Report: How the Coronavirus is having a major impact on Sheffield United’s future plans

Looks like we’re not seeing effects of the Coronavirus on the pitch, we’re seeing it take an effect behind the scenes as well.

With the virus putting a halt to all ‘non-essential’ work across the country, one thing that has taken a hit at Sheffield United is the training ground. According to a report in The Star, redevelopment of the Steelphalt Academy is set to take a back seat for the time being.

It’s no secret that the training centre isn’t exactly one of the best in the Premier League, with Blades boss Chris Wilder commenting that “at this moment we’re struggling to hang onto the coat-tails of teams spending the numbers they are on training facilities”. So now that we have some additional funds from being in the Premier League, a step up when it comes to the facilities seemed like a no brainer.

However, this could inevitably turn into a little bit of a disaster for the club if we don’t handle this crisis well.

I’ve spoken before about how the club need to capitalise on what they have right now and try to make things as positive as they can to players, both those already at the club and any potential targets, and a well-run, up to date training ground would certainly fall into that category.

We are going to need all the help we can get it we are to fight off ‘second season syndrome’, and if our facilities are still behind the rest of the Premier League competition, then we could find ourselves behind the proverbial eight-ball when it comes to trying to stay as competitive as we have been this campaign. Not to mention the added strain that a season in Europe could possibly entail on top of that.

So let’s just hope that any delays in building up the training ground aren’t too significant.