It’s been a long time since March 13th, when the clocks stopped. But the good news is that as per this recent ITK the return of football is so close, Dele Alli could probably hit it with an angry boot.
The Times this morning reveals that the Premier League could start as soon as the 8th of June, and completed by July 27th.
The new protocols for players will require discipline, and as per this piece we published yesterday, THFC could stand to gain a modest advantage as one plan is to operate the closing stages from a handful of stadiums. Spurs’ complex venue offers more flexibility than any other ground in the country.
Elsewhere, May 18th is a date for your Italian football diaries, with Minister for Sport, Vincenzo Spadafora announcing that training will recommence for individuals on May 8th, and then as a group on the 18th.
Breaking: Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has announced that professional sports teams can resume training on May 18.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 26, 2020
As I understand the main issue with the tests is supply not money, so it would still be a scandal for players to get them before front line workers. I guess we’ll have to wait and see how this one pans out…
Agree, I read that one of the European Leagues, if they restart will donate 2.5 million tests, so I imagine the Premier League will do something similar, assuming they can get them. The Premier League remind me of the Olympics in their stubborn refusal to even think about about cancelling the season. I suppose they have £750 million reasons to want to restart.
Yes I was wondering about the test situation too. They’ll need 200+ for every game. Front line workers surely should get them first? Some of my friends are doctors teachers and pharmacists and none of them have been promised tests yet. Morally footballers should be way down the queue for these.
Doubt it will restart on the 8th June, with most fitness coaches saying players will need a month to six weeks “pre season”, to avoid injuries not withstanding the fitness they do at home. Also has the Premier League the capability to do thousands of tests which don’t deprive NHS staff of them. I have a bit of sympathy for the clubs as the players refusal to even defer wages is forcing their hand. Though if players are infected the quarantine process could derail the whole enterprise.