Dewsnip welcomes plans for fan return

PLYMOUTH Argyle’s Green Army could be back at Home Park from October, subject to coronavirus guidelines.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke yesterday morning about the possible return of supporters to football stadia across the country.

His comments came amid increasing speculation of a September 12 start date for the 2020/21 EFL season.

Clubs such as those in League One and League Two have been hoping to be allowed to have some reduced capacity crowds from the outset of the campaign.

But the comments of the Prime Minister today would appear to suggest that might not be possible.

Johnson said: “From October, we intend to bring back audiences in stadiums.

“Again, these changes must be done in a COVID-secure way, subject to the successful outcome of pilots.”

Argyle director of football Neil Dewsnip said: “The sooner we can get that Green Army back inside our stadium to support us, the better.

“I stress it has got to be safe to do that, but boy oh boy do we know the power of the Green Army for our team.

“So we want them back at Home Park as fast as possible.”

Dewsnip admitted there could be an issue about whether League One and League Two would start the 2020/21 season if no fans were allowed inside grounds to begin with.

Many figures within football have stated it would not be financially viable for clubs to return to action if that was the case.

Dewsnip added: “It’s an entertainment industry, I’m sure we would all agree. People like to come and watch their team.

“The Green Army love to come and watch us.

“If the fans are not there it won’t feel quite the same. It will feel a bit hollow really.”