Coronavirus: Local fans give their thoughts as the football season is suspended

BALLYMENA UNITED - ANDY NELSON

It would nice to kind of get things wrapped up for us personally because it has been a terrible season, but we don’t really know what’s going to happen for the foreseeable future.

I think everybody knew it was coming in terms of the postponement and I think the authorities were right, as much as it’s frustrating, but the well being of everyone is more important than football.

To be honest our gates are down this season drastically just due to performances, but I think when things clear up I don’t think it will change things much.

Our club has its main core of fans and then we have the ‘big game’ attendees, but overall I don’t our gate will be affected too much once we get back playing again.

I have a funny feeling when the season is scheduled to get back going again in April, that it will be delayed and I think the season will start again towards the end of April or start of May.

The government are saying that the coronavirus won’t peak for another month or two, so I think it could be delayed. Realistically, I thought playing games behind closed doors might be an option, but then you are putting players and staff at risk, so I don’t think that will happen.

However, you will want the league to finish sooner rather than later, as we don’t really want the league to run over into the summer.

I personally wouldn’t have been too disappointed if the season is now cancelled. Yes, we have the Irish Cup but I would have been quite happy if the authorities said that football was cancelled until next season.

CARRICK RANGERS - ADRIAN HACK

Our league may not have the same financial strength as the Premier League in England or other top-flight divisions around the world but I think the current set-up offers flexibility.

The way we have a regular season in the Danske Bank Premiership then a split allows room to extend the season this year - if UEFA opt to move the European Championships - and adapt in the future.

That means we can finish this season then look to tweak future campaigns over the next few years to get back up to a normal calendar.

It is too important that we finish the season rather than abandon the current league.

It might mean a reduced pre-season or starting the league next season later in the year like September until, eventually, it can adjust back to the regular routine.

But clubs count too much on cashflow over gate receipts and matchday revenue, certainly I know how important it is at Carrick Rangers.

That is my fear so I think we must find a way to extend the season.

I cannot see how the idea of playing games behind closed doors would work and it is different to the Premier League as they can broadcast coverage anyway.

We can also look at getting rid or adjusting some of the cup competitions next season to make room as, ultimately, the league competition is the main focus.

The idea of clubs missing out on home gates and that revenue stream puts extra pressure on budgets and financial commitments and could provide a blow too big for some to recover.

CLIFTONVILLE - MARTIN MEIGHAN

I’m involved in Grassroots football as well and obviously I’m a Cliftonville season ticket holder but I think the decision to postpone the football was definitely the right decision.

Look, if you go with what you read and hear this could take months and months to sort out so I’m sceptical that there will be any more football this season, to be honest, but I hope I’m wrong.

We are in the Irish Cup semi-final, which my heart was set on and I think we have a good chance of reaching the final, but they are strange times and football and all sport has to take a back seat.

We are dependent on the match days - our gates, social club and people buying stuff at the ground - so some Irish League clubs might be in serious bother when this ever ends. A lot of small businesses will probably go out of business because of the coronavirus and to be honest Irish League clubs won’t be far behind. They are going to struggle.

We are entering the business end of the season, so we’ll have big gates against Crusaders, Linfield and Glentoran but it looks like we’ll miss out on those big gates, so it could be catastrophic.

To be honest, I don’t think they should end the league now and rather than play needless pre-season friendlies, we could extend the Irish League into the summer a bit and then give the players a break after that.

I hate to say this but possibly just scrap the Irish Cup because the league season has to finish, even though we aren’t going to win it. I think the league is the most important competition so that has to be done, no matter what.

COLERAINE - ALWYN McKEE

Having only missed one Coleraine game all season, it’s been a horrible realisation this weekend that I may have to get used to alternative ways of spending my Saturday afternoons.

Whilst I was hoping we could have completed our pre-split fixtures (and maybe even the Irish Cup semi-final) before the suspension, it was obvious that it was only a matter of time. I attend every match with my father... given the imminent prospect of the over-70s being told to self-isolate for several weeks, suspension is actually better than having to tell him he can’t accompany me to matches!

Obviously Coleraine are having a brilliant season and momentum is with us as we strive to complete what would be an unprecedented treble!

With Linfield at the summit in our sights, having opened up a gap on the chasing pack and with an Irish Cup semi-final on the horizon, we were looking forward to every game as if it were a Cup Final! Momentum is massive in any sport and the suspension couldn’t be at a worse time for us.

I cannot contemplate declaring this season void! Nor with the prospect of significant results in the remaining games, do I think it would be fair in any way to take the positions as we now stand. The remaining games MUST be played before a new campaign begins - whenever that is! UEFA should postpone their Euros until next summer. That gives us time to complete our domestic leagues. Locally there is a debate about moving to summer football ... this unprecedented suspension could force a permanent rescheduling of what we do on Saturday afternoons!

CRUSADERS - CRAIG SNOWDEN

It is annoying as there is no football.

As a fan I look forward to every match both home and away as that my main hobby in life.

It also gets me away from the missus!

I’m only joking, but this has to be done for safety precautions for everyone.

It will affect Crusaders as I know all the lads look forward to going to their training and playing in the games.

The biggest problem though will be financially with no gate receipts or matchday revenue.

We are are lucky enough at Crusaders that we have bar and restaurant with the famous carvery so we can keep money coming in to a certain extent.

Obviously it will have an affect on the league as a whole also.

It could have a real knock-on effect for sponsors, merchandising and also for the people who run the league.

We all want to keep the league developing and keep improving standards so hopefully this won’t have a lasting effect.

Personally I think they should finish the League now with no honours given out as the Blues are currently top!

The season should be void!

DUNGANNON SWIFTS - THOMAS MAXWELL

We, hopefully, look to be safe from relegation but for those clubs in the bottom two it would be unfair to end the season now.

I know there is some talk of increasing the number of teams in England’s Premier League to 22 next season, promoting the top two out of the Championship but ruling out relegation from the top flight.

That may be an option to maybe consider if unable to continue our current season.

Ultimately, it has been annoying not having football this past weekend and I know some clubs have been creative over social media to help fill the gap.

But the major concern, of course, is the health of the public and we cannot put football before the importance of keeping people safe.

Although there were some games played last weekend in England’s National League, we have seen people come out now and criticise that decision or admit they went ahead under a certain degree of reluctance.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who spent time searching for an alternative sport to watch over the weekend and this suspension only highlights how much we all miss it.

You can even see on social media how many players were commenting in the same way about missing a matchday.

But, overall, we have to look at the bigger picture, listen to the experts and follow medical advice to keep everyone safe.

This coronavirus situation is going to have a major impact on the business community and extends far beyond sport so all we can do is wait and see.

GLENAVON - ANDREW McCULLOUGH

Maybe this presents an opportunity to extend the season with the introduction of summer football.

UEFA will announce a decision this week over European competitions and if it impacts on the schedule of qualifying rounds or when our clubs may play next summer then we could use the window created to complete our domestic commitments.

The loss of European football to clubs would be a massive financial blow and I know how much it hurts Glenavon.

The European situation for clubs is going to be an interesting one to see how it develops given the financial implications.

But if there is then a chance to introduce summer football for our own Irish League it could prove worth a look, as a trial run.

I also think if we end up having to play three times a week to finish our season before a certain deadline that could lead to issues for clubs.

There is a major advantage given to players in a full-time set-up when it comes to night kick-offs compared to those having to take time off day jobs or leave work early to rush to a midweek match.

The more games we have with those night-time kick-offs the greater the advantage in preparation in terms of tactics and rest to those full-time players.

Although I appreciate the fact that players need a break in the summer and some have day jobs in which those months offer the only opportunity.

There is a lot to consider but I would definitely be against the idea of playing behind-closed-doors games.

GLENTORAN - DALE MOONEY

Very sorry to see the suspension, but I’m pretty sure Bill Shankly’s tongue was wedged firmly in his cheek when he made that comment about football being much more important than life or death.

Without wishing to make light of it myself, I’m sure there’s more than a few boys significant others sorry to see the suspension as well!

I suppose everyone’s in the the same boat, but I’m worried how it will affect players fitness etc. Obviously on the playing front we were heading for an Irish Cup semi and some tasty league games post split, territory we haven’t competed in for a wee while.

I really can’t see the season finishing now.

I think we’ll have a period of lockdown in the not too distant future and may well just have to start all over again next season.

I wonder if the IFA will try to complete the Irish Cup before the start of the coming season?

There are worries about how all of this will affect clubs financially.

Being a Glenman, and given who are top of the league - even though I predicted they’d win it anyway- I don’t think they should be declared champions!

We were obviously going to turn them over live on TV on Friday night anyway.

More seriously, I’d like to see it played out, but as I said above, I really can’t see it.

Happy to be proved wrong though!

INSTITUTE - NICKY MORTON

We’re just panicking now about what happens to the season. Does the season become void? Or does it end with teams staying where they are now which would mean we are relegated? I really hope that isn’t the case, but it’s just the uncertainty of everything, it’s not good times.

Financially, a club like Institute, compared to other Premiership clubs, we really depend on our gates. With not many fans coming to matches, I suppose it would mean that we could struggle to pay players’ wages but the other thing that we rely on heavily is match sponsors and ball sponsors, so I think ourselves and a lot of Irish League clubs will be in serious bother financially.

I’m also not sure what the player’s contracts are but I think they’ll need to get paid right through to the end of the season, so that uncertainty also isn’t helping.

If the coronavirus clears up, do you play into the summer to finish the league? It’s a case of having to wait and see.

I think the only fair way to do it is to finish the season whenever you can. I know that might mean a shorter summer break for the players, but especially for the teams fighting relegation and for honours, you have to. You can’t hand things out at the minute. As soon as the coronavirus clears up, if does clear up, then play the league to a finish and I know that’s going to mean a tight turnaround for next season, but I can’t see any other way.

If you told everyone the season was void, I’m sure a club like Portadown, who are top of the Championship, and other teams wouldn’t be too happy, so I would finish the season if and when we could.

LARNE - DAVID McNEILLY

I go to Larne games with my two nephews and as three season ticket holders it has been great to watch the club back up in the top flight.

It would be a massive disappointment for this season of so many big moments to end in this way altogether but we must look after the safety of our most vulnerable.

One of my nephews has severe asthma and I also worry about the risks to the elderly in my family - so we have to put that safety as a priority over everything else.

Therefore, maybe making a decision to shut everything done and reduce the risk factor is the way to go.

I was pleased to see Larne react so quickly last week by confirming the decision to shut down the Social Club and cancel all training and events for our youth section.

It is about limiting the risks and not taking any unnecessary chances.

I cannot see how we can continue the league as so many people in the field tell us this coronavirus situation will get worse over here before it gets better.

We have a return date scheduled for April but obviously everything can change over the coming days when football’s officials meet to discuss the next step.

Maybe there is a way to fit in the remaining fixtures or finish the season down the line but, overall, it has to be about protecting our most vulnerable in all walks of life.

We are all frustrated at not having football but the risk of spreading illness to others after picking something up at a match is something we must reduce in any way possible.

LINFIELD - MARK McLEAN

As a Linfield fan sitting top of the table, the thought of not watching my team lift the Gibson Cup is difficult to imagine.

This has been the most competitive season I’ve known and it started out with some great times watching us in Europe then we hit a dip, possibly due to tiredness off the back of those performances.

It has been magnificent by the team to turn things back around and be in this position.

To end up without the season playing out would be such a shame - even if Linfield finished being crowned champions it would feel empty.

But it is not only because we are top at the minute, whoever goes on to win the title I want to see the season played to a finish.

The biggest issue is the confusion created by so many conflicting views and some question if we are over-reacting.

I’m no medical expert so I can only follow the information I’m given and, hopefully, this week we will get some clear answers on what is going to happen on the football front.

We are waiting for developments but many obviously still say the coronavirus has yet to peak for us, so it is hard to see what is going to happen with our football season.

If we cannot continue this season I would look at ways of putting off other tournaments in the future as the league is our bread-and-butter.

It has been such a tight season and anything could happen over the final games given the table is so close so, no matter who is top at the end, I would want to see us play to a finish.

WARRENPOINT TOWN - BRENDAN CURTIS

We sit second from the bottom so in the relegation zone and I’ve no idea what would happen if they must pull the plug on the season.

Maybe we would have to play a promotion/relegation play-off with a side second in the Championship - it’s hard to know and all really speculation at this point.

With the gap on Ballymena United above us nine points and still games to play, I’m sure our manager Barry Gray would say keep on playing if possible and give us an opportunity to get out of the bottom two on the pitch.

You can see how frustrating it has been for everyone over the past weekend without football and, to be honest, if the league does return in April then I’m sure some might opt to stay away but others would be keen to get back at it.

But pubs and other social places are opting to close down rather than increase the level of risk and football is no different so we must be sensible in our choices.

We have players based across the border in Dublin or Dundalk and there are issues over travel if a lockdown gets put in place.

There are financial concerns too with players under contract and we certainly rely on a big gate from the high-profile visiting clubs.

There are so many conflicting reports on what may or may not happen but, overall, football has to take a backseat to the health issues.

I’ve two elderly parents and within a small community like Warrenpoint there are plenty vulnerable so we need to be responsible.