[Albion] Premier League optimistic of fans returning next season

[Bozza]

"No one knows when matches will move away from the behind-closed-doors model and it is right to have contingency plans in place, but there is optimism at the Premier League and at clubs that we will see fans back in the stadiums next season and it may happen on a phased basis," Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said.

More here, including the likelihood of VAR remaining in use this season and the Summer's transfer window >>> https://www.skysports.com/football/...ters-optimistic-of-fans-returning-next-season

 

[Bry Nylon]

When Richard Masters said "Getting it back on our TV screens for people to enjoy will hopefully give the whole country a boost..." did he actually mean to say "my bank balance" instead of "the whole country." ?

 

[hans kraay fan club]

When Richard Masters said "Getting it back on our TV screens for people to enjoy will hopefully give the whole country a boost..." did he actually mean to say "my bank balance" instead of "the whole country." ?

It’s really, really unfair, to imply that the rush to get the PL back on, is all about money.



It’s clearly about distracting the public and media, from the government’s present difficulties, as well.

 

[Neville's Breakfast]

I wonder what the plans are for the phased return. It is impossible at this stage to know the demand for seats but I wonder how they would decide which seats to make available.

 

[el punal]

When Richard Masters said "Getting it back on our TV screens for people to enjoy will hopefully give the whole country a boost..." did he actually mean to say "my bank balance" instead of "the whole country." ?

You’re probably right, but what he should have said is “Getting it back so that all the loyal fans of every club can once again enjoy seeing their team play in packed stadiums.”

I, for one, will not get a boost by watching football in an empty stadium and shown on whatever TV channel is selected. Soulless entertainment doesn’t even come close.

 

[Pavilionaire]

I wonder what the plans are for the phased return. It is impossible at this stage to know the demand for seats but I wonder how they would decide which seats to make available.

I feel sorry for Bournemouth. With restricted seats The Vitality Stadium will make Withdean seem like Wembley.

 

[RossyG]

The Premier League costs thousands of millions to run.

If you want it, you have to accept that it needs to generate an income.

 

[DavidRyder]

By 'phased', I guess that can't be one stand at a time, as you'll still get crowds of people sitting together. Or will it be odd seat numbers/rows one week, evens the next?!

 

[Meade's Ball]

I would say most the mutant-faced fellows of the north stand have enough bacteria within them, and their strange growths and facial hair, to battle away most viri. The fancy dans of the west stand will be more prone to endangering infection, i reckon, so i'd keep them away for a while. Although i like the idea of increasing the fan numbers by 100 people per match, for a while, beginning with some of our famed ultras. They'd be clubbing away at the back whilst chanting without end, and surely the next 100 would join in come the next match and join forces. By week 318 would would have a whole army of rampaging sluggers and warblers.

 

[Giraffe]

Interesting. Phased approach could mean any number of things. I suspect they will start with something like 10-20% stadium capacity and then gradually ramp it up?

 

[Guinness Boy]

The Premier League costs thousands of millions to run.

If you want it, you have to accept that it needs to generate an income.

In normal times that's a given.

The question at the moment is "do you want it"? The Bundesliga hasn't exactly set the world alight. It's terrible without fans. I can just about stomach Leverkusen games because I want them to win but I'm already off the neutral ones.

 

[Eeyore]

The Premier League costs thousands of millions to run.

If you want it, you have to accept that it needs to generate an income.

Agreed.

We can make our ire known about the money men of football, but we still get excited when we hear the club are linked to a £30m striker.

The hardest hypocrisy to be aware of is our own.

 

[Neville's Breakfast]

Interesting. Phased approach could mean any number of things. I suspect they will start with something like 10-20% stadium capacity and then gradually ramp it up?

I saw a news piece on the phased re-opening of Shanghai Disneyland, which is quite a good description of the PL when you think about it. They started with 30 % capacity. You weren’t even able to hug Micky so I guess the same will apply for us.

 

[DavidRyder]

I have a gut feeling that the ticket office refunds dept are going to have a busy season in 20/21, if the first matches are in empty stadiums...

 

[LamieRobertson]

I wonder what the plans are for the phased return. It is impossible at this stage to know the demand for seats but I wonder how they would decide which seats to make available.

I’m not even going to go there ...haven’t even had the first match of the ‘empty stadium’ season yet

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

By 'phased', I guess that can't be one stand at a time, as you'll still get crowds of people sitting together. Or will it be odd seat numbers/rows one week, evens the next?!

Odd seats and rows wouldn't work for families or dependents who go to a game together. For instance, I wouldn't pay top dollar for the privilege of not going with my son's or brother.

 

[Neville's Breakfast]

I’m not even going to go there ...haven’t even had the first match of the ‘empty stadium’ season yet

We need something new to worry about Lamie

 

[Mellotron]

Anyone else feel like they’d rather wait an extra 3-6 months or whatever, to be back at full capacity?

Can imagine a third full Amex with social distancing would make for an eerie and synthetic atmosphere.

 

[Blue Valkyrie]

Well we may not even be in the PL next year, so any plans are somewhat contingent for now.

 

[Notters]

The Premier League costs thousands of millions to run.

If you want it, you have to accept that it needs to generate an income.

I don't want it TBH, I want Football League Division 1, terraces and pipe smoke.