‘Do we or don’t we’ dilemma for clubs

Football clubs this week are being left with an agonising decision whether to call it quits for 2020 as we head into the two-weeks-before-Christmas isolation zone.

Despite no competitive action, local clubs are being allowed to train and play friendlies. But one positive Covid-19 test from Friday onwards for anyone competing would mean everyone else involved would have to self-isolate for two weeks, scuppering any Christmas plans.

The Football Association of Wales has left it to clubs to decide, with several already deciding not to take the risk.

One amateur league manager told us: “We’re not going to take the risk. We don’t even know if we will be playing competitive football this season anyway, so the lads have been told to enjoy their Christmas, if they can. One positive test would ruin Christmas for so many families so we have knocked it on the head until the New Year.”

However, the decision is harder for JD Cymru North clubs who are set to start their competitive seasons in mid-January, meaning to stop now would set back preparations and hit fitness levels.

Earlier this week, Newtown, who are allowed to play in the JD Cymru Premier due to its elite status, were forced to pull down the shutters for three matches after a positive test was returned in their camp.