Premier League club chief casts doubt on summer football plan

Brady, vice-chairman of relegation-threatened West Ham United, has spoken about the chances of resuming fixtures in the summer once the number of new coronavirus infections – and hospital admissions – has fallen significantly.

Football at all levels was suspended last month due to the deadly pandemic – and the Premier League remains committed to completing its fixture list if, and when, it is safe to do so.

A plan to play the remaining fixtures behind closed doors in a 40-day window has reportedly been discussed by clubs.

However, writing in her column in The Sun, Brady said: “Players will have been able to retain some physical fitness at home, but if social-distancing rules are still in place, physical match-play training will not be allowed – you can’t tackle from two metres away.

“So, how match-fit will players be if the season commences, as we all hope it will, by mid-June?”

Brady – who has previously questioned whether the season should be declared “null and void” – also questioned the logistics of playing the games this summer.

“Police officers will need to be at games even if they are behind closed doors as some supporters will travel to the stadium, even if they cannot come in to watch,” said Brady. “But the police will want to ensure attending matches does not drain resources away from other matters.

“Everyone at the stadium – and even behind closed doors this is about 300-500 people – including security, staff, medical officers, players, referees and media, will have to have temperature checks, fill out health questionnaires and observe social distancing.

“Then there is the issue of injuries. All this is manageable, but what if a player gets injured, where do we send him?

“It can’t be to an NHS hospital that is already under pressure, and private hospitals are carrying out NHS procedures and not taking in injured footballers. So then what?”

Newcastle United, set for a £300million takeover, are 13th in the Premier League and eight points above the relegation zone.

The club is also in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.