Paulton Rovers are looking forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as we safely can.

It appears from the Government ‘Road Map’ announcement on Monday that grassroots sport can start from 16th March which could mean the Reserves, Youth and Ladies team maybe able to start playing again.

For the first team, guidance is awaited from the Football Association but playing again seems unlikely before the 17th May which is after the end of the 2020/21 season.

Although run largely by volunteers, Paulton Rovers tries to offer the community a facility both on the social and sports fronts.

Like many local businesses, the club would make a plea for the community to support the club and all local businesses as soon as we can reopen on those fronts.

Outdoor hospitality can start on 12th April.

On the sporting front then, we await advice for netball and football.

The Southern League clubs are in frequent discussions and whether there will be any matches before the start of the next season 2021/22 from August.

First team manager, John Rendell, said: “Although it is looking very likely for the season to be null and void, the management team and players have all been keeping in touch regularly and players have been exercising as much as they possibly can staying fit and healthy.

“Our Sports Coach is providing virtual expert sessions which the lads are enjoying, helping them stay focused and fit (from a distance).

“This latest lockdown has really affected many people around us locally and most of us know someone who has been affected by this horrendous virus.

“It has certainly put the usual stresses and strains of managing a semi professional football club into perspective.

“It’s been my longest break from football since starting up on the non-league scene since signing for Paulton as first choice goalkeeper in 2000.

“I am finding myself scrambling for things to be doing especially, on a Saturday afternoon!

“The figures are starting to fall in the right direction now and we look forward to the news where schools are back functioning fully again and outdoor sports and social clubs can start up.

“Everything crossed we can get a good pre season preparation and a full and healthy season in 2021/22’

More sports news to follow. Tony Walsh