Bristol City receive further training guidance as players return to Failand under strict conditions

The Robins' squad are following strict social distancing on their return to training

Sides in the Championship have received a huge restart boost after the government released its 'phase two' guidance for athletes and elite sportsmen and women.

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/"

It is a boost to Bristol City's hopes of playing again.

The Robins have returned to training today, but will be following strict social distancing measures as outlined in EFL plans.

Yet the release of phase two guidance increases hopes that training methods can be stepped up in a short amount of time.

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."

The English Football League confirmed on Sunday afternoon that two people have tested positive from the same club - it was later to be revealed that the club in question was Hull City - after 1014 Covid-19 tests across the division took place. .

England's second-tier remains hopeful of returning to action, with players set to return for training in small groups on Monday, as seen with the Premier League last week.

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