Highland League can’t start without fans says Clachnacuddin manager
CLACHNACUDDIN manager Jordan MacDonald says the Highland League couldn’t start without having fans back into watch.
The Highland League have pushed back the starting date of the 2020/21 league campaign from October 17 to November 28 due to the rising cases of coronavirus in Scotland.
Government restrictions mean fans are still not allowed into stadiums to watch sporting events.
Some Highland League managers and committee members, including Wick Academy manager Gary Manson and Brora Rangers chairman William Powrie, felt fans could have been allowed in with social distancing measures in place.
While MacDonald respects their point of view, he says with government restrictions preventing fans from entering stadiums, the right decision was made.
“I don’t know why it couldn’t have gone ahead with social distancing for fans in place,” he said.
“But to be fair it is a different world that we’re living in.
“We have to go with what we are told.
“You need to play the Highland League with fans, football is not the same without it no matter what level you play at.”
He added: “Without fans, it is not the same.”
Clachnacuddin continue their pre-season campaign by hosting Caley Thistle at Grant Street Park tonight.
Due to government restrictions, the game is closed to the public.
The Lilywhites have had mixed fortunes in their pre-season matches so far, beating Alness United and Burghead Thistle, but suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat at home to Invergordon last Saturday.
MacDonald says the delay to the start of the season has had an impact on plans to bring in new signings.
But he says he is pleased with the commitment his current squad have shown so far.
“We are looking to add a couple of new players into the squad but it is proving difficult with no date for the start of the league,” he said.
“But the players that we have got we are more than happy with so that is no problem whatsoever.”
