The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Doris fears ‘player will collapse with sheer exhaustion’
Seething Steven Doris has slammed the SPFL for putting players’ lives at risk – and admits he fears for ‘exhausted’ players.
Former St Johnstone player Doris has spoken out about the ‘crazy’ fixturelist following the lower league’s recent return to action after the enforced shutdown.
The Forfar striker, who is preparing for the Loons’ seventh game in just over a fortnight when Clyde visit Station Park for tonight’s crunch League One encounter, fears burnout could end up having a costly toll on the park.
Doris said: “I’m really concerned for my fellow players. We’ve got to a stage where I think something bad could happen. To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if a player collapsed on the pitch due to sheer exhaustion.
“I hate to say it but that’s my worst fear. And I know plenty others who are also worried but haven’t spoken out.
“Part-time players have been forgotten about amid this crazy schedule – that’s the bottom line.
“Of course, we all wanted to get back playing football after the shutdown. It’s what we love doing.
“But it’s plain wrong to expect us to play so many games in such a short space of time.
“I’m not just talking about Forfar. This is about part-time players up and down the country – Clyde have had an even heavier schedule than anyone else.
“It’s reckless of the SPFL. It doesn’t take into account that most of us are working during the day – having to finish early – and then jump in the car and travel to midweek games on our own.
“And 7pm kick-offs don’t help either. It’s a mad rush to the ground and sometimes you’re getting there less than an hour before kick-off.
“It wouldn’t happen in the best leagues in Europe who’ve got all the support. So why are part-time players being put through the mill?
“I know the authorities want the season to finish so the play-offs take place but we’re the ones who’re bearing the brunt of it.”
Doris believes the strained schedule could ultimately end some players’ careers.
He added: “I think it could bring a premature end to careers.
“There’s no recovery time in between so injuries are more likely to build up due to the strain – and then you’re straight on to the next game.
“Personally, I’m 32 now and don’t know how I’ll be feeling come the end of the season.
“In the meantime, we just have to try and lift ourselves for this Clyde game. A draw is not enough – we need to start winning games to get ourselves out of trouble.”