Why Chris Wilder can't wait to get back to work already after revealing Sheffield United's pre-season plans have been "nailed down"

Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, admits he already cannot wait to get back to work after revealing that the Blades' pre-season plans for the delayed 2020/21 season have been "nailed down".
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The Premier League's shareholders last week agreed that the new campaign should begin on September 12, with the final round taking place on May 23. With the opening game of the new season less than 50 days away, everything from players' summer breaks to pre-season will be condensed - and work has already been completed on United's preparations.

"We're all sorted for pre-season," Wilder admitted.

"We're still in a situation where things can change but hopefully they don't and we're on the right path to normality.

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"Normality involves pre-season games organised, maybe a trip away. That's all been nailed down and finalised, I should imagine that'll be announced in due course.

“It's not really been difficult to arrange those plans. It's a shortened pre-season, a shortened break for the players, shortened window.

"But for me, I'm quite positive about those start dates when we can get back working. I'm always anxious to get back to work and you crack on and organise yourself for the season ahead."

For their part, United's players were put through a programme similar to pre-season throughout and then after lockdown. There was a gap of over 100 days between United's victory over Norwich at Bramall Lane in March, and their first game back at Aston Villa in June.

Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United speaks to his coaching staff at full-time after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium  (Photo by Glyn Kirk/Pool via Getty Images)Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United speaks to his coaching staff at full-time after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium  (Photo by Glyn Kirk/Pool via Getty Images)
Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United speaks to his coaching staff at full-time after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium (Photo by Glyn Kirk/Pool via Getty Images)
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"It's unprecedented times and what's happened with the lockdown," Wilder added.

"So I think everyone needs to get away from it from a mentality point of view. Some will get away from it more than others. It won't be much for me but I'm comfortable with that.

“The players understand now from a physical aspect in the Premier League - the distances covered, the high-intensity sprints, the physical condition they have to be in now - there's a huge responsibility on them to come back in good shape, especially with the shortened period.

“They need to hit the ground running.

“Everything's been structured, organised and set out for them but they have to take it on, which I'm sure they will."

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