West Ham United’s first team squad will step up to small group training on Tuesday 19 May after the Premier League today confirmed the agreed requirements.
Players and staff will follow a protocol agreed by the Premier League, its 20 clubs, independent experts and the Government, in line with the current social distancing measures, with working practices only being extended if and when the Government give their permission to do so.
The Premier League statement issued is published here in full:
Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to return to small group training from tomorrow afternoon – the first step towards restarting the Premier League, when safe to do so.
Step One of the Return to Training Protocol enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing. Contact training is not yet permitted.
This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the Government. Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.
The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League’s priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process. Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed.
Many measures are already in place at West Ham United, including a health screening and temperature check tent upon arrival at Rush Green, one of a number that has seen the Club go above and beyond the Government and Premier League recommendations.
In preparation of the protocol being agreed and ahead of small group training beginning, players and staff underwent their first of two weekly COVID-19 tests at Rush Green over the weekend.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has been in regular contact with manager David Moyes, coaches, captain Mark Noble and the players through conference calls to ensure the health of everyone at West Ham United is at the heart of everything we do and that every decision is transparent and agreed with them.
David Moyes said: “Like everyone, the players and coaching staff have understandably missed football but this is an unprecedented situation and we totally understand and respect the measures that are in place.
“A lot of work has been carried out by our excellent medical and coaching staff on routines and programmes in anticipation of a return to small group training, and we are ready to go. The health and safety of our players and staff will continue to be our priority at all times.”