Morecambe await further information before planning for any return to football

Morecambe co-chairman Rod Taylor believes there are many hurdles to be cleared just yet if football is to return in the coming months following the coronavirus pandemic.
Morecambe have been out of action since their defeat at Newport County AFC on March 7Morecambe have been out of action since their defeat at Newport County AFC on March 7
Morecambe have been out of action since their defeat at Newport County AFC on March 7

It has been proposed that teams go back to training on May 16 ahead of a possible return to action the following month.

That may well change depending on advice from the government as well as the relevant health authorities; especially given the current two-metre ‘social distancing’ rule.

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The plan, as it stands right now, seems to be for matches to be played behind closed doors but, even then, that might still present problems.

Clubs are due to hold a conference call on Tuesday, when it’s claimed plans for the resolution of the season are expected to be discussed, with reports suggesting some League Two clubs are ready to pull the plug on the campaign.

“This is going through the country at different speeds,” Taylor said of the virus.

“At one time, you might have an area pretty free of it but it may be other areas have it more heavily.

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“There’s still a danger with playing football matches behind closed doors, footballers cannot social distance.”

Derek Adams’ players have been out of action since football was suspended on March 13, 24 hours before their scheduled 38th game of the league season.

With nine matches to go in League Two, the Shrimps currently sit second-bottom of the table with a 10-point gap to basement club Stevenage.

However, in common with teams up and down the land, Morecambe will have issues with players’ contracts should the season drag on into June and, possibly, July.

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As it stands, they have 18 players due to be out of contract this summer with another five loanees for good measure.

Little wonder then that Taylor is calling for some kind of clear message from the footballing authorities once they are in a position to do so.

“Will there be a blanket situation where players are on month-to-month deals?” he asked.

“If the season does resume, we want to finish as strongly as we possibly can because we aren’t out of danger.

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“Until we get some guidance, there’s no point putting the cart before the horse; we can’t plan for anything.

“Who knows where we’ll be in a fortnight or a month’s time? We just hope it’s an improving situation.”