The updated kickoff time for the Steel City derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United has been described as a ‘financial hit’ for businesses in the local area by one pub landlord.

The derby, which is the first game between the two sides to take place at Hillsborough for over six years, was initially scheduled for 3pm on Saturday 15 March, before being moved to 12:30pm this Sunday.

The landlord of the New Barrack Tavern, Kevin Woods described the updated kick off time for the game as a ‘financial hit’ for local businesses.

He said: “The timings are really unfortunate. Lots of people won’t come with it being so early.

“It’s a bit of a financial hit for some of the places. From the point of view of local businesses it won’t be anywhere near the same as it would’ve been if it was at normal kickoff time.”

Despite the updated kick off a crowd of over 34,000 people are still expected at Hillsborough Stadium

Joe Blacker, 18, a Sheffield Wednesday fan, said: “I’m really looking forward to the game, the last time they came to Hillsborough I was a lot younger so maybe didn’t appreciate the game as much.

“They’re obviously a good side, but I think when there’s a sold out crowd getting behind our lads we’ll give a good game.”

Sheffield United sold out their away ticket allocation of 2,315, which is slightly less than the 2,417 allocation Wednesday were given in the reverse fixture

Sid Green, 66, from Pitsmoor, a Sheffield United season ticket holder for 45 years, said: “In the week before the game you can feel the buzz round the city, it’s a brilliant occasion.

“When I worked, I worked alongside both Blades and Wednesdayites, so there was a lot of jestering between us all, so it was always a good laugh.”

With such a large crowd expected, Woods did admit that the game may still be a good opportunity for local businesses.

He said: “I think it’ll depend on the result. There’ll be people coming before and, depending on who you support, after the game.”