North Ferriby manager Chris Bolder backs Shane Kelsey’s suggestion of awarding 3-0 wins to opponents of sides who fail to fulfil fixtures because of covid.
A similar rule is currently being used in Rugby League’s Super League and Bolder believes the Toolstation Northern Counties League should look to implement it.
Bolders reckons the rule would help avoid a catastrophic run of early season postponements which would place the campaign in danger of third consecutive curtailment.
“I saw one of the interviews you did where (Shane Kelsey) talked about if games are called off for covid then award a win to the other team and I think they need to look at doing something like that,” Bolder told Non League Yorkshire.
“I think it is a solid suggestion and it reduces the option for some teams to perhaps, if they were thinking about it, take the easy way out.
“I do think something needs to be done for us to have a full season because I think it is important this year we do have a full season this year.
“If it means we have to lean on the development squads and players from lower down the leagues then it has to be done.
“I think there needs to be something to make teams do everything they can to field a side like they have done in Rugby League to ensure people are trying their upmost to get the league to a conclusion.
“Last season there were games called off which probably should have been played.
“The FA have also said that teams don’t need to self-isolate if one of their team tests positive so that’s another step in the right direction.
“Before, one person was testing positive and it was wiping out the whole team. That’s not the case this time so there should be no reason why you can’t scramble 14 or 15 players for a game.
“We have had a few postponements in pre-season and it is easier to postpone a pre-season game but we don’t want that mindset during the league campaign if teams can actually raise a team.
“If teams genuinely can’t raise a team because six lads have tested positive then there’s nothing you can do, that’s unfortunate.
“But if you do have a couple of lads out and you have access to a development or feeder team and you can raise 14 then surely you have to do your upmost to get the game on.”
Bolder himself has been busy plotting to ensure his club don’t have problems fielding a side by creating a big squad.
“At the minute we are fortunate that all our players from last season have re-signed,” he said.
“We have drafted in two young boys as well as utilising a couple of the development squad.
“The vast majority of players are from last season.
“We have added in Matty Plummer and Danny Clarke. Obviously Danny sustained a serious injury so he is going to be a major absentee.
“We’re in a reasonably strong position at this stage, but we’re not daft to know that when the season starts and players aren’t in and around the team that they will look for regular football elsewhere.”
Up to press and Saturday’s final friendly with Albion Sports, Ferriby’s pre-season has been smoother than others.
“Ours has had disruptions, but it has not been too bad,” he said.
“We have had healthy numbers for most sessions which has been helpful.
“We have probably only had minor disruptions with covid.
“In the sense of getting continuity with the same team which would you like, that’s not been good.
“But we have managed to utilise 21 or 21 players and all them have had a good game-time.
“We have a lot of players who have played half-decent minutes so we have had chance to have a good look.
“There’s no question that we’re going to need a big squad throughout the season because we are going to have more issues with covid along with injuries and suspensions.”
The horrifying injury to Danny Clarke in the opening friendly at Barton Town has been the hardest moment and his footballing future remains uncertain.
“He is out of hospital and obviously he sustained a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain,” Bolder said.
“The next three months are pivotal in terms of seeing the next steps in his progression and recovery.
“It is very unknown. He is at home and in good spirits like Danny always is, but in regards to playing again in the future that’s probably the furthest thought.”
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