Chris Wilder has bittersweet emotions at fans' return

SHEFFIELD UNITED manager Chris Wilder admits he is envious of rival clubs who are allowed a small percentage of fans back in stadiums from this week - and is longing for the day that supporters return to Bramall Lane.

The Blades’ home will again be empty for Sunday’s Premier League home game with Leicester City - with Sheffield one of many Tier 3 towns and cities which are currently unable to allow up to 2,000 fans back into grounds in their areas under Government rules, unlike those in the tier below.

In the top-fight, half of the clubs - located on Merseyside, London and on the south coast - are allowed a limited proportion of spectators back into grounds after being placed into Tier 2.

But the other half are currently not including United, whose last home match with fans in attendance was back on March 7.

Wilder, who has consistently spoken about the Blades suffering from an absence of fans more than most given that Bramall Lane is one of the most atmospheric arenas in the Premier League, said: “Let our fans back in as well….

“I am delighted (for other clubs). It is an advantage, even if it is a small one.

“I have talked long and hard about the effect our supporters have had over the team over the past four years and how together the football club has been and how the players thrive and embrace the pressure that our punters give our team.