comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Doggie Dog© - Psychic spies from China tr... (U22357)
posted 1 minute ago
So the difference between legitimacy and illegitimacy is that all teams have agreed the terms before start of the season?
But if all teams agree to changes mid season then suddenly it's illegitimate?
OK that makes so much sense.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As if all teams would agree to changes mid season, clubs with something to lose would run a mile from that fantasy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
January transfer windows?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That is decided and agreed upon before a ball is kicked
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 32 seconds ago
Also short term contract extensions are a thing used daily in business around the world e.g. A contractor is employed to complete a project, the forecast was a year. But towards the end of the year its realised that its going to take three more months to complete, the contractor can be offered a short term extension to see out the project.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You might have leagues around Europe (and the world) starting at different times, so a player in the PL may have a pre contract with a club in the USA or wherever, which starts when his current deal expires. They are not going to extend his current contract and delay the start date at his new club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok fair point but are you really saying that because a handful of players might fall into this category it's enough to void an entire season?
comment by Don_tottenham (U3372)
posted 48 seconds ago
Billy, wish you be bloody honest on here mate and admit the real reasoning why you want the season over. Just admit you want to laugh at Liverpool and would find it funny if they were denied the title. Hiding behind the pandemic situation and the “legitimacy” of it all is just a load of old cobblers mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Don, you are like a broken record pal. And 100% wrong, end of.
I say it how it is, I can`t help it if that does not suit the agenda of certain posters
Like to my point re contract extentions, do you stop the entire project cause one or two contracts decide to not take the extention and move to a different company?
It's like you're suggesting a squad of 25 players have to stop cause one decided to move to another league, sounds daft to me.
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 32 seconds ago
Also short term contract extensions are a thing used daily in business around the world e.g. A contractor is employed to complete a project, the forecast was a year. But towards the end of the year its realised that its going to take three more months to complete, the contractor can be offered a short term extension to see out the project.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You might have leagues around Europe (and the world) starting at different times, so a player in the PL may have a pre contract with a club in the USA or wherever, which starts when his current deal expires. They are not going to extend his current contract and delay the start date at his new club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok fair point but are you really saying that because a handful of players might fall into this category it's enough to void an entire season?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well obviously, a club could lose its star player or more than one player and be severely disadvantaged, that is not right, or fair.
The season has been a farce from start to finish. I for one am very happy to see it cancelled.
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 15 minutes ago
comment by Doggie Dog© - Psychic spies from China tr... (U22357)
posted 1 minute ago
So the difference between legitimacy and illegitimacy is that all teams have agreed the terms before start of the season?
But if all teams agree to changes mid season then suddenly it's illegitimate?
OK that makes so much sense.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As if all teams would agree to changes mid season, clubs with something to lose would run a mile from that fantasy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Clubs have already agreed to do that this season
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 8 minutes ago
Like to my point re contract extentions, do you stop the entire project cause one or two contracts decide to not take the extention and move to a different company?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Contracts expire all the time, not just in June. Its certainly not a big deal so long as conditions are the same for all teams.
This is a non issue except on these boards and when Spurs fans are involved.
comment by Flashy flibble (U10324)
posted 6 minutes ago
The season has been a farce from start to finish. I for one am very happy to see it cancelled.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
In Spurs fans eyes it has
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 21 minutes ago
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 32 seconds ago
Also short term contract extensions are a thing used daily in business around the world e.g. A contractor is employed to complete a project, the forecast was a year. But towards the end of the year its realised that its going to take three more months to complete, the contractor can be offered a short term extension to see out the project.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You might have leagues around Europe (and the world) starting at different times, so a player in the PL may have a pre contract with a club in the USA or wherever, which starts when his current deal expires. They are not going to extend his current contract and delay the start date at his new club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok fair point but are you really saying that because a handful of players might fall into this category it's enough to void an entire season?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well obviously, a club could lose its star player or more than one player and be severely disadvantaged, that is not right, or fair.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OK so a club losing one player means cancel everything? Again seems completely daft and straw clutching at best.
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 52 minutes ago
Are people that stupid to not realise players contracts expire at the end of June so the season can’t be continued if it isn’t finished by then.
Jesus Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Or are people that stupid that they have been told on numerous occasions that the PL and UEFA have agreed contracts can be extended until the end of the season and still keep coming out with this point?
comment by There'sOnlyOneRed's (U1721)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 52 minutes ago
Are people that stupid to not realise players contracts expire at the end of June so the season can’t be continued if it isn’t finished by then.
Jesus Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Or are people that stupid that they have been told on numerous occasions that the PL and UEFA have agreed contracts can be extended until the end of the season and still keep coming out with this point?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not people, just Spurs fans.
Taken from the Athletic. I've said a few times the players hold the power in all this and rightly so. It's a long read but worth it :
In many dressing rooms, there is, above all, faith that the club’s medical professionals will take the right decision to protect participants. As workforces go, there is quiet confidence that footballers should be safer than most, as the vast majority who have suffered gravely from coronavirus have been elderly or experienced underlying health conditions. The direct risk to players, therefore, is considered to be low.
Yet there have been exceptions and alarm bells are ringing for some. On Tuesday, one agent in Spain, for example, sent one of our writers a link to a Washington Post article that reported alleged links between coronavirus diagnoses and strokes among younger people in their 30s and 40s. The agent wanted to know whether football could truly say it is not imposing added risk on his client. On Wednesday, research by Italian immunologists based in Berlin, Rome and Vienna suggested that in the course of strenuous exercise, athletes are more likely to inhale virus particles and direct them to the lower parts of the lung. Jonas Baer-Hoffman, the secretary general of the global players’ union FIFPro warned that “very high protection standards are required” for football to return. It is true, also, that clubs must factor in backroom staff and in-house employees when assessing risk factors.
In the Premier League, virtual meetings are now taking place between the 20 club doctors in the top-flight. However, it is believed there have been disagreements over forming a consensus for health guidelines on training. Clubs will be irked by any suggestion that the integrity of their medical experts may be compromised and everyone within the game and the government insists all decisions will be aligned with advice from Public Health England. Yet several senior figures within clubs have spoken to The Athletic over their unease that doctors — employed by the clubs — may feel pressurised by their paymasters as executives may be financially aided by the season being played on, or indeed being cancelled.
“It’s so dangerous,” says one training ground source at a Premier League club. “What’s changed in five weeks? It wasn’t safe to train then so why now? There’s no cure, no vaccine. If one person gets it and dies we will be on the wrong side of history. It’s going to take someone to die for people to realise.”
Mark Leather, a former physio at Liverpool, is aware of the pressures clubs can place on medical staff to speed up a player’s return from injury. Yet in this case, he is confident clubs will act responsibly. He says: “Everyone is acutely aware of how bad it is. There is no magic cure for it. But I think that the issues of a player being frightened or reluctant, that’s like anything. If you’ve had a difficult plane journey and that causes a fear of flying, that is an issue. You can’t force a person. Think of Dennis Bergkamp. So I think clubs will be respectful of somebody who says I don’t really want to play at this moment. It is not a sign of weakness, it’s just everybody is different.
“I honestly think if you tested everybody at the club and anybody positive is isolated, the rest I don’t think will be too concerned, if there’s proof, documents, test results, ratified by independent people. It’s safe. I do not think there will be many who have an issue with that. Players are very informed about health now, much more than they were in the bad old days. They search information themselves. They will trust the club. It is not in the club’s interest to put a game on and risk a PR disaster and a public health issue.”
A current Premier League player, still to be informed of any clear schedule by his club, says: “We’re still waiting for news on when we’ll be called back in — we’ve not heard much, to be honest — but we’re all assuming that, if we are to train together ‘as normal’, we’ll be getting tested regularly to ensure as much as we can that the virus doesn’t suddenly spike down at the training ground. I know people are saying it takes a while to get test results, though, so quite how that will work I’m not sure. What happens if one player falls ill? Does that mean we all have to go back into isolation for a fortnight to stop any spread? That would put us back to square one again, wouldn’t it?
“I suppose the only way to look at it at the moment is we will be guided by the medics and the authorities as to whether any of this is possible, and then make a judgement call on it all. We’re all talking to each other, the players, so it is bound to be discussed. Am I comfortable with the thought of going back in to train? Only if the club doctor and medical staff feel it is safe. You have to go with the experts and, if they have confidence in the testing procedures, I would trust them. But, realistically, I can’t see it happening any time soon. As in training ‘normally’.”
Above all, the consensus appears to be that players would like greater clarity and communication. Throughout this process, players have been frustrated by the approach taken by their overlords. An “us” and “them” mentality has evolved, particularly with the dreadfully-received Premier League suggestion that top-flight players should consider a thirty per cent pay cut across the board. The seeds of distrust were sown at several clubs and not every player is inclined to go out on a financial or physical limb to protect the economic security of those owners and executives they feel have been unsupportive since the pandemic emerged.
Several players have complained that they are still to receive any information at all from Premier League clubs on a possible return to training. One is so convinced the nationwide lockdown will be extended so he says he isn’t even thinking about football.
Yet developments are anticipated in the coming days. One Premier League club was told on Tuesday that it should report to training on Monday, May 18, with a view to resuming action on June 4 and ending the campaign by August 2. Time is now of the essence as players who have returned abroad to spend time with family must return this week in order to self-isolate for fourteen days before training. This plan will be debated on Friday.
A Premier League player concludes: “The past couple of weeks has been the worst time because we’re waiting for news, we’re in limbo. You just want a plan. Even if that’s them turning around and saying everything is cancelled until September. But we’re getting nothing. Money will override everything. You’re talking about a league where Huddersfield made more than PSG last season. The one thing we all want is fans. It just won’t be the same, but that’s another compromise we’re going to have to make.”
I wish people would not tar all spurs fans with the same brush
Surely the best thing is for the season to be over, give Liverpool the title , scrap Europe for next season as that answers so many questions on finishing places
Then no promotions or relegations ....I realise this is not fair on the likes of Leeds for example but it’s the way it is
I won’t lie though , having many gloating Liverpool fans as friends for them not to get the title would bring a small smile to my face however I’m man enough to know they deserve it
Liverpool fans can do one and suck it up. Entitled fools.
comment by There'sOnlyOneRed's (U1721)
posted 22 minutes ago
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 52 minutes ago
Are people that stupid to not realise players contracts expire at the end of June so the season can’t be continued if it isn’t finished by then.
Jesus Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Or are people that stupid that they have been told on numerous occasions that the PL and UEFA have agreed contracts can be extended until the end of the season and still keep coming out with this point?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No mate we're the thick ones...
comment by There'sOnlyOneRed's (U1721)
posted 39 minutes ago
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 52 minutes ago
Are people that stupid to not realise players contracts expire at the end of June so the season can’t be continued if it isn’t finished by then.
Jesus Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Or are people that stupid that they have been told on numerous occasions that the PL and UEFA have agreed contracts can be extended until the end of the season and still keep coming out with this point?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They mentioned it as a possibility once back in March, said there was a lot of complex legal issues regarding it and haven’t mentioned it since.
It’s a non starter.
Just been sent this:
Take it with much salt
Premier league is back in June. I have a lead from someone who works for a sport travel agency that manages logistics for some top teams (spurs, city, wolves, newcastle, rangers to name a few). The company has been tasked to arrange hotels and travel for 8 weeks starting mid may.
All premier league teams will play their remaining games at st georges park behind closed doors and for TV only. The complex will host 2/3 games a day that will be streamed live.
The players will go into isolation mid may at select hotels in the vicinity of st georges and will train at local clubs grounds. They will not be able to see family and friends during the period of games. Each player will be tested regulary to ensure safety and hotels will be locked down for players only.
Looks like we are going to have a world cup style June with loads of games to watch.
comment by Blackpolespur (U9242)
posted 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
I wish people would not tar all spurs fans with the same brush
Surely the best thing is for the season to be over, give Liverpool the title , scrap Europe for next season as that answers so many questions on finishing places
Then no promotions or relegations ....I realise this is not fair on the likes of Leeds for example but it’s the way it is
I won’t lie though , having many gloating Liverpool fans as friends for them not to get the title would bring a small smile to my face however I’m man enough to know they deserve it
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cannot have no promotion and relegation and then hand Liverpool the title. It has to be all or nothing.
comment by Smeg and the club levy destroyed (U6574)
posted 7 minutes ago
Just been sent this:
Take it with much salt
Premier league is back in June. I have a lead from someone who works for a sport travel agency that manages logistics for some top teams (spurs, city, wolves, newcastle, rangers to name a few). The company has been tasked to arrange hotels and travel for 8 weeks starting mid may.
All premier league teams will play their remaining games at st georges park behind closed doors and for TV only. The complex will host 2/3 games a day that will be streamed live.
The players will go into isolation mid may at select hotels in the vicinity of st georges and will train at local clubs grounds. They will not be able to see family and friends during the period of games. Each player will be tested regulary to ensure safety and hotels will be locked down for players only.
Looks like we are going to have a world cup style June with loads of games to watch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonsense.
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 54 minutes ago
comment by There'sOnlyOneRed's (U1721)
posted 39 minutes ago
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 52 minutes ago
Are people that stupid to not realise players contracts expire at the end of June so the season can’t be continued if it isn’t finished by then.
Jesus Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Or are people that stupid that they have been told on numerous occasions that the PL and UEFA have agreed contracts can be extended until the end of the season and still keep coming out with this point?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They mentioned it as a possibility once back in March, said there was a lot of complex legal issues regarding it and haven’t mentioned it since.
It’s a non starter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Explain how a small percentage of contracts expiring would lead to every player not being able to play which is what you're suggesting here, it sounds like complete nonsense refer to my earlier post about contractors.
comment by Smeg and the club levy destroyed (U6574)
posted 21 minutes ago
Just been sent this:
Take it with much salt
Premier league is back in June. I have a lead from someone who works for a sport travel agency that manages logistics for some top teams (spurs, city, wolves, newcastle, rangers to name a few). The company has been tasked to arrange hotels and travel for 8 weeks starting mid may.
All premier league teams will play their remaining games at st georges park behind closed doors and for TV only. The complex will host 2/3 games a day that will be streamed live.
The players will go into isolation mid may at select hotels in the vicinity of st georges and will train at local clubs grounds. They will not be able to see family and friends during the period of games. Each player will be tested regulary to ensure safety and hotels will be locked down for players only.
Looks like we are going to have a world cup style June with loads of games to watch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This has been doing its rounds on Facebook with details a bit different on each post.
Plus this would be impossible, the pitch would be wrecked in no time and unplayable.
comment by sandy (U20567)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by Blackpolespur (U9242)
posted 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
I wish people would not tar all spurs fans with the same brush
Surely the best thing is for the season to be over, give Liverpool the title , scrap Europe for next season as that answers so many questions on finishing places
Then no promotions or relegations ....I realise this is not fair on the likes of Leeds for example but it’s the way it is
I won’t lie though , having many gloating Liverpool fans as friends for them not to get the title would bring a small smile to my face however I’m man enough to know they deserve it
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cannot have no promotion and relegation and then hand Liverpool the title. It has to be all or nothing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree with this sandy, you either play all 38 games for all clubs or you can't award a title or relegate.
But the season can still be finished, despite notions a few contracts expiring has to stop it
comment by Blackpolespur (U9242)
posted 1 hour, 48 minutes ago
I wish people would not tar all spurs fans with the same brush
Surely the best thing is for the season to be over, give Liverpool the title , scrap Europe for next season as that answers so many questions on finishing places
Then no promotions or relegations ....I realise this is not fair on the likes of Leeds for example but it’s the way it is
I won’t lie though , having many gloating Liverpool fans as friends for them not to get the title would bring a small smile to my face however I’m man enough to know they deserve it
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I certainly don't tar all Spurs fans with the same brush. Your board has many good posters. Also if I were in your place, my feelings would echo yours. I would think it was hilarious if voided, however I wouldn't base my opinion on what I believe should happen, on having a laugh at some fans.
Sign in if you want to comment
Very unlikely the season will finish,
Page 3 of 6
6
posted on 30/4/20
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Doggie Dog© - Psychic spies from China tr... (U22357)
posted 1 minute ago
So the difference between legitimacy and illegitimacy is that all teams have agreed the terms before start of the season?
But if all teams agree to changes mid season then suddenly it's illegitimate?
OK that makes so much sense.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As if all teams would agree to changes mid season, clubs with something to lose would run a mile from that fantasy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
January transfer windows?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That is decided and agreed upon before a ball is kicked
posted on 30/4/20
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 32 seconds ago
Also short term contract extensions are a thing used daily in business around the world e.g. A contractor is employed to complete a project, the forecast was a year. But towards the end of the year its realised that its going to take three more months to complete, the contractor can be offered a short term extension to see out the project.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You might have leagues around Europe (and the world) starting at different times, so a player in the PL may have a pre contract with a club in the USA or wherever, which starts when his current deal expires. They are not going to extend his current contract and delay the start date at his new club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok fair point but are you really saying that because a handful of players might fall into this category it's enough to void an entire season?
posted on 30/4/20
comment by Don_tottenham (U3372)
posted 48 seconds ago
Billy, wish you be bloody honest on here mate and admit the real reasoning why you want the season over. Just admit you want to laugh at Liverpool and would find it funny if they were denied the title. Hiding behind the pandemic situation and the “legitimacy” of it all is just a load of old cobblers mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Don, you are like a broken record pal. And 100% wrong, end of.
I say it how it is, I can`t help it if that does not suit the agenda of certain posters
posted on 30/4/20
Like to my point re contract extentions, do you stop the entire project cause one or two contracts decide to not take the extention and move to a different company?
posted on 30/4/20
It's like you're suggesting a squad of 25 players have to stop cause one decided to move to another league, sounds daft to me.
posted on 30/4/20
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 32 seconds ago
Also short term contract extensions are a thing used daily in business around the world e.g. A contractor is employed to complete a project, the forecast was a year. But towards the end of the year its realised that its going to take three more months to complete, the contractor can be offered a short term extension to see out the project.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You might have leagues around Europe (and the world) starting at different times, so a player in the PL may have a pre contract with a club in the USA or wherever, which starts when his current deal expires. They are not going to extend his current contract and delay the start date at his new club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok fair point but are you really saying that because a handful of players might fall into this category it's enough to void an entire season?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well obviously, a club could lose its star player or more than one player and be severely disadvantaged, that is not right, or fair.
posted on 30/4/20
The season has been a farce from start to finish. I for one am very happy to see it cancelled.
posted on 30/4/20
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 15 minutes ago
comment by Doggie Dog© - Psychic spies from China tr... (U22357)
posted 1 minute ago
So the difference between legitimacy and illegitimacy is that all teams have agreed the terms before start of the season?
But if all teams agree to changes mid season then suddenly it's illegitimate?
OK that makes so much sense.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As if all teams would agree to changes mid season, clubs with something to lose would run a mile from that fantasy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Clubs have already agreed to do that this season
posted on 30/4/20
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 8 minutes ago
Like to my point re contract extentions, do you stop the entire project cause one or two contracts decide to not take the extention and move to a different company?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Contracts expire all the time, not just in June. Its certainly not a big deal so long as conditions are the same for all teams.
This is a non issue except on these boards and when Spurs fans are involved.
posted on 30/4/20
comment by Flashy flibble (U10324)
posted 6 minutes ago
The season has been a farce from start to finish. I for one am very happy to see it cancelled.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
In Spurs fans eyes it has
posted on 30/4/20
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 21 minutes ago
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by ● Billy The Yidd ● (U3924)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 32 seconds ago
Also short term contract extensions are a thing used daily in business around the world e.g. A contractor is employed to complete a project, the forecast was a year. But towards the end of the year its realised that its going to take three more months to complete, the contractor can be offered a short term extension to see out the project.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You might have leagues around Europe (and the world) starting at different times, so a player in the PL may have a pre contract with a club in the USA or wherever, which starts when his current deal expires. They are not going to extend his current contract and delay the start date at his new club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok fair point but are you really saying that because a handful of players might fall into this category it's enough to void an entire season?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well obviously, a club could lose its star player or more than one player and be severely disadvantaged, that is not right, or fair.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OK so a club losing one player means cancel everything? Again seems completely daft and straw clutching at best.
posted on 30/4/20
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 52 minutes ago
Are people that stupid to not realise players contracts expire at the end of June so the season can’t be continued if it isn’t finished by then.
Jesus Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Or are people that stupid that they have been told on numerous occasions that the PL and UEFA have agreed contracts can be extended until the end of the season and still keep coming out with this point?
posted on 30/4/20
comment by There'sOnlyOneRed's (U1721)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 52 minutes ago
Are people that stupid to not realise players contracts expire at the end of June so the season can’t be continued if it isn’t finished by then.
Jesus Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Or are people that stupid that they have been told on numerous occasions that the PL and UEFA have agreed contracts can be extended until the end of the season and still keep coming out with this point?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not people, just Spurs fans.
posted on 30/4/20
Taken from the Athletic. I've said a few times the players hold the power in all this and rightly so. It's a long read but worth it :
In many dressing rooms, there is, above all, faith that the club’s medical professionals will take the right decision to protect participants. As workforces go, there is quiet confidence that footballers should be safer than most, as the vast majority who have suffered gravely from coronavirus have been elderly or experienced underlying health conditions. The direct risk to players, therefore, is considered to be low.
Yet there have been exceptions and alarm bells are ringing for some. On Tuesday, one agent in Spain, for example, sent one of our writers a link to a Washington Post article that reported alleged links between coronavirus diagnoses and strokes among younger people in their 30s and 40s. The agent wanted to know whether football could truly say it is not imposing added risk on his client. On Wednesday, research by Italian immunologists based in Berlin, Rome and Vienna suggested that in the course of strenuous exercise, athletes are more likely to inhale virus particles and direct them to the lower parts of the lung. Jonas Baer-Hoffman, the secretary general of the global players’ union FIFPro warned that “very high protection standards are required” for football to return. It is true, also, that clubs must factor in backroom staff and in-house employees when assessing risk factors.
In the Premier League, virtual meetings are now taking place between the 20 club doctors in the top-flight. However, it is believed there have been disagreements over forming a consensus for health guidelines on training. Clubs will be irked by any suggestion that the integrity of their medical experts may be compromised and everyone within the game and the government insists all decisions will be aligned with advice from Public Health England. Yet several senior figures within clubs have spoken to The Athletic over their unease that doctors — employed by the clubs — may feel pressurised by their paymasters as executives may be financially aided by the season being played on, or indeed being cancelled.
“It’s so dangerous,” says one training ground source at a Premier League club. “What’s changed in five weeks? It wasn’t safe to train then so why now? There’s no cure, no vaccine. If one person gets it and dies we will be on the wrong side of history. It’s going to take someone to die for people to realise.”
Mark Leather, a former physio at Liverpool, is aware of the pressures clubs can place on medical staff to speed up a player’s return from injury. Yet in this case, he is confident clubs will act responsibly. He says: “Everyone is acutely aware of how bad it is. There is no magic cure for it. But I think that the issues of a player being frightened or reluctant, that’s like anything. If you’ve had a difficult plane journey and that causes a fear of flying, that is an issue. You can’t force a person. Think of Dennis Bergkamp. So I think clubs will be respectful of somebody who says I don’t really want to play at this moment. It is not a sign of weakness, it’s just everybody is different.
“I honestly think if you tested everybody at the club and anybody positive is isolated, the rest I don’t think will be too concerned, if there’s proof, documents, test results, ratified by independent people. It’s safe. I do not think there will be many who have an issue with that. Players are very informed about health now, much more than they were in the bad old days. They search information themselves. They will trust the club. It is not in the club’s interest to put a game on and risk a PR disaster and a public health issue.”
A current Premier League player, still to be informed of any clear schedule by his club, says: “We’re still waiting for news on when we’ll be called back in — we’ve not heard much, to be honest — but we’re all assuming that, if we are to train together ‘as normal’, we’ll be getting tested regularly to ensure as much as we can that the virus doesn’t suddenly spike down at the training ground. I know people are saying it takes a while to get test results, though, so quite how that will work I’m not sure. What happens if one player falls ill? Does that mean we all have to go back into isolation for a fortnight to stop any spread? That would put us back to square one again, wouldn’t it?
“I suppose the only way to look at it at the moment is we will be guided by the medics and the authorities as to whether any of this is possible, and then make a judgement call on it all. We’re all talking to each other, the players, so it is bound to be discussed. Am I comfortable with the thought of going back in to train? Only if the club doctor and medical staff feel it is safe. You have to go with the experts and, if they have confidence in the testing procedures, I would trust them. But, realistically, I can’t see it happening any time soon. As in training ‘normally’.”
Above all, the consensus appears to be that players would like greater clarity and communication. Throughout this process, players have been frustrated by the approach taken by their overlords. An “us” and “them” mentality has evolved, particularly with the dreadfully-received Premier League suggestion that top-flight players should consider a thirty per cent pay cut across the board. The seeds of distrust were sown at several clubs and not every player is inclined to go out on a financial or physical limb to protect the economic security of those owners and executives they feel have been unsupportive since the pandemic emerged.
Several players have complained that they are still to receive any information at all from Premier League clubs on a possible return to training. One is so convinced the nationwide lockdown will be extended so he says he isn’t even thinking about football.
Yet developments are anticipated in the coming days. One Premier League club was told on Tuesday that it should report to training on Monday, May 18, with a view to resuming action on June 4 and ending the campaign by August 2. Time is now of the essence as players who have returned abroad to spend time with family must return this week in order to self-isolate for fourteen days before training. This plan will be debated on Friday.
A Premier League player concludes: “The past couple of weeks has been the worst time because we’re waiting for news, we’re in limbo. You just want a plan. Even if that’s them turning around and saying everything is cancelled until September. But we’re getting nothing. Money will override everything. You’re talking about a league where Huddersfield made more than PSG last season. The one thing we all want is fans. It just won’t be the same, but that’s another compromise we’re going to have to make.”
posted on 30/4/20
I wish people would not tar all spurs fans with the same brush
Surely the best thing is for the season to be over, give Liverpool the title , scrap Europe for next season as that answers so many questions on finishing places
Then no promotions or relegations ....I realise this is not fair on the likes of Leeds for example but it’s the way it is
I won’t lie though , having many gloating Liverpool fans as friends for them not to get the title would bring a small smile to my face however I’m man enough to know they deserve it
posted on 30/4/20
Liverpool fans can do one and suck it up. Entitled fools.
posted on 30/4/20
comment by There'sOnlyOneRed's (U1721)
posted 22 minutes ago
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 52 minutes ago
Are people that stupid to not realise players contracts expire at the end of June so the season can’t be continued if it isn’t finished by then.
Jesus Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Or are people that stupid that they have been told on numerous occasions that the PL and UEFA have agreed contracts can be extended until the end of the season and still keep coming out with this point?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No mate we're the thick ones...
posted on 30/4/20
comment by There'sOnlyOneRed's (U1721)
posted 39 minutes ago
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 52 minutes ago
Are people that stupid to not realise players contracts expire at the end of June so the season can’t be continued if it isn’t finished by then.
Jesus Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Or are people that stupid that they have been told on numerous occasions that the PL and UEFA have agreed contracts can be extended until the end of the season and still keep coming out with this point?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They mentioned it as a possibility once back in March, said there was a lot of complex legal issues regarding it and haven’t mentioned it since.
It’s a non starter.
posted on 30/4/20
Just been sent this:
Take it with much salt
Premier league is back in June. I have a lead from someone who works for a sport travel agency that manages logistics for some top teams (spurs, city, wolves, newcastle, rangers to name a few). The company has been tasked to arrange hotels and travel for 8 weeks starting mid may.
All premier league teams will play their remaining games at st georges park behind closed doors and for TV only. The complex will host 2/3 games a day that will be streamed live.
The players will go into isolation mid may at select hotels in the vicinity of st georges and will train at local clubs grounds. They will not be able to see family and friends during the period of games. Each player will be tested regulary to ensure safety and hotels will be locked down for players only.
Looks like we are going to have a world cup style June with loads of games to watch.
posted on 30/4/20
comment by Blackpolespur (U9242)
posted 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
I wish people would not tar all spurs fans with the same brush
Surely the best thing is for the season to be over, give Liverpool the title , scrap Europe for next season as that answers so many questions on finishing places
Then no promotions or relegations ....I realise this is not fair on the likes of Leeds for example but it’s the way it is
I won’t lie though , having many gloating Liverpool fans as friends for them not to get the title would bring a small smile to my face however I’m man enough to know they deserve it
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cannot have no promotion and relegation and then hand Liverpool the title. It has to be all or nothing.
posted on 30/4/20
comment by Smeg and the club levy destroyed (U6574)
posted 7 minutes ago
Just been sent this:
Take it with much salt
Premier league is back in June. I have a lead from someone who works for a sport travel agency that manages logistics for some top teams (spurs, city, wolves, newcastle, rangers to name a few). The company has been tasked to arrange hotels and travel for 8 weeks starting mid may.
All premier league teams will play their remaining games at st georges park behind closed doors and for TV only. The complex will host 2/3 games a day that will be streamed live.
The players will go into isolation mid may at select hotels in the vicinity of st georges and will train at local clubs grounds. They will not be able to see family and friends during the period of games. Each player will be tested regulary to ensure safety and hotels will be locked down for players only.
Looks like we are going to have a world cup style June with loads of games to watch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonsense.
posted on 30/4/20
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 54 minutes ago
comment by There'sOnlyOneRed's (U1721)
posted 39 minutes ago
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 52 minutes ago
Are people that stupid to not realise players contracts expire at the end of June so the season can’t be continued if it isn’t finished by then.
Jesus Christ
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Or are people that stupid that they have been told on numerous occasions that the PL and UEFA have agreed contracts can be extended until the end of the season and still keep coming out with this point?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They mentioned it as a possibility once back in March, said there was a lot of complex legal issues regarding it and haven’t mentioned it since.
It’s a non starter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Explain how a small percentage of contracts expiring would lead to every player not being able to play which is what you're suggesting here, it sounds like complete nonsense refer to my earlier post about contractors.
posted on 30/4/20
comment by Smeg and the club levy destroyed (U6574)
posted 21 minutes ago
Just been sent this:
Take it with much salt
Premier league is back in June. I have a lead from someone who works for a sport travel agency that manages logistics for some top teams (spurs, city, wolves, newcastle, rangers to name a few). The company has been tasked to arrange hotels and travel for 8 weeks starting mid may.
All premier league teams will play their remaining games at st georges park behind closed doors and for TV only. The complex will host 2/3 games a day that will be streamed live.
The players will go into isolation mid may at select hotels in the vicinity of st georges and will train at local clubs grounds. They will not be able to see family and friends during the period of games. Each player will be tested regulary to ensure safety and hotels will be locked down for players only.
Looks like we are going to have a world cup style June with loads of games to watch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This has been doing its rounds on Facebook with details a bit different on each post.
Plus this would be impossible, the pitch would be wrecked in no time and unplayable.
posted on 30/4/20
comment by sandy (U20567)
posted 14 minutes ago
comment by Blackpolespur (U9242)
posted 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
I wish people would not tar all spurs fans with the same brush
Surely the best thing is for the season to be over, give Liverpool the title , scrap Europe for next season as that answers so many questions on finishing places
Then no promotions or relegations ....I realise this is not fair on the likes of Leeds for example but it’s the way it is
I won’t lie though , having many gloating Liverpool fans as friends for them not to get the title would bring a small smile to my face however I’m man enough to know they deserve it
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cannot have no promotion and relegation and then hand Liverpool the title. It has to be all or nothing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree with this sandy, you either play all 38 games for all clubs or you can't award a title or relegate.
But the season can still be finished, despite notions a few contracts expiring has to stop it
posted on 30/4/20
comment by Blackpolespur (U9242)
posted 1 hour, 48 minutes ago
I wish people would not tar all spurs fans with the same brush
Surely the best thing is for the season to be over, give Liverpool the title , scrap Europe for next season as that answers so many questions on finishing places
Then no promotions or relegations ....I realise this is not fair on the likes of Leeds for example but it’s the way it is
I won’t lie though , having many gloating Liverpool fans as friends for them not to get the title would bring a small smile to my face however I’m man enough to know they deserve it
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I certainly don't tar all Spurs fans with the same brush. Your board has many good posters. Also if I were in your place, my feelings would echo yours. I would think it was hilarious if voided, however I wouldn't base my opinion on what I believe should happen, on having a laugh at some fans.
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