The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are the current holders of the Grey Cup. Theyβll have that trophy for a while longer though due to the cancelation of the 2020 Canadian Football League (CFL) season. How will this affect the Blue Bombers, and can they successfully defend their title in 2021?
It was a momentous season for the Blue Bombers in 2019, winning the Grey Cup for the first time since 1990. The form of Andrew Harris was impressive throughout the season, culminating in winning the MVP and Most Valuable Canadian awards in the final.
With their 11th Grey Cup title under their belts, everything was set for the defence of their title. Then came the coronavirus pandemic and the season was delayed. There were plans to play a reduced season with Winnipeg as the hosts.
However, the funding wasnβt in place for this and the 2020 season has been cancelled. The plan now is for the CFL to make its return next year, probably in June, which all sounds a long way away
Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike OβShea is understandably disappointed with the 2020 season being ruled out. He described the news as βone of the saddest days Iβve had in a long, long time.β
The Blue Bombers had prepared well for the defence of the Grey Cup. Keeping their squad of players focused during the long wait for a new season is a key job for OβShea.
He recently held a Zoom call with his squad, and he told them βtheyβve got to look after each other. Theyβve got to be able to lean on each other.β His key aim is for the players to be βgreat teammates to each other.β
This is a situation that we havenβt encountered in the past. OβShea knows he has to manage his squad carefully in order to prepare them for 2021. He understands that there has been an βemotional letdownβ with the season being cancelled. Some will want to focus on training, others will want a break from the game. He believes both actions are correct ones to make.
Youβll be able to check out the odds on the Grey Cup at the impressive William Hill Sportsbook. The head coach believes his team would have had a βgreat opportunityβ to win the Grey Cup again. There have been several new additions to the squad as they attempt to retain the Grey Cup.
New players include Alonzo Russell, Makinton Dorleant Russell (fresh from playing in the 2019 XFL season), Montay Crockett, Doran Grant, Nolan Ulizio and Mekale McKay.
The 2021 Grey Cup will be held in Hamilton, itβs already being described as the βlargest reunion in Canadian sports history.β A lot of water will flow under the bridge by the time that is reached. The Blue Bombers will have their work cut out to again win the Grey Cup, but they are in good hands with OβShea in charge and he will do his best to get his squad playing at their best in difficult circumstances.
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