Sheffield United fans can still get their hands on a matchday programme when games take place behind closed doors

Although the rest of the football season is set to take place behind closed doors, Sheffield United are aiming to help their supporters recreate the matchday experience by continuing to produce programmes.
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Staff at Bramall Lane will release the first of two editions before June 28th’s FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, with the second - covering the club’s remaining Premier League home fixtures - scheduled to be launched ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to South Yorkshire five days later.

Members of United’s media department also plan to produce ‘updated’ versions - available to view or download via the internet - focusing on their meetings with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Chelsea and Everton during the build-up to those contests.

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“Once the announcement was made that the Premier League was set to restart, we consulted internally, with our programme partners and with other clubs,” Matt Young, United’s programme editor, said. “From these discussions we concluded that there would still be an appetite for a programme, even though the games are to be played behind closed doors.

“Whilst supporters won’t be able to attend the games, fans can still enjoy some of their matchday traditions and, for many, buying a programme is fundamental to their matchday experience.

“We are delighted therefore to extend the opportunity to supporters to purchase online, with a view to having the programme delivered to the door in time for our first home game of the restart.”

The Star understands that, despite declining sales elsewhere in the game, sales of United’s matchday magazine have actually increased in recent years.

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Young confirmed the one they are producing for the clash with Arsenal will be 100 pages long, while the one covering the remainder of the PL campaign contains 164. A number of United players past and present have been interviewed for the publications, together with manager Chris Wilder and members of his coaching team.

Sheffield United fans arrive at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 22, 2020 in Sheffield, United Kingdom: Matthew Lewis/Getty ImagesSheffield United fans arrive at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 22, 2020 in Sheffield, United Kingdom: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
Sheffield United fans arrive at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on February 22, 2020 in Sheffield, United Kingdom: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

United were seventh in the table when the season was suspended in March because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and will move to fifth - only two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea - if they beat Aston Villa at Villa Park next week.

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Sheffield United's remaining games this season will take place behind closed doors: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesSheffield United's remaining games this season will take place behind closed doors: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Sheffield United's remaining games this season will take place behind closed doors: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

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