LET’S get one thing clear from the outset, unless I’ve missed out on some crucial information it appears to me that football thinks it’s more important than life itself. It isn’t. Tens of thousands of people are dying in a global pandemic.

The game, like lots of other sports, sold its soul to broadcasters years ago. And it appears those big money deals need to be met and satisfied. The way negotiations are going leaves a sour taste. Let’s have some dignity please.

Don’t get me wrong, I want to see the game return too, just not at any cost. I’m totally against playing games behind closed doors, but that option seems to be on the cards.

The current campaign should be completed, so stand by for a way to make it work.

As lots of people are coming up with hair brained scheme’s I thought I’d join in the fun.

(Yes I know that lots of you are already thinking he’s got no hair and maybe lacking in the brain department but bear with me I have a cunning plan).

Now remember there isn’t a “one size fits all solution” to this problem, but rather than play games in Australia or the Middle East as I’ve seen suggested, my plan solves the issue of players having to be completely match fit - and it sits easily within the current government guidelines for social distancing.

The first step to take would be to only play games that affect promotion or relegation - so that removes a few fixtures.

Last season Wanderers didn’t complete all their fixtures, Brentford were awarded the points by the EFL, and I seem to recall a few years ago Middlesbrough failed to complete a fixture with the opposition declared as winners.

So let’s say that games that don’t affect promotion or relegation are given a point each from a 0-0 draw, or a goal each as well from a 1-1 draw.

All other matches are then decided by a penalty shoot-out which is televised.

Last time I checked, the penalty spot is 12 yards from the goal or 10.97 metres, so well within the current social distancing advice (box ticked).

Plus there would be no physical contact (box ticked).

All the penalty shoots out to be televised (box ticked).

Now to the players and the issue of pre-season style match fitness to play games. Not necessary.

Nominate seven players to take spot kicks - maybe one has to be a goalkeeper? (Match fitness box ticked).

You could even carry out this procedure at the club’s training ground in preference to using a main stadium if desired, which cuts down the number of people who may needed to be in attendance - another box ticked.

It’s also likely that the campaign is completed over a few days, which will then allow the new season - whenever it begins - to be adjusted accordingly when everyone starts from scratch and will be aware of any changes or alterations to the structure. Another box ticked.

Whilst you may be thinking I’ve completely lost the plot allow me to remind you of the following.

You can win the World Cup on a penalty shoot-out. You can win the FA Cup, League Cup, and Champions League by winning a penalty shoot-out, not to mention promotion to the Premier League, Championship, League’s 1 and 2 plus promotion from the National League, all can be, and have been won by winning a penalty shoot-out.

Now remember what we agreed earlier...there isn’t a “one size fits all” solution to this situation. I did say I’d like to join in the fun… now where did I put that tin hat?

All the best folks. Keep caring and sharing.

Jacko