Sheffield United expect start date to be rolled back next week

Sheffield United are resigned to the fact they will not return to action at the end of next month, as the Premier League had hoped, because of the continuing coronavirus crisis.
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Senior figures at Bramall Lane expect the April 30 date, set following a recent meeting of Premier League clubs, will be rolled back shortly as the number of cases nationwide continues to grow.

Reports suggest the English Football League has already informed its members that there is no chance of competition resuming in 35 days time following consultation with medical experts.

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Representatives from United, together with their counterparts from other top-flight teams, are expected to confirm the suspension of the fixture calendar will continue into May following a joint PL and EFL video conference which is scheduled to be held next week.

Despite facing calls to abandon the season altogether, the Football Association has announced the game’s governing bodies are committed to finishing the 2019/20 campaign.

United were seventh in the table, less than a year after being promoted from the Championship, and preparing for an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal when the shutdown was first announced.

Having not played since beating Norwich City on March 7, United’s squad is now training from home after being provided with gym equipment and individual fitness programmes.

Despite initially voicing his opposition to the idea, manager Chris Wilder has since conceded it is likely matches will take place behind closed doors when they do eventually resume.