SAINTS have assessed their Staplewood training base for when they can welcome players and staff back.

The St Mary’s side are still waiting for the UK Government to give Premier League clubs the green light to return to training.

And in preparation of this Saints have looked at different ways they can bring staff back while keeping everyone safe.

However, these could be different from what the Government decides.

Saints want to be ready to go as soon as they are given the go-ahead to do so and have explored the practicality of limiting staff numbers at Staplewood, using separate entrances and parking apart.

It’s also been discussed whether players should arrive in their training kit to prevent them from having to get changed on-site.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden last week said that he has held discussions with the Premier League about a possible return.

This then led to the top flight reaffirming their desire to complete the 2019/20 campaign at Friday’s video conference.

As with other clubs, Saints are keen to finish the season but only when it’s deemed safe to do so.

They don’t want a football match to drain public resources during a global pandemic that has caused over 28,000 deaths in the UK.

Mr Dowden said: "I personally have been in talks with the Premier League with a view to getting football up and running as soon as possible in order to support the whole football community.

“But, of course, any such moves would have to be consistent with public health guidance."

During Friday’s Premier League video conference ‘Project Restart’ was discussed between the clubs.

This would see 8-10 neutral venues host the remaining 92 fixtures behind closed doors and would, therefore, mean clubs would be able to protect TV revenues. A vote on ‘Project Restart’ is set to take place at this Friday’s meeting.  

As usual, Martin Semmens and Toby Steele will represent Saints on the video call.