I expect they would be more likely to be played behind closed doors.
Yet players, coaches and managers are just as likely as a fan to catch it. You can only do closed doors if the virus has completely gone and that doesn't appear to be going by 3rd April.
Most clubs have 9 matches to go so will get an extra "gap". Players will have had a break so the usual moans about playing too many games is not one that carries any validity especially if they are not made to over train in between games. Equally, a lot of those who were injured will now be fit so squad strength will have been restored at the outset
(3) New season starts in September with all outstanding European games being played by the end of that month
(4) Do away with/suspend for one season the Carabao Cup and Football League Trophy - less is more and clubs might actually then treat the F A Cup more seriously
(5) Transfer window stays open 'til the end of October
Just because they've had a break doesn't mean they can hammer themselves by trying to fit 10 games into 3 weeks.
And no worries about over training in between games because with your crazy schedule there wouldn't even be any time for training. It would just be play game, travel, play game. It's not going to happen.
Why? You have stated that they won't need to train. They are not being asked to do this for 9 months! You may or may not know but clubs used to have to play on Christmas Day AND Boxing Day and as a result play 4 games in 7 days.
They didn't have the 24 man squads that clubs do now. There is a thing called rotation now so the likelihood is that players will only have to play 6 or 7 games in that time. So no training and playing two or a maximum of three games a week- having had 12 weeks off beforehand. Wow that is tough!
I definitely didn't state they won't need to train. I said with your schedule there wouldn't be any time for training.
How do you train, go through tactics, prepare for matches etc when you have games every 48 hours. It might be ok to do it once or twice but to sustain it for 3 weeks is practically impossible.
What about the policing/stewarding/medical requirements and other such similar services etc - can it be arranged at such short notice and on such a regular basis for so many games, esp as we will still be seeing a fallout from the virus, assuming it's even reduced.
Most clubs have 9 matches to go so will get an extra "gap". Players will have had a break so the usual moans about playing too many games is not one that carries any validity especially if they are not made to over train in between games. Equally, a lot of those who were injured will now be fit so squad strength will have been restored at the outset
(3) New season starts in September with all outstanding European games being played by the end of that month
(4) Do away with/suspend for one season the Carabao Cup and Football League Trophy - less is more and clubs might actually then treat the F A Cup more seriously
(5) Transfer window stays open 'til the end of October
Just because they've had a break doesn't mean they can hammer themselves by trying to fit 10 games into 3 weeks.
And no worries about over training in between games because with your crazy schedule there wouldn't even be any time for training. It would just be play game, travel, play game. It's not going to happen.
Why? You have stated that they won't need to train. They are not being asked to do this for 9 months! You may or may not know but clubs used to have to play on Christmas Day AND Boxing Day and as a result play 4 games in 7 days.
They didn't have the 24 man squads that clubs do now. There is a thing called rotation now so the likelihood is that players will only have to play 6 or 7 games in that time. So no training and playing two or a maximum of three games a week- having had 12 weeks off beforehand. Wow that is tough!
I definitely didn't state they won't need to train. I said with your schedule there wouldn't be any time for training.
How do you train, go through tactics, prepare for matches etc when you have games every 48 hours. It might be ok to do it once or twice but to sustain it for 3 weeks is practically impossible.
I repeat - this is not a normal world and each and every club is in the same position. It is a level playing field. It is what most park footballers have done since organised football began when playing Saturday afternoon followed by Sunday morning is the norm.
The game doesn't change but the circumstances of when they are played will but that doesn't make it impossible. In fact, the best Managers and players will be the ones that adapt best. And that will be the test. Managers have to change tactics in the middle of a game so having "only" 24-48 hours to do so should be a doddle.
What about the policing/stewarding/medical requirements and other such similar services etc - can it be arranged at such short notice and on such a regular basis for so many games, esp as we will still be seeing a fallout from the virus, assuming it's even reduced.
Possibly not although there will be a maximum of 5 home games over a week period - in which case they will have to be played behind closed doors. But played nevertheless.
Most clubs have 9 matches to go so will get an extra "gap". Players will have had a break so the usual moans about playing too many games is not one that carries any validity especially if they are not made to over train in between games. Equally, a lot of those who were injured will now be fit so squad strength will have been restored at the outset
(3) New season starts in September with all outstanding European games being played by the end of that month
(4) Do away with/suspend for one season the Carabao Cup and Football League Trophy - less is more and clubs might actually then treat the F A Cup more seriously
(5) Transfer window stays open 'til the end of October
Just because they've had a break doesn't mean they can hammer themselves by trying to fit 10 games into 3 weeks.
And no worries about over training in between games because with your crazy schedule there wouldn't even be any time for training. It would just be play game, travel, play game. It's not going to happen.
Why? You have stated that they won't need to train. They are not being asked to do this for 9 months! You may or may not know but clubs used to have to play on Christmas Day AND Boxing Day and as a result play 4 games in 7 days.
They didn't have the 24 man squads that clubs do now. There is a thing called rotation now so the likelihood is that players will only have to play 6 or 7 games in that time. So no training and playing two or a maximum of three games a week- having had 12 weeks off beforehand. Wow that is tough!
I definitely didn't state they won't need to train. I said with your schedule there wouldn't be any time for training.
How do you train, go through tactics, prepare for matches etc when you have games every 48 hours. It might be ok to do it once or twice but to sustain it for 3 weeks is practically impossible.
I repeat - this is not a normal world and each and every club is in the same position. It is a level playing field. It is what most park footballers have done since organised football began when playing Saturday afternoon followed by Sunday morning is the norm.
Park footballers hardly play at the same level of fitness and game intensity demanded of top professional players.
It's been half a century since clubs were scheduled to play League games on successive days. There's good reason for that, don't you think?
Uefa and the top 5 leagues will dictate how football goes forward and because of finances this season is basically finished. Now it’s up to the authorities to decide who plays where next season. I don’t like it but that’s what will happen.
What about the policing/stewarding/medical requirements and other such similar services etc - can it be arranged at such short notice and on such a regular basis for so many games, esp as we will still be seeing a fallout from the virus, assuming it's even reduced.
And unless the hospitals are completely free of Coronavirus patients by May/June, the last thing they'll need is injured sportsmen cluttering them up
Most clubs have 9 matches to go so will get an extra "gap". Players will have had a break so the usual moans about playing too many games is not one that carries any validity especially if they are not made to over train in between games. Equally, a lot of those who were injured will now be fit so squad strength will have been restored at the outset
(3) New season starts in September with all outstanding European games being played by the end of that month
(4) Do away with/suspend for one season the Carabao Cup and Football League Trophy - less is more and clubs might actually then treat the F A Cup more seriously
(5) Transfer window stays open 'til the end of October
Just because they've had a break doesn't mean they can hammer themselves by trying to fit 10 games into 3 weeks.
And no worries about over training in between games because with your crazy schedule there wouldn't even be any time for training. It would just be play game, travel, play game. It's not going to happen.
Why? You have stated that they won't need to train. They are not being asked to do this for 9 months! You may or may not know but clubs used to have to play on Christmas Day AND Boxing Day and as a result play 4 games in 7 days.
They didn't have the 24 man squads that clubs do now. There is a thing called rotation now so the likelihood is that players will only have to play 6 or 7 games in that time. So no training and playing two or a maximum of three games a week- having had 12 weeks off beforehand. Wow that is tough!
I definitely didn't state they won't need to train. I said with your schedule there wouldn't be any time for training.
How do you train, go through tactics, prepare for matches etc when you have games every 48 hours. It might be ok to do it once or twice but to sustain it for 3 weeks is practically impossible.
I repeat - this is not a normal world and each and every club is in the same position. It is a level playing field. It is what most park footballers have done since organised football began when playing Saturday afternoon followed by Sunday morning is the norm.
Park footballers hardly play at the same level of fitness and game intensity demanded of top professional players.
It's been half a century since clubs were scheduled to play League games on successive days. There's good reason for that, don't you think?
.
Park footballers don't train with the same intensity either. But if you think it is impossible for a professional athlete to play half a dozen or so games in the space of three weeks so be it. Every single one of them that has to do so.
It's not as if it's as tough as running 29 marathons in 29 days as Eddie Izzard did. It must be so much harder. And having to be paid to do it too. You gotta feel so sorry for them.
Most clubs have 9 matches to go so will get an extra "gap". Players will have had a break so the usual moans about playing too many games is not one that carries any validity especially if they are not made to over train in between games. Equally, a lot of those who were injured will now be fit so squad strength will have been restored at the outset
(3) New season starts in September with all outstanding European games being played by the end of that month
(4) Do away with/suspend for one season the Carabao Cup and Football League Trophy - less is more and clubs might actually then treat the F A Cup more seriously
(5) Transfer window stays open 'til the end of October
The chances of anyone agreeing to that career threatening schedule is very slim.
The biggest issue with any return to even behind closed doors football will be any strain on public services, be that the NHS or police. As well as players being infected.
BTW, if you want to save some money, Sky are allowing you to suspend your Sports packages until live sports returns
Most clubs have 9 matches to go so will get an extra "gap". Players will have had a break so the usual moans about playing too many games is not one that carries any validity especially if they are not made to over train in between games. Equally, a lot of those who were injured will now be fit so squad strength will have been restored at the outset
(3) New season starts in September with all outstanding European games being played by the end of that month
(4) Do away with/suspend for one season the Carabao Cup and Football League Trophy - less is more and clubs might actually then treat the F A Cup more seriously
(5) Transfer window stays open 'til the end of October
The chances of anyone agreeing to that career threatening schedule is very slim.
6 or 7 games in 3 weeks is not "career threatening". A reckless tackle and broken leg as a result is.
Between 23rd November and 2nd January Liverpool played 11 games in 41 days. Between 15th February and 3rd March they also played 5 games in 17 days. Some players played in every one of those games including VVD who I believe did not miss a single minute of those matches.
I would love to have a bet on the time between football being given the green light and the first managerial moan about fixture congestion. I'm going Mourinho as favourite at 4/11.
Most clubs have 9 matches to go so will get an extra "gap". Players will have had a break so the usual moans about playing too many games is not one that carries any validity especially if they are not made to over train in between games. Equally, a lot of those who were injured will now be fit so squad strength will have been restored at the outset
(3) New season starts in September with all outstanding European games being played by the end of that month
(4) Do away with/suspend for one season the Carabao Cup and Football League Trophy - less is more and clubs might actually then treat the F A Cup more seriously
(5) Transfer window stays open 'til the end of October
The chances of anyone agreeing to that career threatening schedule is very slim.
6 or 7 games in 3 weeks is not "career threatening". A reckless tackle and broken leg as a result is.
Between 23rd November and 2nd January Liverpool played 11 games in 41 days. Between 15th February and 3rd March they also played 5 games in 17 days. Some players played in every one of those games including VVD who I believe did not miss a single minute of those matches.
What about your proposal though of 10 games in 23 days ? (Unless I've misread). Bloody hell, most of our players can't play 3 games in 8 games without getting injured or needing to be rested. Personally, I would say it is a complete non starter of an idea. The only way such craziness could be contemplated is that we are living in crazy times.
Most clubs have 9 matches to go so will get an extra "gap". Players will have had a break so the usual moans about playing too many games is not one that carries any validity especially if they are not made to over train in between games. Equally, a lot of those who were injured will now be fit so squad strength will have been restored at the outset
(3) New season starts in September with all outstanding European games being played by the end of that month
(4) Do away with/suspend for one season the Carabao Cup and Football League Trophy - less is more and clubs might actually then treat the F A Cup more seriously
(5) Transfer window stays open 'til the end of October
The chances of anyone agreeing to that career threatening schedule is very slim.
6 or 7 games in 3 weeks is not "career threatening". A reckless tackle and broken leg as a result is.
Between 23rd November and 2nd January Liverpool played 11 games in 41 days. Between 15th February and 3rd March they also played 5 games in 17 days. Some players played in every one of those games including VVD who I believe did not miss a single minute of those matches.
What about your proposal though of 10 games in 23 days ? (Unless I've misread). Bloody hell, most of our players can't play 3 games in 8 games without getting injured or needing to be rested. Personally, I would say it is a complete non starter of an idea. The only way such craziness could be contemplated is that we are living in crazy times.
I estimate that we could have as many as 27 players who have played for us this season available for selection. Even if a club only has a squad of 20 fit players (given that injured players will have had 12 weeks recovery) perming them means that none would have to start more than 6 matches.
Let me put it another way - what would a club do if they had a backlog of league games, still have the F A Cup semi and potentially final to play plus the Champions League semi and final? They would just have to get on with it. City had to play 9 games in 30 days last season and still achieved the treble. Should they have given up on one of those?
It's all probably academic anyway because I am hearing unsubstantiated rumours that we are all going to be in lock down a la Italy for the next 12 weeks anyway. All I am saying is that if people really want it to happen it can. But if clubs, supporters and executives such as Karen Brady come to the table with their own vested interests it simply won't.
BTW, if you want to save some money, Sky are allowing you to suspend your Sports packages until live sports returns
I did ask about suspending the sport package but had to cancel and then add it back on when sport returns.
Don't worry about having to add it back on. Even if you do have to add it back on all you need to do is re-contract in November with a Black Friday offer and you'll get a great new deal and current contract reset.
How is the behind closed doors going to work? Do the authorities think that none of the fans will turn up? As someone sad earlier in this post, can you imagine Leeds or Liverpool fans staying away? If the fans turn up outside the stadiums wll policing and stewarding have been arranged? The fans will not be segregated, so there may be a problem of fights breaking out. I beieve the government has aready stated that no medical personel will be made available for anything other than the NHS.
In that link they say the season can go on indefinitely beyond June 1st, but I think they will encounter issues still.
As I said previously 2 key players for us Taylor and Cullen wont be with us after June 30th, so if season is still ongoing then we lose 2 key players in our relegation fight, plus other out of contract players, all those players would have been available had the season been completed on time but suddenly are not available and put us in a worse position when we need them the most.
I dont see how they can carry the season on after players contracts expire and clubs like us are in a worse position and unfairly disadvantaged
Comments
How do you train, go through tactics, prepare for matches etc when you have games every 48 hours. It might be ok to do it once or twice but to sustain it for 3 weeks is practically impossible.
We can only wait and see how things work out.
The game doesn't change but the circumstances of when they are played will but that doesn't make it impossible. In fact, the best Managers and players will be the ones that adapt best. And that will be the test. Managers have to change tactics in the middle of a game so having "only" 24-48 hours to do so should be a doddle.
It's been half a century since clubs were scheduled to play League games on successive days.
There's good reason for that, don't you think?
.
Should the NHS be providing medical cover for 22 men kicking a ball about at this time?
Or should professional players risk thier health, career or if the wrost happened life?
It would be stupid, and irresponsible to even think about playing, even training whilest the rest of the country is locked down.
It's not as if it's as tough as running 29 marathons in 29 days as Eddie Izzard did. It must be so much harder. And having to be paid to do it too. You gotta feel so sorry for them.
But we probably won't be in which case the season will be over.
BTW, if you want to save some money, Sky are allowing you to suspend your Sports packages until live sports returns
Between 23rd November and 2nd January Liverpool played 11 games in 41 days. Between 15th February and 3rd March they also played 5 games in 17 days. Some players played in every one of those games including VVD who I believe did not miss a single minute of those matches.
Bloody hell, most of our players can't play 3 games in 8 games without getting injured or needing to be rested.
Personally, I would say it is a complete non starter of an idea.
The only way such craziness could be contemplated is that we are living in crazy times.
Let me put it another way - what would a club do if they had a backlog of league games, still have the F A Cup semi and potentially final to play plus the Champions League semi and final? They would just have to get on with it. City had to play 9 games in 30 days last season and still achieved the treble. Should they have given up on one of those?
It's all probably academic anyway because I am hearing unsubstantiated rumours that we are all going to be in lock down a la Italy for the next 12 weeks anyway. All I am saying is that if people really want it to happen it can. But if clubs, supporters and executives such as Karen Brady come to the table with their own vested interests it simply won't.
Hearts are not expecting any football until July, if this happens I expect the same throughout the UK.
They've still not removed the pop-up urging us to buy Millwall tickets, mind...
As I said previously 2 key players for us Taylor and Cullen wont be with us after June 30th, so if season is still ongoing then we lose 2 key players in our relegation fight, plus other out of contract players, all those players would have been available had the season been completed on time but suddenly are not available and put us in a worse position when we need them the most.
I dont see how they can carry the season on after players contracts expire and clubs like us are in a worse position and unfairly disadvantaged