Respected duo say return a long way off
Two well-respected amateur football officials have said teams may fold if competitive matches don’t resume soon.
But regrettably, one of them says it still seems a long way off.
The Stirling Observer spoke to Doune Castle’s Ian Somerville, a Past President and Life Member of the Caledonian League, and Pat Griffin, a founder of the Bannockburn-based Milton FC, about the future of amateur football.
Both clubs - along with many others - have been in limbo since their seasons were halted back in October last year, only a couple of weeks after they resumed for the 2020-21 term.
The most recently imposed, stringent measures included a ban on non-contact training and Ian said: “At Doune, the number of players and coaches affected by travel restrictions, combined with concern regarding the potential spread of the infection, meant we didn’t even attempt that form of ‘activity’.
“Given the understandable caution adopted by the Scottish Government, it seems unlikely there will be a relaxation on amateur football for a considerable period of time yet.
“The vaccine clearly offers longer-term hope, but the time it will take to roll it out across the entire adult population may well be a factor the government will consider when reviewing restrictions on our game.”
He added: “Across the game, the optimists still hope there will be some amateur football this season. Increasingly, however, I think there’s a realisation that’s unlikely to be a normal league programme. I think some leagues are veering towards a reduced match schedule, with others thinking they may run some form of cup competition.
“Again, travel restrictions will be likely to impact on any potential plans. One league, the Strathclyde Saturday Morning League, has already declared its season null and void.”
The difficult thing for clubs and their players is keeping in touch with each other.
Ian went on: “At Doune, the club spirit seems as strong as ever among everyone. The lads are all understanding of the situation and are keen to get back - as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“A number are self-employed or the only source of income for their family. the amateur game. Many teams rely on a small group of volunteers, don’t have the biggest of playing squads and previously had to fight hard to meet the running costs for their team.
“In the interim, I suspect some players may also have discovered alternatives to training and playing and may not return to their clubs.
“Teams in these kind of circumstances will be vulnerable.
“I’m optimistic by nature. And, it’s helpful to be with a club that’s been going for a very long time and encountered some low times along the way. We always feel better days are just around the corner!
“Once we have a safe environment to which coaches and players can return, I’m sure Doune - and many clubs like ourselves - will come back, fuelled by an enthusiasm to make up for lost playing time.”
“That moment still seems a long way off for me. I think we’ll do well to get any meaningful football played this season. I just hope we can use whatever playing time we can secure as the basis for launching a return to ‘normality’ for the start of the 2021/22 season.”