Players' welfare takes priority

  • by Staff Writer
  • Monday, 18th May 2020

David Moyes has welcomed the resumption of squad training - but insists the welfare of his players remains the highest priority.

It was announced on Tuesday that the Premier League is commencing phase one of Project Restart which enables its 20 member clubs to begin small group training - moving up from the individual routines that have been practised in the last fortnight.

And while Moyes welcomed the opportunity to begin to coach his players in groups once again - albeit in a non-contact environment only - he insisted that his primary concern is one of safety.


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"Like everyone, the players and coaching staff have understandably missed football but this is an unprecedented situation," he told whufc.com. "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.

"But the health and safety of our players and staff will continue to be our priority at all times."

And a club statement added: "West Ham United’s first team squad will step up to small group training on Tuesday, 19 May after the Premier League 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.


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"Many measures are already in place 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."

You may read the Premier League's statement confirming the beginning of ohase one of Project Restart here.

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