme would enhance Sheffield’s visitor appeal, stimulate the local economy and create permanent jobs.”
Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Our plans to transform Parkwood Springs into a vibrant and thriving area of the city are continuing to move forward, and Skyline’s plans for the old Ski Village site remain a focal point of the work we are doing.”
“The site has had many false starts over the years, but I am now delighted to see the latest proposed details for their facility. Alongside the wider investment into Parkwood Springs, this project has the potential to create jobs, boost tourism and support economic growth, while providing a new attraction for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”
Read more: Sheffield’s beloved Baker’s Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site
Featured image - Skyline Enterprises
Danny Jones -
9th March 2026 
