Andy Johnson: West Brom ‘deserve to go up on pitch’
Andy Johnson hopes the football authorities can find a way to complete the season so Albion can go on and win the promotion they "deserve."
But the Baggies favourite finds it interesting so few professionals have given their views on how they feel about playing while the country continues to battle coronavirus.
Football is currently suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19 but discussions regarding its return are gathering momentum.
The Premier League, EFL and government are locked in talks for what has become known as 'Project Restart.'
But while Johnson is eager to see the game return, he would also like a greater understanding of how footballers feel about playing while the country works to contain the virus.
"From my point of view I really hope football comes back and we get the season finished." the retired midfielder said.
"But I think it's interesting we haven't heard from a lot of players themselves.
"Safety and people's welfare has to come first but up and down the country, there hasn't been many players speaking out.
"Football is a contact sport and we've got to think about those that are playing.
"They can't be putting themselves and their families at risk.
"We need to find a safe way for the remaining games to be played and the season concluded.
"I don't know how they do it – I'm glad I'm not the one making the decisions.
"But everyone is missing football I think it will lift everyone's spirits if we can get it back on."
Albion currently sit second in the Championship, six points ahead of Fulham in the race for automatic promotion.
And Johnson – who still works for the club as a commentator – has been immensely impressed by the job Slaven Bilic has done at The Hawthorns this season.
"The job Slaven has done is unbelievable," the 46-year-old said.
"The Hawthorns is bouncing again and it's lovely to see.
"At the beginning of pre-season, everyone was a bit doom and gloom – we had no manager and no new signings.
"But we were patient, got the right man and he's done an incredible job gelling the club on and off the pitch.
"We've got a togetherness we've not had in a long time – and that is why we deserve to go up.
"We've played some fantastic football and 80 per cent of the season is now done.
"For me, we definitely deserve to go up whether that's by playing the final nine games or by promotion being decided by something like points per game."
