Club Talk

Clyde vice-chairman Gordon Thomson has spoken to the official website to give a general update, during an extremely busy time for the club both on and off the pitch.

Gordon started by commenting on yesterday’s confirmation that an agreement had been reached on a format for the conclusion of the League 1 and League 2 season.

“There is undoubtedly an element of relief that we now have a degree of certainty after such a disruptive period. Since the 15th January, I have been involved in a working group with reps from four other clubs, with the remit to represent the views of all 20 clubs to both the SFA and SPFL.

“This wasn’t an easy task, I think there has only been a handful of days where there hasn’t been a meeting, but we have got there now in unity.

“Throughout, I have kept in touch with Danny to ensure we were in full agreement and to that end I think he has already expressed his feelings. We wanted to complete the season as was agreed before a ball was kicked. However, as soon as the decision was made to not align the League 1 and League 2 clubs with the top two divisions – linking only those clubs with the national situation – it was clear that it would be virtually impossible to achieve. The decision to extend the suspension until March proved the fatal blow.”

Gordon continued by expressing his disappointment in the overall calendar, which has led to a heavily congested fixture card through to beginning of May.

“Without doubt, the biggest disappointment was the decision by the Championship clubs to refuse to extend their first play-off date beyond four days and the impact that decision has had on the fixture calendar. 

“Due to the exceptional circumstances faced by League 1 clubs, we had hoped those in the league above would have supported the request that would have seen the ninth placed club wait for the same length of time as the second placed club does for the Premiership play-off, but it was not to be so we just have to get on with the job in hand.”

In terms of logistics, Gordon confirmed that the upcoming period would be extremely challenging for everyone connected with the club.

“The now agreed plan means the minimum number of games that we will play is 18. This leaves us with a huge task. From a compliance perspective, we will be testing all relevant players and staff every week and some weeks we will have to double that requirement when we play on a Tuesday and a Thursday. 

“The unknown is the effect of the Scottish Cup, which may yet prove to be the biggest obstacle in meeting the 18-game cut off point by the 23rd April. 

“It is by no means a perfect outcome. Additional costs around testing and travel will be endured but the bottom line is that players want to play, coaches want to coach and supporters want to see their team play matches, even if that is from home.

“Football is not the same currently and it won’t be until supporters can return, but we are back and now it’s about supporting Danny and the squad to achieve success in the extremely busy period ahead.”