Premier League ‘nowhere near’ a plan to restart the season, Aston Villa chief claims

The 20 Premier League clubs have discussed plans for a possible return to action in June

Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow says the Premier League are “nowhere near” finding a formula that would allow it to finish the season.

Professional football in England has been suspended since mid-March because of the coronavirus outbreak, with the United Kingdom recording more than 30,000 deaths.

The 20 Premier League clubs discussed plans for a possible return to action in June in “approved neutral venues” but the league cannot take any steps until a government decision on possible changes to lockdown restrictions.

“We’re nowhere near having found the formula to complete the season,” Purslow told The Times.

“I’m told how keen government are to get football back. I remain of the view that we’re going to complete this season and it’s a question of ‘when and how?’ not ‘if’.”

Villa were second bottom when the season was halted and Purslow has previously said relegation would be a £200million catastrophe for any club.

“Yes, of course I have to look after my club’s interests but there is a duty on 20 Premier League clubs to find a formulation that we know is nowhere near perfect but gets football back to complete the season,” Purslow added.

“People have to see through that we need 20 clubs to be happy and that’s the statesmanship job that’s needed at the moment in the league.”