SCOTTISH LEAGUES ARE LEFT IN LIMBO BY VIRUS SHUTDOWN
United chief Asghar wants to seal the title over 36-game season FOR ALL BREAKING SPORTS NEWS VISIT
DUNDEE UNITED sporting director Tony Asghar is adamant the runaway Championship leaders want to exhaust every possibility to seal promotion through completion of a 36-game season.
With eight matches still to play, United hold a 14-point lead over second-placed Inverness Caley Thistle as Scottish football enters a shutdown until further notice due to the spread of the coronavirus.
Sportsmail has previously reported that the joint-response group of the SFA and SPFL are prepared to call the leagues based on existing positions as a last-resort option if the season cannot be concluded.
Asghar stresses he has not been given any indication about that possibility, nor would it be an option that would sit particularly easily with him.
The Tannadice chief is reluctant to think too far ahead as the crisis continues to move at a rapid pace, but is clear about United hoping they can yet get over the line through future on-field results.
‘The safety of our players, staff and fans is obviously paramount,’ Asghar told
Sportsmail. ‘We are in an unprecedented situation throughout global sport, obviously not just in a Scottish Championship scenario. We are trying to work to the information we have been given from the governing bodies and medical advice.
‘As regards the league status, there is not much I can tell you — other than that we are in the hands of the governing bodies. We are really just in the dark, like all football fans, about how we will get through this situation.
‘For us, the Championship lasts 36 games. If I was in the position of any other team, I’d want to make sure those games are fulfilled if at all possible to get the finished placings.
‘Yes, we are in the higher league position, but there is a lot still to play for. Both for where we are — we can be caught — but also in terms of play-offs and relegation.
‘For me, personally, we would try and get the governing body to fulfil fixtures if at all possible before we can look any further ahead.
‘We want to make sure everyone is safe and well, and then get back to playing the league. If we are to become champions, we want to do it by playing 36 games.’
Asghar hopes the picture could become a little clearer on Tuesday when UEFA host a videoconference involving associations and leagues from across Europe. The coming days could also help to clarify whether any financial measures may be available to mitigate against the significant loss of income from gate receipts.
‘I think the SFA are still in the dark to some extent and they will get guidance from the UEFA meeting,’ continued Asghar.
‘It’s such a unique situation. There would be contractual issues with players if the league was extended, which we’d need to look at. Hopefully, there will be as much common sense as possible on Tuesday.
‘The governing bodies here have had a bit of criticism, but I think they have been clear and moved when they have needed to move. I’m sure they will act accordingly going ahead.’ Like every other club, United have been left to ponder the best way to proceed on a day-to-day basis while they cope with the uncertainty. In terms of the playing squad, Asghar is working with head coach Robbie Neilson and the club’s medical staff to figure out a strategy.
‘We have put together a working group in relation to how our first team, academy and development squad will work over the next four weeks,’ added Asghar.
‘We will maintain a training programme for the players, whether that is going to be at the training ground or individually at home. We are currently working on two scenarios depending on what happens.
‘We need to keep a level of fitness within our players but we also have to be in a position where they are not being exposed to a virus. It’s a Catch-22 in some ways, but we have good medical and sports science staff to pull together those plans.
‘If there is anyone who is ill in any way, we will act accordingly at that time. For now, we will try and keep things as much business as usual for the players.’