James Shield's Sheffield United Column: This is why The Blades are a truly special football club

In fact, beyond the boundaries of South Yorkshire, as English football teetered on the brink of the Covid-19 precipice, they were largely ignored.

But when he explained why Sheffield United had suspended contract negotiations with existing members of their squad, Chris Wilder’s words should have resonated more deeply than they actually did.

Because his admission that it would be “morally wrong” to enhance anyone’s salary while many of the club’s supporters were being furloughed or losing their jobs was, in a sense, the most important statement I have heard anyone in the industry utter during the coronavirus crisis.

Until, that is, chief executive Steve Bettis outlined its obligations to those employed in non-playing roles towards the end of last week. Their contribution to the debate surrounding ‘Project Restart’ was a reminder, as many obsess purely about those who earn their living on the pitch, that the game is part of society. Not distinct from it.

United have been fortunate to be managed by several other people who grasp this fact in recent years. They aren’t saints. Their methods - and their personalities - might have grated with some. But both Nigel Clough and Neil Warnock recognised the importance of using football to help assist worthy causes.

Clough, who earlier this month resigned his position at Burton Albion to safeguard other people’s jobs as the League One outfit struggles to overcome the financial challenges posed by the pandemic, privately aided several charities and individuals throughout his time at Bramall Lane.

Warnock, who would rearrange his diary to visit a nearby project working with homeless and vulnerable adults, regularly went above and beyond in his support of the local Remploy factory - which provided state-run sheltered factory employment for the disabled - before it was forced to close its doors.

It is a shame, therefore, that Warnock seems to have become the victim of a campaign, driven by some folk on social media, to degenerate his legacy because he isn’t as ‘Big a Blade’ as Wilder. The latter’s achievements since taking charge in 2016 - leading United from League One to the Premier League in the space of three years - speaks for themselves. Wilder doesn’t require any help from mean-spirited individuals - sniping away on Twitter and Facebook - to cement his place in the club’s history. He’s already done that.

An interview with Mo Besic, published in The Star today, also highlights football’s ability to encourage positivity, understanding and cohesiveness between different parts of the community.

The United midfielder, on loan from Everton, spoke passionately about his faith and why he observes Ramadan. The insight Besic provided, without preaching or becoming judgemental, will help many understand the Islamic faith better. Certainly, because he is a footballer, his comments are certain to reach many who wouldn’t be inclined to listen to an Imam or well-meaning politician.

The actions of Wilder, Besic, Warnock, Clough and several others not mentioned here illustrate why football’s possible return - after nearly three months in hibernation - should be welcomed by all.

Even those with genuine concerns about the risks involved, or do not subscribe to Arrigo Saachi’s theory that it is the most important of all the unimportant things. It brings people together - cross linguistic and cultural barriers - in a way precious few other things can.

Yet, several numerous hurdles must be overcome before ‘Project Restart’ - as the scheme to begin staging games again on June 12 has been dubbed - can be actioned.

They include ones relating to science and others of a more philosophical and personal nature. Many of the latter have been highlighted by Watford centre-forward Troy Deeney, who is clearly worried about exposing his new baby to the respiratory disease - particularly when it suffers from breathing difficulties - should he contract it during training.

There are no perfect solutions to the problem of when it is the right time to begin staging matches again, after the campaign was initially postponed in March. Many will argue the PL shouldn’t even contemplate the idea until a vaccine is discovered. Others, including those whose livelihoods depend upon a swift resumption, are likely to have a different take.

It is impossible to criticise the PL, and their counterparts at the English Football League, for the way they have handled the situation so far. Most of those involved have been given a voice to express themselves. Managers have confirmed that any player who does not wish to compete at this moment in time, will not be required to do so.

But because everyone involved in the discussions has their own vested interests, the time has now come for the PL and the EFL to stop trying to be all things to all people and show real leadership.

They must set a date - and detail all of the procedures they are putting in place to ensure the safety of players, coaching staff and other workers - and then stick to it unless the Government decides otherwise.

The country will be a better place when football returns. Particularly if those at the top follow the example set by some of those to occupy the United hotseat and remember it is there to help others as well as itself.

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Stay safe and take care. Thank you. James.