English Football League chairman Rick Parry sent a plan to clubs about concluding the season within 56 days amid the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The plan would see games played behind closed doors and clubs being unable to resume training until May 16.
The season was initially postponed until April 30, but the EFL pushed the date back and determined to resume proceedings. Parry wrote: “Clubs should be advised not to recommence any training activity with players until May 16 at the earliest.
“Whenever the decision is taken that is safe to resume, we currently estimate that the league will require approximately 56 days to complete the outstanding matches in the season (including play-offs).” So, what does it mean for Sheffield Wednesday?
Garry Monk was still overseeing training in mid-March. No symptoms had been reported for the players at the time, but the Owls have been training in isolation for the last three weeks, using gym equipment to ensure their fitness levels remain high.
Monk issued a letter to supporters that revealed how daily schedules and regular consultation from Tony Strudwick and club doctor Richard Higgins were keeping the squad in shape. Now Wednesday have a date when they can return to training, there’s plenty of time for players to work on conditioning.
Prior to the season being postponed, the Owls were sitting 15th in the Championship with 48 points from 37 games. They’ll have a minimum of nine games to play in the coming months and will hope to turn their form around after struggling in 2020.
