Blue Toon boss wants some clarity over when fans will be allowed in

PETERHEAD boss Jim McInally is hoping for clarity on crowds sooner rather than later.

Lower league clubs such as the Blue Toon are set to return to action on October 6 in the Betfred Cup group stages with the new league campaigns pencilled in to begin on October 17.

Although the indication is that some fans will be allowed into stadiums come October, it is not guaranteed.

Peterhead are still finalising their budget for the new season and won’t start selling season tickets until the League One fixture list has been drawn up.

McInally believes clubs will also need to receive assurances at some point that they will be able to allow in fans and host matchday hospitality.

Scotland’s longest serving manager said: “I know it’s a difficult situation but, if we are going to be starting in October, we need to know sooner rather than later if we can have a crowd.

“I’m not disrespecting coronavirus or anyone who has been ill as a result of it, but I just don’t understand how you can go and sit inside a pub but you can’t go to a football match outside.

“If we’ve got to wear masks in shops why couldn’t supporters be allowed back into games if they wear a mask?

“To a certain extent now I think people are playing about with the game.

“I’m not being political, but the UK Government have been fantastic because if it wasn’t for the furlough scheme then I think there would be many Championship, League One and League Two teams out of business.

“Now we need the help of the Scottish Government to encourage us to sell season tickets by letting us know if we’ll have crowds.

Jim McInally: ‘I just don’t understand how you can go and sit inside a pub but you can’t go to a football match outside’.