Harrogate Town’s Jon Stead eager to return as players train from home

However, just like the majority of his professional colleagues all over the world, the ex-Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City frontman is now getting to grips with something he has never had to do before – training in isolation at home.

As football comes to terms with the increasing challenge which the coronavirus pandemic brings to global sport, many sportsmen and women are being urged to stay away from clubs and remain at home. Swapping the training ground for the back garden.

“It’s very strange, training at home on your own, but this situation is completely unprecedented,” the 36-year-old said.

“I miss the dressing room and being around the rest of the lads at the club massively, I just can’t wait to get going again, whenever that may be.

“We’ve all been given specific training programmes, with body-weight exercises, plyometrics and running targets over various distances.

“It’s just a case of watching what you eat and finding a way to make sure that you stay as fit as you can be for when the games re-start.”

Due to coronavirus, so much is changing for so many.

Things once taken for granted, such as being able to purchase toilet rolls whenever you needed some, or watching the football club you support play on a Saturday afternoon are already beginning to seem like distant memories.

It goes without saying that this crisis is greater than any sport. People are dying and the lives of many others are at stake.

Yet, for those who love the beautiful game, a huge void has emerged.

Supporters are pining for some competitive action, while many of the players themselves are still trying to re-adjust to the culture shock of not being required to kick a ball in anger at what is traditionally the business end of the season.

Stead added: “It’s almost like pre-season, but the big difference is that you’re trying to maintain fitness rather than re-discover it after having the summer off.”