The SPFL announced in a statement yesterday evening that the prolonged voting system in regard to the eventual outcome of season 2019/20 at the three levels below the Premiership had finally been completed and the motion passed.
All at Forfar Athletic would, therefore, wish to pass on their congratulations to Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers on being crowned champions of their respective leagues in these extraordinary times.
Forfar Athletic as had been documented cast their vote in favour of the resolution put forward by the SPFL Board.
The ‘Loons’ Directors were unanimous in their verdict on the proposal because first and foremost it was in the best interest of the club, but more importantly, it brought some clarity and a conclusion to a situation no one could ever have imagined would occur.
It certainly was not for any financial gain as our final payment from the league coffers for the season is only just above £4,000 and this, after all, is money we would have been due anyway at some point in the future.
It has to be emphasised that this is not new or extra revenue to clubs as was the case with the licensing payment from the SFA earlier, but in both instances simply advances however welcome on payments that would have been made at a later date.
The Directors are however somewhat disappointed that the eventual decision made by the clubs has not in fact brought clarity on the make-up of the leagues for next season with a subcommittee now being set up to investigate possible re-construction.
It has also been stated that this is with a view to bringing into force prior to the commencement of next season.
Any vote on this subject is hardly likely to take place next week and could in fact be many weeks away.
This makes preparing budget figures for the 2020/21 season which for obvious reasons were difficult anyway almost impossible.
Of course, we do not know when next season is likely to commence which makes it impossible for the management team to make any arrangements at present for pre-season training to commence or organise pre-season friendly’s.
The start date for the Betfred Cup was originally set for July 11th, this looks at present a forlorn hope, but in these difficult times, one can only try and look on the bright side!
Certainly, the idea of playing games behind closed doors at our own level would appear to be totally out of the question for many a reason and this is certainly the view of Station Park officials.
The Forfar Athletic Directors are in almost daily contact by phone and email and held a Board Meeting by video conference call last Wednesday with another planned for next midweek.
They are delighted with the initial response from fans throughout the UK and beyond to the Loons Lucky Lotto, while the appeal for supporters to consider purchasing blocks of shares in the club has brought a response that most certainly exceeded expectations.
Sadly the Sportsman’s Dinner has had to be postponed, while other events such as the Golf Tournament in August and a Supper Dance scheduled for the Reid Hall in early September are already under threat.
On the football front at present all paid employees have been furloughed until May 31st and club officials were grateful to the management team and the playing staff for their co-operation in this regard.
However as has been said on many occasions and this has to be stressed all these problems that have hit the sporting world pale into insignificance alongside the Coronavirus pandemic which continues to cause illness, death and with it heartbreak throughout the country and of course further afield.
At this time we pay particular thanks to ‘Loons’ supporters and thousands of others who are members of the brave NHS staff as well as those continuing to perform their daily duties as front line and essential workers.
They are real heroes.
Back to the football front and we will at all times attempt to keep fans updated with any relevant news.
In the meantime, to you all, keep safe and well as we try to win the battle against this deadly disease.
