Championship clubs told not to train before May 25

In April, Saturday was set as the potential date for players to get back to work ahead of a post-coronavirus resumption but despite widespread suggestions it could return before the Premier League, the board took the decision on Wednesday to delay a return to training grounds.

It is unlikely to have any bearing on Rotherham United, Doncaster Rovers and Bradford City, whose campaigns are expected to end on Friday, but will affect Championship clubs Barnsley, Huddersfield Town, Hull City, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday.

In a statement, the Football League stressed “solutions are still required to fill the financial hole left by the (coronavirus) crisis. The consequences of the covid-19 pandemic will not be rectified simply by a return to play behind closed doors.”

It outlined problems including “ the practicalities and timeframes of clubs being able to facilitate a return to training.” Testing programmes on matchdays and non-matchdays remain a concern too.

With that in mind, the return to training has been delayed until May 25.

Some Premier League clubs, including Sheffield United, have allowed their players back for individual sessions observing social distancing guidelines. The top-flight is working towards what it hopes can be a June 12 return to complete the 2019-20 season. Although the Football League has not confirmed as much, it has been suggested they are looking at a June 6 restart, but there are plenty of obstacles to clear first.

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