Above sorted my insomnia. If it's not to be played out Pools Panel way to go. How about a predictor thread for the PL games to the end of the season?
Interesting idea, but all the late great escapes that have happened through the years wouldn't have happened if you take into account a method like that. I wonder how many times we would have been relegated. We're so close to being safe now, and yet under that method we just about scrape over the line. Theres only two fair methods imo Finishing the season or Cancelling the season Given that finishing the season in the current state of affairs would be ridiculous you have to either cancel it or cancel next season and finish this season when it is actually safe to do so. But then you have all the problems with players contracts etc. the further back finishing this season gets pushed. The simplest thing, and fairest thing, and most sensible thing to do is cancel this season. The only reason this is still up for debate is money.
I'd even go further than that, by restricting the first option to "finishing the season under normal conditions". Rushing through games in a short space of time, and the impact that has on injuries, fitness and planning. Restrictions on training. Playing at neutral grounds. Having five substitutes. And whatever else is being suggested. That is all a fudge. Finishing the season for the sake it. Either finish it under the same conditions as have applied to the season to-date (which could be many, many moths away), or cancel it. As I say, I'm in the latter camp. Starting a brand new season in different circumstances is one thing: at least everyone is on a level playing field. But introducing those changes mid-season?...
I j I'd expect a few law suits filed if the PL start changing laws/rules etc, especially from clubs down the bottom.
Totally agree If they restart the season, then 3 teams are getting relegated. And if any can argue that the change in procedure had an impact on them being relegated, then things are going to turn very sour very quickly. E.g. Troy Deeney gets injured for 4 weeks. Normal circumstances that would be maybe 3 or 4 games missed. New circumstances could be 8 games missed? Massive impact on Watford. But ultimately do Sky etc. care what happens to Brighton/Watford/Bounrmeouth/Villa/Norwich? Probably not particularly.
And then there is the knock on, into the new season. Clubs with fewer key players, could lose all of them in the few games played over a short period of time, then find themselves rooted to the foot of the table in the next season.
Part me of wants them to finish this season and it to royally **** up beyond recognition. I'd happily sit back and watch the carnage unfold with a double brandy and cigar.
Let’s volunteer for relegation. Tell them to feck off and give us our game back. My distaste towards football is growing with every moment of desperate grasping of those bank notes.
Eddie Hearn the sports promoter was on 5 live this morning and by comparison with football pundits he talked a great deal of sense. He should be compulsory listing for the PL and the EFL. To be honest he puts their money grubbing to shame. If you use this link he comes on at a few seconds after 1.55: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000hpq3 I recommend you listen to his plain simple common sense.
The Premier League pushing to play out the season in the current situation has irritated me enough to send a complaint. I wouldn't usually bother, particularly about football matters, but this has been niggling away to the point where I had to get it off my chest. We all know they are driven by money but the shameless way they have approached what should be a delicate undertaking shows no respect at all. I don't really expect anything to come from the complaint but hopefully, it won't be the only one they have received. I think they'll acknowledge it followed by a fob off answer.
I think the fairest way to finish the season is a combination of rock, paper, scissors and a coin toss. Th only fair way. You could also play that out at the ground it was meant to without the need for a neutral venue. Could also do that whilst social distancing. Hell, could even do that from home with a video link. .....'TIOON7, solutions not problems'
Sergio Aguero: Players 'scared' about Premier League return - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52493894
He has a point though. I'm not 'sacred' about going out, but how many of us on here are entirely comfortable about close contact with strangers? For 6 weeks or so my only expeditions out of the house have been for dog walks and one trip to B&Q where you wait in the car park they bring your pre-ordered stuff on a trolley, you get out of the car and you then pack it away. The thought of playing a close contact sport is far from my mind. The Premier League have to remember that the players are humans too, not commodities and have the same fears as all of us.
I have been given a nod that the Premier League is going to be played at St George’s Park in a World Cup style, behind closed doors, but on television. teams will stay in hotels in the vicinity and use local Pro clubs training facilities to train. They will stay there away from family/friends in isolation until the completion. Players, staff etc will be tested. 2/3 games will be played a day and streamed live. Fecking joke I have had this from someone who knows someone who works logistics for football. It may be bollocks yet. I hope so. Come on Saints, refuse to play, take relegation and **** the PL off
