Supportive networks for squads

CHARLIE GREGORY

MANAGER Graham Alexander insists a support network is in place for his

Salford City players as they come to terms with life temporarily away from football.

As a result of the spread of COVID-19 and the government’s protective measures, the Ammies have not trained together since Friday, March 13.

“I’m a 48-year-old husband and father and there’s a lot of other things going on in my life,” said Alexander.

“But for players, you can imagine the younger, single ones stuck in an apartment or flat somewhere, finding interests to keep themselves occupied.”

Upon the conclusion of their last training session, Salford’s medical staff relayed advice on hygiene and self-isolation, before assigning the players individual training programmes to maintain their fitness.

Alexander added: “It can be difficult, but we will be constantly communicating to them and trying to keep their focus on their fitness levels and their professionalism.

“We’re always here

●● Graham Alexander to support them, we get great expert advice from the medical staff – the doctor and the physios – so we’re at the forefront of knowing what’s going on and we’ll pass that information on to the players to keep them in the best of shape.”

The Ammies – whose last fixture took place on March 7, a 2-0 League Two home victory versus Bradford City – will have to wait until April 30 at the earliest to resume their play-off push, with the EFL extending the 2019/20 campaign indefinitely.

“I think we are all adapting to the new scenario at the moment, in all walks of life, but I think there’s plenty of reasons to be confident that we’ll get back to normal,” added Alexander.