Jags boss wants the season thrown out
MARK PIRIE
East Kilbride Thistle manager Iain Diack has called for the current season to be voided – rather than promotion or relegation in the current standings.
The Jags had been set for a crucial sixpointer against Maryhill last weekend before the SFA and SPFL joint response group announced a shutdown amid coronavirus fears.
Having got off to a winning start, Diack is disappointed that the Showpark side’s West Region League One great escape bid has been derailed.
The gaffer doesn’t believe his side should be punished for sitting in the bottom three with nine games to play if the season is thrown out.
“It’s disappointing for us because myself and Kevin have just come into the job and had started on a positive.
“We wanted to start looking forward and climbing up the league table, but this can’t be helped.
“We are going to need to get on with it. As far as I know, the players are still allowed to train so we are going to get together and plan as if we are going to get back playing.
“We can’t know what the league are going to do but we have to just focus on ourselves. It could be a plus point that myself and Kevin get a bit more training time with the boys, but you miss out on the match fitness because we’re not allowed to play.”
He continued: “I would like to see the season finished.
“I’ve played in junior seasons and finals that have went on into late June, so it’s not uncommon that the junior season can go on.
“A lot will depend on the next few weeks, but it will be vital to give all clubs a chance to finish their season if possible.
“We would probably say this being in our position, but you would be hoping the season is voided if you can’t fulfil your fixtures.
“It’s out of our hands but you wouldn’t want to see a team relegated without being able to play out their games.”
Diack reckons the Jags will be financially secure during the period they are missing out on crowd revenue .
“We don’t pay a lot so I don’t think the outgoings will have a huge impact,” he added. “I don’t think on the playing side of things it will have a massive financial impact. Where we could feel it, is with the upkeep of the ground but it will all depend on how long the season is off for.”