It is almost a year since fans were last inside the stadium for a thrilling 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City and Woodward said “their absence has only highlighted the importance of fans to the fabric of football, and we can’t wait to welcome them back“.
“The successful rapid roll-out of vaccines and falling rate of infections in the UK makes us optimistic about the Government’s roadmap out of the lockdown, including plans for the gradual reopening of sports stadia to spectators beginning this spring,” he said. “Initially, this will be with limits on capacity, but we are hopeful of crowds ramping back up to full capacity next season.