Football

LMA chief criticises Premier League and EFL bosses over schedule to finish season


League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan has attacked Premier League and EFL chiefs for not consulting managers before landing them with an “amazingly tight” schedule. Both the Premier League and the EFL have told clubs that they intend to restart football next month, with training in mid May and games following in June.

That is despite the country still being in lockdown during the coronavirus crisis – and a highest yet tally of deaths in the 24 hours before last night of 980 fatalities.

But football chiefs are still planning an eye-watering schedule of 433 games in just 56 days, after EFL chairman Rick Parry wrote to all his 71 clubs yesterday outlining his plans for them to go back to work on May 16 – with the Premier League expected to follow suit.

But Bevan said last night: “To do that you are going to have to get the support of the coaches and managers.

“You do not do that by not talking to them. You do not get strong leadership. You do not get the end product of all working together if you just send a letter out, without taking their advice and thoughts.”

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“But the most important thing of all is health, and getting back on the pitch ensuring players are fully fit is a very big call to make.”

Bevan also does not believe football should take precedence over NHS staff in testing, though Premier League clubs are ready to roll out testing as they step up their preparations.

He said: “The managers do not want to go back on the pitch unless players have been tested. But the government must confirm that is ok.

“The tests must be made available, if there is a shortage, to care workers, patients, the families of the NHS, and of course the NHS staff themselves. That where the testing must be first. Once that has happened, by all means lets access it in sport.”



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