London mayor appeals to soccer clubs

The mayor of London has written to each of the capital's Premier League clubs to ask for doctors and medical staff to join the National Health Service's fight against coronavirus.

Sadiq Khan sent a letter last week requesting support. In a historic move, the mayor asked for three different areas of help. He wants doctors, physios and other clinically trained staff to assist the NHS as they continue to deal with the pandemic, which has hit London harder than any area of the country.

He also asked for key equipment from training grounds which will then be used at many field hospitals which are being set up across the capital. The equipment requested features mobile catering facilities such as food heaters and refrigerators, which could prove invaluable.

Khan closed his plea by asking clubs to assist in providing accommodation for NHS workers while the struggle continues.

Sources have said that there is a keen desire among the clubs to assist. Each of those in the top tier has a trained doctor for each of its teams. They may well send academy doctors, while retaining a first team doctor should the Premier League restart over the coming weeks. Khan has also written a similar request to London's Championship sides.

The mayor did not write to Tottenham as they are already heavily involved in the process and sources said they will instead receive a 'thank you' letter.