Sheffield United considering 'every possible option' in a bid to address season ticket issue

More than 20,000 people stand to lose an average of £80 each, according to the club’s official calculations, with four of its remaining 10 games this term set to take place at Bramall Lane.

United, who were seventh in the table when the campaign was suspended in March because of the Covid-19 pandemic, have formed a working party tasked with investigating the issue. Although they are also seeking guidance from the PL itself, one idea being discussed to reward those affected for their patience is guaranteeing current holders their same seats if they renew next term.

Such was the demand for season tickets following United’s promotion from the Championship last year, The Star understands there was a possibility passes might not have been placed on general sale this summer - although a senior figure involved in the process has conceded projected renewal rates could change because of the financial hardship caused by measures designed to limit the spread of the virus.

“We’re looking at plans but nothing has been set in stone yet,” the source said. “Everything is on the table. We have people looking at this daily, considering how best to do it. Until we decide what the best way of proceeding is, we’ll keep our own counsel. But rest assured, we are looking at everything.”

A number of factors have complicated United’s plans to ensure their season ticket holders are properly refunded or compensated. They include a lack of guidance on when supporters will be allowed back into stadiums - with some experts predicting it could be towards the end of the 2020/21 campaign - and suspicions that some fans might not be able to afford to purchase fresh passes. Around one in five of the country’s workforce has been placed on furlough, and economists predict many of those will lose their jobs when subsidy schemes end. Before the lockdown was announced in March, United worked on the assumption that around 90 per cent of season tickets holders usually renew.

Many fans have taken to social media to propose solutions of their own, including donating the money they are owed to one of United’s designated charities or using it to pay for future passes.

“The trouble we’ve got, with so many people having season tickets, is that what suits one person might not suit another,” the source said. “For example, £80 might not be a lot to one but for someone else, they might be in a position where they need that money to feed themselves and their family.

“We’re just trying to find a way of making sure we can be as fair as possible to as many people as possible.”

Five points outside the Champions League places and preparing for an FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, United are scheduled to resume their push for European football with a trip to Aston Villa on June 17.

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