Sheffield United boss reveals if any of his players harbour concerns about returning to action next month

Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, says his players would return to action “tomorrow” if they had the chance after confirming every member of Bramall Lane’s first team squad have declared themselves available for selection should Premier League football resume next month.
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Although some top-flight footballers have refused to take part in training since the ban on small-sided sessions was lifted earlier this week - Watford’s Troy Deeney has been a particularly vocal critic of ‘Project Restart’ - Wilder confirmed all of those under his command are prepared to compete on June 12.

Explaining United had canvassed opinion inside Bramall Lane’s footballing department before signalling their support for plans to complete the season, which was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic in March, Wilder said: “Everybody is on the same page at Sheffield United. They all want to get back to work.

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“If people have concerns, I totally respect that because everybody is in a different position. They shouldn’t be criticised. Everyone has their own situation and Troy has his situation.”

“Here, nobody has been forced. Nobody has had a gun put to their head.

“These are opinionated people and they’ve all been asked. They can speak with the skipper (Billy Sharp) and they can come to me, because we have that line of communication.

“All of them, to a man, want to do it.”

“If they could go back tomorrow, they would,” Wilder, whose side are seventh in the table with 10 games remaining, added. “They’re competitors. They’ve worked so hard to get where they are.”

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says all of his players are ready to play football again next month: Simon Bellis/SportimageSheffield United manager Chris Wilder says all of his players are ready to play football again next month: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says all of his players are ready to play football again next month: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

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