Ally Robertson: West Brom season finish can lift spirits

Earlier this month, Rick Parry – the chairman of the English Football League – wrote to all 71 clubs stating the current campaign could be concluded in eight weeks once it is safe to do so following the coronavirus outbreak.

All football activity is currently suspended due to the worldwide pandemic with it not yet known when – or in what format – Albion will be able to resume their push for the Premier League.

Robertson was a towering figure at the heart of the Baggies’ defence between 1969 and 1986 – with the Scotsman making over 500 appearances for the club.

And he believes Parry’s proposal, which includes finishing the play-offs, will help boost and entertain the country following our spell in lockdown.

“I think it would be fantastic if we are able to finish the season in 56 days,” Robertson said. “Of course, it will come down to how safe it is to do so. But it is what the clubs are talking about and it’s exciting to know it’s on the table because I think everybody wants to see that something is happening.

“You could easily fit the remaining games into that time period. And it seems likely all the matches will also be shown on TV which would be brilliant.

“It’s been described as a festival of football and I think fans would love it. It will lift everyone’s spirits having been stuck indoors for so long.”

Under Parry’s proposal, players could potentially return to training on May 16 to undergo what would effectively be a mini pre-season.

And Robertson says that time will be needed to ensure each member of Albion’s squad is match fit.