Well, it’s not much, but at least it’s something and it is solid.
After weeks of discussions, the Premier league have agreed that training will resume in small groups of up to five, starting from Tuesday.
It’s not clear which Tuesday, but I’m guessing it’s next week as all players and staff will have to be tested and proven clear beforehand.
Or maybe it means you can begin as soon as you’ve fulfilled those conditions, from tomorrow. Who knows?
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-training-as-safe-22046287
It’s no doubt just going to be basic fitness training first, as it’ll be none contact.
Which makes you wonder how long all this is going to take before the players are ready to play the game at a proper level. I’m sure I glanced at an article somewhere that said it will take at least six weeks minimum to get the players into some sort of shape.
Which takes us to the beginning of July, as it is.
This leaves me asking myself what chance we have of abandoning the season and now I think it’s frankly zero.
Apparently this protocol has been agreed unanimously by all parties concerned.
Logic tells me that if the players have agreed to this (and the small groups thing suggests to me they don’t have to socially distance???), it’s only a small step to move up to full group training, contact level training and then actually playing.
Or maybe I’m getting ahead of myself with that thinking?
Either way, this is probably the biggest step taken and I believe the firm intention is to play the season out.
It makes sense.
Apparently the EFL don’t want to abandon their season because it would set a precedent to the Premier league.
So they will play theirs out and get bona fide promoted teams.
By hook or by crook, the Prem will ensure our season is played out, in our own, empty grounds.
Probably with the new season starting as quick as is possible.
We have bona fide relegated teams.
Sky and BT get to show the games.
The Prem gets it’s money and there is no litigation.
Which probably leads to us being relegated, because home advantage isn’t just the ground you’re playing at; it’s the support.
There is one hope, which is the one OriginalLondonLion suggests, in that the weather will be warmer and we’re a fairweather team.
I really struggle to see anything other than what I’ve suggested.
The season will be played out.
It seems the general consensus was 4 to 5 weeks training for a restart but Steve Bruce claimed six weeks is needed – that’s the article you read Badger.
Frankly, I’ve completely lost interest – the outcome of this season however sorted will be artificially constructed and I’m not paying anyone (Sky, BBC or whoever) to watch socially distanced football in empty stadiums. Will the ref wear full PPE?
In other news, it’s rumoured that Villa have quoted Manure £80m for a Grealish whichever division we end up in. Quite right to!
Blimey, that was quick Hitch.
I’m still proofreading it!
But, yes, I know what you mean.
It just isn’t going to be the same without a crowd.
But I’m certain it will be played out, whatever.
It’ll be a case of the league is bigger than any club and it’ll just happen.
As for Grealish, I totally agree.
And hopefully it won’t lead to us having to force the player to stay, but he’s just going to have to suck it up.
We can’t afford to let clubs try and bully us.
And I’d be gutted if he only went for £80 mill, let alone less.
To me it’s farcical to complete the season now. There are many more important things going on. If they continue, presumably with lots of teething troubles over testing and potentially squads having to isolate (as in Germany) we will see a pale imitation of our great game. I know it’s more of a business decision than a health one but can we really get excited about matches with no contact(think what will happen when someone scores?) Football is a contact sport and nothing without the supporters.
Relegated teams will rightly take legal action later for unfair circumstances.
Most teams have nothing to play for now.
What will happen with the Euro comp next June if we don’t start the next season on time because we can’t complete this one? So many issues in trying to soldier on against the odds. Take a bit of time to train safely and wait and see…
I’ve been watching “Harry’s heros”
Superb viewing for young and old and gives a massive insight on so many levels.
I think it’s on ITV (she has the remote, so I don’t have a clue), so you can get it on catchup.
Highly recommended!
Badger, I watched the original series when he collected a number of ex England players and they played against Germany in the final game of the two programme series. Included players like Merson and Razor Ruddock! That was good viewing if you can find it.
Looks like I need to watch this one as well.
What’s football??? This has been the longest Bank Holiday weekend in history. Can barely remember what I did yesterday, never mind pick a starting 11.
Can we assume everyone is fit and injury free?!! I can’t see how the EPL could legally justify relegating the current 3 sides with so many games left. The season can only be deemed void.
I know Wesley’s not fit, but that’s no loss, imo.
I’m not sure about John McGinn.
Either void or played out.
My money is on the latter.
Now saying unlikely to start until August which then substantially delays the start of next season – all sorts of rules and regulations being breached.
Should do the pragmatic thing and void the season. If necessary promote Albion and Leeds and then reduce the Prem back to 20 over two seasons.
Or just get on with it and stop nannying about. There are no supporters so if anyone tests positive it’s easy to track and trace particularly if you insist all those involved self isolate until the end of the season – after all they get paid a hell of a lot more than all those key workers who’ve carried on throughout this pandemic. Even if every Prem footballer became ill and needed critical care it’s not going to overwhelm the NHS – is it!
So Is it really that important to finish the EPL season?
Rant over …..
An August start would cause massive problems and I don’t see how it could work.
The trouble is if you void it, the likes of Sheff Weds could claim that they’ve lost the chance to qualify for the Europa league.
They’re two points behind Man U, who currently hold that spot, but have a game in hand.
Next to nothing money in it, I know, but it would be a first for them.
Whatever happens, if it’s voided it’s going to be unfair to someone.
I quite like your solution Hitch, but would give the title to Liverpool.
I don’t think anyone would begrudge them that, even Man City.
Badger, I agree about Liverpool. Given all the circumstances is football really that important – despite what Bill Shankley thought?
Why don’t they ask the supporters what they think?
Reports today saying early June…
Don’t believe it Bum Bum. If you look at other sports in the UK, nothing before July at the earliest.
Quite right…..
Bournemouth have confirmed one of their players tested positive for coronavirus in the Premier League’s second round of testing.
The club have not named the player, who will self-isolate for seven days before being tested again.
The Premier League revealed the results of a second batch of tests on Saturday, with a total of two people from two separate clubs testing positive. Six positive tests were returned from the first phase of testing.
Anyone else feeling slightly uneasy whatever the outcome of staying up or relegation. I can’t help thinking reading about stories of other teams potential transfer targets that we’ll again be ill prepared. Same thing happened last year having to wait to the play-off final. I know when the likes of Dean and the board address the media they said they had lists of players if we remained in the Championship or were promoted, but it bugs me that we are always playing catch up. Prospective signings will be snapped up by teams that know what league they’ll be playing in. Meaning we’ll be left with, in most cases, not the first choice targets. Add to this the layer of uncertainty with Jack and the merry-go-round that this will bring. Either way I’m bracing myself for a stuttering start to the next season irrespective of the Covid pandemic.
Dean Smith father past away, rest in piece Ron Smith, Sad news…
At long last football.
Just been announced that the first games will commence on the 17th of June.
Live Premier League to resume with Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City v Arsenal – live updates from the world of sport