Premier League clubs to return to ‘contact training’

The return of Premier League football looks ever nearer after shareholders “voted unanimously” for a return to ‘contact training’. The decision was taken and a press release sent out by the Premier League at midday on Wednesday. In practice, that means that “squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimising any unnecessary close contact.”

The decision was reportedly taken in consultation “with clubs, players, managers, the PFA, LMA and the Government”, though not everyone is comfortable with the return to training. Watford captain Troy Deeney and several of his teammates refused to attend training last week, after defender Adrian Mariappa and two of the club’s staff tested positive for coronavirus.

The Premier League have offered reassurance that “strict medical protocols are in place to ensure the training ground is the safest environment possible and players and staff will continue to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week.”