Luke Dowling

It's a Premier League classic.

Well, first of all, it's given us a belief that we will get back playing.

We've been initially back at the training ground now.

This is our fourth week because we've done two weeks of their individual training program, you know, within the guidelines.

And then since the 25th, the EFL allowed us to train back at the training ground in small groups.

And now we're in the contact training stage.

And as each week's gone by, you can see a real change in belief in the players.

And I think once the day came out last Sunday that we're going to get back planning the 20th, there's been a real swing and real change in the mood at the training grounds and how the players have come back and how the staff are.

I think we're really looking forward to it now.

Yeah, the initial period of lockdown was strange because although there was no football, the phone was relatively quiet as well, you know, in terms of players, staff, agents, and other things at the football club that may happen.

Because in the off-season, we all know that's probably the busiest time for someone like myself.

And then as the weeks have gone by, and certainly in the last week, 10 days, the only way I can describe it is it feels like a transfer window's open.

You know, the agents have suddenly come alive again.

looking for in the summer, which obviously, you know, that will decide on what league we're in.

But I think there's been a really, really big change since the 20th date.

From everyone at the club, even the people that aren't involved in the side of the game that I am, you know, they've got a little spring in their step because now it is real and we are back playing.

Yeah, I think, Keith, where we are fitness-wise and mentally, we're in a really, really good place.

You know, it wouldn't scare me if we were playing next weekend.

So the fact that we are playing the 20th and, you know, I've seen different clubs agree or don't agree with that start date.

And I think the best thing the UFA have done is taken out that midweek game in between the 20th and the 27th, which gives teams a week training, then going into the second game.