F SHARP

Blades striker Billy: Football’s a man’s game and there can be some swear words..but we will let our football do the talking..and leave the bad language to our boss

BILLY SHARP claims Sheffield United players plan to leave the swearing to Chris Wilder when football restarts tonight.

The Blades kick off the Premier League’s return at Aston Villa, and Sharp says the players are conscious their every word will be picked up by microphones in the empty stadium. But United’s players have discussed this and hope Wilder (above right) will be the only Blade turning the air blue on the touchline.

“It’s something we’ve had to speak about, but football’s a man’s game and sometimes there are a few swear words on the pitch,” said Blades skipper Sharp. “It’s hard when you’re on the pitch with the emotions and energy you’re using. It’s something you do on the pitch. “We just want to do the talking with our feet, get on the pitch and work together like we do, and get positive results. “We’ll leave the swearing to the manager on the sidelines!” Players have been told not to spit for health reasons and Sharp says they have had to get used to many new safety protocols.

“You do spit on the floor, so we’re going to have to be careful with it – everybody is going to be watching,” said the striker.

“These are the rules. We just want to get out there and play football, work as hard as we can, and try to stick to the rules.”

Sharp says the players are aware of the huge interest in football’s return, even though no fans will be allowed into grounds.

“All my mates have got beers in the fridge, ready,” he said.

“They can’t wait for 6pm and I’m sure the rest of the red side of Sheffield is excited to get back to watching us play. We’re just the same – raring to go. I know the lads are working hard to be ready. There will be a lot of people watching at home, though we can’t hear them. We need to get that in our heads and adapt to it.

“If I score a goal, I’ll be celebrating like there are fans in the stadium and I’m sure other players will as well.” The Blades (John Fleck scores for Wilder’s men against Villa in their 2-0 win at Bramall Lane in December, below) could qualify for Europe for the first time, and Sharp sees this match as a chance to put down a marker to their rivals.

“We’re not going to shy away from it, we’ve got a brilliant opportunity to achieve that,” he said. “We’re the first game to kick the Premier League restart off. We’re all pleased about that and we want to put a marker down.”

The 34-year-old was delighted to commit his future to his beloved Blades by signing a new two-year deal and says his goal now is to earn another contract at Bramall Lane.

“I haven’t signed this contract to wind down or finish my career, I’m determined to get another one after this,” added Sharp, who has three goals in his last four appearances.

“I’ve got a great opportunity to be captain of this club, which is an absolute honour, and I want to carry on doing that for years to come.”

tonight. It will be watched by millions back home – and Samatta (left) is confident the Villans can do it. Sure to be watching is his music superstar pal Ali Kiba, who has set up the Samakiba foundation with Samatta (right, together) to help poor children with their schooling. But one thing is for sure – Samatta will not be getting carried away. Discovered playing street football at 16, the man who learned his skills kicking balls made out of plastic bags is quietly confident Villa can get themselves out of a fix. Having only joined the club in a £10million deal from Belgian outfit Genk in January, he has spent a big part of his time in this country under lockdown. But he admitted: “Even if there was not the coronavirus issues, I’m a guy who mostly stays inside. “I go training, come back and can stay all day inside. I don’t move around for no reason. I like to stay in. “I stay inside and watch movies, playing on Playstation, things like that. I’m glad to say the coronavirus was not too bad back in Tanzania. They were a little bit worried about me, but I always told them I was safe.” Samatta, who scored at Wembley in Villa’s 2-1 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City (right), is ready for the job in hand. He added: “Yes. I’m very confident we can do it. I feel ready. We have 10 games to go and I love challenges.”