Sheffield United players join boss Chris Wilder in agreeing pay deferral
Sheffield United players have joined manager Chris Wilder and chief executive Stephen Bettis in agreeing partial pay and bonus deferrals during the coronavirus pandemic.
Wilder, Bettis and senior coaches accepted six-month deferrals on Monday.
The Blades said the entire professional playing staff had now "emulated the decision" by accepting a partial pay deferral until the end of 2020.
United say the money saved will be used to retain and pay other staff in full.
Fellow Premier League side Watford are set to defer players’ pay and Southampton and West Ham confirmed they would do the same earlier this month.
The Blades said the pay deferrals would "assist the club's cash flow issues" during the pandemic "amid uncertainty regarding the timing for a return to action".
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52360869Singing for the Blades, Sheffield and the NHS
It's one of football's most instantly recognisable chants, now United's special Kop anthem is scoring for the city's NHS workers.
Local singer, songwriter and performer Max Restaino has recorded a fabulous bluesy/jazz 'Greasy Chip Butty' track which is a tribute to the Blades - and Sheffield itself, his home city.
It promises to give Unitedites something to cheer about during the Premier League lockdown and every penny it raises through downloads goes to the Sheffield Hospitals Charity.
The song came about when Max's friend, local journalist Mike Firth, dared to mention he thought the hugely popular chant needed something adding. Perhaps another verse or two.
"That's what I suggested to Max but it soon became clear he was thinking on a whole different level and within a week he had written, performed and recorded a fabulous new song. I'm sure Blades fans will take it to their hearts and other Sheffield folk will also appreciate it," said Mike.
Max added: "I've lived in Sheffield all my life so writing lyrics wasn't so difficult. I'm a very proud Sheffielder and I really think that comes across in the song. I enjoyed using the humorous Sheffield colloquialisms and using a Sheffield accent in places of the song. I don't get to incorporate that when singing and writing music for myself so it was fun to do so.
"I've known the 'Greasy Chip Butty' for years as it has turned into a well-known football chant. Me and my friends sing the song when United games are on. I've always found the lyrics funny and definitely think they capture Northern humour.
"I'm glad I had the opportunity to write and produce a full song using 'Greasy Chip Butty' as the chorus. I'm sure that devoted United fans and many Sheffielders will be thrilled to hear the song dedicated to our home town.
"It's the perfect time to release the song to make people smile in uncertain times and to raise money for a worthy cause."
The song is available to download on all major platforms, click here to listen on Spotify - every penny of your donation will go to Sheffield Hospitals Charity.
David Reynolds, executive director of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: "This is an incredible display of support from Max and everybody involved.
"This song is an opportunity to share in something special; something that celebrates Sheffield and says 'thank you' to our NHS. So please do download it and share it as far and wide as possible.
"All the proceeds will support those hard-working staff in our hospitals - providing them with care packages, refreshments, break-out areas and much more at this time of need. Your help would mean more than ever.
https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2020/april/singing-for-the-nhs/Blades say 'Thank you NHS'
United's continued backing of the NHS during the current Covid-19 pandemic has evolved further.
Following the weekly show of support for the NHS and key workers on the frontline at 8pm on Thursday, Bramall Lane's hallowed turf has had an image projected on the playing surface thanking the NHS for all the work they are doing, both locally and across the UK.
The Club has worked closely with PA Entertainments to form the projection, as have others clubs in the region, with operations director Dave McCarthy remarking: "We know many of our supporters will be missing their visits to Bramall Lane and thought it the perfect time to give them a glimpse of the stadium and at the same time show our support for the incredible and brave work of the NHS at this testing time.
"We're acutely aware that many Blades supporters, as well as family and friends, work for the NHS and the thanks and appreciation of everyone connected to the Club goes out to them and all the other key workers and volunteers who are working tirelessly on the front line."
https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2020/april/thank-you-nhs/
