‘We must be vigilant…’ – Exclusive: Whelan reacts to big update critical to Leeds
Noel Whelan insisted Leeds United should still resume their promotion push on 20 June despite eight clubs confirming positive coronavirus tests last week.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, the former Elland Road striker suggested increased squad sizes should allow for the Championship to resume even if some players test positive for Covid-19.
An EFL statement on Sunday revealed that 10 individuals had tested positive for the virus from the 1058 players and coaching staff tested on Thursday and Friday last week.
The 10 cases are from eight of the 24 Championship clubs with Preston North End striker Jayden Stockley confirming he was one of those who tested positive.
The EFL later announced that the Championship would aim to resume on 20 June if safety requirements and Government guidance is met.
When asked by Football Insider if the recent round of testing cast doubt over the provisional restart date, Whelan said: “It is not worrying at all.
“When you see 1 per cent coming back, that tells the story.
“There is going to be a few cases like the Premier League and they are going to be testing regularly in the lead up a restart.
“They are upping the squad sizes to 20 as well, instead of 18, which will give you more access to players.
“One per cent is very small and I see that as a success. Things are going in the right direction but we still must be vigilant.”
The Premier League posted no new positive cases in their latest round of testing.
EFL Chairman, Rick Parry, said: “We must stress that at this stage the date is only provisional and will only be confirmed once we have met all the requirements, as the health, safety and well-being of all participants, staff and supporters remains our top priority.”
In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED that club have set their sights on Argentina international who has £12million release clause.