Keeping players match fit is a 'massive concern' for Cobblers

The restart date for the EFL and Premier League has been pushed back until at least April 30 but that appears optimistic at best, particularly after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered a three-week lockdown on Monday evening.

With people only allowed to leave their houses for essential travel to limit the spread of the coronavirus, footballers up and down the land are having to maintain their fitness levels at home.

The Cobblers were due to train at the PTS Academy Stadium this week but those plans were quickly shelved when the EFL confirmed the postponement of all fixtures would continue until the end of next month.

Nonetheless, it is still anticipated that the current season will restart and be concluded at some point over the next few months, so players must keep themselves somewhere near peak physical condition.

Asked if that's a concern, Thomas said: "Absolutely, that's a big factor and that's one of the points I've made because we need to get as much advanced notice of the season starting.

"That's where the challenge is really going to be because what do you do? The original date for restarting the season, on April 4, was already tight and you can't turn around on April 2 and say 'OK, we're going to play on the Saturday'.

"How can you prepare the players for that game? How can you prepare them to be ready? Do you get them together?

"You can also talk about injuries and potential injuries they could pick up. It's an unprecedented challenge.

"I'm sure Keith (Curle) will talk about this more but do you keep the players together? Do you keep them isolated and let them work on their own?

"The recommendation is not to go to the gym so they're having to do work in parks close to where they live and they're spending time with families.

"Whether there's a right or wrong, you won't know until it all plays out but it's very tough to know what to do.

"Fitness levels and players being together are a massive concern for all clubs."