Good Morning. Its Tuesday 31st March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Deputy chief medical officer - It could be 6 months before we get back to normal
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries has said it could be six months or longer before the country gets back to normal after the coronavirus; potentially putting the 2019/20 season in jeopardy! Jennifer Margaret Harries OBE was quoted as saying...
If we stop then all of our efforts will be wasted and we could potentially see a second peak. So over time, probably over the next six months, we will have a three-week review. We will see where we are going.
We need to keep that lid on - and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of the social distancing measures and gradually get us all back to normal. Three weeks for review, two or three months to see whether we have really squashed it but about three to six months ideally, and lots of uncertainty in that, but then to see at which point we can actually get back to normal.
When should the EFL call time on the 2019/20 season?
The suspension of the 2019/20 season is currently on hold and set to be reviewed on the 30th April, but in all honesty there is not a chance on Earth that Soccer Chiefs will even contemplate lifting the embargo until the Country has the coronavirus under control, and this could be six months away! Compared to many, Leeds are an affluent club, but many other teams are already struggling to make ends meet, even with financial help from the EFL
Many clubs, especially in the lower divisions who voted to finish the season are changing their minds due to the heavy financial losses they are incurring each week. How long can clubs survive without any income? How long can the Premier League / EFL realistically wait until they have to draw a line in the sand and void the season? Is this even an option? If the season were to recommence in six months time, should it still be top priority to complete the remaining games from the 2019/20 season?
Premier League to lose £762m if season not completed by July 16th
The Premier League are in discussions with all 20 Premier League clubs discussing a plan to recommence the current season start in May behind closed doors and finish by July 12. There is a “watertight” deal with Sky Sports and BT Sport that would see the Premier League owing up to £762m deal if the season isn’t finished by July 16.
However, there’s no contingency plan for the 72 clubs under the EFL. It is believed that there would be too much strain on the medical services to allow the lower leagues to fulfil their fixtures. TalkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist has said...
It’s wrong” to prioritise one league over another. I’ve got to be honest, I’m against games being played behind closed doors. Games without fans loses just about everything for me. There’s something not right about it. But make no mistake about it, this is a financial decision, people will want to get games finished.
But we’re making rules for some and not for others. Football used to be the same for everyone and now it’s not. It’s saying that it’s more important financially for the Premier League to finish above other leagues. I think it’s wrong.