Sheffield United to resume contact training after unanimous Premier League vote

The Blades have not played since their March 7 victory over Norwich City. The top-flight season was suspended the following Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Premier League clubs only returned to group training last week but, encouraged by only eight positive results from 1,744 covid-19 tests for players and staff, they are now stepping up their preparations for what they hope will be a mid-June return.

The Blades were the last Premier League club to close their training ground, and have been vocal in their support for restarting the campaign.

They are seventh in the table with 10 matches remaining, and would be sixth if it were to be decided on a points-per-game basis. Chris Widler's side are also in the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they have been drawn at home to Arsenal.

The club has never qualified for European football before, but a sixth-placed finish or an FA Cup win would put them in next season's Europa League. Seventh would suffice unless Manchester City were allowed to play in Europe next season because their two-year ban for financial fair play breaches has either been overturned, or they are given a stay of execution because it has not yet been heard.

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

"Strict medical protocols are in place to ensure the training ground is the safest environment possible and players and staff will continue to be tested for covid-19 twice a week.

"Discussions are ongoing as work continues towards resuming the season, when conditions allow."

With a further meeting planned for tomorrow, clubs are next expected to discuss a possible resumption date, as well as outstanding issues such as the use of neutral venues and potential broadcasting arrangements for the remaining games, with the Government keen for some of the remaining 92 matches due to be shown free-to-air.

Of them, 47 were due to be screened by Sky Sports or BT, and an important factor in trying to continue the season is to minimise the rebate clubs might have to pay them and foreign broadcasters. Collectively, the companies are thought to have pair £762m to show them.

Clubs will also discuss ways of giving the broadcasters more access to compensate for not being able to show matches at the times planned.

Completing the season will also help Leeds United, as it will remove one argument against relegation into the Championship. The Whites are top of the table, seven points above the play-off places with nine matches remaining.

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