Former Aston Villa striker Garry Thompson: Player safety at top of agenda

Villa hero Garry Thompson claims the health and safety of players must stay top of the agenda in talks over the Premier League’s possible restart.

The top flight was today expected to move a step closer to a resumption when clubs voted on a return to contact training, following further talks yesterday involving managers and captains.

One of the main topics under discussion was the increased risk coronavirus poses to BAME players.

Watford’s Troy Deeney and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante are among several players who have declined to return to training since players were allowed to begin working in small groups last week.

Former striker Thompson told the Express & Star: “Everyone’s circumstances are different and a lot of players will be keen to get back playing again. But from everything we have been told, you can totally understand the stance of those players who are staying away.

“They will be asking themselves whether it is worth the risk?

“I think we have all missed football over the past two months and it would be great to have it back. But first and foremost it has got to be safe for the players.”