as a kid in Liverpool, a frequent putdown of somebody was "he's a bit 'ead-the-ball" .... meaning "a bit of a nutcase" for a reason ..... https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...-hurst-supports-ban-on-children-heading-balls Sir Geoff Hurst has said he supports a ban on children heading footballs in the wake of sweeping dementia diagnoses and deaths among his 1966 World Cup-winning teammates.
https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...s-move-to-reintroduce-use-of-five-substitutes The Premier League has begun moves to come in from the cold and allow the use of five substitutes in its matches. Although there is no proposed timing for a potential third vote, or a date for another meeting at which a vote could be held, it seems increasingly likely the topic will be broached again.
The Premier League is very close to agreeing a bailout deal with English Football League clubs, says Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden. EFL clubs have "agreed in principle" a £50m rescue package for clubs in League One and Two, having initially rejected the offer in October. Dowden told BBC Sport he hopes clubs can get a new deal over the line by next week. He added that a suggested £250m package "would be a good place to get to". https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55008860
Liverpool fans could return to stadiums next month under new tier system plan https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/spo...s/fans-return-football-plan-breaking-19331819 Liverpool are expected to find out later this week whether they will be allowed to welcome fans back in to watch home games. The Government on Monday released their winter plan aimed at dealing with the coronavirus pandemic over the coming months. Among a number of initiatives is the proposed return of spectators to sporting events once the national lockdown is lifted on December 2. Under the plans, regions in tier 1 will be allowed up to 4,000 spectators to watch outdoors sporting events such as Premier League matches. In tier 2, the number is halved to 2,000. Those in tier 3, though, would not be permitted to have any fans inside stadiums. It's anticipated the Government will reveal the composition of the tiers as early as Thursday. As things stand, the city of Liverpool hopeful it will be placed in tier 2 having seen their infection rate fall below the national average after being chosen for a pilot scheme of mass testing aimed at minimising the spread of coronavirus.
The Premier League will be split down the middle when the national lockdown ends next week, with half the division’s 20 clubs able to welcome back fans, including in Liverpool and London, and the other half not. In the Premier League no fans will be allowed at Aston Villa, Burnley, Leeds, Leicester, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Sheffield United, West Bromwich or Wolverhampton Wanderers. The other 10 clubs in the top division can allow up to 2,000 supporters into stadiums because they fall into tier 2 restrictions: Arsenal, Brighton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Southampton, Tottenham and West Ham. Not a single club in England’s four top divisions falls into the lowest category of tier 1 restrictions, where 4,000 fans could be permitted. The tiers will be reviewed in mid-December. https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...n-but-not-in-manchester-and-other-areas-tiers
I've heard suggestions that the club will look at those living closest to Anfield to begin with. That will help to limit the numbers travelling distances to get to the ground.
LFC opens Wolves ticket ballot for qualifying fans https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/tickets/418014-lfc-opens-wolves-ticket-ballot-for-qualifying-fans
A statement from the PL: "The Premier League can today confirm that between Monday 23 November and Sunday 29 November, 1,381 players and Club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, there were 10 new positive tests. "Players or Club staff who have tested positive will self-isolate for a period of 10 days."
France’s Stéphanie Frappart will become the first female official to take charge of a men’s CL game when Juventus host Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday.
Project Big Picture is not dead, by ay means. Big changes coming for the Prem and European competitions - Covid has just slowed things down a long article but v interesting. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55131356 Why football is facing major change, despite 'toxicity' of Project Big Picture plan
Supporters will be allowed to drink alcohol without ordering a substantial meal when football stadiums reopen on Wednesday – but only if they are seated in concourses or hospitality areas. Updated guidance, issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in connection with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, also requires each club to produce a code of conduct for spectators, including the wearing of face coverings on entry and in concourses, queues and toilets. “Given the higher risk of transmission associated with singing and shouting, event organisers should remind spectators of this and strongly therefore encourage the use of face coverings in all outdoor spectator settings, including seats/standing points,” the guidance states. Drinks will not be permitted in seats in the stands but stadiums will be allowed to provide temporary seats in concourses.
I would be happy just to watch a game in person again. As long as I could clap and shout - who cares if I had to wear a mask and not have a beer at my seat?
Brexit cat among the PL pigeons .... The Football Association has announced a radical post-Brexit shake‑up that will mean Premier League and EFL clubs cannot sign foreign players until they are 18, with all transfers from European Union nations set to be subject to work permits that will be allocated using a points-based system. In a controversial move that could have seismic effects on the recent dominance of English clubs over their European rivals, a joint statement from the FA, Premier League and EFL confirmed on Tuesday that the new system, which will come into force when the UK’s transition period after leaving the EU ends on 31 December and has been approved by the Home Office, will also see Premier League clubs limited to signing no more than three overseas players under the age of 21 in any single transfer window and a total of no more than six per season. https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...-under-18-signings-in-post-brexit-regulations
For my two cents, the CL is already big enough. Any further enlargement will be a nail into domestic footballing leagues. I say no. Firm No. (Of course, no-one is asking me)
How many sub-18 yr olds that have been signed by clubs have really broken through and made an impact? Fabregas is one that comes to mind. Can't really think of others.
.......... also limit the number of U21 players that can be bought under a points-based system. At U21 or younger could include Sterling/Gomez? Or if foreign only U21 include Ronaldo/Jota/De Bruyne/Sane ..... I am sure there must be more?
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55172426 Premier League and EFL agree rescue package amounting to £250m The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have agreed a £250m rescue package to help ease the financial challenge faced by EFL clubs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The EFL will be assisted in getting a £200m loan for Championship clubs. A £50m grant has been agreed for League One and Two clubs. EFL chairman Rick Parry said it was a "welcome, tangible commitment to the professional game at a time when it has needed it most".