Interesting times

These are interesting times for everyone involved in football.

It is to be hoped the Government’s test events programme produces positive results. Great to see crowds back at Wembley this weekend in bigger numbers and again at remaining Premier League games from next week.

The shackles of current COVID restrictions are loosened even more from May 17 and for grass roots and non-league clubs accommodating expected participant and crown levels should be workable.

The test events will also hopefully allow clubs with bigger stadiums to get towards full-capacity for next season. Given most supporters have not seen a game live for 15 months or more it would create long-term damage if bigger clubs have to adopt some sort of priority system if grounds can’t get back to full use.

Fans will be expected to play their part – and evidence so far shows a willingness to comply with pre-event testing at Wembley for instance. The practicalities of carrying out pre event testing across the board don’t stack up though. The cost for clubs or fans and the time taken at the turnstiles will be prohibitive.

The recent announcement that a fan zone will be open in Trafalgar Square Fan Zone for England matches as well as the semi-finals and final. With the the first two matches being socially distanced and reduced capacity so are for key workers only is great encouragement that large crowds are just around the corner. 

These are interesting times indeed but we should have a clearer picture by June 21^st – the Governments next decision day.