Gav open to closed door SFC
CHAMPIONSHIP football behind closed doors may become a necessary evil claims Tyrone’s assistant manager Gavin Devlin.
He longs for the roar of the crowd but accepts that if Gaelic games are to return this year they may have to be played in empty stadia.
“At this stage, if that was the only scenario, you would prefer to do it rather than not do it, rather than have no tournament at all,” he said.
“But there’s another strategy in terms of cutting the capacity down, with distance between seats, with supporters every couple of seats.
“Obviously you would rather have supporters there. It would be strange to be playing a Championship match, and a key moment in the game, to have no supporters. It would be a very strange feeling at the match.
“But if it was either that or not play at all, you would rather play behind closed doors. I know I would.”
GAA activity may return on July 20 according to the Irish government’s phased plan, but inter-county teams may have to wait longer than the clubs to resume competitive action.
The Tyrone players have maintained their training individual schedules throughout lockdown.
“They’re flat out but no matter how many programmes they’re working on in the gym, it’s no substitute for being on the pitch.
“Our strength and Conditioning coach Jonny Davis has sent them out their S&C programmes.
“The boys have a lot of spare time on their hands that they wouldn’t normally have and physically they’re in great shape. They’re training a few times a day.”
“The players are working away, and hopefully we will have that window of three or four weeks’ grace, where we can get back on the pitch and work on our handling.
“The only positive about the thing is that everybody is in the same boat.”