Sheffield United promise no more football as they enter coronavirus lockdown

The Blades were the last Premier League club to stop training after matches were suspended nationwide to help contain the spread of coronavirus. They tried to organise a behind-closed-doors friendly against Rotherham United last week, but scrapped the idea when advised against it by the authorities. Instead, their first-teamers played an in-house match on Thursday.

Now, they have closed all their properties and indefinitely suspended all non-essential business in response to the pandemic.

The club has largely kept its counsel so far, but chief executive Stephen Bettis says the Blades recognise their responsibilities to help prevent the further spread of the virus and will play their part in keeping the community informed. He also stressed they are following and will continue to be guided by Government advice.

"The decisions taken by the Government have been made in the interests of health and well-being of everyone and as a club we have a responsibility to help prevent further spread of the virus, hence the measures that have been taken,” he said in a statement.

"We will continue to take guidance from relevant authorities throughout this period and will attempt to assist with every effort as we navigate these unprecedented challenges.

"On behalf of the board of directors, Chris Wilder and all of the team, we hope that Blades supporters stay safe and well in this difficult time and we thank everyone for the measures that they have taken so far.

“Public health remains the biggest priority at this time and we urge everyone to follow best practices.”

All club properties, including Bramall Lane, the academy at Shirecliffe and the club store at Meadowhall have been closed indefinitely.

Following advice from the club's medical team all “non-essential business”, including player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings have also been suspended indefinitely.

A statement on the club's website said: “To be clear, there will be no fixtures involving Sheffield United, at any level, until the authorities deem it safe to do so.”

It also said that: “Sheffield United Football Club remains committed to keeping fans, staff, families and the community informed as facts become known to us. This is the latest of what may be numerous statements as and when the club has relevant information to report.”

All professional football in England has been suspended until no earlier than April 30, and until there is clarity on if and when the remaining 2019-20 games are played, the club are not offering refunds on tickets, or selling new ones.

Instead, match tickets and hospitality packages for the FA Cup quarter-final at home to Arsenal and the Premier League trip to Newcastle United remain valid at present.