Sharp swears by Blades’ ability to work together in Covid times
BILLY SHARP has revealed that Sheffield United held talks about stopping swearing as the world’s cameras and microphones turn on football’s return. He says it will be down to players to generate passion without fans or bad language.
When this season’s surprise package restart the Premier League at Villa Park it will be on different terms to the first seven months of the campaign, with no supporters roaring them on, for a start. They also opposed increasing substitutes to five, as it favours the big clubs.
Sharp, the captain, believes his teammates can qualify for Europe but it will be down to them to generate atmosphere and tap in to the spirit that took the club from League One to the top flight in three seasons.
“Language is something we’ve had to speak about, but sometimes there are a few swear words on the pitch,” Sharp said. “We just want to do the talking with our feet, work together like we were and get positive results. We will leave the swearing to the manager.
Emotions
“It’s hard when you’re on the pitch, with the emotions and energy you’re using. You do spit on the floor, so we are going to have to be careful with it, as everybody is going to be watching.
“Whether it’s going to help teams or not, it’s about individuals, grabbing other individuals to become a team when you’re out there. That’s something we’ve been good at over the four years. When you’re looking for help you usually get from the fans, it’s going to have to come from within and from your team-mates.”
Chris Wilder’s team are the first match in Project Restart and victory at Aston Villa in their game in hand would lift them to fifth place, which could be the Champions League spot at the end of the season because of Manchester City’s UEFA ban.
“If we win every game, we know we’re in Europe,” Sharp said. “We’re not going to shy away from it, we’ve got a brilliant opportunity to achieve that.
“It’s a tough place to go but it will be a weird atmosphere. If they win, they can jump out of the bottom three. If we win, we can jump two places to fifth, so there is a lot at stake. Nothing will be decided this first game, but it is a good chance for us to put a marker down and put it in our own hands with nine games to go.”
Sharp (34) was on a run of three goals in four matches prior to football’s closure. His form led to a fresh two-year contract, but he is not looking at 2022 as a date to retire.
“I haven’t signed this contract to wind down or finish my career, I’m determined to get another one after this,” he said.
“I’ve got a great opportunity to be captain of this club, which is an absolute honour, and I want to carry on doing it, being part of a team that is doing well.”
Sharp is looking forward to the world – and his friends – watching as the Premier League resumes.
“All my mates have got beers in the fridge ready, they can’t wait for 6pm and I’m sure the rest of the red side of Sheffield are excited to getting back to watching us play, and we’re just the same – we’re raring to go,” he said.
Aston Villa v Sheffield United, Live, Sky Sports, 6.0