Conwy Borough FC: Matthew Jones concerned about impact of another delay

With every tier-two club besides Bangor City currently in limbo regarding potential plans to return to training, the Tangerines’ boss outlined the concerns of getting his players up to speed quickly after so long out of competitive action.

The Football Association of Wales plans to begin the JD Cymru North and South campaigns on March 20, which makes the timeline incredibly difficult with the next Welsh Government review regarding lockdown measures set for March 13.

Jones, said: “As far as I’m aware the FAW have been pretty consistent in their message that the season must be completed by May 31. If there is any further delay, I would say that makes it very difficult for us to get the season in.

“With the players having not played competitively for nearly three months, we would need a two-to-three-week preparation period, it just means any further delay makes it tough to fit in.

“I think the main thing now is that we come back when it’s safe for us to be able to then complete the competitive games.

“The stop-start nature of what’s happened so far is difficult to manage, so hopefully we are through the worst of this virus and with the vaccine roll-out we can start to get things moving again.”

Jones also credited everyone associated with the club for their application throughout a turbulent 12 months with little in the way of on-pitch activity, which the manager is hoping can enable them to make a good start whenever they get the green light.

“The players, my staff and the club committee have been fantastic throughout,” added Jones.

“They have continued to keep themselves motivated, are in great spirits and are eager to get going.

“It does make it easier knowing everyone is in the same boat, when you see what’s happened over in the National League this week, then you understand all the forces at play, our job is to make sure we are ready when the time comes.”