How much will Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact Aston Villa's season?

[Brassneck]

Know someone who works at a football league club and he said the word going around at the moment is that the new season could be starting as late as January.

That's another option that is realistic.

If we can't play in August, the chances are, we won't be able to do so in September and possibly October.  Next season could be scrapped as well, leaving us a few months next year to play out this season.

[Legion]

I think you could do with winding your neck in a bit. No-one said that. It was a representative poll on an impartial website which has far more visitors than this one.

[Brassneck]

I think you could do with winding your neck in a bit. No-one said that. It was a representative poll on an impartial website which has far more visitors than this one.

What was the Poll for?  Voiding the season or simply not playing on?

With UEFA's comments today, it looks like a sporting way must be found to determine Euro places.  Presuming we don't play on, there are 3 options to do that:

1.  Finish with places as they stand (as we saw in Scotland last week)
2.  Finish and average points so that all teams end having played an equal amount
3.  Scrap relegation and just determine the Euro places

Not playing on will not automatically  guarantee us safety.

Personally, I'm not convinced that Euro travel is going to be encouraged in time for qualifiers anyway.

[Legion]

It was linked to previously. I will see if I can find it.

[Meanwood Villa]

I'm a bit torn with the behind closed doors thing. On the one hand I would love to have some sort of sporting interest back, on the other still not being able to go to matches will be a bind. Let's be honest, if lockdown is eased and businesses reopen but mass gatherings are banned, as seems likely, then behind closed doors will happen so it's something we'll get used to I guess.

In terms of sporting integrity, whichever way they dice it there will be elements of unfairness. The virus has fundamentally put a dent into this season and almost certainly the next one and there will be winners and losers and lucky and unlucky teams coming out of it all. It does seem ludicrous that we could be relegated in our current position but as this situation continues and normality doesn't seem any closer it doesn't seem completely out of the realm of possibility.

One thing I will say is I'm not sure there's much point getting het up about it either way. Que sera sera, as we were singing not long ago!

[SteveN]

If social distancing is still a Gvt Instruction until Christmas how can any football be played.  Why should there be an exception for  football? (Insert Villa defence joke here)

Or am I missing something?

[Legion]

"What should the Premier League do with the 2019-20 season?

This vote is now closed. Here are the final results.

Declare season null and void 39%
End season now and leave table as it is 12%
Base season on points-per-game average 8%
Finish season no matter how long it takes 28%
Hold ‘festival of football’ ASAP to ensure all games played in short time 12%
Other 1%"

[Legion]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52282288

[Meanwood Villa]

I imagine most businesses will reopen in some capacity but there may remain a ban on large gatherings. In these circumstances I think they'll try and play matches again but with no crowds. Seems a long way off now but can see it happening.

[walsall villain]

I'm a bit torn with the behind closed doors thing. On the one hand I would love to have some sort of sporting interest back, on the other still not being able to go to matches will be a bind. Let's be honest, if lockdown is eased and businesses reopen but mass gatherings are banned, as seems likely, then behind closed doors will happen so it's something we'll get used to I guess.

In terms of sporting integrity, whichever way they dice it there will be elements of unfairness. The virus has fundamentally put a dent into this season and almost certainly the next one and there will be winners and losers and lucky and unlucky teams coming out of it all. It does seem ludicrous that we could be relegated in our current position but as this situation continues and normality doesn't seem any closer it doesn't seem completely out of the realm of possibility.

One thing I will say is I'm not sure there's much point getting het up about it either way. Que sera sera, as we were singing not long ago!

It’s going to be so difficult for football clubs until fans can safely return to watch. I think I’m too used to being there to have any interest in behind closed door football. I felt we were certs for relegation when the lockdown started, whatever the solution is I expect us to be in the championship next season (whenever that might be). I do hope clubs aren’t lost.

[walsall villain]

"What should the Premier League do with the 2019-20 season?

This vote is now closed. Here are the final results.

Declare season null and void 39%
End season now and leave table as it is 12%
Base season on points-per-game average 8%
Finish season no matter how long it takes 28%
Hold ‘festival of football’ ASAP to ensure all games played in short time 12%
Other 1%"

So my 56% was miles off. Don’t know where I got that from. No overall majority for any option then.

[Legion]

Perhaps it was 56% when you cast your vote?

[Legion]

I also remember it being significantly higher than that.

[walsall villain]

Perhaps it was 56% when you cast your vote?

Think so

[Stu]

What's the obsession with finishing the season anyway? They won't be playing again until there's a vaccine available, I reckon.