Chris Wilder takes Sheffield United wage deferral

Bramall Lane has not hosted a match since the March 7 visit of Norwich City, and it has been impossible to yet put a date on when English football will resume.

The Premier League club have decided to furlough a small number of non-playing staff. It is yet to decide if it will use the Government's Job Retention Scheme to subsidise 80 per cent of the wages of those involved, but has guaranteed they will not have their salaries cut.

In keeping with most English league sides, the Blades are yet to reach agreement with its players over whether they should defer or cut wages during the pandemic.

Wilder, Bettis and the senior coaching staff have agreed to hold back a portion of their pay and bonuses for six months, however.

"It is a difficult time for everyone and that includes football clubs and this particular measure is all about our football club,” said Wilder. “I've had similar experiences of cash flow problems at other clubs (most notably Northampton Town when he was manager) and I'm delighted that my staff have supported me in assisting our club in a small way."

Bettis added: "There is a long uncertain road ahead, but we remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure the stability of this great football club. I'd like to thank Chris and the senior coaching staff for being united in joining me in these short-term remuneration deferrals."

Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth have all reversed decisions to furlough non-play staff in the face of public unease, though unlike the Blades there was never a suggestion they would do so without government help. Norwich City and Newcastle United still plan to use the Job Retention Scheme, which opened on Monday.

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