Lana: Learn the lessons from crisis here in Italy
BY CARL ASKEW
SCOTLAND striker Lana Clelland hopes the horrors she is witnessing in Italy help people back home appreciate just how serious the coronavirus crisis is.
The 27-year-old is on lockdown in Florence where she plays for Fiorentina.
The death toll in Italy stands at well over 3000, overtaking even China where the virus originated.
And Clelland, who first moved to Italy in 2014, has called on people in Scotland to heed the advice of the authorities in a bid to stop the spread of germs.
On social media she said: “I’m currently on official lockdown with a strong health service breaking right in front of my eyes.
“In Italy they have no hospital beds left and no ICU [Intensive Care] units.
“We don’t want to panic people but we also have to appreciate how serious this is and what could be on its way to the UK.
“I hope everyone in Scotland stays safe and continues to take on the advice of the NHS.
“Things I’ve done in selfisolation have been karaoke, dance routines, jigsaws and Skype workouts with team-mates. So keep active if you’re housebound.”
BY FRASER WILSON IAN McCALL’S first move when coronavirus shut down Scottish football was a visit to see his elderly mother in Dumfries – even if he had to keep a three-metre distance when he arrived.
Since then the Partick Thistle manager has picked up the phone to Jags fans across the country “just for a blether” and to lift spirits in uncertain times.
His players are doing likewise. It all epitomises the Maryhill side’s temporary rebranding from Partick Thistle Football Club to Partick Thistle FAMILY Club.
Doing their bit for the community on which they so heavily depend during easier times when the only worry is winning games and not the health of the nation.
McCall is at the forefront of it all. And while his days away from Firhill very much involve tracking his players’ efforts to maintain their fitness levels through GPS vests, the 55-year-old recognises football very much comes secondary right now.
He said: “It’s been challenging and every manager will say that. The most difficult part of my week was going to Dumfries to see my 85-year-old mother and having to sit three metres apart.
“That puts into perspective the challenges of keeping your players ticking over.
“We’re monitoring their fitness and if they aren’t doing their work I give them a call. We have a few boys self-isolating now as well, so it is tough, but there are far bigger challenges in normal life.
“Some players get a reputation of being daft but this is an extreme circumstance and they have their own issues with their families. Be it young children, elderly relatives and so on.
“They realise the enormity of the situation. We have to get through it the best we can. I have spoken to some players and I will keep doing that.
“I’m phoning supporters to have a chat with them and see how they are. You can’t get away from it, it’s hard for everyone.
“Football can be huge in these circumstances, as can sport in general. We can play a role in it and we will.
“Some clubs are worried about the financial future but I feel if you have a group of fans who boo and shout abuse, they are the ones who gather round when there is trouble.
“They are on the phones wanting to help and rally around. It is an irony the unhappy ones are the ones wanting to help.
“I phoned a supporter on Thursday and his daughter told me he was thrilled at the call. We just chatted football.
“I phoned a guy today on his 73rd birthday and I’ve done a few things on my own street with the older ones. I’m not making myself