Garstang FC's plans and players are taking shape for next season

The sport has been on hold for three months at present as a result of the coronavirus pandemic which has brought society to a standstill.

Closer to home, however, the Riversiders’ boss and his staff have been trying to come up with ways to keep their players fresh and focused.

“We had the presentation evening over Zoom,” he said.

“We have done a virtual quiz night, there was a running competition last month where the players logged their time and the miles they did with prizes on offer.

“We have been keeping in touch with the players regularly and we just want to keep them fresh rather than doing the same old things.”

That constant contact with the players has also enabled Cookney to monitor their preparations for when the 2020/21 North West Counties League season commences.

The pre-coronavirus date of the first Saturday in August may look optimistic now but, whenever the big kick-off arrives, Cookney is in no doubt as to how his players will look.

“I’ve been quite surprised,” he said of his squad’s preparations.

“The lads have been coming back into the small sessions we’re allowed under the guidelines and a lot of them are looking trimmer and fitter.

“They have blown me away with how much they have done and it’s been really good to see.

“Because we’ve had to go outside of the box to keep them interested, it’s been good and the fact we’re now able to get them together and do some one-on-one stuff has been brilliant.

“Obviously we don’t know when the season will start; I’ve heard speculation about the end of August or the first week in September.

“If they push it back a month then it means pre-season will only start a month later but it’s just a case of waiting for some news now.”