The comprehensive Portsmouth training ground measures to protect players from coronavirus

Regular temperature readings, washing your own kit and changing rooms out of bounds.
Kenny Jackett and Joe Gallen have been present at Pompey's ground on occasions, overseeing social-distanced training. Picture: Habibur RahmanKenny Jackett and Joe Gallen have been present at Pompey's ground on occasions, overseeing social-distanced training. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Kenny Jackett and Joe Gallen have been present at Pompey's ground on occasions, overseeing social-distanced training. Picture: Habibur Rahman

They are some of the measures in place to ensure Pompey players are protected from coronavirus at their Hilsea training base.

Although League One clubs are not yet back in full training, the Blues have continued to offer their squad the opportunity to use outdoor space.

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With individual time slots available, the sessions are designed to avoid large gatherings and use social distancing.

Jackett has revealed the raft of other precautions also present at their Copnor Road home on a daily basis to create a safe environment and limit the possibility of the pandemic.

‘We take the general wellbeing of our players very seriously,’ he said.

‘They come straight out of the car, don’t go into changing rooms and are at a safe distance from people to get some fitness and football work if they can.

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‘There is no food available and Roko is closed. So you come in the car, keep away from people, go straight out onto the grass and then go straight into your car afterwards.

‘The gym is out of bounds, we have deep cleaned it, as we have all of the training ground, while the youth guys haven’t been around either.

‘The only real department which has been working full-time are the groundsmen, there are two guys there most of the time in terms of maintaining the place.

‘Kit, food, and drink is your own individual responsibility, which really isn’t necessarily a hardship. Players must bring it themselves – and wash their own kit.

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‘It’s something you can get into the routine of pretty quickly. It’s an easy thing to do.

‘The temperature of the players are also tested every other day by a member of staff present.

‘We are getting into the routine of staying safe, but training still has to be optional.’

Although testing has started in the Premier League and Championship ahead of their anticipated return, the remainder of the Football League is in limbo.

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At present there is no testing at Pompey, while training continues to be non-contact.

Jackett added: ‘Actual contact and phase two is moving forward now with the Premier League.

‘That’s the real one we're waiting for, where we can perhaps put on some contact training.’

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