Brady adds West Ham keen to complete season but want "level playing field" amid neutral venues proposal
Saturday 9 May 2020 14:51, UK
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says clubs may even have to disinfect the grass at their training grounds to ensure players can return to work safely.
Clubs are preparing to resume training in May ahead of a planned resumption of matches behind closed doors in June, as part of the Premier League's 'Project Restart'.
They are waiting to be given the go-ahead by government to allow their players to take part in non-contact training, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to provide an update on lockdown guidelines on Sunday.
When players are permitted to work together again, Brady says strict new rules will be in place to minimise the possibility of coronavirus cases.
In her column in The Sun, she wrote: "If lockdown is lifted and government and PHE (Public Health England) give us permission to resume non-contact training, there are to be new rules for players and staff.
"This includes not sharing cars, to limits through to the time a small group training session should last (75 minutes) and standing two metres away from each other. In this phase, tackling is prohibited but passing and shooting is allowed.
"We will also need to disinfect the corner flags, goalposts and even the grass - although how remains a mystery as that usually kills it."
Part of the Premier League's plan to resume the season involves matches being played at between eight and 10 neutral venues.
Six of the clubs involved in the battle against relegation - including West Ham - have reservations over accepting the proposal. They are concerned giving up home advantage could increase the likelihood of them dropping into the Championship.
Brady insists West Ham want to play their final nine matches of the season, but adds they must be given a fair opportunity to stay out of the bottom three.
She wrote: "The games will look and feel very different and there's no getting away from the fact the final nine rounds of matches will be played in unusual circumstances.
"Clubs on the brink are understandably concerned about giving up home advantage, let alone playing without their vital 12th man - their supporters.
"The will to play is the essence of every club and player but they want a level playing field."
