Virus alert throws future of football season into disarray
‘LET’S SIT BACK AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS’ SAYS HAYES BOSS
WITH the FA suspending all football until at least April 3 due to the coronavirus outbreak, Hayes & Yeading United are among those clubs who face the prospect of weeks without football, if any more this season, in unprecedented times.
Hayes manager Paul Hughes remains philosophical about the situation as the UK went into lockdown on Monday.
“It was a shame having our game called off on Saturday, simply because of the good form we’ve been in,” he said. “We can’t wait for the next game to come at the moment. Of course, the reasons for the game being called off are justified and I hope this virus clears up as quickly as it emerged.
“We’re still training hard and will continue to do so until the government tell us otherwise, or the league make some sort of decision on how the rest of the season is going to be decided.
“All I can say is that the players and staff have worked extremely hard this season and everyone on and off the pitch should be proud of where the club is currently standing.
“We’ve a got a very good team, fantastic facilities and a plan of action [grant depending] to further develop the ground internally and externally.
“It’s an exciting time to be a Hayes & Yeading fan and I can only see positive things happening at the club over the next few years.
“Let’s sit back and see what happens in these unprecedented circumstances. As a member of the Hayes & Yeading dressing room, I can assure you we all want our shot at promotion given the position we are in and the games we’ve got left to play. We truly believe we can achieve something. Let’s see if we get that opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Wealdstone were one of 11 matches to be played in the National League South on Saturday, the Stones drawing 1-1 at Chippenham Town. They suffered a controversial offside decision when Moses Emmanuel scored, only to be flagged when still replays showed he was onside.
The result means Dean Brennan’s men remain top of the league, but now by only three points from second-placed Havant & Waterlooville, who won 2-1 at Dorking Wanderers.
Brennan’s team still have a vital game in hand, should the season be resumed.
On Monday the FA issued a statement saying: “We have issued a further update regarding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on football in England.
“Following the government’s announcement, for people to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible, we are now advising that all grassroots football in England is postponed for the foreseeable future.
“We have also decided to postpone all matches across all FA competitions, including those outside of the professional game, until April 3.
“We are committed to trying to complete all competition fixtures and will be liaising with the relevant parties to establish appropriate options to do so.
“Throughout this period, we have taken government advice with the priority being the health and wellbeing of all.
“We will continue to work closely with the grassroots game during this time.
“We are in regular communication with the government and the situation within English football at all levels remains under regular review. Further updates will follow as needed.”