‘Inevitable’ halt to FL campaign
ROCHDALE chief executive David Bottomley believes it is ‘inevitable’ the Football League will have to suspended fixtures in the wake of rising coronavirus cases.
This week the EFL and PFA confirmed they will be introducing twiceweekly Covid-19 testing for all 72 clubs from Monday.
But Mr Bottomley fears only a break in the season will really work, given the rising rates of infection.
Dale had to postpone their last three League One matches following a Covid outbreak at the club but are set to return to action this afternoon with the rearranged home clash against Crewe Alexandra.
Seven of last Saturday’s EFL games - and 52 so far across the season - were called off as the virus impacted clubs.
Now Mr Bottomley believes a temporary halt to the season is due following Boris Johnson’s announcement of another national lockdown.
“Surely just for a month until the vaccine starts to get rolled out, we could have a break,” he said.
“[Suspending the league] is inevitable. Hospitals across the UK are being told they are to face a massive surge in Covid cases so who are we in football to be trying to add to that situation?”
“My fear, in common with that of a number of other League One chief executives I spoke to, is that there will be so many players test positive that we’ll almost have to suspend the season.
“Human life is far more important than whether we play football matches, surely?
“I’m talking from personal experience. My 85-year-old mother has tested positive and has been in hospital from the beginning of December with Covid. It’s best football takes a break and step back.”
The re-introduction of a League wide testing programme brought about by the EFL and PFA follows this week’s round of mandatory Coronavirus tests and is designed to complement the League’s matchday and non-matchday Covid protocols with funding provided by the PFA earlier this season.
EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch said: “We have repeatedly maintained that adhering to the stringent protocols implemented during the re-start last summer and then across all clubs since the beginning of the season was going to be our best chance of beating the virus and to keep playing matches.”
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said: “In the light of the current increase in Covid-19 cases and the resulting further tightening of government regulations, the PFA and the EFL have agreed enhanced measures to help protect players, staff and their families.
“Football has provided temporary relief for many fans during the lockdown. PFA members, alongside millions of people, have worked hard and played a positive role throughout the pandemic.
“We believe that this comprehensive and expansive approach to testing will help support clubs and be an important factor in maintaining fixtures and ensuring that football can continue during this challenging period.”
The Covid-enforced break in play has seen Brian Barry-Murphy’s side drop into the bottom four and they will be looking to climb the table with a positive result against a Crewe side just two points outside the play-off positions in ninth spot.
The club’s pitch covers have been down since the start of the week in an attempt to cope with the freezing temperatures, which are predicted to hit as low as -6 on the morning of the game.
Meanwhile, Arsenal youngster Tolaji Bola has returned to his parent club, within the terms of his loan agreement.
The left-back made 11 appearances for Dale after joining on loan from the Gunners in October.