East Stirlingshire still aiming to kick off season next week despite full squad being in isolation

The entire East Stirlingshire squad and coaching staff are in self-isolation after a player tested positive for Covid-19 last week.
Training has been cancelled with the full squad and coaching staff isolating but The Shire still plan to kick off their Lowland League season on October 10Training has been cancelled with the full squad and coaching staff isolating but The Shire still plan to kick off their Lowland League season on October 10
Training has been cancelled with the full squad and coaching staff isolating but The Shire still plan to kick off their Lowland League season on October 10

The club made the announcement on Saturday which saw their scheduled friendly match with Bathgate Thistle cancelled.

The Shire are due to begin their Lowland League season at home to CS Strollers on Saturday, October 10.

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The isolation period for the team will expire the Monday before and club secretary Andy Wiliamson says they are determined to ensure that game is played.

Speaking to the Falkirk Herald he said: “At the moment we are planning on that match going ahead.

“If all goes to plan we will be back training on the Tuesday and Thursday prior to the game.

“Given the work that has gone in so far the last thing we want to do is put that match off.

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“The boys isolation period finishes on Monday, October 5 and, as a management team, we want to continue and play the game but things may change.”

The guidance set out to the club by NHS Track & Trace Scotland has meant that the one positive case means that not only do the players and coaching staff have to isolate but so do their immediate families, a decision which Williamson has described as “heavy handed”.

He said: “It looks as if test and trace have upped their protocols and we have the full team and also their families isolating. “It feels like they have been heavy handed but given that everyone’s health and wellbeing is priority we as a club will follow the guidance.

“We fought the ruling but we have to follow the procedures given by the health professionals.

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“The SFA and Lowland League have confirmed we have followed every procedure and in their eyes we’ve done nothing wrong.

“It was a shock to the club, not just the 18 players but the whole families including nurses, teachers and kids being kept off school.”

“Every club now needs to be treated the same, if this happens every time a player tests positive it will kill the game.”

The club have also chosen to name the player who has tested positive and are respecting his confidentiality.

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The statement from the club released read: “The club have followed all guidance as set out by the SFA and Scottish government to comply with the return to training and matches.

“The clubs concern is for the wellbeing of all players and staff The Lowland League have been informed and we are working with the NHS tracing team.

“This means that all pre season activities and matches have now been cancelled while all players and staff isolate. The club will be respecting the players confidentially during this period. All players are aware and have been informed.”