Burnley boss Sean Dyche looking forward to return of fans to stadiums

Sean Dyche has welcomed the news that fans could be allowed back into football grounds from October.
Fans at Turf Moor for the Spurs game in March, the last time supporters could attend a Burnley matchFans at Turf Moor for the Spurs game in March, the last time supporters could attend a Burnley match
Fans at Turf Moor for the Spurs game in March, the last time supporters could attend a Burnley match

After lockdown in March, since the restart at the end of June, the remaining fixtures of the current season have been played behind closed doors, with only around 300 players, staff and personnel allowed inside.

But fans could return early in the 2020/21 season, which is provisionally set to start on September 12th, after a series of trial runs.

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There will be tests from August to look at the possibility of getting fans in sports grounds again, at a County Cricket match at The Oval, Glorious Goodwood and the Snooker World Championship.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “From August 1st we will pilot larger gatherings in venues like sports stadia with a view to a wider reopening in the autumn.

“From October we intend to bring back audiences in stadia in a Covid-secure way subject to the successful outcome of pilots."

But games are unlikely to be played in front of capacity crowds for some time yet, and therefore fans are expected to have to enter ballots for tickets.

Dyche said: “I think it will be good for the game.

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“Let’s imagine it’s safe and secure, but it’s good for the game, and the people who love and support football, and for the local fans who go to games.

“Hopefully there will be some strides forward, and once it’s up and running, hopefully it will open up quickly from whatever percentage is allowed at first, and we can get more and more fans in quite quickly.”