Covid-19 testing will be ‘a logistical nightmare’

East Fife chairman Jim Stevenson has branded the coronavirus testing regime ‘a logistical nightmare’ for parttime clubs.

The Bayview outfit are planning to welcome their squad back for preseason training next month ahead of the League One campaign resuming on October 17.

With the Betfred Cup scheduled for the start of October, the Fifers chief admits the most difficult part of the return will be testing players and staff for Covid-19.

The financial implications are also “very onerous”, according to Stevenson, but he insists the Methil men are prepared to do whatever it takes to get football back up and running.

He said: “As things stand, we expect the players and management to commence pre-season training in the last week of August.

“The most onerous part of the return to training is undoubtedly the testing of the players for Covid-19, both financially and practically.

“At the moment, we are being advised that all players and staff will require to be tested once a week, which could be a logistical nightmare, for not only us but all part-time teams in Scotland. The financial implications of this is also very onerous but this is a cost we will have to bear.”

Stevenson has also confirmed that East Fife will take part in the Betfred Cup this season after clubs were told the tournament was not compulsory.

He added: “Prior to (the league season), the Betfred Cup, which is an optional tournament for clubs this coming season, will start on the 3rd October. From our point of view, there is no question that we will be ready, willing and able to compete in this competition.

“It will be a bit different this year as all the Premiership clubs will have been playing competitive games for four to five weeks before the Betfred kicks off, meaning that there will be less chance of ‘catching them cold’ in the group stages.

“We will, of course, relish the opportunity to pit ourselves against whomever we are drawn against.”