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Yorkshire’s fans look set to be able to get their footballing fix from 17 May, when the government roadmap moves to step three and crowds are permitted at outdoor sports events.
However, with the EFL season concluding this weekend, supporters of Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham United and Doncaster Rovers will miss out on the chance to return to the stands and experience live football again.
Although Sheffield United have endured an abysmal Premier League season, there is a silver lining for the Blades’ faithful, as the final day fixture against Burnley on 23 May could see up to 10,000 fans admitted to Bramall Lane.
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With relegation to the Championship already confirmed, there is only pride to play for, but after an absence of 14 months, few fans will want to miss out on the opportunity to line the terraces once more.
Barnsley’s success this season has seen them book a Championship playoff spot with several games to spare. While they will miss the end of their league campaign against Norwich City, fans should be able to attend the home leg of their playoff semi-final, which will take place on either 17 or 22 May.
With the Tykes looking to seal a top-flight place for the first time since 1998, the presence of up to 10,000 supporters may well provide the impetus to help them over the line.
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For those residing just over the border in Derbyshire, Chesterfield will also have an opportunity to welcome their fans back to the Technique Stadium. The penultimate game of the Spireites’ playoff push sees them face Dagenham and Redbridge on 22 May, with James Rowe’s men looking to leapfrog the likes of Bromley and Wrexham and finish in the top seven.
With a capacity of 10,504, Chesterfield should be able to host a crowd of up to 4000, and their backing could prove crucial in the effort to seal a return to the Football League.
There is a wealth of non-league action for fans to sink their teeth into, with the Yorkshire Trophy taking place between 17-29 May. The post-season competition involves teams from across West and South Yorkshire, with Brighouse Town, Golcar United, Liversedge, Wakefield AFC, Penistone Church and Nostell Miners Welfare all confirmed as taking part.
The teams are split into two groups, with each team facing each other once, before the winners and runners-up from each contest the semi-finals. The final of the Yorkshire Trophy will be take place on 29 May in front of 675 fans at Brighouse’s Yorkshire Payments Stadium.
