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Manager's warning as Seagull's grapple with local lockdown


September 30, 2020 - 954 views

Colwyn Bay FC's manager Craig Hogg says he expects some players to leave the club following the Welsh Government's latest lockdown announcement which has put any hopes of starting a new season under serious threat.

New laws across North Wales come into affect this week and means squad training for the first team is no longer possible.

The manager commented: ""A local lockdown for the first team unfortunately means no football activities for the duration of it, because we have a number of players who live in counties across North Wales and in England.

"As we don't have Elite Athlete status (only Cymru Premier clubs have been granted that), those lads can't travel into Conwy county to train together as a squad.

"It is frustrating because we've worked hard on the training front for a considerable amount of time, but I admit we've been working in a state of flux because we've never had a definitive season start date or an end game to work towards.

"The news now feels like a potential season killer before we've even kicked a ball in anger and that is tough for a number of footballing reasons.

"I am now expecting some of our players to leave the club to join Cymru Premier sides or clubs in England before the transfer window closes.

"If and when they go they will do so with our blessing as a club.

"The players have been brilliant for us, both before and during the pandemic, and need to play competitive football for a number of reasons, most importantly for their mental health as it is what they live for.

"If they join teams who are still allowed to play, then who can blame them. We will wish them well and hope to see them back here one day.

"I don't want to sound selfish talking about football, because a local lockdown will impact so many struggling businesses and the mental wellbeing of so many people again. But we love the game and we love the club and it is really hard for us all at the minute.

"I feel it would take a miracle for our season to get going at all now.

"A huge thank you to everyone who supports the club and stay safe."

Reproduced with thanks to Colwyn Bay FC.