Unsnookered: how Sheffield’s leaders pulled off a seemingly impossible trick shot

Unsnookered: how Sheffield’s leaders pulled off a seemingly impossible trick shot

It’s a blustery day and dozens of journalists, radio hosts and politicians are packed into the Crucible for the big announcement. Mayor Oliver Coppard is in his happy place, chatting away about buses. Council leader Tom Hunt and local MP Louise Haigh are fielding compliments for their part in months of tense negotiations. And, of course, there’s the man of the moment: Barry Hearn. The grand snooker consigliere is full of beans, telling anyone wh…