League Managers Association reveal no discussion with English Football League over restart
The age profile of many bosses, not to mention the possibility for previous health concerns, mean some of the LMA’s members are likely to be considered more vulnerable than players to coronavirus
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan claims the organisation has not spoken to the English Football League for three weeks as discussions around a return to action continue.
The age profile of many bosses, not to mention the possibility for previous health concerns, mean some of the LMA’s members are likely to be considered more vulnerable than players to coronavirus.
It is Bevan’s job to lobby in their interest and while he declares himself content with the communication involved with the Premier League – which is looking at a mid-June resumption – he noted a lack of discourse with the EFL.
“LMA are reassured by the regular dialogue with the Premier League and their public commitment on Friday to continued consultation, especially as our managers have many thousands of matches of experience and knowledge of the game,” Bevan told the Daily Telegraph.
“It’s worth noting though, that we have had no contact from the EFL for 21 days now and it seems that the Championship clubs are acting semi-autonomously anyway. Naturally, we are liaising with all EFL managers each week and debating direct with some individual EFL clubs, but there is no formal collective structure to that.
“We continue to take our responsibility to our members and the game very seriously, with our primary focus being the health and well-being of our members and everyone in the football family.
“We also need careful consideration for the moral dilemma posed by considering opening up football again at this time of national global crisis.
“The two big questions are can football restart and should football restart? Our members should have a prominent voice in answering both of those questions and we will ensure that voice is clearly heard.”
The EFL was not available for comment but it is understood that the league is content it has had sufficiently regular communication with all stakeholders.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments