Sheffield United players join boss Chris Wilder in agreeing pay deferral

Chris Wilder became Sheffield United manager in 2016, having previously played for the club

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".

Premier League clubs remain committed to playing all 92 remaining fixtures but a date for the resumption of the competition is yet to be decided.

"It is a difficult time for everyone,” Wilder said.

“That includes football clubs and this particular measure is all about our football club.

“I've had similar experiences of cash flow problems at other clubs and I'm delighted that my staff have supported me in assisting our club in a small way.”

Bettis said the players should be commended both for agreeing the pay deferral and taking part in the #PlayersTogether scheme to generate and distribute funds to the NHS.

"It is a difficult period for everyone, but our football club also needs to be taken care of and I'm delighted that the players want to mirror the gesture of Chris and the staff by contributing. It confirms that they care about Sheffield United," he said.