Simon Moore's theory of how Covid-19 affected Sheffield United more than just having no fans

Like most observers in the footballing world, Simon Moore agrees that Covid-19 had a detrimental effect on Sheffield United as they were relegated from the Premier League last season – but not in the way most believe.
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Yes, the Blades were hugely hampered by playing games behind closed doors, robbed of the “12th man” that so often made Bramall Lane such a fortress.

But Moore, who will leave United this summer when his contract expires, has offered another theory on how the coronavirus pandemic negatively impacted the Blades when it seemed nothing could derail them.

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“With Covid and its impact, the new boys that came in this season probably missed the chance to bond with the lads and really get shown, and buy into the club culture,” Moore told The Star.

Simon Moore of Sheffield United: Simon Bellis/SportimageSimon Moore of Sheffield United: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Simon Moore of Sheffield United: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

“As we went up the leagues, from League One to the Championship, things didn’t really change a lot and that for me is why we enjoyed that success.

“Players come and go, of course, but the core was kept together and it’s only this season that the majority of lads from the first season drifted out.

“There’s only Bash [Chris Basham], Sharpy [Billy Sharp], Flecky [John Fleck] and Jack O’Connell left.

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“We managed to keep a lot of the boys together and they knew the culture and beliefs of the club, which was massive.

“Due to Covid, we couldn’t have the same nights out and team bonding, so it’s been harder for the new boys to settle in compared to new signings over previous years.”

“Lads like Couttsy [Paul Coutts] and Martin Cranie and Kieran Freeman were a big part of the success of the squad,” Moore added. “They might not have played every week, but they were a big part of the changing room.

“That’s no disrespect at all to the boys who came in this season, because Covid meant they missed the chance to bond.

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“And, in football, good times don’t last forever. Things move on, and now the club is entering a new era.

“Times will be different but whatever happens, the last five years have been a big part of Sheffield United’s history. And I’m just proud to have played a little part of that.”

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