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Brady in new null and void column explanation

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Karren Brady has used her column in The Sun to revisit her controversial comments of last weekend when it was claimed she called for the season to be nulled and voided.

The club’s deputy chairman, however, insists that was not the case and like the remainder in the club wants to see things played out to the end.

Whether it is a great idea to return to such a prickly subject a week on is a question on which people will hold a view or three but she is clearly determined to make her pointy.

The fact that it comes in a ‘paper which wrote what appeared to be a fictional story about the season ending with games being played on neutral grounds in the midlands with six squads having to share one dressing room for example is maybe a tad ludicrous.

And whether it’s a good idea for a senior executive to be writing for that or any other paper is a topic which is regularly on the agenda.

Commenting at https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/11220578/karren-brady-premier-league-coronavirus-whatever-it-takes/ she says: “I did NOT say (and I ask you to please go back and read what I actually said) the season should be declared null and void now.

I said that was an option only if the season could not be completed — but of course we hope it will be.

What you need to know is that we are doing everything we can to ensure the season does continue — and that all domestic and European matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

All of football is committed to finishing the leagues and playing out the remainder of the games.

Rules stating that the season must be completed by June 1 no longer apply, so it can be extended indefinitely.

We are doing whatever it takes to ensure the season finishes.

All football has been postponed until April 30. After that date we hope matches can again commence, behind closed doors if required.

But we continue to follow government advice because the progress of Covid-19 remains unclear and the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters remain our priority.

Every club has asked players to stay at home for the next few weeks so we can follow the advice of social distancing and to help others stay safe.

Players all have their individual fitness plans, gym equipment, and of course the support they need to ensure they stay fit and well to play the games when they do recommence.

Our stadiums, training ground and offices have been deep cleaned and every possible measure to provide a safe and sterile environment has been taken so when football does restart, everyone remains safe and well.

Behind the scenes people are working from home — and we are also working really hard at measures to support business continuity — despite the challenges that being unable to play Premier League football for a period of time naturally present.

Everyone here at West Ham is pulling together to support one another and, of course, assist the national effort to delay the spread of the virus.

Our priority and focus is the well-being of our colleagues, their families and everyone who is a part of the West Ham United family — and our main aim is keeping everyone safe.

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon