Mark Noble and David Moyes could be interviewed on TV during games as part of Premier League return – report

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West Ham United manager David Moyes and his players could be interviewed on live television DURING matches under new plans to restart the season.

West Ham’s battle for survival is on hold as a result of the global health crisis.

There has been claim and counter claim over when, how – and indeed if – football will resume.

But there is a growing consensus that the Premier League will resume. That will be behind closed doors at a selection of neutral venues. And only when the government gives it the all-clear.

Project Restart talk gathering momentum

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has been very vocal on the subject. She has used her latest column in The Sun to insist “all 20 clubs” want to finish the season despite reports to the contrary from the likes of Claret & Hugh.

West Ham skipper Mark Noble is said to be a “leading figure” alongside Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Tottenham’s Harry Kane in fielding concerns from Premier League stars over the season resumption (Daily Mail).

Sky Sports claims the Premier League’s Project Restart could see West Ham’s season resume on or after June 8th at eight-10 neutral venues.

More – or potentially all – games will be screened live. And it appears there could now be an added twist if and when football does return.

In an exclusive yesterday The Telegraph claims managers and players could be interviewed mid-match in an effort to appease the broadcasters who shelled out billions for the rights.

Moyes, Noble and co could be interviewed mid-match to placate broadcasters

The report reiterates that broadcasters could demand a £762million rebate if the season is abandoned. Even when divided among the clubs, that would mean West Ham having to find nearly £40million to refund.

But even if West Ham do resume their relegation battle, the goalposts have, quite literally, moved. And now clubs will reportedly have to go the extra mile to keep their pay masters sweet.

“Broadcasters could be allowed to interview players and managers during games in innovative plans being discussed by the Premier League to head off demands for money to be repaid because the season is set to be completed behind closed doors,” The Telegraph claims.

“The Premier League has also told the clubs they need to provide “additional content” for the broadcasters. And they have described it as “critical” but, interestingly, also points out this is a “political requirement” from the Government to allow the matches to be played.

“Intriguingly, the content could involve players and coaching staff being interviewed during games – possibly referring to substitutes and coaches on the bench and dug-outs – and at half-time as well as before and after matches which would be a radical departure and would obviously need the consent of clubs and managers. BT already do in-game interviews as part of their rugby union coverage where coaches are talked to on the bench.”

All should become clearer next week

For West Ham that could see the likes of Moyes, Noble and co interviewed mid-match to make matches more appealing to viewers.

Camera positions could also be moved to avert eyes from the empty stands.

Canned crowd noise and officials being mic’d up are also said to be possible options to ‘add value’.

It would certainly add intrigue even if Moyes, Noble and co might not like the idea. They would have to get on board for the sake of West Ham’s finances.

What happens with West Ham’s season will likely become clearer this week. The government is due to announce its lockdown exit strategy. And Premier League clubs meet again on Friday.