Stark warning to Jags and Kilby as re-start plans set
The chairman of the West of Scotland League has warned clubs that their bid to start the new season could be scuppered if they don’t strictly adhere to Covid-19 protocols.
Dave McKenna told the News that the WOSL and the Lowland League – along with clubs in the south and the east – are targeting an October 10 kick-off for the 2020/21 campaign.
But McKenna, who is also club secretary at Lowland League East Kilbride, has stressed clubs like his and WOSL side EK Thistle must be able to show they can comply with Scottish Government protocols if they are to kick-off on the provisional date.
He said:“We are in discussions with the SFA about October 10 and it’s at the early stages at the minute.
“We are hoping to start on October 10 and that’s a date based on what the SFA have said about contact training and arranging friendly games.
“At the end of the day, it’s all conditional.
“Discussions right now are mainly about the protocols to be put in place so everyone can be assured that we are
doing things safely.
“All clubs need to show that they can stick to the rules. Clubs can’t wait for these dates to come around.
“Protocols need to be in place, so that when those dates do come around we can show that people are complying with them.”
Scottish football has been rocked by two positive Covid-19 tests at Premiership side Aberdeen, where a total of eight players have been forced to self-isolate.
And on Tuesday it was revealed Celtic star Boli Bolingoli broke strict coronavirus rules after travelling to Spain and failing to quarantine himself for 14 days on his return, leading to the Scottish Government warning sport in the country could be paused as a result.
McKenna added: “The issue with our plans to return is that we must make sure all protocols are in place and players don’t end up doing what they shouldn’t. If that happens in any numbers, the whole thing could get pulled.”