Staveley MW boss Brett Marshall takes philosophical view to suspension of football

The league suspended matches until the New Year at the earliest following a vote from member clubs.

It leaves the Trojans having played just four league games this campaign.

But Marshall, who has constantly argued against starting the season before a COVID vaccine was found, feels it is a sensible decision.

“I get that managers, especially younger ones, want to get back playing and you look at it through your own tinted glasses,” he said.

“People are moaning that step seven teams can play, but a step six side couldn’t play on the same pitch.

“If you take a breath and look at it for a minute, you have to think about the benefits that you get in the step 3-6 pyramid, whether that is financial or just being supported in that pyramid.

“If you are in step seven and not in that pyramid then you don’t get the support. You can’t want the benefits of being in a union if you like, then all of a sudden want the benefits of not being in that platform.

“How can you expect people to pay the expenses of travel and overheads if fans are not there?

And Marshall added he can’t wait to get back to business - but only when it’s safe to do so.

“We all want to play football, but you have got to be realistic about it,” he said.

“You want to be back, you want the season to finish and you have to find a solution to do that or the season won't finish.

“I said all along is that you don’t want a stop start season and that is what has happened.

“All you can do is try and play and get prepared for the New Year and see what happens.

“If you can at least train it's better than going to the gym. There's nothing like match practice- match fitness is completely different.

“We will prepare for the New Year and just take it one step at a time.”