Yorkshire club-by-club: how are they dealing with coronavirus?

DECISIONS have been taken by clubs on whether to close training grounds across Yorkshire in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sheffield United's Shirecliffe training ground is expected to be under lockdown for another week at least. Picture: Simon Bellis/SportimageSheffield United's Shirecliffe training ground is expected to be under lockdown for another week at least. Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Sheffield United's Shirecliffe training ground is expected to be under lockdown for another week at least. Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Here is an update on the current state of play at your club. What is your club doing amid the COVID-19 outbreak?

Barnsley: The Reds players are following fitness programmes at home away from Oakwell, which is undergoing an anti-bacterial clean.

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The club is operating with a skeleton staff, while those able to work from home are doing so. A number of offices have been temporarily closed from March 17 with affected staff working remotely for the forseeable future.

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa, pictured at the club's Thorp Arch training ground last Friday.Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa, pictured at the club's Thorp Arch training ground last Friday.
Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa, pictured at the club's Thorp Arch training ground last Friday.

Bradford City: The club has suspended first-team training until March 23, as a precautionary measure.

The decision was made after a member of City's coaching staff was sent home to self-isolate, in line with government advice, having begun to display symptoms associated with COVID-19.

As a further precaution, following the continued outbreak of coronavirus, the rest of the Bantams' playing and coaching staff will now also self-isolate until a week on Monday.

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Players have been provided with a GPS unit, enabling them to monitor their fitness levels in relation to a tailored training programme.

Doncaster Rovers: Rovers players held a general session at Cantley Park on Thursday - minus loan midfielder Ben Sheaf, who is currently self-isolating after visiting Arsenal's training ground relatively recently.

In the light of the fresh announcement that games have been sustained until April 30, Rovers chief Darren Moore is likely to draft up new plans.

The entire footballing arm of the club was given time off since last week's confirmation that games would be suspended until the weekend of April 4 - which has since been extended.

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Huddersfield Town: Following guidance from the club doctor, Town have instructed their players to stay away from the PPG Canalside training ground until Monday at the earliest.

Those players who need to be at the training facility for their rehabilitation programmes - such as midfielder Jonathan Hogg - are reporting when they need to, but they are in isolated small groups and are protected in that way.

The club’s non-playing staff at both Canalside and the John Smith’s Stadium have been told to work from home, if they can, and the situation will be reviewed on Friday - much the same as the players.

Hull City: The first-team squad have all been given personalised training programmes to ensure they maintain fitness levels during the enforced break.

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The club's training base at Cottingham is partially closed. The current plan is for Hull to return to full training on Monday, but fitness coaches have devised individual programmes for each player to follow.

Those recovering from injuries are continuing to work at the club’s training headquarters.

Alternative working arrangements for all administrative staff are currently being put in place following recent government guidance. The KCOM Stadium ticket office and Tiger Leisure stadium store will remain closed until further notice, whilst the stadium itself is now closed to all non-essential visitors.

Leeds United: United’s first-team squad are now training from home on the back of medical advice over the coronavirus outbreak.

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Players have all had their own gym gear and equipment sent to their houses with a training programme and diet plan.

Players will weigh-in every morning and submit body fat and weight details with the EFL season currently postponed until at least Friday, April 3. Leeds will follow this approach until next week and then re-assess.

Middlesbrough: Players have trained as usual at the club's Rockliffe Park training base. The club intend to continue working with their players as a group until instructed to do otherwise.

Rotherham United: Players have trained as usual at the club's Roundwood training ground this week, but will be given home programmes to follow next week.

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Two players - Lewis Price and Freddie Ladapo - have been self-isolating after developing symptoms related to COVID-19.

Loanee Dan Barlaser has been temporarily recalled by parent club Newcastle United and has not been training this week.

Sheffield United: Players are now following training programmes at home.

The club's Shirecliffe training ground is expected to be under lock-down for a further week, with players following fitness programmes.

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Bramall Lane is effectively closed to the public and will not re-open until Monday.

Sheffield Wednesday: The club were this week adopting a ‘business as usual’ approach to dealing with the ongoing coronavirus crisis, with players training, albeit with Middlewood Road being on lockdown to visitors - with only essential visits permitted to Hillsborough.

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