Millwall manager Rowett: If risk is low, let’s return

Millwall boss Gary Rowett believes returning to training on May 16 will be a positive step, if the Government says it is safe and the players agree.

Players have been stuck at home for six weeks, on an exercise regime drawn up by the club – but could be coming into the training ground as individuals, in little more than a week.

But the next steps are more risky. The Lions manager said: “If there is plans to get sport back on TV I think that is positive – at least there is a will to do it.

“Many people will be asked to return to work and might not feel comfortable but might still have to accept it.

“Our team members want to get back – they are stir crazy. They are in good shape. They have been at home but can’t go out drinking or on holiday. All they can do is exercise and rest. I wish it was like this all the time,” he joked.

“At some point, clubs will have to accept some risk. How big a risk is too great? I am firmly of the opinion that if we can get back at a low risk, we should. We have to consider it from the financial point of view, for morale, and for saving businesses.

“You will get some players who are more nervous than others when it gets to things like five-a-side games. But we are being paid to do a job and if the Government feels it is safe, we will have to consider it.”

* Millwall striker Mason Bennett has said sorry over a video posted online that features him telling Derby’s Pride Park stadium to “f*cking burn.”

In a video posted on Snapchat, Bennett, on a half-season loan with the Lions from Derby, can be heard yelling the obscenity as he passes by Pride Park.

Derby fans reacted with anger and Bennett took to Twitter to apologise for the video.

“The video that’s come out was a private joke, didn’t mean any harm to the Derby fans,” said the 23-year-old. “The club has been great with me and I will always be grateful. I apologise if I’ve offended anyone.”