Former Huddersfield Town goalkeeper believes resumption would provide a lift

My ball: Cardiff City goalkeeper Alex Smithies collects the ball ahead of Derby County's Jack Marriott.My ball: Cardiff City goalkeeper Alex Smithies collects the ball ahead of Derby County's Jack Marriott.
My ball: Cardiff City goalkeeper Alex Smithies collects the ball ahead of Derby County's Jack Marriott. | PA Wire
FORMER Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Alex Smithies hopes the Championship season will be able to resume but admits there is no “perfect outcome” to the situation.

The 30-year-old has featured regularly for Cardiff City this term, with the Welsh outfit just two points adrift of the play-off spots after beating Barnsley 2-0 in their last outing before the EFL suspended all matches due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

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Any return to action is highly likely to be behind closed doors but Smithies feels broadcasting fixtures on TV could provide the population with a welcome distraction from the coronavirus pandemic.

The EFL hope to complete the full Championship fixture programme, including all play-off games, inside a 56-day period.

“Obviously, as it stands, there is some uncertainty in the league with what is going to happen,” said Smithies.

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“We are only two points outside the play-offs, we are in a fairly good run of form and in touching distance of those play-off spots. The new manager has come in and we have got a great relationship and I am hoping the season can get back up and running and we can continue that push for the play-offs.

“There is no perfect outcome to this when there are people suffering all over the world and in this country with the number of deaths and people falling ill, it is horrible to see.

“In my opinion, if it is safe to bring football back, albeit behind closed doors, I do think it will give the country a lift, something to cheer on and celebrate at times.

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“It has been a tough couple of months for the country and people are doing outstanding work out there.

“For some people, they would appreciate a football game on TV and I would certainly be willing to get that going as long as it is safe to do so.”

Smithies joined the Bluebirds ahead of the 2018-19 campaign but did not make a top-flight appearance during the club’s one-year stay in the Premier League.

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The Huddersfield-born player has become more of a regular in the starting line-up this term, making 24 appearances in league and cup and hopes to keep his place in the side if the season is able to safely resume.

He added: “I came in at the start of last season in the Premier League and Neil Warnock was manager and I didn’t really get much game time which was disappointing.

“This season, I have played the majority of the games which is nice. I have managed to get into the team and stay in there and I feel like I am doing well.”

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