Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announces taskforce including Alex Scott to get sport back – The Sun

THE government is launching a "renewal taskforce" to help sport return – with ex-Lionesses footballer Alex Scott on board.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden wants advice on "how to get sport back safely in a way that works for clubs, players and supporters alike".

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And amid gradual easing of the Covid-19 lockdown, he said the government are looking for "new and different ways to get industries back up and running”.

Dowden added: “Finding creative, crowd-free ways to navigate coronavirus is the biggest challenge for our recreation and leisure sectors right now”.

He confirmed the government are expecting a gradual process, not a sudden return, and insisted safety concerns will remain the priority.

Premier League clubs are slowly resuming training, albeit non-contact.

And after top-flight action was suspended on March 13, clubs hope to start playing the remaining 92 Prem matches in June – all behind doors.

News of the taskforce comes a day after the Prem revealed six players and staff have tested positive for Covid-19, across three clubs.

Jamaica defender Adrian Mariappa, 33, announced on Wednesday afternoon he was one of a trio at Watford to find they had coronavirus.

He told the Telegraph: "It was a big surprise because I haven't really left the house.

"Apart from some exercise and the odd walk with the kids, I've mainly just been homeschooling and keeping fit… My lifestyle is very quiet."

Burnley assistant manager Ian Woan and two others at an un-named third club also tested positive.

But ex-Arsenal right-back Scott's involvement in the advisory group was revealed just as Women's Super League and Championship clubs said they are expecting their season NOT to resume.

Scott, 35, now a TV pundit, played 140 games for England and five for Great Britain, as well as enjoying spells with Birmingham, USA side Boston Breakers and, twice, Arsenal.

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