Following this weekend’s statement from the FA regarding the return of grassroots football, non-league clubs are now able to prepare for the 2020/21 season and the proposals drawn up by the national governing body match closely the provisional plans drawn up by the Whitley Bay management team.
The club has already held two light, socially distanced training sessions (pictured) and the FA announcement gives the green light to full competitive training which the Club is to begin next Saturday, 25th July. Speaking ahead of the FA statement, Bay Joint Managers Tony Fawcett and Derek Forrest explained that the club was aiming at a six week build up to the new season anticipating a start in early September, and that is exactly what has been proposed by the FA, with the Northern League season getting underway on Saturday 5th September.
The dates for the new season, which have still to be ratified by the Government and Sports Grounds Safety Authority, include the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round being played on Tuesday 1st September.
Reacting to the announcements, Derek Forrest commented “It’s great news. We are delighted that we can get going with our schedule.” Fawcett added “I’m excited for the season to start. We’ve all missed it and now it’s within touching distance.”
Since their appointment in April, the new management team have been hard at work behind the scenes but they have obviously been restricted in their recruitment efforts by the coronavirus lockdown. However, they announced four new signings last month as well as agreeing deals with six of last season’s squad. With training now resuming, news of further signings and retained players is expected in the coming weeks.
Plans have already been made for four pre-season friendlies with a further two to be added. While the FA has confirmed that these can take place in August, actual dates have yet to be confirmed and under current regulations, the games may have to be played behind closed doors. Further announcements will follow in due course.
Two additions to the coaching staff have been announced. Simon Moody, whose family have been closely associated with the club for many years, comes in after fulfilling a similar coaching role under Fawcett at Ryton & Crawcrook, while Sean Brett, was formerly at Newcastle Benfield and Team Northumbria with Forrest, and is an apprentice at the Newcastle United Foundation.
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