25 Apr 2020 14:27:28
Just uploaded a screenshot from a chat with a pal. He is senior, on the business side at Fulham. Its regarding starting the leagues up again.


1.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 14:40:16
The screenshot is not yet in the sightings section. But essentially Fulham believe the premier league will start in June, likely behind closed doors. 2 games a week until conclusion. The players need to get back to training first, but talks are under way between the FA and government.

{Ed002's Note - That is all news to the Premier League who met yesterday.}


2.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 14:51:44
are you still of the opinion it’s done Ed002?

{Ed002's Note - Until something changes and there is an end in sight it looks difficult. There is still a growing number of EPL clubs who are of the opinion that we need an achievable target date or we need to draw it to a close. Everything remains conjecture.}


3.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 15:12:01
Thanks Ed002.


4.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 15:35:53
I'm starting to sound like a stuck record, but I can't get my head round why there has to be a target for finishing the season. Forget about players contracts, it's not beyond comprehension to simply extend them till the season is concluded. As for next season, there isn't a cat in hells chance that it will start with watching spectators, if it starts at all. Next season, and probably the season after that, will be disjointed, so why timescales on finishing this? If all the complexities surrounding finishing it are of legal bearings, well there are far more complex issues in the world that need sorting, so they just need to get on with it and endeavour to finish it.

{Ed002's Note - No, clubs need to be able to shut this season down and prepare as best they can. You are not seeing beyond Liverpool - if it were Manchester City a long way ahead you would all be screaming fore it to end.}


5.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 15:36:48
Understood Ed, but with an end in sight only really coming in the form of a vaccine, which no one is expecting until some time in 2021, what does it mean for starting next season? Surely it’ll all be behind closed doors until the vaccine?

{Ed002's Note - Nobody has said that the "end" will require a vaccine to be available - if that is the case they can likely scratch this season and next. I have previously suggested not to expect to be able to attend games anytime soon.}


6.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 16:36:29
If Man City were a long way ahead then I would expect them to be awarded PL champions. No doubt about it 👍.

{Ed002's Note - You are missing the point - the issue is whether you wait endlessly to complete the season.}


7.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 17:03:28
Ed02, you and I have had this discussion before, which resulted in you using an expletive and me retaliating in kind and subsequently being barred for a short period. My reasoning has nothing to do with Liverpool. I've been present when we've won the league on the last countless occasions, so my desire isn't as great as others on here, to see us win it this season. Pretty much every industry in this country is having to think outside the box, either to continue or survive. I remember you saying a while back that the PL wasn't looking at disrupting next season, so as to accommodate this one. Well, as I've said, next season is screwed a we know it, so we may as well as get one job done and finish this one.

{Ed002's Note - It is terious listening to the same ill-informed BS.}


8.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 17:36:03
I believe there is a good chance the Bundesliga will start up next month. If so, we will see if the logistics work there as it will be a model for the EPL.

{Ed002's Note - No it won't. Germany was a light year better prepared than the UK and starting up on the basis of a different country starting up would be a recipe for disaster.}


9.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 17:49:00
Of course we want the league to finish, as Reds fans we believe our team deserve the chance if at all possible to finish the season and claim the trophy that we deserve to win this season. God knows we have waited long enough. Also certainly the neutral football fans I have spoken to and I think this goes for the majority of football fans would like to see the season completed, as being a Football Nation the chance to watch Football matches again on TV even behind closed doors would feel like a real treat right now. It would lift the nation and I think that's why there is still a strong desire to try and find a way if at all possible. Finally no-one really knows what the future holds until a vaccine is found so there is every possibility next season could be disrupted so why not conclude rather than risk the possibility of losing 2 seasons of football.


10.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 18:15:44
To the annoyance of Ed002 to whom I’d like to sip a cocktail one sunny day.

I’m with you Rome. Clubs can be preparing now during the crisis and as for pre season and needing a rest, the last 4 weeks has been enough rest for these super conditioned athletes.,

The winter break next year could he scrapped if need be to squeeze more games in.

This Pandemic comes around every 100 years or so, if our game can’t wait an extra month or so and delay next season ( so the players can have more rest Bla bla bla, the players contracts can be sorted before the 30th June, the tv deals. )

All of this shows everything what’s wrong with football, been saying this since the birth of the Premier League.

{Ed002's Note - Maybe you want to look beyond Liverpool, the embarrassment at the Premier League meeting and look forward. If you cannot see beyond Liverpool, which clearly you can't you need to get the club to put the case to the Premier league that Liverpool are awarded the title - which many clubs will fine with, and then people can move on.}


11.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 18:17:18
Didn’t realise the PL met again yesterday Ed, what was the general theme for discussion please and what did they discuss?

{Ed002's Note - The UEFA provided dates, the possible restart and resistance to it, what to say to and ask of the broadcasters, discussion with Government representatives, and the responsibility issues surrounding restarting (fans showing up and the show-stopper of whatif a member or members of a side contract COVID-19. One club wanted to discuss financial implications of their particular situation and there was a dispute between a couple of clubs.}


12.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 18:41:45
Cheers Ed, don’t expect you to to advise us in the dispute mate, that would no doubt create rubbish on here.

Thank you for the update Ed,

{Ed002's Note - There are a number of issues that would cause grief on here if it were explained.}


13.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 19:21:10
Ed, you are more informed than everyone here, which we are all incredibly grateful for each day. I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say this is the most reliable source of football information I read.

We get your point that you’ve said a million times over that we’re not seeing past from a Liverpool perspective, but remember this is the Liverpool page and we’ve been waiting a while for the PL title only for it to be potentially taken away via a global pandemic, we’re naturally going to be clawing at whatever we can.

Man City, Utd, Villa, Norwich, West Ham etc may want it ended, but I bet the likes of Leicester, Wolves and Sheffield Utd equally don’t want it ended.

There is a lot of confusion as to how this will pan out. Today got me thinking that even if this season was finished in a similar fashion to the Dutch league, what does it mean for the start of the next? Clearly the PL has to adjust and if they can put in place a safe way of doing so, why not do it to finish this season?

{Ed002's Note - I am afraid you would lose your bet. You need to separate the season not being completed and what then happens if that is the case. After one extremely stupid remark yesterday clubs will be thinking over a number of matters very carefully.}


14.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 19:55:59
Owe I wish there was a way if you telling us what remark was made without actually telling us lol.


15.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 20:16:48
There's a report Peter Moore's battle cry to complete the season was greeted by a wall of silence.
Was it stupid? Who knows .

I have nothing else to go off.


16.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 21:15:28
I think the decision needs to be made that the season can't be completed, it isn't worth risking lives over.

Then the consequences need to be decided, for ease I'll work from the top of the table down.
Do the current positions stand for prize money.
Do we have a vote on awarding us the title or just say no champions and it's bad luck?
For 'football merit' is the current positions fair for European qualification?
Do teams get relegated or do we increase the league for a year?

Personally I think we should be leading the way on this and put our vested interest to one side, health comes first. Let the players know where they stand and enjoy time with their families and have an extended break.
Plus if the clubs admit the inevitable they can deal with the logistical issues of staying a float.


17.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 21:19:30
I wish it was just about Liverpool Ed002, if so I’d be having a quiet night on here and just reading Ed001’s brilliant topics.

You can’t award Promotions To the PL and all the benefits associated, similarly, you can’t award CL spots and all the benefits associated- tv revenue, increased gate income ( I know this isn’t so relative, have taken note from Ylur previous discussions regarding bums on seats - I do listen to you! ) then there’s the added bonus of attraction better quality players by playing in the CL, this has been discussed many a time on here, especially the United page.

So we won’t agree on this Ed002 but I do appreciate your insight and knowledge as always, have a good weekend 👍.

{Ed002's Note - Making the season void is not an option. But by all means write to Mr Moore and suggest he proposes that to the Premier League at the same time as Liverpool are turning down the prize money.}


18.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 22:23:02
You know what Ed002.

I might just do that, give me your email address and I’ll BCC you in.


19.) 25 Apr 2020
25 Apr 2020 22:30:37
I’m intrigued by you Ed002, your knowledge of the game is without doubt is unprecedented, that’s why if I get the opportunity, I like to pit my pitiful wits against you.

I get you’re the opportunist, Nomadic, Rodeo Clown but I’d love to know your real profession and how you know so much about the game.

I would have no problem being stranded with you on an island for 24 hours to which I could seriously pick your brains.


20.) 26 Apr 2020
26 Apr 2020 11:19:28
I don't know what the prob is here, really. Ed02 has said repeatedly that voiding the season is OFF the table for the PL clubs. All other options are on the table and discussions are ongoing. Btw, Cancelling the season is NOT the same as voiding the season IMO, cos cancelling simply means we end the season where we currently are for which, the outcome will have to be determined.

If indeed Liverpool have become an embarrassment during these meetings then they should just chill out and stop acting in such a way. This is a complicated issue for which there are NO best case scenarios that will suit everyone involved (including the lower leagues) so let's wait and see.

On another note, I would like to thank Ed02 for all the information he provides us to keep us abreast with developments. Pls, continue to do so, my friend. Stay safe and YNWA!

{Ed002's Note - Thanks. One other consideration that perhaps has not been considered by those wanting to cancel or postpone next season's events is the money. There will be considerably more money lost that clubs cannot afford. There are clubs, including Liverpool who are depending on the final payments from this season to pay commitments the clubs have over unpaid transfer fees, money owed to banks, loans etc.. You will also likely see clubs coming begging for solutions to commitments already made for this summer - for example Chelsea has already more than £70M in agreed sales this summer and have already been approached by one side to request a discussion over payment. There will be others in the same position.

So it is not a simple issue for clubs to decide and the discussions about the dates UEFA are trying to impose could put undue pressure on the powers that be and result in a return to training and playing without the potential health consequences being taken in to account. And, in some countries, there is a chance that some clubs could actually refuse to play.}


21.) 26 Apr 2020
26 Apr 2020 11:23:45
I realise that what I’d like to see and what will happen are pretty far apart, but I’d like to have a working aim to start off this season again from March 2021 with whomever the clubs have been able to to keep hold of or recruit in the meantime. Have a years break then clubs can work out how to manage their finances to suit. No situation will suit everyone, but at least the virus will have time to be dealt with better without trying to shoehorn everything in to suit sponsors and fat cats. Take money out of the issue and rationality could function much better.

{Ed002's Note - Financially crippling and no chance of such an approach would be considered. If that were the case the "elite" sides would take the time to work on splitting away and numerous clubs would be out of business with no income at all. It is nothing whatsoever to do with "sponsors and fat cats".}


22.) 26 Apr 2020
26 Apr 2020 19:36:09
Many thanks for the info, Ed02. I did not even consider the money situation for next season should it be postponed or cancelled. Personally, I wanted next season to be postponed till this one is finished BUT thanks to your info, I now see how that can't work cos of the money and what clubs have forecasted and the commitments they have made to other clubs for transfers and unpaid payments for players, banks etc., based on those parachute payments.

I also feel that UEFA should back off a bit with their stance on dates when they would like the l=season to be finished cos we all know the Pandemic is a fluid situation and hence, all scheduling has to be fluid cos like it or not, it is the governments of these countries that decide when things can reopen again. Not UEFA. This is why the Dutch season was cancelled. The government said no movement or easing of lockdown till at least Sept. and based on how the Eredivisie is setup, Sept. just would not work so they chose to end everything right now. At least, that's what I read.

Please, keep the info coming, man cos I am getting smarter on this issue as it unfolds cos clearly, there are no silver bullets here. Stay safe, my friend.

{Ed002's Note - Money is a big deal for many of the clubs, including Liverpool. As for UEFA, they have backed off some but are interferring still. The "elite" sides wrote and told them they were well over the line with their demands and that led them to step back a little. Governments vary considerably - some will have a safe route in mind like the Netherlands and just make the decision. Others will allow pressure to get to them - but what if the unthinkable happens?}


23.) 26 Apr 2020
26 Apr 2020 22:15:53
We just got to wait and see, Ed02. Peace!