‘Another step forward’ – Phil Hay delivers key news as Leeds promotion bid moves closer
The Premier League has voted unanimously to return to contact training in a huge step forward for the return of football in England.
The key news was delivered by The Athletic’s Leeds writer Phil Hay after a Premier League meeting on Wednesday morning.
Hay said, “Premier League agrees unanimously to resume contact training. ‘Squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimising any unnecessary close contact.’ Another step forward.”
Talking on talkSPORT (White & Sawyer, Wednesday, 12.30pm), Jim White said “That is quite a step” and said it meant the return of football was “closer than ever”.
It means players can now tackle in training although the advice is still to avoid unnecessary contact.
This will kick in as soon as tomorrow in the Premier League.
The Championship is following in the Premier League’s footsteps and we imagine that a similar vote in the EFL will now take place next week.
Leeds returned to non-contact training on Monday, a week after most Premier League sides did the same.
The really good news for Leeds is that every single club voted for contact training.
Certain clubs had been making noises about blocking relegation and promotion, but that’s not going to happen if both seasons are played to a conclusion.
One Leeds fan replied to Hay saying, “RIP Null & Void” and it does seem like the only disaster scenario for Leeds is well and truly off the table.
https://twitter.com/DanThorneTA1/status/1265605487682375681
The vote to play on in the Championship is expected to pass easily next week. Then it’s a return to contact training before a start date is officially confirmed.
This is definitely a big step forwards for Leeds United and its bid to finally get back into the Premier League after 16 years out.
Sky Sports sent out an email yesterday saying fan subscriptions would start again on June 19. Get ready… football’s coming home.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Right thing to do’ – Exclusive: Pundit delivers verdict on critical Leeds promotion decision