East Fife frustration at on-going Covid-19 testing confusion

Young is hoping to have his squad back for pre-season at the end of August but the Fifers, like all other adult football clubs, have now been told they can’t resume any kind of training until August 24 - at the earliest.

The government decision comes on the back of a couple of high profile coronavirus safety breaches at Aberdeen and Celtic.

Scottish Premiership clubs, though, are exempt from the no-training ruling.

Bayview boss Young has been outspoken in his frustration at a lack of safety testing instruction to allow clubs to prepare for training.

This week’s decision has compounded that further with Young saying clubs still have no firm safety guidance.

He said: “It’s frustrating for everybody.

“There was talk of the juniors and amateurs being able to train after using the temperature gun.

“They didn’t have to do the testing, which is costing £75 plus VAT, so that’s £90, twice a week - £180 a head.

“We train at the Oriam and there could be teams next to us training who only have to do the temperature test.

“That’s something which has been brought up and it’s ridiculous.

“I’ve spoken to other managers who have junior teams or Lowland League teams training in their area and they’re in the same position; saying ‘OK, we pay maybe £3k or £4k for testing but these guys just walk in and breathe the same air and train on the same pitch?’

“I think they’re going to make a statement on it soon because it’s getting ridiculous.”

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