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Deeping Rangers, Blackstones and Bourne Town will not be resuming their United Counties League campaigns this weekend




Deeping Rangers, Blackstones and Bourne Town have taken a united stance against returning to league action.

The United Counties League trio had been due to resume their campaigns this weekend following the end of the national lockdown.

However, with the pending introduction of the new tier system, the clubs will all be placed in the areas of 'very high alert.'

Deeping have decided to withdraw from the FA Vase. (43351935)
Deeping have decided to withdraw from the FA Vase. (43351935)

This would mean that matches will be played behind closed doors with all clubhouses having to remain closed.

The United Counties League had written to all its clubs offering them the chance to restart their seasons this weekend if they wished.

However, all three clubs have made the tough call to remain on the sidelines for at least the next fortnight.

Deeping - who had a Covid-19 outbreak in their ranks earlier this season - had already decided to withdraw from this weekend's FA Vase match at Hanley Town and have now elected to not allow any of the club's teams to return to action.

A club statement said: "The Deeping Rangers FC Committee have considered very seriously the current conditions proposed for football after the lifting of 'lockdown' on December 2.

"Our conclusion is that we cannot condone the contradictions in the proposals and therefore we will not be returning any of our teams to action until (at least) after the next review.

"We have informed the respective competitions of this decision and this also includes training and 'friendlies'.

"We are fully aware of the impact of the virus and, as we are in the highest tier, we can see NO justification for putting anyone associated with the club at any risk.

"This was not an easy decision to take, and was not taken lightly, but we have taken it with what we consider to be in the best interest of all involved with the club.

"We are a club that straddles tier three and tier two through our coach and player base and the competitions we compete in - we will review our position after the Government's next review.

"There will be differing views on our decision but we truly want a return to football for all that will have the appropriate conditions for the people associated with our club."

Bourne Town and Blackstones have decided against returning to action this weekend. (43351933)
Bourne Town and Blackstones have decided against returning to action this weekend. (43351933)

Bourne Town also had a Covid-19 outbreak in their squad earlier this season and won't be resuming their Division One season this weekend.

The Wakes' statement said: "Bourne Town have taken the difficult decision to postpone returning to football at this time.

"With cases still on the rise, it feels careless to have people travelling across different areas and, also adding in the financial side, it's just not viable.

"Having had a positive case at the club we know it's not just the person who tests positive that is affected but all those that then have to isolate, affecting their livelihoods and families. We look forward to seeing our fans again once we are able to."

Blackstones will also be waiting for the Government's tier review on December 16 before deciding on whether to restart their season.

Stones' club statement said: "Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the tier system and Government guidelines/directives, Blackstones FC will not be resuming league fixtures on December 5.

"Following the Parliamentary review of the national tier system on December 16, a further announcement will be made detailing whether resumption of Stones’ season is possible and match details."

Cottesmore's fixtures this weekend have been put on hold following a meeting on Monday night of Leicestershire Senior League officials.

A league statement said: "Following a meeting of the management committee, the League have decided to postpone fixtures planned for this Saturday.

"Fixtures shall resume on Saturday, December 12, pending the issue of guidance from the Football Association and the committee shall meet upon the receipt of that information to discuss next steps."

Cottesmore had been due to host Hathern at Westray Park while their development side were due to travel to Sporting Markfield.

The Rutland club are one of few teams in the Leicestershire Senior League who are in tier two with the majority in the next 'very high alert' level.



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