[Football] Premier League / Football League attempts to finish the season

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bhafc99

Well-known member
Oct 14, 2003
7,455
Dubai
This. In fact, if I had a time machine to get away from this current nonsense I'd go back, not to a big game at the Amex but to me walking up Goldstone Lane with my mates after a skinfull in town and seeing the telly gantry, safe in the knowledge that a small sum of money at the turnstile would get me in to see an EVENT.

And never mind all this modern two metres social distancing nonsense, just revel in the fact that, back then, the North Stand food kiosk and the North Stand piss trough were less than two metres apart.
 








crodonilson

He/Him
Jan 17, 2005
14,062
Lyme Regis
Yes, that will be one of the protocols.

The 'neutral venue' is a shite idea that will completely undermine the integrity of the competition though. 3/4 of the season home and away, the rest of it (right at the SHARP end) in an empty stadium somewhere thats not even your own ? Its like a collective madness has descended on the PL, this finish-at-all-costs mantra.

Instead of running scared about handing money back, the EPL should be striking a deal on behalf of its members with all their long-standing broadcasting partners, home and abroad, to reduce their TV money demands for next season, in order to accommodate the fact that this season won't be completed. The clubs and the TV companies NEED each other, so they should work closely together to find a mutual solution through all this and set out a new contract for next season.

One issue with this it will require serious co-operation from the players themselves and they've shown very little willingness so far. Even in the current climate with all the money sloshing around the EPL only a handful of clubs make a profit. So if clubs are going to lose much if not all of their gate money for next season playing behind closed doors and then agree lower revenues from TV deals then they will have to slash their running costs accordingly. To date the players response (not all but many) has been that they don't want to play, in fear of contracting and passing on their virus but they don't want to take a wage cut either. They want to isolate themesleves and their families from getting this and continue to pick up their pay cheques, even though there are people on the frontline of this battle who are putting themselves in harms way who earn a third in one year of what an average PL footballer earns in a week. Even in the Championship Derby have managed to negotiate a deal to defer wages for the next 3 months where players will drop their wages between a third and a half depending on what they can afford but with the commitment no player will earn less than 6k a week, or the equivalent of £312k a year. Then they will want their deferred money back when football resumes.
 


Papa Lazarou

Living in a De Zerbi wonderland
Jul 7, 2003
19,365
Worthing
This. In fact, if I had a time machine to get away from this current nonsense I'd go back, not to a big game at the Amex but to me walking up Goldstone Lane with my mates after a skinfull in town and seeing the telly gantry, safe in the knowledge that a small sum of money at the turnstile would get me in to see an EVENT.

And never mind all this modern two metres social distancing nonsense, just revel in the fact that, back then, the North Stand food kiosk and the North Stand piss trough were less than two metres apart.

But what if your presence in that time period was responsible for taking the Coronavirus back to 1970s Brighton? I think there's a book in there somewhere.
 




Guinness Boy

Tofu eating wokerati
Helpful Moderator
NSC Patron
Jul 23, 2003
37,351
Up and Coming Sunny Portslade
But what if your presence in that time period was responsible for taking the Coronavirus back to 1970s Brighton? I think there's a book in there somewhere.

You've got a good point. I might leave that shit to Dr Who
 


Change at Barnham

Well-known member
Aug 6, 2011
5,474
Bognor Regis
The reported deferral of various clubs payments to HMRC for three consecutive quarters, added to the deferral of players wages will be storing up an absolute massive balloon of debt that will need to start being repaid in the next year sometime.
I wonder at what point the balloons start bursting?
I'm guessing it will be the big spending championship clubs that nose dive first. Both the HMRC and the players will want their money.

It's going to get messy.
 


Mellotron

I've asked for soup
Jul 2, 2008
32,479
Brighton
Of interest;

BBC News

While the French and Dutch leagues have prematurely brought an end to their seasons, their English, Italian, Spanish and German counterparts have yet to come to a decision.

English Premier League clubs remain committed to playing this season's 92 remaining fixtures, behind closed doors. The English Football League - which oversees the three tiers below - is waiting for government guidance. Premier League officials will join a video conference on Friday, which will include Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, to discuss the medical and safety aspects of a return.

Italy's Serie A wants to complete its fixtures, but Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora said on Wednesday it was "unlikely".

Spain's government appears more optimistic. On Thursday, it approved La Liga’s plans for clubs to test their players for Covid-19 before they return to training as the country's top flight targets a June resumption.

Germany's Bundesliga will need to wait another week to find out about a possible restart after the government on Thursday delayed any decision over a league resumption.
 




Bry Nylon

Test your smoke alarm
Helpful Moderator
Jul 21, 2003
20,576
Playing snooker
Couldn't the players simply follow the lead set by Raul Jimenez?

1_GettyImages-1141020120.jpg
 


Insel affe

HellBilly
Feb 23, 2009
24,344
Brighton factually.....
BBC Article about today’s meeting spoke to our Glenn
“Players are "scared" about the prospect of returning to action amid the coronavirus pandemic, says Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.
The Premier League is hoping to resume the season on 8 June, which would require players to be be back in full training by 18 May.
Top-flight clubs will meet on Friday to discuss options for the restart.
"The majority of players are scared because they have children and families," said 31-year-old Aguero.
Speaking to Argentine TV station El Chiringuito, the Argentina international Aguero added: "I'm scared, but I'm with my girlfriend here and I'm not going to be in contact with other people. I'm locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.
"They're saying that there are people that have it and don't have any symptoms but still infect you. That's why I am here at home. Maybe I have the illness and I don't even know."
The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of coronavirus but all clubs remain committed to playing this season's 92 remaining fixtures.
All games are expected to be held behind closed doors and the league is considering making some available on free-to-air TV.
Senior medical directors of the FA and Premier League will join a video conference on Friday with medical experts from rugby union, cricket and racing, along with the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam to discuss the medical and safety aspects of a return to sporting action.
Aguero said he and his team-mates, will be "quite nervous and extra careful" when they return to work.
"When one person is ill we will think 'oh what's happening here?'" he added. "I hope a vaccine will be found soon so that this all ends."
If training is resumed before social distancing rules are relaxed, BBC Sport understands players will be tested for coronavirus twice a week and would be screened for symptoms every day.
All tests would be carried out by health professionals at a drive-through NHS testing facility that each club would have access to.
Training grounds will be optimised for social distancing and high hygiene levels. In addition:
■ Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times.
■ They must not shower or eat on the premises. If clubs want to provide players with food, it must be delivered as a takeaway to players' cars.
■ Only essential medical treatment would be allowed, with all medical staff in full PPE.
■ All meetings and reviews must take place virtually and off-site.
'Farcical' face mask proposals
Brighton striker Glenn Murray says some proposed protocols around the Premier League's return to action, such as wearing face masks, are "farcical".
"Face masks is going to be off-putting; it is not going to be natural. People will be ripping them off in games," the 36-year-old said. "It is quite farcical.
"I understand why people are desperate to get football on. It has to be done in a sensible way and in the right time and in a way that is going to keep everyone safe.
"There will be ambulances at training and games. Is it fair to take those from the NHS? I don’t know.
"It is not just two squads, there is a lot more involved and it puts more people at risk."
Arsenal, Brighton and West Ham have opened their training grounds to players for individual work.
"I understand the public is desperate to get football back," said Murray. "But it is us that are going to be going out there and competing against other teams.
"We are not talking about guys in one community. We are talking about guys from all over the world who could be possibly carrying the disease. There are so many caveats.
"Everyone is in different situations. I have children at home. I wouldn’t want to jeopardise them. Some footballers have newly born children who might be more susceptible to getting the disease.
"Some are living with elderly parents. It is a really difficult situation to agree on."

Sounds to me, like players are not too keen on getting back.
The French have voided their season, we should also just void the season.
 






Guinness Boy

Tofu eating wokerati
Helpful Moderator
NSC Patron
Jul 23, 2003
37,351
Up and Coming Sunny Portslade
.
"I understand the public is desperate to get football back," said Murray. "

Not sure they are Glenn

Indeed. I’d love a lockdown distraction as much as the next man but desperate? No. I’d rather it returned safely and properly when appropriate


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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Mr Banana

Tedious chump
Aug 8, 2005
5,491
Standing in the way of control
The players don't seem to understand what is being proposed. The PL will continue if players test positive. They will replace whatever they are perceived to be "taking" from the NHS (ambulances, tests) several times over.

It's not that implausible but they need to make the scientific reasoning behind their plans clearer now that players and fans are turning against it.
 








crodonilson

He/Him
Jan 17, 2005
14,062
Lyme Regis
BBC Article about today’s meeting spoke to our Glenn
“Players are "scared" about the prospect of returning to action amid the coronavirus pandemic, says Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.
The Premier League is hoping to resume the season on 8 June, which would require players to be be back in full training by 18 May.
Top-flight clubs will meet on Friday to discuss options for the restart.
"The majority of players are scared because they have children and families," said 31-year-old Aguero.
Speaking to Argentine TV station El Chiringuito, the Argentina international Aguero added: "I'm scared, but I'm with my girlfriend here and I'm not going to be in contact with other people. I'm locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.
"They're saying that there are people that have it and don't have any symptoms but still infect you. That's why I am here at home. Maybe I have the illness and I don't even know."
The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of coronavirus but all clubs remain committed to playing this season's 92 remaining fixtures.
All games are expected to be held behind closed doors and the league is considering making some available on free-to-air TV.
Senior medical directors of the FA and Premier League will join a video conference on Friday with medical experts from rugby union, cricket and racing, along with the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam to discuss the medical and safety aspects of a return to sporting action.
Aguero said he and his team-mates, will be "quite nervous and extra careful" when they return to work.
"When one person is ill we will think 'oh what's happening here?'" he added. "I hope a vaccine will be found soon so that this all ends."
If training is resumed before social distancing rules are relaxed, BBC Sport understands players will be tested for coronavirus twice a week and would be screened for symptoms every day.
All tests would be carried out by health professionals at a drive-through NHS testing facility that each club would have access to.
Training grounds will be optimised for social distancing and high hygiene levels. In addition:
■ Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times.
■ They must not shower or eat on the premises. If clubs want to provide players with food, it must be delivered as a takeaway to players' cars.
■ Only essential medical treatment would be allowed, with all medical staff in full PPE.
■ All meetings and reviews must take place virtually and off-site.
'Farcical' face mask proposals
Brighton striker Glenn Murray says some proposed protocols around the Premier League's return to action, such as wearing face masks, are "farcical".
"Face masks is going to be off-putting; it is not going to be natural. People will be ripping them off in games," the 36-year-old said. "It is quite farcical.
"I understand why people are desperate to get football on. It has to be done in a sensible way and in the right time and in a way that is going to keep everyone safe.
"There will be ambulances at training and games. Is it fair to take those from the NHS? I don’t know.
"It is not just two squads, there is a lot more involved and it puts more people at risk."
Arsenal, Brighton and West Ham have opened their training grounds to players for individual work.
"I understand the public is desperate to get football back," said Murray. "But it is us that are going to be going out there and competing against other teams.
"We are not talking about guys in one community. We are talking about guys from all over the world who could be possibly carrying the disease. There are so many caveats.
"Everyone is in different situations. I have children at home. I wouldn’t want to jeopardise them. Some footballers have newly born children who might be more susceptible to getting the disease.
"Some are living with elderly parents. It is a really difficult situation to agree on."

Sounds to me, like players are not too keen on getting back.
The French have voided their season, we should also just void the season.

Funny that, Grealish didn't seem especially nervous of the disease when he went to a party and crashed his car, nor Agueros teammate Kyle Walker when he nvited a friend and some hookers round to his gaff. When player return they will be tested prior to a return to proper contact training and will be regularly tested throughout the rest of the campaign. Frankly they'll be more likely to catch the virus doing their weekly shop given the level of protection and testing they'll get.

However if the choice of the players is not to play and therefore the season is voided how can they equally have the audacity to not agree any wage reduction and at best a modest wage deferral?? Sitting there in their ivory towers not working yet earning on average more in a week than nearly 3 nurses working on the frontline, who have no choice but to work and are highly likely to get this virus, earn in a year.
 
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Harry Wilson's tackle

Harry Wilson's Tackle
NSC Patron
Oct 8, 2003
56,179
Faversham
.
"I understand the public is desperate to get football back," said Murray. "

Not sure they are Glenn

I think what he means is: in comparison with the players (who aren't). His interview is all about what the players think about a restart. In context, what he is saying (which is that the plans to restart football early is farcical) is all perfectly reasonably.

Why is it the English seem to love taking things people say out of context to make a different point?

I am surprised someone hasn't yet replied that Murray is simply misrepresenting the views of the public in order to force an early restart to football against the wishes of the EPL and the clubs. :mad:
 


Harry Wilson's tackle

Harry Wilson's Tackle
NSC Patron
Oct 8, 2003
56,179
Faversham
Funny that, Grealuish didn't seem especially nervous of the disease when he went to a party and crashed his car, nor Agueros teammate Kyle Walker when he nvited a friend and some hookers round to his gaff. When player return they will be tested prior to a return to proper contact training and will be regularly tested throughout the rest of the campaign. Frankly they'll be more likely to catch the virus doing their weekly shop given the level of protection and testing they'll get.

However if the choice of the players is not to play and therefore the season is voided how can they euqally have the audacity to not agree any wage reduction and at best a modest wage deferral?? Sitting there in their ivory towers not working yet earning on average more in a week than nearly 3 nurses working on the frontline, who have no choice but to work and are highly likely to get this virus, earn in a year.

Ludicrous :fishing:

Stick with the low comedy. If that was low comedy you are going to whoosh more than just me. :shrug:
 




dazzer6666

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Mar 27, 2013
55,591
Burgess Hill
The players don't seem to understand what is being proposed. The PL will continue if players test positive. They will replace whatever they are perceived to be "taking" from the NHS (ambulances, tests) several times over.

It's not that implausible but they need to make the scientific reasoning behind their plans clearer now that players and fans are turning against it.

If a player plays a game, then 1-2 days later is tested again for the next one and is positive, that whole squad, and the team they played a couple of days earlier at least, will have to be isolated. Programme of games is instantly ****ed.

It's not going to work.
 




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