Portsmouth assistant boss gives verdict on when the season could recommence

And Pompey’s assistant boss reckons finishing the season behind closed doors is a much better scenario than declaring it null and void.

The FA have postponed English football until the end of next month because of the coronavirus outbreak.

And with the country on lockdown for another two-and-a-half weeks, it means players will continue to train from home until the period is over.

But with the pandemic worsening across the UK, coupled with players losing match fitness during the hiatus, Gallen feels it won't be into May until the campaign might recommence.

Speaking to the Guardian, he said: ‘Everyone is thinking that’s not going to be the date.

‘If it is, then we’ll prepare accordingly, but I’m pretty sure that we won’t be playing games on that date.

‘When you finish in May, you normally get six to eight weeks off. And as soon as the players start to come back, they are usually into a certain shape after two and a half weeks.

‘The players are keeping themselves fit at the moment and the thing to say is that players do look after themselves, even during the off-season.

‘Invariably, most come back fit. They just do – at every level. It’s their job to stay fit. So my opinion, based on 20 years (as a coach), is that the players will be up to speed in two or two and a half weeks.’

It's still up in the air whether supporters will be allowed to attend matches when the season gets back under way.

Although it’d be a blow for Pompey to not have the Fratton faithful behind them, Gallen says it’d make more sense than scrapping the season completely.

He added: ‘If this season doesn’t restart and Liverpool don’t get the Premier League trophy, that would be heartbreaking.

‘If there was any opportunity to get the season done and dusted, that would be better than just leaving it and I’d say that with a heavy heart if the fans were not allowed to attend. It would stop a lot of arguments, a lot of lawyers.

‘The thing I would also say is if we all do right by the government and follow their instructions, we’ll be able to get our football season back quicker than if we don’t.

‘If everyone just carries on going about their business, it’s going to be longer.’