Aaron Ramsdale can't wait for Sheffield United fans to return after government gives green light

Aaron Ramsdale, the Sheffield United goalkeeper, admits he can’t wait for fans to be allowed back into Bramall Lane after revealing his theory that the Blades would not have struggled as badly if they had played in front of supporters this season.
By Danny Hall
Published 11th May 2021, 06:00 BST
Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale sits dejected at an empty Bramall Lane: Peter Powell/PA Wire.Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale sits dejected at an empty Bramall Lane: Peter Powell/PA Wire.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale sits dejected at an empty Bramall Lane: Peter Powell/PA Wire.

Blades fans have not seen their side play live since last March, when a victory over Norwich City kept up their push for a shock European place in their first season back in the Premier League for 12 years.

But since games were forced to be played behind closed doors, United have struggled immensely and were officially relegated after defeat at Wolves last month.

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Prime minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday that Premier League clubs would be able to welcome back home fans for one of their two last games of the season, under the latest step of the government’s roadmap out of the Covid-19 lockdown.

That means that around 8,000 Blades are set to be allowed into the final game of United’s Premier League adventure, at home to Burnley on May 23.

And for Ramsdale and Co., the day Bramall Lane is full again cannot come soon enough.

“It’s been a horrendous season for the fans, not being here, and it’s been a horrendous season for us without them here,” the England U21 goalkeeper admitted.

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“Because I definitely think it would have been a bit different if they were here.

“I know what it’s like when this place is rocking, from the League One promotion season and also playing here last year.

“I can’t wait for it and with the wait the fans have had, there’s no doubt in my mind they’ll come back as positive as they can.

“They’ll get behind the team and sing as loud as they can. That’s something we definitely need and can’t wait for.”

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Up to 10,000 fans or 25 per cent of capacity, whichever is lower, will be permitted at large capacity outdoor sporting events from May 17. Bramall Lane’s capacity is around 32,000, meaning around 8,000 fans could see their side against Burnley.

United have not yet confirmed ticket arrangements for the game, although The Star understands that a ballot or the loyalty points system will be used to decide how tickets will be allocated.

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Related topics:Aaron RamsdaleBladesBramall Lane

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