Alex Miller’s column: Sheffield Wednesday have shown class in 'player first' message

And as Garry Monk took the time to explain to the media earlier this week that he would be supportive of any player that has concerns over a return to training on Monday, there was an earnest in his voice that suggested he really, really meant it.

“I think football players have been portrayed particularly poorly during this period, with what I’ve read,” he said.

“They’re human beings. They’ve got the same problems as everyone else, the same issues as everyone else, the same concerns as anyone else.

“There have been no reservations from our players on returning to training just yet, but if a player has an issue or has a feeling that there’s a certain risk to himself or their families, you have to consider that and have to understand that.”

It’s a human, player-first attitude that has been somehow lacking in the game’s response to the coronavirus crisis, with a return to action seemingly used as a yardstick for societal recovery across Europe. The size of a footballer paycheck has too often seen them reduced to little more than the numbers on the back of their shirts.

From Government health secretaries peddling criticism of their financial contribution to society while party donors go unscrutinised, to criticism of Watford captain Troy Deeney for daring to express concern over a return to training due to the health of his five-year-old son, Monk’s words have served as a welcome change.

The Owls boss spoke to his players on Monday to discuss the measures that would be taken as they prepare to head back to Middlewood Road. Anyone with concerns, he stressed, should go to him. Their words would be heard in the strictest confidence.

Speaking to the local media in what was our first ‘virtual press conference’ with the club since lockdown started, he could have fobbed the issue off with an indirect answer as many of his management colleagues have done in the past few weeks. But he didn’t.

“We've left it with them to digest and go through that and obviously a response will come whether that's individual,” he said.

“Collectively there was no issues with it but as with anything with a group of people sometimes people will want to speak about an issue privately.

“I've had nothing so far but maybe in the coming days, there will be. They know that if anybody does have any issues they know to speak to us and we'll go through them.”

It’s a clear and public response, almost an invitation to his players, that will help give any of those concerned the confidence to speak out should they feel they need to.

And considering the situation Monk finds himself in, that’s commendable given he’d no doubt want his squad to have as much time on the training ground as possible.

Garry Monk has put the physical and mental welfare of his players above a pressure to get them onto the training field. Good on him. One day it’ll be over to them to repay it.