Manager John Askey believes that the current football season has to be completed, no matter when the season can reach its conclusion.
“I think we should conclude the season, whether that’s in July, August, October or whenever, and then eventually the following season will have to be caught up,” said the Port Vale boss.
Whilst the Vale boss would prefer not to play the rest of the season behind closed doors, Askey accepts that this may be the only option to resume the football season.
“It’s not ideal, but it might have to be that way, because until groups of people can come together, that’s got to be the case.
“Until we know what we can and can’t do, we’re going to have to make the best of what we can do, and that looks like we’re going to have to play behind closed doors.”
Askey says that the Valiants squad are continuing to follow training programmes during the current lay-off.
“They’ve been given programs to do, obviously they are limited on what they can do, but they all look after themselves well.”
“The one thing they can’t do is get a ball out, so they’ll all be a bit rusty by the time we come back, but physically they’ll be in good shape.”
Ideally, the Valiants boss would like to be able to play some friendlies to regain match fitness, before the league season resumes.
“We’d try and organise some friendlies if we get time to do that.”
“Everything is in the lap of the God’s as regards to when we can actually start playing games and come together, but ideally we’ll try and fix up a few games to play before we go back into the league games.”
However, in some good news for the Valiants squad, Askey was able to report on a clean bill of health for the first-team playing staff.
“For those who were previously out injured like Shaun Brisley and Adam Crookes, they’re all back fit.”
“We do check on them on a regular basis, and at the moment everybody and their families are fit and well.”
On a more positive note, the gaffer is delighted with the installation of seats into the previously unfinished Lorne Street stand.
“I think it’s the first time I’ve seen Vale Park look complete, it looks great!”
“Even when they first built it, it never really looked complete and I’m talking even when you look back on photographs from the 1950’s.”
“To finally get it completed and looking so well is fantastic and it can only help to create a good atmosphere at the football club.”
And the Vale boss has re-iterated a message to the fans that is echoed by the players, staff and the rest of the football club.
“We hope everyone is keeping well and is safe and that you’re all looking after each other.”
“Hopefully we can all be back watching some football soon.”