Sunderland legend Gary Bennett delivers verdict on coronavirus fixture suspension - and has this message for squad

Sunderland legend Gary Bennett says the decision to suspend all football league fixtures until April 3 is the correct call - ahead of an uncertain few months.
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The spread of coronavirus has seen the season halted for a minimum of three weeks with the Premier League and EFL suspending all fixtures until April 3 at the earliest.

It is an unprecedented move but one the authorities and governing bodies felt compelled to take after the situation worsened over the past 24-hours with a raft of managers, coaches and players being struck down with the virus.

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The Black Cats now face a three-week break from fixtures with the away trips to Blackpool and Southend United postponed.

Sunderland legend Gary Bennett.Sunderland legend Gary Bennett.
Sunderland legend Gary Bennett.

Former skipper Bennett told the Echo: “I think it is the right decision - look at Europe, Italy, Spain, other countries have been suspending leagues or playing behind-closed doors.

“It was just a matter of time.

"The numbers of people diagnosed has increased, it wouldn’t be so bad if it was just in one place but there was going to be so many people from all areas travelling to congregate at games so it makes it very difficult to carry on as normal.”

However, a raft of questions remain unanswered moving forward including when will the season actually re-start, will it extend into the off-season, will the play-offs go ahead as planned and the potential knock-on effect on next season.

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Bennett added: “The question will be how do you now get the games in? Do we play two or three games a week when the season resumes, there is a big knock-on effect, how do you fit them in? It will affect the play-offs, the Euros - how will that sit - there is a lot of uncertainty.

“When you look at it, we are not just talking about April 4, it would be great if we are back then but then you look at how do you fit all the games in?

“Do you extend the season? If you do, it is a domino effect; play-offs, Euro 2020, pre-season, when does next season start etc etc.”

Bennett added: “I’ve never had anything like this when I was playing.

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“For the players, it is just a case of staying professional, look after yourself, keep on top of your fitness, the players need to keep fit and ticking over somehow, though it won’t be the same.

“It will be interesting when the clubs do come back, are they going straight into games or will they have any training games or a mini-pre-season?

“It is about getting the players back up and running.”

Sunderland were due to face Blackpool away on Saturday ahead of a fortnight's break in fixtures anyway due to the Bury game having already being called off after they were expelled from the EFL.

Meanwhile, Sunderland has also announced the Durham County Challenge Cup Final, between SAFC U23s and Spennymoor Town, has been postponed. It was due to take place March 31.

A statement read: “A new date will be confirmed in due course.”