Rotherham United boss Paul Warne self-isolating after family member tests positive for Covid-19

A member of Warne's family has recently tested positive for coronavirus and the Millers boss must isolate as per Government guidelines.

That means he will not be in the dugout for Saturday's home game with Norwich and Tuesday's trip to Nottingham Forest.

Assistant boss Richie Barker and first-team coach Matt Hamshaw will take control, but Warne will be watching the game and communicating with his staff throughout.

He has been watching training sessions this week on video and had several meetings as he tried to do the job as well as he can remotely.

“One of my family members had a bit of a fever and we went for a test last Thursday,” Warne said. “They were positive, I was negative. We got tested again on Friday to confirm the results.

“At this moment, I don’t have coronavirus. I don’t have any symptoms. But because of Covid restrictions, I have to self-isolate and stay away from the squad for two weeks.

“I’m blessed with the fact that we’ve put together a really good team of players and staff. I don’t fear we’ll be under-prepared in any kind of way.

“I have staff I fully trust. It’s just frustrating. I feel great but I can’t do anything.”

Meanwhile, chairman Tony Stewart has thrown his weight behind Project Big Picture, calling it a “long-term fix” for EFL clubs.

The controversial plan, the brainchild of Manchester United and Liverpool proposes to make immediate emergency funding of £250million available to EFL clubs, who would also receive 25 per cent of future Premier League broadcast earnings.

“It's a deal that been waiting around the corner that has been waiting to come into our vision,” Stewart said.

“It's not a knee-jerk, it's a long fix, a permanent fix and we need to align ourselves so the 72 clubs get closer to that satellite, which is the Premier League.

“It is the best idea and it ticks all the boxes. It's the best solution, not just for now but for the best future.

“We are all suffering, some more than others. We have got no income from season tickets, sponsorship is dire, we are putting on a show, unlike the theatres and cinemas, they're not putting a show out because they haven't got an audience.

“We are putting a show out, but we are not getting paid for it. It is dire, it is serious and I have said that at least half a dozen clubs will go bust this month if something doesn't happen very quickly.”

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