Magpies to return to train today

STEVE Bruce has revealed that Newcastle United players will return to work in small groups today.

The Toon head coach – and his players – have been tested for Covid-19 after being forced to train from home for two months.

The Premier League’s aim is to follow the Bundlesliga and complete the season behind closed doors.

Bruce, speaking to the club’s TV channel, said: “It’s been a really difficult time, but I hope with the news that phase one is about to start – and I must stress that phase one looks as if it’s as safe as it can be – I’m sure everyone will be delighted that we’re trying to make that effort.

“In phase one we’re allowed to train four to five people on one pitch, so basically a player has a quarter of a pitch to work within, so social distancing is not a problem. We’ll train with 8-10 at a time on two separate pitches.

“Everything is in place in the safety aspect.

“I’ve got no issues and I can tell the supporters the players and the staff are as safe as we possibly can be.

“We all understand that this virus isn’t going to go away just like that – it’s going to hang around a bit, but I think with the protocols in place we’ll do everything we possibly can to get up and running again.”

A United statement on what training will look like amid the virus pandemic read: “Players will arrive in their training kit, parking their cars at least three spaces apart, and will head straight out to the field, with no access to the main building.

“They will then leave immediately after training.

“All equipment – including balls, corner flags, cones, goalposts, GPS units, boots and gloves – will be regularly disinfected and players will wear protective snoods on their faces at all times.

“The players and staff will also be using an innovative app, developed by world leading bio-analytics company Orecco in association with Newcastle United, to record any potential symptoms.

“Players and staff will update the app each day and access to the training ground will only be permitted if players are deemed to be showing no symptoms.”