Play Better Golf
With Niall McGill
A number of football clubs in Perth and Kinross remain out of action despite some leagues getting the green light to return.
After a two-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 and SPFL League One and Two teams can now get back to training.
Players in the respective leagues will be required to undertake PCR testing once per week.
The Scottish Cup has also been given approval to resume, with all clubs in the competition given permission to participate subject to compliance with PCR testing requirements.
Not all levels of football can return though, including St Johnstone WFC who play in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2.
The amateur and junior game remains on hold, as does the East of Scotland League where Perthshire clubs Jeanfield Swifts, Kinnoull and Luncarty all ply their trade.
Luncarty manager Robbie Holden said: “It’s a positive that it’s the first step in the return for the lower leagues.
“But with the Lowland League down not being able to return, it’s still slightly disappointing for us.
“Our league has been good. The fixture secretary has been proactive around looking at all options. As the weeks pass the options diminish in terms of avoiding null and void. We want to finish what we started.
“Can we finish the full season? We’re running out of time. There are other options but it’s all dependent on the return date.”
Online fitness work has been continuing for the Bleachers, who currently sit second in the East of Scotland League Conference B after their seven played matches.
“The Zoom calls and getting to see the faces of the squad together gave us a lift,” Holden continued.
“The thought of getting back out on the training ground with all the guys again is something we’re desperate to do.
“We’d need a mini preseason. Worst case you would need two weeks. There is the usual camaraderie in the team but the latest announcements have maybe taken a bit of enthusiasm out of the guys.
“We’ve got a job to try and lift everyone again at the point of