‘Contracts insist’ – Phil Hay details what EFL want Leeds to sign off on before league re-start
Athletic journalist Phil Hay has said that there is “genuine hope” that training will resume on May 16 and that the EFL want Leeds United to sign its players off on holiday in anticipation of the season re-start.
The plan, outlined in a letter from EFL chairman Rick Parry, is to finish the season in 56 days, starting in June.
That could mean finishing the season late and giving players less of a break before the 20/21 season.
Talking on the latest episode of his podcast, Hay said, “People will have seen the latest statement from the EFL, which says training is suspended until May 16.
“But there is a genuine hope that training will resume on May 16 and that this isn’t just a holding statement. Clubs are starting to think they will need to get their ducks in a row.
“The EFL is hoping that the clubs will sign players off on holiday. Contracts insist they have a set amount of time off a year, effectively a break between one season and the next, but with this situation going on, the EFL are keen to see clubs sign players off and get them back in the middle of May.
“They’re going to be dictated ultimately by government advice.”
It’s going to be a balancing act now, with clubs keen to keep players fit and ready for the season to resume.
No one knows the exact date football will return – this will depend on government advice – and this makes it even harder for clubs and players.
Few clubs have as much on the line as Leeds. Top of the Championship and seven points clear of Fulham in third, Leeds are likely to have to win promotion behind closed doors.
That’s going to be hard enough but ensuring players are fit and don’t get injured is absolutely paramount now.
Players are following strict routines at home and are getting weighed each day, but a holiday now – while required – could set the players back.
To be fair, there’s not a lot the players can do in terms of a holiday apart from to relax at home and take their feet off the pedal.
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