Why Sheffield United chiefs are consulting with Chris Wilder

After introducing a series of measures at the Steelphalt Academy to help them comply with social distancing guidelines, United’s squad began taking part in small-sided sessions last week - for the first time since fixtures were suspended because of coronavirus in March.

With only limited numbers of people allowed on site - and the competition’s health experts advising they spend no longer than 75 minutes at work before returning to change and shower at home - the amount of meaningful work Wilder and his players can do is likely to be negligible.

The PL’s 20 member clubs will discuss relaxing some of those rules tomorrow, after the Government granted individual sports permission to return to contact training when they deem it safe to do so.

Phase Three of the strategy concerns the resumption of competition behind closed doors, with June 12 being mooted as a possible restart date although that could be rolled back shortly.

Wilder’s side were seventh in the table when the season was mothballed, with 10 league games of their campaign remaining.

The 52-year-old has made his support for a return to action plain, and has praised United’s doctors for their work in recent weeks.

Although Wilder will not address the latest PL meeting personally, United’s representatives are likely to relay his views when they are given an opportunity to address the teleconference.

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