'It'd be gut-wrenching' Steve Lansdown talks the possibility of missing out on play-offs and sport after coronavirus

The owner of Bristol Sport says it would be 'gut-wrenching' to lose out on a Bristol City play-off place because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Steve Lansdown is the boss at Bristol Sport - the umbrella company for Bristol City football, Bristol Bears rugby and basketball team Bristol Flyers.

Since the lockdown began there have been no fixtures, and teams have faced uncertainty over their position when games do resume.

The Robins would narrowly miss out on a chance to appeal for promotion if the average points-per-game model is followed. Credit: PA

This week, Championship sides are permitted to return to group training - but with stringent safety measures in place.

There will be ongoing testing for players and staff, and a maximum of five players will be allowed to train on the same pitch at the same time.

In addition to this, all balls and equipment are being disinfected between uses.

There also won't be any changing, eating or gym facilities open at the Failand training site.

Ashton Gate Stadium has remained a community hub through lockdown, with plans in the pipeline to bring in socially-distanced events. Credit: PA

It is a big step forward in the plans for football to return behind closed doors, possibly in June.

Steve Lansdown says however long they have to wait, the 2019/20 season should be completed on the pitch.

Bristol City were 7th, just outside the play-off places when the season was halted.

If the season is curtailed and the suggested average points-per-game (PPG) system is used, the Robins would just miss out on a play-off spot and the chance to challenge for promotion.

Something Lansdown says would be gut wrenching, but insists he'd feel the same way wherever City were in the table.

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Recent discussions in the rugby world have centred around lowering the salary cap for next season, i.e. lowering the maximum amount that can be spent on player wages.

Getting rid of the marquee player rule has also been muted, the rule which allows clubs to bring on two high paid players outside of the cap.

Steve Lansdown has spoken strongly against these proposals, suggesting rival clubs are being opportunistic in using the coronavirus crisis to make cutbacks.

Most clubs made 25% wage reductions during the lockdown period - but there are talks of continuing it, something Lansdown believes would stifle progress of the Premiership as a whole.

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There hasn't been an official update from British Basketball since the end of April, but given it's an indoor sport that's very much reliant on the ticket money from live audiences it is looking increasingly likely that Bristol Flyers won't see a resumption of their season.

Steve Lansdown has plans for a new 4,000 capacity arena next to Ashton Gate stadium, which will be home to the Flyers and serve as an entertainment and conference venue.

That project has been on hold for around six weeks but Lansdown says he's hoping to see progress resume over the next few weeks.

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Although Ashton Gate has been void of sport since March and all other events, including the Killers concert, have been postponed or cancelled, the stadium hasn't stood completely empty.

Like many stadia across the country, it has become a hub of community activity through the pandemic.

There are also plans for a drive in cinema this summer, something Lansdown hopes will help give a small revenue boost.

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