BORIS JOHNSON already holds the keys to Number 10 — today he holds the keys to football.
The Prime Minister’s diary has been the subject of much scribbling and rubbing out in recent weeks as he copes with the virus crisis.
Clubs backing ‘Project Restart’ hope for Boris Johnson’s supportCredit: AFP
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But clubs throughout England are now hanging on his every word, above all wanting to know when they can go back to work.
They are hoping he can shine a light on the next step in tonight’s 7pm announcement.
So if every fan is as confused as every club and competition organiser right now, here is a guide to what comes next:
TOMORROW
A whole host of Premier League and EFL clubs will be back in for light, non- contact training.
SATURDAY
Next weekend could see a possible stepping up of ‘full’ training, which is likely to be with more numbers at training grounds — but still no physical contact.
JUNE 6
The provisional date for the EFL to restart, although it may be only the Championship.
Chairman Rick Parry has proposed a schedule that will run for 56 days. The plan includes play-offs but these could be trimmed to single-leg semi-finals.
JUNE 8
Pencilled in as the date for the Premier League to restart and finish off the 92 games due to be played.
This programme would be completed within seven weeks. The plan includes the FA Cup, which would be at risk with a further delay.
JULY 31
Considered the ideal date for domestic games to end. Clubs will already have extended various contracts and loans by an extra month.
Going into August would create a whole lot of hurdles on those fronts.
This is the ‘Red Zone’, when contracts will have to be renewed again and loans extended — relying on the patience of parent clubs.
There is also the need for a recovery break between seasons, so every day late counts at this stage.
AUGUST 1
Uefa want this month kept as clear as possible for their competitions, with the elite clubs in the Champions League and the next lot in the Europa League.
It cannot go much later to stage those matches with any hope of a conclusion — even on neutral territory.
AUGUST 30
Date scheduled for the Champions League final in Istanbul, — Uefa’s showpiece event — and the last match of the calendar.
SEPTEMBER 6
Provisional start for the 2020-21 season, with the EFL clubs due back in action.
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Ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand says Premier League restart won’t satisfy every club
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
