West of Scotland Football League plans for play starting in September

An online Lowland/East/South/West Pyramid Restart group meeting last week outlined the hope that clubs could restart training in August and be playing again from the last Saturday in September or first Saturday in October.

This would end several months without play for Lesmahagow and Forth Wanderers (who have switched to Conference A of the WoSFL), Carluke Rovers (Conference B) and Lanark United (Conference C).

A statement on the WoSFL website said the meeting was very worthwhile and progress had been made in joint preparations for the expected restart of training and playing.

However the statement stressed these were only indicative dates for now and would be confirmed or otherwise in line with Scottish Government and Scottish FA instructions.

Outline plans were being drawn up and all clubs were being asked to complete a facility survey which would provide information on capacity numbers for spectators, if and when these were allowed at games.

Protocols were also being worked on for both training and playing and would be modified as the lockdown phases progressed.

However disappointment was expressed with the Scottish FA at a perceived lack of information and practical support, including finance, for the semi-professional level of the game and a meeting to discuss this further had been arranged with the governing body.

In the meantime, clubs have been urged to continue to observe Scottish Government guidelines – which means no training or matches can take place until formally advised.

Doing otherwise would be illegal.

League secretary Gary McClelland said: “Despite the current issues facing us we are delighted that we are now in a position to confirm the conferences for the season.

“Hopefully we will be able to confirm a start date in due course as well as announce what, if any, cup we will be able to play depending on when we get back to playing football.”

Matches are scheduled to be played on Friday nights.