2019-2020 EPL Discussion Thread

[K]

"The Premier League has given its strongest indication yet that players will have to take pay cuts because of the coronavirus pandemic, otherwise, as one chairman warned, "clubs could go bust".

Several clubs are privately suggesting that wage deferrals are inevitable, even in the top flight. The chairman, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted he feared problems with cash flow and that the delay in "ladder payments" – from where they finish in the league – would cause significant pressure on finances, even in the Premier League.

His club intends to propose that players who earn more than £15,000 a week should agree to a 50 per cent reduction in wages to be repaid over a 12-month period, but first he wants to hear the Premier League's ideas.
...

Although cuts will be the next step, players can eventually be placed on furlough under the UK government's coronavirus job protection scheme – where they remain on the payroll but cannot work and are not paid. Clubs would be eligible to claim 80 per cent of an employee's salary up to £2500 per month from the state and a number of English Football League sides are already exploring this option. The players would be allowed to train, as the UK Treasury does not regard that as their primary work.
...

The warning that even Premier League clubs may go bust may come as a surprise, but outside the top six and a handful of others, finances are tight. There is a widespread acknowledgment that a number of EFL clubs will go into administration.
...

For example, one Premier League club told the Telegraph, London that the loss of revenue from their four remaining league matches that had been selected for live television would cost them £3.6 million. In addition they would lose £1.7 million in match-day revenue per home game."

(The Telegraph, London)

[K]

"English Premier League players have rejected a move by clubs to cut their wages by 30 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic.

Escalating what has become a bitter public row, the Professional Footballers' Association claims the British Government would lose more than £200 million in tax if the plan goes ahead."

(AP)

[K]

Pep Guardiola’s 82-year-old mother has died after contracting coronavirus:

https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1247162431467483136

[Jezza]

^ Very sad news

[Jezza]

Liverpool: Sir Kenny Dalglish tests positive for coronavirus

[K]

A message on behalf of Sir Kenny Dalglish and family

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/announcements/392764-a-message-on-behalf-of-sir-kenny-dalglish-and-family

"Prior to his admission to hospital, Sir Kenny had chosen to voluntarily self-isolate for longer than the advised period together with his family. He would urge everyone to follow the relevant government and expert guidance in the days and weeks ahead."

[Hmm... Is anyone in his family positive? Whom did he catch it from?]

[K]

[Jezza]

Leeds United legend, Norman Hunter has sadly passed away from Coronavirus.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52246007

[Pies4shaw]

Very sad. Norman was a fantastic player. I haven't thought about him for many years (not, to be frank, since the last time I was worried about the risk that he might kick Charlie George's legs out from under him). Back in those days, one only got to see a one-hour highlights package on the ABC (about 9.30 pm on a Monday night, IIRCC). I followed the Gunners, my elder brother followed West Ham and our Dad loved Leeds (and especially was a fan of Billy Bremner, Jackie Charlton, Norman Hunter, Terry Yorath. Eddie Gray and Peter Lorimer). He was a household name, even in these far-flung parts - and that great Leeds time got a lot of coverage.

Vale.

[Pies4shaw]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/apr/17/premier-league-could-return-by-mid-june-in-best-case-scenario-football

[K]

It's reported the Bundesliga may restart May 9.

[Jezza]

Ligue 1 & 2: France's top two divisions will not resume this season

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52460468

[K]

Premier League clubs told season will finish in neutral venues

"Clubs are expected to vote on the key principles of 'Project Restart' some time after May 7, when the UK Government must review the current lockdown.

It is understood there were still no discussions around declaring the season null and void, nor curtailing it, with France and Holland having been forced to end their competitions because of government orders.

Return-to-training protocols, which include wearing face masks or snoods, were presented to clubs. Teams will consult with playing and management staff on the proposals, which are still subject to approval."

(PA)

[Jezza]

[Jezza]

Bundesliga is resuming tomorrow.