THE VICS COLUMN - By Pete Tonge

SO, we’re back in lockdown again and no football to watch.

A bit of a kick in the teeth for football clubs at our level because after having spent time and money (rightly) complying with all the rules and regulations to safely allow a limited number of spectators to watch, they now have to stop all training and matches.

How this will affect the rest of the season, who knows?

With no definite restart date, it will be like the start of the season all over again when it does happen with friendly matches having to be played for players to regain their match fitness before the league fixtures can start again.

With some teams barely having started their league campaign, and with the winter fast approaching, it is going to be extremely difficult to fit all the fixtures in even if we can restart soon after the projected lockdown finish on December 2.

Some big decisions for the North West Counties League to consider in the near future and it’s going to be a rough ride ahead for some clubs.

All that this uncertainty has done is emphasise the importance of volunteers at this level of football and Vics are fortunate enough to have more than their fair share of them.

Fans have stepped forward to help to ensure matches could be played safely during the pandemic, helping out with the extra work involved with the track and trace system, making sure signage was displayed and hand sanitiser was available and have extra personnel around the ground to help when required.

It doesn’t sound much, but it had to be done and we are thankful for all those who helped us put our matches on safely and successfully, fully complying with the Covid-19 regulations.

It has been great seeing that people have supported their local football club during these hard times, and it’s been remarkable that attendances for our matches have actually increased during this period.

Some of this may be due to people who normally watch the “big clubs” wanting their “football fix” and taking the opportunity to come down to watch live football.

Whatever the reason is, we hope that they’ve enjoyed their time and keep returning – there has certainly been some great football played to keep them entertained. Late winners (and losers), memorable goals, attacking entertaining football and a good atmosphere, not forgetting decent pie, chips and gravy along with a drink all for less than the cost of your pay-per-view soulless tv match.

So when non league football returns in December (we hope), get down and support your local club, they need and appreciate you far more than the Premiership ever do.

Come On You Trickies. Stay safe and be kind