Staveley MW boss believes football needs to look at the bigger picture before letting fans into stadiums

Brett Marshall believes it is too soon to allow fans back into grounds and that player welfare is being hit. Photo By James Williamson

Fans and clubs around the nation have been cranking up the pressure on the Government and FA with the #LetFansIn campaign taking social media by storm this week.

But the Trojans boss believes allowing fans back in before football has got its house in order would be a bad move.

“The problem is nobody has a clear picture of what is happening,” he said. “It is ok letting fans in, I get that but, with all due respect, there are more serious things happening in the country to be reviewed before fans are allowed in.

“The lower you go it's important to some clubs, having fans in at our ground is important to us.

“But what we do not want is a stop start campaign and these little spikes which are happening all over the country might make that happen.

“We all want to be back playing and with fans in. They have to be assured that if they start the season they will finish it.

“It has to be back properly for me. I know people want it back but if we had to wait until 1st January, but football was back to normal then I would accept that.

If we really are sensible the season cannot start until you get a vaccine.”

And Marshall also believes the welfare of players is being overlooked amidst the clamour to pack the stands.

He was left upset at new regulations which meant his players had to change on the touchline after not having changing room access for their recent friendly at Rainworth.

“If people are happy having fans in, how are they going to act with our lads getting changed at the side of the pitch?” he said.

“They couldn't have a shower and there was no food - so let’s be realistic. Yes we want fans but I want the game back to normal.

“Lads should not be getting changed outside in front of people for their own privacy, it is wrong.

“They should be able to have a shower and receive hospitality. We have some 160 mile round trips and we have not even brought in the weather.

“If they can't get into the changing room are they going to get muddy and soaking wet and not be able to have a shower - let's look at the players welfare.

“The picture has to be painted fully, from my point of view I've not seen anything like it getting changed at side of dug out

“There were no water bottles so you have to purchase water and that is more expensive, it is all little bits that show the game is not right.

“What happens in December when it's throwing it down with rain and minus 2 and you can't have all the team in the dressing room - how do we get around that? You can't be expected to stand outside.

“The only time I've seen footballers go to a game and not have a shower is Sunday morning football.

“It’s ok when the sun is out and it's dry but what about when you're caked in mud, are you going to pout your suit back on?

“If you have got a 3 x 2m dressing room you can’t fit the squad in there we have got to take a breath and look at the situation.

“You have got to look at something that is idiot proof. It is not great and I'm not happy with the situation.”