What Billy Sharp said about Sheffield United's possible mid-May return - and playing games behind closed doors

And although the Blades captain believes football is about supporters, he admitted that the prospect of playing the remaining fixtures behind closed doors is at least better than not playing them at all.

United haven't played since early March due to the coronavirus crisis, which saw all professional football in this country postponed indefinitely in a bit to halt the spread of the disease.

But there has been talk about a possible return later this summer, to play the remaining games - probably behind closed doors, and possibly at a neutral venue.

"We hope to be back in training as a group soon," Sharp admitted.

"I've heard talk of mid-May, which seems realistic. I believe the curve is starting to flatten. I'm trying to not get too downhearted by watching the news but hopefully we can see the curve go down soon and the pandemic can be put to bed."

On the prospect of games behind closed doors, Sharp added: "Football’s about fans and the emotion in the stadium.

"It would be weird but it would be the same for both sides, we'd have to adapt to it.

"I'm sure the gaffer will struggle not to swear as much! It is just a game but it makes a lot of people happy and puts a lot of smiles on faces. Hopefully we can do that and it's better to play behind closed doors than not at all."

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