Further delay before Rylands can return to league action

By Garry Clarke

WARRINGTON Rylands 1906’s return to league action has been delayed following a decision by the NWCFL Management Committee to suspend the restart of the League season until 19th December.

The decision follows the move to introduce tougher restrictions in England meaning that 40 members clubs currently sit in Tier 3 areas, which means they cannot admit spectators. The League indicated at the beginning of the pandemic that football behind closed doors at Steps 5/6 is not sustainable for the majority of clubs and therefore we had little choice but to continue with the suspension of fixtures.
The League will review the decision again on 16th December once the UK Government has reviewed the Tier levels. However, should the situation remain the same in relation to spectators being excluded from matches, then the restart will likely be postponed until Saturday 2nd January 2021.
The League will continue to work with clubs to manage the challenges faced due to the pandemic, and will work with the FA in pushing DCMS and the Government to allow spectators back into stadia at Steps 5/6. If this is not possible, then only the provision of grant funding for clubs would allow football to resume behind closed doors.

This decision however does not affect games in the Buildbase FA Vase so Rylands second round tie away at Northern League Jarrow on Saturday 5th December is still scheduled to be played, although with the North East having been placed in Tier 3 the game will be played behind closed doors.