It had been a hard lesson for the new team as this season finally got going. We had been hit by more than our fair share of injuries and suspensions whilst results in a few matches had not gone quite as we had hoped. We, however, learnt from those times and in our last two matches before the second lockdown, we showed that we had started to turn things around with convincing wins against Prescot Cables and Kendal.

I was so frustrating to then have the second lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

I felt strongly about the decision which allowed the “elite” matches to go ahead (Premier, Championship, EFL and National Leagues) but put a total stop on non-elite and grass roots . So strongly in fact, that I wrote to the DCMS to point out that clubs such as ours had complied with all Government guidance and that there was no definitive evidence to indicate that this activity, played outdoors predominantly by healthy young people, had contributed adversely to the infection.

Nevertheless, in the circumstances Steve Waide and I decided that we needed to put in place a “virtual” regime for the four weeks of lockdown and isolation to help the players both physically and mentally.

There is a great diversity between our squad players – some are ex professionals, some are students, some have regular employment, others are part time. The lockdown has affected each of them differently and we needed to come up with something which would help them all and keep the team spirit at a high level whilst maintaining a good degree of fitness plus mental stability

So, we now “meet” one another virtually via Zoom three times each week. We can happily accommodate up to 36 people at one go which means room for the First Team, the Emerging Talent Squad plus all the Support staff. We can then reduce numbers for “breakout” groups to suit the occasion.

Our Strength and Conditioning Coach, Olly Parker, is providing guidance to maintain fitness whilst staying connected mentally, whilst the Insights team, led by Darren Huart, provides the opportunity with the help of data and match videos, to analyse our recent performances , focusing not just on what we are doing right but also highlighting areas where we need to be better. Physio, Abbey Halliwell, can advise those with injuries and we would hope that, with the exception of Jake Rose, every player will be fit to resume training on the 2nd December.

We are also encouraging players who live a short distance from each other to meet at a local park etc for one to one training.

We have learnt a lot since the initial lock down in March and that has put us in a strong position to maximise what we can now do to help. We have a terrific camaraderie within this squad – we cannot wait to get back to league action in December.

Stay Safe and we will see you soon

Paul Quinn