‘It’s not safe’ – Ex-West Brom player voices concern over Championship restart schedule
Boaz Myhill has suggested that it is “not safe” for West Brom players to be rushed back into competitive action without having a proper amount of time to regain match fitness first.
The ex-Albion stopper, who now works as a coach with the club’s U23s, argued that players need to be given longer to prepare for a resumption in action, or risk facing potential issues with their wellbeing.
The EFL have earmarked June 20th as a potential date for restarting proceedings, with teams in the second tier set to get back onto the training ground for small group work on Monday.
But Myhill has warned against rushing players back onto the pitch before they are properly up to speed.
As quoted by The 72, he said: “I’ve got to be honest, I’m glad I’m not a player now.
“The original plan was to start back in the middle of June and to sum up, they will have had 13 weeks from game to game. They were planning on having a two week preseason – which, how you’re supposed to play at a good level after that I don’t know.
“It’s not safe simply from a fitness point of view.
“The quality of football would be nowhere near the level that people want to see”.
Myhill raises a valid point here, and it’s one that certainly merits some consideration.
There has been a massive fixation on getting things back up and running as soon as possible, but it’s important to remember that players will need some time to get back up to speed.
That could be particularly important for the Baggies, who must hit the ground running if they are to maintain their comfortable position in the automatic promotion places.
We’ve already heard warnings from Paul Merson about the prospect of empty stadiums throwing up shock results, and poor fitness could prove to be just as much of a levelling factor if and when things do get back underway.
Albion must be careful that it doesn’t catch them out.
In other West Brom news, ‘Absolutely yes’ – Championship club owner issues public support to Albion restart hopes.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.