Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder makes an important admission after discussing 'Project Restart' with his club doctor

Sheffield United’s club doctor has outlined his position on the feasibility of Premier League football resuming next month, during talks with manager Chris Wilder.
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Earlier this week reports suggested that a large number of medical professionals attached to top-flight teams are opposed to ‘Project Restart’; the competition’s plan to complete the remainder of a season which has been suspended because of coronavirus.

Although those were later discredited when it emerged only four had expressed concerns about playing before a vaccine for the respiratory disease is identified, a number of issues surrounding insurance liabilities have still yet to be addressed.

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Wilder consulted with United’s own health experts before partially reopening the doors of their Steelphalt Academy training complex last month.

Shedding light on the detail of those discussions, he said: “Speaking to our chief executive and our club doctor - he is involved in talks with the Premier League and is on the relevant Premier League committee - and he has never come to me and said it (the season) is in danger.”

Wilder has made no secret of his desire to complete the fixture schedule, with his side seventh in the table and chasing European qualification when the shutdown was announced in March.

Acknowledging matches will have to take place behind closed doors for the foreseeable future, he added: “There will have to be compromises through it, because of the situation. But putting plans and processes in place is the right thing to do I believe.”

An important message:

Sheffield United hope to be back in action next month: Simon Bellis/SportimageSheffield United hope to be back in action next month: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Sheffield United hope to be back in action next month: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

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