Inconsistencies frustrate St Andrews United

Football was affected in January when a rise in infection rates saw the sport below Championship level halted.

Now, though, some clubs are growing frustrated at what they believe are inconsistencies from the governing bodies when it comes to their seasons being allowed to resume.

Despite safety measures being in place at grounds across the country, the ban below Championship level will extend into March at least.

St Andrews United, who play their football in the East of Scotland League, are one of a raft of clubs waiting on the sidelines.

Club skipper Michael Fleming says he was “gutted” when the season was stopped given there had been no outbreaks connected to Saints’ level.

“I think being part time, only training two nights a week and following all the protocols on a match day, where close contact is minimal, means the risk of transmission is very low,” he said.

"If there was a large number of games being postponed due to Covid-19 then I don’t think we would have any argument, but this hasn’t been the case.

"As expected, my physical fitness isn’t where it should be right now because nothing compares to training and playing every week, though I’ve kept myself ticking over with the challenges the gaffer has set us.”

Scottish League One and Two sides had expected to be given the green light this week to start playing again at the beginning of March.

Training for that return would now be underway.

However, the SFA would only confirm that no fixed date has been set and that a further update will be delivered by the start of next month.

United’s club doctor, Professor Blair H Smith, is involved in primary care and public health so fully understands why restrictions are in place and the need to stick to them.

However, he admits to growing frustration that restrictions on football have been applied “inconsistently across the leagues”.

He added that the full impact of the shutdown may not be felt for a while yet.

"As a member of the St Andrews United FC committee, I am very worried about the impact of the decision to suspend playing and training on the short and long-term sustainability of the club,” he said.

"And this worry extends to our colleagues in other clubs, implying a risk to the viability of lower league football.

"Football clubs rely on both a fit, enthusiastic playing squad and a regular source of income in order to survive and most of us in the lower leagues do so at the margins of financial viability at the best of times.

"I’m glad that we have a loyal and experienced squad at St Andrews, with a manager who is excellent at maintaining their enthusiasm and team spirit. But unless we can find a way to return to meaningful, competitive football soon, even these attributes are time-limited. The physical and psychological health of players, coaches and fans is at increasing risk as the suspension extends.”