Sheffield United boss goes on the attack over opinions on how season should end

Insisting the sport’s integrity will be damaged if the race for Europe is decided on merit ratings or other statistical measurements because of the coronavirus crisis, Wilder warned it is still “too early” to consider the logistical implications of waiting until the Autumn before beginning the new campaign.

Taking aim at those insisting it would be better to abandon the remaining 92 matches and simply start afresh, Wilder said: “One hundred per cent (the season should be finished), yes. The financial aspect is important but there are bigger issues too.

“But I don’t think we should talk about the new season when this one isn’t over, However long it takes, whether it’s got to go behind closed doors or not, it should get done.

“There aren’t many good news stories coming out at the moment and, when football is back, it will give everyone a boost and take their mind of the other unpleasant things happening in the country.”

Seventh in the table when competition was suspended last month, United are only five points behind the fourth-placed Chelsea having played a game less than Frank Lampard’s side. Wilder’s squad have also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, which provides a route into the Europa League, where they have been paired against Arsenal.

Although he concedes the safety of the public must come first, Wilder said: “If a decision has to be made, I’m sure they (the governing bodies) will make the right one. There’s too many experts in the field to risk the safety of players so I’m sure we’ll only return to normal when it’s safe to do so. But I do think we should finish (the season) without a shadow of a doubt. There’s no way it’s impossible, if people put their minds to it properly, then it can be done."

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