Derby County restart plan given huge boost after key update

The Rams are due back in training from today with a view to resuming their Championship campaign

Derby County's return to action has moved another step closer after the Government published "stage two" of its guidance which enables competitive and close-contact training.

This next stage will enable footballers to return to close-contact and competitive training, provided it has the "appropriate carefully controlled medical conditions in place".

Derby's players are due to report back to Moor Farm from today.

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Both public health officials and sports medical officers have contributed to the guidelines, with "stage three" of the Government's protocols expected to centre around a return to action in June.

The new guidelines state that: "Stage Two training can be described as the resumption of close contact (interaction within the two-metre social distancing boundary) training where pairs, small groups and/or teams will be able to interact in much closer contact (e.g. close quarters coaching, combat sports sparring, teams sports tackling, technical equipment sharing, etc).

"This new guidance marks the latest phase of a carefully phased return to training process for elite athletes, designed to limit the risk of injury and protect the health and safety of all involved," Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said.

"We are absolutely clear that individual sports must review whether they have the appropriate carefully controlled medical conditions in place before they can proceed, and secure the confidence of athletes, coaches and support staff.

"Given the wide-ranging input we have received from medical experts, we believe these pragmatic measures should provide further reassurance that a safe, competitive training environment can be delivered, as we work towards a restart of professional sport behind closed doors when it is safe to do so."

With nine matches left to be played by each club, there remains a strong desire from Championship clubs to ensure the season is completed.