WOS LEAGUE
Carlo Walker has pleaded for the West of Scotland League to kick off next month and urged clubs not to pull the plug too early.
More than 70 per cent of clubs have stated they don’t want the new set- up to start without a return of fans.
And the same number reckon their club would not survive more than four weeks without gate income. Only nine per cent believe they could see out the season.
More than half of the 55 out of 67 clubs who responded to the survey claimed their players would not be willing to travel home without access to showers and changing facilities, the current criteria for closed doors friendlies.
The poll vote was split between an October 10 or 31 start so the league now propose a kick- off no earlier than October 24 but are banking on an SFA/ Scottish Government financial package for a lifeline.
A league statement revealed: “The Interim Management Group are keenly aware that some huge decisions are looming and we believe it is vital that our clubs are at the heart of that.”
Walker, who is beginning his eighth season as manager of Maybole, insisted: “I am an optimistic person and want to remain that way.
“Give the season a few weeks with no crowds and then find a way to drip feed fans back into the game. There is talk of 25 per cent capacities and my club could live with that.
“We simply can’t play from now until January with no crowds, there would be no enjoyment. I’m pretty sure that most players would take wage reductions to help their clubs survive until crowds are allowed back.
“We have invested heavily in hospitality and could not sustain ourselves unless crowds can return.”
‘ Bole defender Fraser McMillan could be on the move after asking to leave Ladywell after four years.
GLENAFTON beat CRAIGMARK 3- 2 after taking an interval lead through Evan Maley and Mick McCann ( penalty). The visitors pulled back a penalty only for Maley to restore the two goal cushion.
‘ Mark, who have signed former Partick Thistle and Cumnock striker Jordan Kemoe, then fired over a second penalty before pulling back a consolation.
TROON beat Irvine Vics 10- 2 with two Academy starlets making their debuts. Jordan Lusk, 19, has signed a new deal after starring for the Under 19s the season before last.
WHITLETTS hit Creetown for six with Louis Kerr grabbing a hat- trick in a 6- 3 win at Dam Park.
Other goals came from Lyall Cameron, Jordan Boyd and Jordan Baird. Former Annbank midfielder Rory Tait made his debut.