Financial implications of losing Championship status are stark for Portsmouth, Sheffield United and Blackburn

Hundreds of youngsters rush down to the front row of the Tony Currie Stand as the final whistle sounds at a sun-soaked Bramall Lane, eagerly clamouring for autographs from the Sheffield United Women’s players. They plead at the top of their voices to be the recipient of a Sheffield United shirt that is going to be presented to a lucky fan by the men’s team manager, Chris Wilder, who has also been watching from the stands. Looking at the grins on the faces of most of the 3,754 attendees, they had a great afternoon out. On the pitch, however, a scene of red and white dejection tells a different story.

Sheffield United’s head coach, Ash Thompson, and his staff have troubled expressions on their faces while some players have sunk to the ground after a 2-0 defeat against Portsmouth leaves them one point above the Championship relegation zone with five games of the season remaining. Portsmouth, who are bottom, are beside themselves after finally securing their first win of the campaign, hugging, beaming and dancing in front of their travelling supporters, with hope in their eyes 10 months after their last league win.