This is the new normal behind the scenes at Newcastle United

This is what the new normal looks like at Newcastle United.
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Steve Bruce and his mask-wearing coaches are seen preparing for a training session today after a two-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The club’s players returned to small-group training after the Premier League yesterday signed off the first set of safety protocols ahead of a proposed restart next month.

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United’s players – who were tested for coronavirus on Sunday – were given a designated arrival time and parking bay, and training, for the moment, is being staggered so there is only ever a limited number of players at the training ground at any one time.

Steve Bruce, centre, and his coaches prepare for training. (Pic: Frank Reid)Steve Bruce, centre, and his coaches prepare for training. (Pic: Frank Reid)
Steve Bruce, centre, and his coaches prepare for training. (Pic: Frank Reid)

The club’s coaches were wearing masks on the training pitches, while the players didn’t have access to the changing rooms or canteen on the site.

“We’re allowed to train four to five people on one pitch,” said head coach Bruce. “So, basically, a player has a quarter of a pitch to work within, so distance is not a problem. We’ll train eight to 10 at a time, two separate pitches.

“They’ll all arrive at the training ground, but not going into the training ground. They will not eat in the canteen. They’ll not be treated by a physio.

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“They’ll be all in their gear, dressed to basically get out of their car and walk straight on to the training pitch itself.”

The next phase will entail a return to contact training. Bruce said: “Phase two is training normally, and I think that’s the vital time.”