Brora Rangers chairman says time is ticking on Highland League restarting
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BRORA Rangers chairman William Powrie says clubs fear time is running out for the Highland League to be played this season.
The Scottish Government has announced the Highland League, as well as the North Caledonian League, will remain suspended despite League One and League Two being given the go-ahead.
League One and League Two is allowed to go ahead providing they follow protocols which include a requirement to undertake PCR testing once per week.
Highland League and the North Caledonian League, along with Lowland League, East, West and South of Scotland Leagues, Scottish Junior FA and women’s football below SWPL 1 all remain under temporary suspension and their return to football activity will be reviewed in line with the Scottish Government’s road map out of the Covid-19 crisis.
While hopeful the Highland League can recommence, Powrie says the lack of clarity from the Government does not give him confidence.
“The Highland League find themselves in an unenviable position of having started and not knowing whether we are going to be able to finish,” said Powrie.
“Every day and every week that goes by, time is running out to do so. It is really challenging for the league management committee and uncertain time for our clubs.
“Unless you can play football into June or July, things will have to get going if they are going to get going.
“Strathspey Thistle have not played a game in the league yet and no club has played more than three games.”
Powrie also says if PCR testing becomes a necessary factor in restarting the Highland League, it might be too difficult for clubs to play again this season.
“Its not just the cost, its finding somebody to do it and a company to process the tests,” he said.
“Its a real challenge for part time clubs to organise that.
“Especially as a lot of players are still working in full time jobs.
“Bringing in every penny together for these tests is a real logistical challenge.
“We think it could be £120 per person for each game.
“Clubs do not have that level of money to be able to throw at something like that.
“Why would clubs want to do that at this time of the season when a lot of these matches will be dead rubbers?”
Scottish FA president Rod Petrie says they will look to restart football at all levels in Scotland as soon as they are given the green light to do so.
But no announcement appears forthcoming.
He said: “We are acutely aware of the desire within those levels of football to return to playing football.
“We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to ensure they are able to as soon as it is safe to do so.”
