Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder’s admission as survey reveals what Blades supporters think about returning to Bramall Lane

Their stories revealed the depth of the relationship many people have with the game, as tales emerged of new friendships being forged, family ties being maintained and in one instance, even a future wife being found before a fixture at Bramall Lane.

Perhaps the most poignant reply, however, came from one fan who admitted watching Chris Wilder’s team had helped him through a particularly challenging period when loneliness had threatened his mental wellbeing.

“I felt as if they were there for me,” he admitted, describing the journey to Bramall Lane from his then home in London. “And, whenever things weren’t going well, that I also was there for them - helping them get through it and cheering them on.”

Having entered the international break at the foot of the Premier League table, losing seven and drawing one of their last eight games, United would welcome some assistance from the terraces when they return to action next weekend. Sixth in the table and only two points behind fourth placed Chelsea when the country first entered lockdown, they are now short on points, goals, clean sheets and inevitably confidence despite eventually finishing ninth last term.

“The effect the supporters have had on our team is extraordinary,” Wilder said, acknowledging United must find alternative sources of inspiration until fans are allowed back inside grounds. “They have lifted the players and also ourselves as staff when there’s been some difficult runs or periods during matches.”

“There’s been games recently when we’ve not just been playing really good sides,” Wilder added, reflecting on United’s meetings with Liverpool and Manchester City en route to last weekend’s match at Stamford Bridge, “We’ve been playing the champions, the former champions of Europe, the team who won the title before them and the team who won the title before that team. Oh, and they’ve also been European champions as well. That’s what we’re up against and although it’s going to be tough, we believe we can get through.”

With government health advisors abandoning plans to relax the spectator ban last month- and no new date set before England was placed into lockdown for a second time last week - some coaches fear it could be the end of next year before the turnstiles reopen. However, a series of polls organised by The Star suggest an overwhelming majority of United supporters would feel safe attending fixtures now, and are happy to adhere to social distancing and screening measures in order to accelerate their return.

“Obviously we want everyone to be safe,” Wilder said. “That goes without saying. But the sooner that is the better as far as we’re concerned. And not just for selfish reasons. It’s just not the same without them. I don’t think there’s anyone here who would disagree with that, because that’s what football is all about as far as we’re concerned.”

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