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Fixture News

Cowley: Secure Bubble A Must

Boss discusses Covid measures ahead of Wimbledon test

16 December 2021

Danny Cowley
Photo: Stephen Flynn
Fixture News

Cowley: Secure Bubble A Must

Boss discusses Covid measures ahead of Wimbledon test

16 December 2021

The weekend’s football schedule has already been hit hard by Covid-19, with several fixtures being postponed.

It has led the EFL to implement stricter protocols in an attempt to curb the impact of the virus, including increased testing.

Danny Cowley admits that Pompey are among the many clubs who have been affected by positive results.

And he is happy to abide by the rules if it means his side can continue to take to the pitch over the festive season.

The Blues boss said: “We’ve got some Covid cases within the organisation and we’re obviously following the protocols.

“The situation is escalating again and so we continue to adhere to the guidelines provided by the government and EFL.

“I’m worried for society in general because we looked to be starting to get over the coronavirus situation – it’s scary how quickly it can change.

“Seeing the amount of games that have been postponed in the past 48 hours, I’m naturally concerned. I think we’d all agree that Christmas is not Christmas without football.

"I think we have to follow the advice and do all we possibly can to keep our bubble as safe and secure as possible."

Danny Cowley

“But everyone’s health and safety is paramount – that goes without saying. It doesn’t matter whether it’s inside clubs or the supporters.

“I think we have to follow the advice and do all we possibly can to keep our bubble as safe and secure as possible.

“This is the reason why I’m speaking to the media via Zoom and other protocols have been ramped up by the EFL.

“We did lateral flow tests this morning (December 16) and we have to reduce the amount of time we spend inside, while being in smaller groups and stopping car sharing.

“In terms of matchdays, we’ll travel in two coaches and go back to players having single rooms when we need to stay overnight.

“We’ve lived by these processes before and know how they work, but it’s a shame because we felt we were moving away from them.”

Pompey’s next match sees them make the relatively short trip to Plough Lane to face AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Cowley said: “They have a real threat on the counter-attack and ask a lot of questions of you defensively.

“It’s no surprise to me that since we beat them at Fratton Park last month, they haven’t lost a game.”


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