31 minutes ago, Argo said:

I'm not sure what the score is for is for us big clubs but I've heard on the grapevine that lower league clubs may use virtual match day experience for fans until they're allowed back in for real.

Virtual match day experience? f**k that, I think I'll dig out my old Subbuteo from the 70/80's 

38 minutes ago, chi blue said:

Virtual match day experience? f**k that, I think I'll dig out my old Subbuteo from the 70/80's 

We don't need to do it but fans of lower league clubs I reckon would genuinely pay for it if it means they still have a club to support once this is over.

How is this still open for debate? Pathetic of them tbh, there’s no chance in hell the season could resume. They should have cancelled the season a long time ago, since we still have another three weeks of lockdown and I don’t think it’ll soften up by then.

1 hour ago, dansubrosa said:

How is this still open for debate? Pathetic of them tbh, there’s no chance in hell the season could resume. They should have cancelled the season a long time ago, since we still have another three weeks of lockdown and I don’t think it’ll soften up by then.

Because there's far too many factors do make such a snap decision.

Taking out all the legal implications there's uncertainty about the direction of the virus so there's such nuances with the calendar that could switch the argument for what's best at any particular time. For example, if worst came to the worst and say football was halted till the next calender year (I'm not scaremongering I don't think that will happen but nothing can be totally ruled out at this point) and then a vaccine was rolled out in February 2021 it would make a lot more logical sense to just finish the current season from there. If it's already voided and that is the point a restart is cleared then all off a sudden TPTB look very reckless.

Regarding the lockdown, early noises are that restrictions are slowly being lifted at the next review point in three weeks, I'd be shocked if sports was brought back at that point but I could see it being considered the time after. If the Bundesliga returns BCD with minimum fuss that's a precedent set straight away.

Think Football may have a few problems after all this finally subsides, the football authorities own self importance has really turned people off the game, and while they think they are the be all and end all, the general football fan is totally thinking in the opposite direction, every time you speak to a mate, who many are season ticket holders at Chelsea and various other clubs, we all say are you missing the Football?, the response from all, is no not at all, or no where near as much as I thought, these are hardened football fans not your part time JCL, the football boom maybe just about to go pop!, and the funny thing is the football head honcho's can't even see it.

4 hours ago, Argo said:

Because there's far too many factors do make such a snap decision.

Taking out all the legal implications there's uncertainty about the direction of the virus so there's such nuances with the calendar that could switch the argument for what's best at any particular time. For example, if worst came to the worst and say football was halted till the next calender year (I'm not scaremongering I don't think that will happen but nothing can be totally ruled out at this point) and then a vaccine was rolled out in February 2021 it would make a lot more logical sense to just finish the current season from there. If it's already voided and that is the point a restart is cleared then all off a sudden TPTB look very reckless.

Regarding the lockdown, early noises are that restrictions are slowly being lifted at the next review point in three weeks, I'd be shocked if sports was brought back at that point but I could see it being considered the time after. If the Bundesliga returns BCD with minimum fuss that's a precedent set straight away.

Only difference with Bundesliga and premier League, is Germany have about 4k dead and we have over 14k dead, with a much larger prediction of further deaths compared to them. 

5 hours ago, Argo said:

Because there's far too many factors do make such a snap decision.

Taking out all the legal implications there's uncertainty about the direction of the virus so there's such nuances with the calendar that could switch the argument for what's best at any particular time. For example, if worst came to the worst and say football was halted till the next calender year (I'm not scaremongering I don't think that will happen but nothing can be totally ruled out at this point) and then a vaccine was rolled out in February 2021 it would make a lot more logical sense to just finish the current season from there. If it's already voided and that is the point a restart is cleared then all off a sudden TPTB look very reckless.

Regarding the lockdown, early noises are that restrictions are slowly being lifted at the next review point in three weeks, I'd be shocked if sports was brought back at that point but I could see it being considered the time after. If the Bundesliga returns BCD with minimum fuss that's a precedent set straight away.

Yes, there are a number of factors to consider and the legal implications cannot be discounted. Shirt suppliers and sponsors and broadcasters will cite the contracts and expect to see those contracts to be honoured. There are also players contracts and tied to those are transfer and agents fees. It could be a reckless decision to cancel this season  - and all countries in Europe would have to stop seasons due to next season's Champions and Europa Leagues - but at least people will know where they are and keep focused on the more important things in life.

If this season is played out some time next year, there will be implications for the CL and EL, the European Championships and there could be a clash with the Olympics. If this season is completed next year when does next season start? If the vaccine is ready and rolled out by February next year and that is highly unlikely given the sheer logistics will this season be played out behind closed doors as there still could be a risk of the virus re-emerging. People may not react positively to the vaccine due to metabolisms and weakened immune systems. Governments will not want to take the risk of mass gatherings (it's been estimated that 250 people will have to be in attendance for a behind closed doors) and will probably want a period of testing and studying of the population to see how people are responding and also be checking to see if there is a possibility of the virus re-appearing. 

As you say, there is uncertainty about the direction. How many more waves will there be for example. If a vaccine is developed and thoroughly tested there is then the logistics of giving out the vaccine. There is about 60 million people in the U.K. and if 500,000 people (and that would be an incredible achievement) are vaccinated each day all of the population would have received the vaccine in a 120 day period. How the vaccine is distributed will have to be worked out. Key workers first; then patients in hospitals and care homes, business employers and employees, pupils and students, retirees and finally those in the sporting and entertainment worlds.

1 hour ago, chi blue said:

Think Football may have a few problems after all this finally subsides, the football authorities own self importance has really turned people off the game, and while they think they are the be all and end all, the general football fan is totally thinking in the opposite direction, every time you speak to a mate, who many are season ticket holders at Chelsea and various other clubs, we all say are you missing the Football?, the response from all, is no not at all, or no where near as much as I thought, these are hardened football fans not your part time JCL, the football boom maybe just about to go pop!, and the funny thing is the football head honcho's can't even see it.

As you say, the footballing authorities have been full of their own self-importance and hopefully there are starting to realise that the game isn't that important. As we've mentioned before, we and our friends are missing the games but as not as much as we thought we would. When society is back to some form of normality there is a long list of things I wish to do and people to see before I even contemplate football. Can see the football bubble bursting. Some people may have to give up going as money will be tight or they are building up businesses again. The list goes on. How football is watched on TV will change. Could be lots of people cancelling subscriptions or just paying to watch games involving the team they support. With money being tight, how people can be justified in paying subscriptions.

Challenging times ahead.

6 hours ago, Argo said:

Because there's far too many factors do make such a snap decision.

Taking out all the legal implications there's uncertainty about the direction of the virus so there's such nuances with the calendar that could switch the argument for what's best at any particular time. For example, if worst came to the worst and say football was halted till the next calender year (I'm not scaremongering I don't think that will happen but nothing can be totally ruled out at this point) and then a vaccine was rolled out in February 2021 it would make a lot more logical sense to just finish the current season from there. If it's already voided and that is the point a restart is cleared then all off a sudden TPTB look very reckless.

Regarding the lockdown, early noises are that restrictions are slowly being lifted at the next review point in three weeks, I'd be shocked if sports was brought back at that point but I could see it being considered the time after. If the Bundesliga returns BCD with minimum fuss that's a precedent set straight away.

It isn’t workable though; what happens to players whose contract expire in June? I think we have 4 of them? It’s all well and good saying clubs should extend expiring contract, are you certain those players will give their all for that one month period and risk scuppering future deals? Hypothetically take Willian who has been holding out for a 3yr contract, are there any guarantees he wouldn’t approach games as a training exercise or friendly when any long term injury could potentially end his career?

Personally I feel the resumption of football in any form and any league would make a mockery of society. If the society at large is reporting shortages of Covid-19 testing capacities, diverting limited resources for regular testing of footballers will be bizarre.

14 hours ago, chi blue said:

Virtual match day experience? f**k that, I think I'll dig out my old Subbuteo from the 70/80's 

Old guy at work got a ‘new’ knock-off subbuteo for his birthday last month, I’ve still got my old one knocking about it the loft too. Keep meaning to dig it out!

50 minutes ago, Munkworth said:

Old guy at work got a ‘new’ knock-off subbuteo for his birthday last month, I’ve still got my old one knocking about it the loft too. Keep meaning to dig it out!

Mine is in my parents loft, well I hope it is, been up there 35 years, stadium and all.

Oh nan, now I really want a subbuteo.. 

https://www.hamleys.com/subbuteo-player-chelsea-box-set.ir

Different. I wonder if other clubs and leagues will follow suit.

Coronavirus and sport: Danish club plan football drive-in - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52347927

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52353856

Uefa will provide an update on plans to finish the 2019-20 season to all its 55 national associations at a video conference on Tuesday.

European football's governing body hopes to end the campaign in August, although with every league bar Belarus still suspended there are doubts over whether that deadline can be met.

Uefa has launched two working groups, one specifically assessing the fixture calendar. It is hoped specific proposals will be presented by mid-May at the latest.

However, the continuing uncertainty over the spread of coronavirus is creating major issues, with some leagues - including Germany and Denmark - talking optimistically about a resumption next month, while others - England among them - believe it will be June at the earliest before they can play games, and some Premier League clubs feel it will be longer than that.

Uefa is still hoping to complete its own tournaments in the normal two-legged format. However, there is an understanding that it may not be possible, so one-off games, and a week-long mini-tournament from the quarter-finals onwards for both the Champions League and Europa League, have also been discussed.

Tuesday's meeting will be followed on Thursday by a meeting of the Uefa executive committee.

That is expected to provide an update on the Womens' European Championship and the Nations League, both of which have been moved to allow Euro 2020 to take place a year later than scheduled, plus plans to relax financial regulations this season.

In addition, it is anticipated, Uefa will confirm that it will listen to requests to end domestic leagues early.

It has previously warned against this, saying countries risk their places in next season's European competitions.

On 19/04/2020 at 17:21, Boyne said:

Different. I wonder if other clubs and leagues will follow suit.

Coronavirus and sport: Danish club plan football drive-in - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52347927

Imagine if we had an away match in Liverpool drive in, you 'd have your wheels knicked whilst watching the match.

I heard that in Italy it will be difficult to play behind close doors in Italy where the areas have been worst affected. Those areas would be Bergamo and Milan, so Inter and AC would likely have to play in a different location. I don't find that fair at all.

Here in England I imagine games would play behind closed doors, just test every player and member of staff who will enter the stadium. Shouldn't be tough to do, but sucks it would have to play behind close doors with no atmosphere. 

16 minutes ago, enigma said:

I heard that in Italy it will be difficult to play behind close doors in Italy where the areas have been worst affected. Those areas would be Bergamo and Milan, so Inter and AC would likely have to play in a different location. I don't find that fair at all.

Here in England I imagine games would play behind closed doors, just test every player and member of staff who will enter the stadium. Shouldn't be tough to do, but sucks it would have to play behind close doors with no atmosphere. 

Agree, it would be possible to play behind closed doors in this country and yes, the atmosphere would be awful. However, there are other people who should be tested before footballers. I reckon that footballers should be way down the list of those to be tested as they don't provide a key service. Also, if a player is injured it would take medical staff e.g. ambulance crews away from an emergency.

Football and other sports should wait until it's safe to play them. Could be a few months yet.

Uefa says some leagues could be cancelled 'in special cases' - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52372673

2 hours ago, Boyne said:

Uefa says some leagues could be cancelled 'in special cases' - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52372673

Thats a big turn around from their previous statement, it's obviously to allow leagues to now finish, ours will definitely be one. 

13 minutes ago, dkw said:

Thats a big turn around from their previous statement, it's obviously to allow leagues to now finish, ours will definitely be one. 

I'm guessing that UEFA wants the English, Spanish, Italian, German and possibly the French leagues to finish as those are the ones which they hope will attract the bigger live and TV audiences. Will be interesting to see if circumstances in Europe allow for the leagues to finish. I think Governments will be reluctant to allow games to go ahead with the virus still not under control.

 

Dutch season is pretty much done. 

Dutch football in CHAOS as Prime Minister reveals games cannot be played for more than FOUR MONTHS… with Eredivisie season almost certain to be CANCELLED

7 minutes ago, dkw said:

Dutch season is pretty much done. 

Dutch football in CHAOS as Prime Minister reveals games cannot be played for more than FOUR MONTHS… with Eredivisie season almost certain to be CANCELLED

That's two leagues in Europe now with the Dutch following the Belgians. If a few more follow their lead and Governments put pressure on them not to play football that will really put an end to UEFA's plans. UEFA may moan but can't see Governments listening to them.

The issue of games behind closed doors could be people turning up to the ground to get a look at players or just to be close by. Could put unnecessary work on police and end up with disorder 

11 minutes ago, Richard P said:

The issue of games behind closed doors could be people turning up to the ground to get a look at players or just to be close by. Could put unnecessary work on police and end up with disorder 

Good point. Yes, can see people turning up and not what the police need at this time. I reckon it will come to the stage soon when the season will have to be scrapped. I think I'll contact the club in the next day or so to find out what is happening about this season and if any refunds will be made. Could be as much as £200 which would be nice. I'll also ask about next season's ST. Hope the club gives people plenty of time to renew. I'm probably thinking to far in advance.

Bit off subject but I was out for a walk this afternoon and passed the site where Cray Wanderers (London's oldest club) are due to move to. Given what's happening,, I'm not sure when their new ground will open. Think I'll have to visit there a few times and also my other local team, Welling United as well when we're back to normal. A former Chelsea player started out at Welling and another managed them for a while.

 

13 hours ago, dkw said:

Dutch season is pretty much done. 

Dutch football in CHAOS as Prime Minister reveals games cannot be played for more than FOUR MONTHS… with Eredivisie season almost certain to be CANCELLED

BBC news just confirmed that the Dutch league has now been abandoned/cancelled (they were a bit vague about how it would be recorded)

Can't see ours being any different, really, even though it would grieve me desperately for those poor scallies up in Liverpool to miss out on their only realistic chance of a Blackburn Rovers moment in the last 30 years.

Now, where did I put that sarcasm smiley?

3 hours ago, yorkleyblue said:

BBC news just confirmed that the Dutch league has now been abandoned/cancelled (they were a bit vague about how it would be recorded)

Can't see ours being any different, really, even though it would grieve me desperately for those poor scallies up in Liverpool to miss out on their only realistic chance of a Blackburn Rovers moment in the last 30 years.

Now, where did I put that sarcasm smiley?

I saw a clip of Carjacker and Rush on tv this morning whining like radios being tuned in about how the league must be finished, integrity, honour blah blah, even if it mean the next season is impacted. I`m sure they would be saying the same thing if we were top.