Lee Johnson reveals date when Bristol City could resume season and potential travel trouble

The Robins head coach outlined the restrictions that are likely to be in place for away games

Bristol City are in something of a blessed position when it comes to the resolution of the 2019/20 season and the various theories, proposals and forecasts that have been proposed, debated, rejected or agreed.

With CEO Mark Ashton on the EFL Board, as head coach Lee Johnson has said, the club are constantly receiving credible information on how the 2019/20 campaign will finish and what restrictions will be in place.

There remains optimism within City, as has been the case throughout lockdown, that matters will be finalised on the field, as opposed to curtailment and deciding standings via points per game.

City returned to training on Monday, albeit in small groups with no heading or contact, but Johnson remains confident and hopeful that their remaining nine fixtures can be played.

When asked on BBC Radio Bristol as to if the club had been given a date as to when games will resume, Johnson said: "No, we haven't and that's probably the most challenging element for us.

"Because you're on build-up to that crescendo in terms of when the games start, to crank up the intensity and fit together pieces of the jigsaw.

"The sooner the better, to be honest. But there's still a little bit to do with that. I hope it's somewhere between the second and third week of June, I think that will be ideal.

"They're trying to get the season done and one of the big issues is the contractual situations of the players. They certainly don't want it dragging on too long, certainly past the end of July."

Although the prospect of holding matchdays in neutral grounds has been mooted, there appears a drive to maintain the dynamic of home and away matches, as has been the case in Germany's Bundesliga.

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However, with no option for overnight stays or even flights - due to the need to maintain social distancing among the squad - City would have to revert to the old-school method of hitting the road, and on several team buses.

Of their nine remaining games, four are away with matches at Blackburn (396-mile round trip), Nottingham Forest (288), Middlesbrough (538) and Swansea (160).

Given that at least two fixtures are likely to take place per week, due to the limited timeframe to complete the season, that is an extra challenge for Johnson to overcome in managing player fatigue.

In normal circumstances, the Robins would travel up on the day before a game, giving themselves at least 24 hours to get prepared. And, on previous occasions, they've flown to play at Middlesbrough.

Indeed, the club's attention to detail on away trips, in terms of focusing the playes and getting them mentally and physically prepared has been cited by the head coach as a major factor for their outstanding record on the road.

"I believe, at the moment, you'll play home and away," Johnson added.

"Without hotels open, it'll be a day trip with social distancing, so you'll probably have to take two, if not three, buses; I think you can only fit 17 on a bus with social distancing.

"So everything has to be taken into account and rightly so as the safety of the players is paramount."