Sheffield United and Premier League rivals tackle crucial step unanimously

STEP IT UP: Sheffield United's John Egan, pictured at the clubs' Steelphalt Academy, last Friday. Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

The Blades have not played since March 7, and two weeks later suspended training, the last top-flight club to do so.

They have been vocal in supporting a restart but the vote is also a boost for Leeds United.

Premier League clubs only returned to group training last week but, encouraged by just 12 positive results from 2,752 Covid-19 tests, they are moving towards what they hope will be a mid- to late-June return.

Liverpool's James Milner of Liverpool, pictured yesterday during a training session at the club's Melwood Training Ground. Picture: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“Squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimising any unnecessary close contact,” said a Premier League statement.

Clubs will meet again today when they are expected to discuss a possible resumption date, neutral venues, methods for resolving the league if it cannot be completed and broadcasting arrangements if it can.

How much training players need will be an important discussion. June 12 has long been a target date, but this could be put back by one or two weeks.

Return to training protocols, the small number of positive tests, GPS technology, research and an advisory group for black, Asian and minority ethnic players appear to have gone a long way to easing players’ concerns. Analysis of pre-pandemic training has revealed players spend an average of three seconds within 2m of others.

The Blades are in contention to qualify for Europe for the first time and completing the Premier League season will also help Leeds by removing the biggest argument against relegation into the Championship. The Whites top the table, seven points above the play-off places with nine matches remaining.

Rotherham United are in League One’s second automatic promotion spot. The division is expected to vote on whether to continue its season next week, but the Championship is committed to a restart and expected to follow the Premier League’s lead on training, having only returned on Monday.

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