In a video meeting yesterday it was decided that when/if the Premier League are to finish this current season they will be playing at neutral grounds with around ten stadiums being used and would be behind closed doors and only when it is safe to do so.
But which stadiums will be used haven’t been decided.
As time goes on it is also looking less likely that my team, Rotherham United, as one of the ‘lower league’ clubs will be finishing the 2019/20 season – but, like everything else, that has yet to be decided.
If there are to be no fans at the Premier League games it seems to me that they won’t need ‘big stadiums’ to play in, just a pitch. So, if League One and Two fixtures aren’t to be finished could their grounds be used as neutral stadiums? Perhaps they could even pay to play there which would give the clubs a bit of money to help them along.
And, if that’s the way the powers who be are thinking then could I, as a Millers, put forward New York Stadium. Relatively new ground, good facilities, superb pitch and has hosted England U17/U18 games and England Ladies UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 qualifying game.
Who could play at the New York? I have to presume that the stadiums chosen will be grounds within easy access for teams – well Rotherham is really close for Sheffield United, not far from Leicester and, at a stretch, the Manchester and Merseyside teams could get here. And, should this idea include the Championship clubs then there are the likes of the other Sheffield club, Leeds United, Hull City, Barnsley – the list is endless!
Just a bit of pondering on my part.
Although no decisions have been made there have been a few rules put together which the teams will have to follow, the BBC outlining them as – Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times. They must not shower or eat on the premises. If clubs want to provide players with food, it must be delivered as a takeaway to players’ cars. Only essential medical treatment would be allowed, with all medical staff in full PPE. All meetings and reviews must take place virtually and off-site.
What do you think? What other stadiums in the lower leagues could be used?
Stay Safe.
Up The Millers.
