MACCA’S IN NO RUSH TO FULFIL THE PICS’ HOPES
LIAM MCDONALD says he fully accepts The FA’s decision to null and void his team’s season – even though they were in the hunt for a dream promotion.
The Pics had been challenging at the top end of the BetVictor Southern Premier Central table all season and lay fifth when the governing body called time on season owing to the coronavirus crisis.
Promotion would have taken Olympic into new territory in the second tier of Non-League football, but McDonald, the former Hednesford Town and Solihull Moors chief, accepts the fate of football is irrelevant right now.
“Of course, it’s massively disappointing that the season has been made null and void,” the 35-year-old said.
“We were sat in the top five in what is a competitive league and still involved in four cup competitions, but there is a bigger picture here and the safety and well-being of everyone has to be paramount.
“When you look at what is happening all over the world right now, it’s clear that there are bigger things than football. Our NHS staff and key workers – my wife included – are putting their own lives at risk to save others and we all have a responsibility to look after each other.
“The FA made their decision for the right reasons; managers and players up and down the country, just like ourselves, have been left disappointed by it and it may be that the decision is overturned as these are unprecedented times, so we will sit tight and see what happens.”
Irrespective of any appeal, McDonald is a happy man right now, left lavishing praise on his squad of players for their achievements this season and clearly excited by what the future holds in store for the Walsall-based club.
“Whatever happens I will remain extremely proud of what my players have achieved this season,” the boss added. “We recruited well during the summer with the budget we had and it is a massive credit to the lads that they have been in the top eight all season.
“As a manager this has been my most enjoyable season. It’s never felt a chore, even through our bad patch, the lads turned up for training, worked hard and kept the team spirit and camaraderie, which is the best I have ever known.
“The fact that I am not just missing football, but also being around the lads says it all about the togetherness we have here.
“The group chats are still going strong and the banter is flying, which is helping us all deal with these worrying times.
“Everyone here, on and off-the-pitch, has played their part. We’ve made great strides as a club; crowds have gone up slightly, the Academy is booming, the Under-21s and 18s have progressed well and are producing players that can step up, whilst the community side of the club is growing all of the time.
“On the pitch we have played some neat football, scored some great goals and turned Dales Lane into something of a fortress.
“There have been so many positive performances and what’s more, the nucleus of the team is local lads, which is great to see. I’ve said to the players throughout the season that they could go down in club history for what they have done. If they get the chance to carry it on this season, who knows, but as I say, I am so proud of them.
“This club is the place to be; the passion comes right from the top with the chairman and vice-chairman and the progress that we have made this season leaves me excited for what the future holds in store.”