Fears further suspension could see clubs go to the wall

The plans of clubs outside of the Scottish Premiership were sent into turmoil last week when the SFA Joint Response Group suspended training for sides in the Championship through to local amateur leagues.

This also affected the majority of teams in the East of Scotland League and the East Region Juniors, a number of whom had already returned to training.

It is understood that a number of coaches around Courier Country were preparing for sessions last Thursday night when news broke and these had to be scrubbed.

Clubs must now refrain from any form of training until at least August 24 and this will be subject to the agreement of the Scottish Government.

Clubs are already worried that the suspension will be extended and jeopardise the return of competitive action in October.

One club manager told The Courier: “We have fully complied with all of the current Joint Response Group protocols regarding social distancing and hygiene measures from day one, including temperature testing, and have our own protocols in place ready to go for the return to action – and that is the case for the majority of clubs.

“However, the actions of the few have impacted on the whole game, with every club being punished apart from the guilty ones.

“What should have been done right at the start was those in breach of the guidelines and protocols should have been punished and it would have sent out the correct message.”

The suspension of football has already had an effect on clubs financially and there is now a real worry that a further suspension could see clubs go to the wall as it may not be financially viable without supporters in stadia.

The effect on mental health was also highlighted. Charity Back Onside works closely with sport throughout Scotland and CEO Libby Emmerson has seen the number of calls received rocket in recent months and expects that to increase further as the suspension to football continues.

She said: “We are receiving on average 200 calls per week from individuals struggling with anxiety and their mental health as a result of the pandemic.

“The majority of those are involved with football, predominantly players from all levels, and with football suspended it is getting worse week to week.”