Player safety paramount in decisions over Covid says Robins boss, as league says games will continue

» MICHAEL Duff says the safety of players is paramount in the debate over whether football should carry on in the face of the rising Covid case numbers.

Cheltenham’s game at Shrewsbury on Saturday was one of the games which survived and Duff said afterwards: “It’s way above my pay grade in terms of things that should or shouldn’t happen.

“I am fully vaccinated and I’ve had my booster, but that’s my personal preference.

“As long as people are being safe and there is a bit of pressure on football for the mental health side of the general population as well.

“There are things like that to consider, but the safety of the players is paramount.

“As long as it’s deemed safe enough to carry on, we have been through it right from the start.

We have been pretty good in terms of cases as a general rule. We’ll do as we are told and follow the protocols we are given.”

Duff was without two players, Christian Norton and Dylan Barkers on Saturday, and added: “We have one player who has tested positive. Another player had symptoms and we think he might, but it’s just that at the minute.

“I was just preparing for a game and the game has gone ahead, so whether we feel lucky or unlucky...i genuinely don’t think about it.

“We’ll keep prepping and working ahead of the next game. If we are told any different, we’ll adjust accordingly.

“Things are completely out of my control, so we’ll work on the things we are in control of.”

The EFL said on Monday that its programme of games in the League and Carabao Cup will continue with fixtures to be played where it is safe to do so, and the set squad criteria can be fulfilled by clubs.

They issued a statement saying: “While the League acknowledges there will likely be future postponements to navigate where Covid-19 cases are identified, there is optimism that disruption can be minimised following implementation of RED protocols, a daily testing regime and ongoing vaccination rollout.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “Throughout the pandemic, our two priorities have been ensuring the welfare of those involved in EFL competitions and ensuring the fixture schedule can continue where it is safe to do so.

“We will continue to work with clubs, authorities and other agencies to monitor the Covid-19 case rate and be prepared to respond accordingly, yet for now the view remains that we can continue to deliver games safely where clubs have sufficient healthy personnel in place, on and off the pitch.

“With club mitigation measures, the mass adoption of booster jabs and Covid certification required for larger crowds, we are sure many fans will continue to feel confident in attending matches over the Christmas period.”