More uncertainty is the only certainty

Reds still expect to be playing in front of 400 crowds at Borough Park when they come out of the second lockdown next week.

That is dependent on Cumbria remaining in Tier 2, the middle ground at the moment, but a matter to be reviewed fortnightly.

Chairman Les Byers, speaking on BBC Radio Cumbria on Friday, explained the situation moving forward.

“We are still absorbing all the implications of the government announcement which has placed us in Tier 2.,” he explained.

Talks with the [Northern Premier] League and the FA are ongoing but our capacity is likely to remain at 400 as it was earlier this season.”

A 400 capacity would have been more than sufficient in the many years of struggle at Borough Park but not for the current situation.

Danny Grainger’s team has brought the feel-good factor back to the club and the good start to the campaign has resulted in home games ‘selling out’ all season.

However, with the vast majority of Northern Premier League clubs placed in Tier 3, there is bound to be more uncertainty moving forward regarding who we can and can’t play.

At the moment, we do not have a home game scheduled for December but that could change with re-arranged fixtures if our interest in the Trophy ends.

Indeed, we could have a glut of home games sooner rather than later, depending on the various travel restrictions factored in.

The postponed Buildbase FA Trophy tie at Nantwich Town will be our first game after this lockdown and is likely to go ahead on Tuesday, December 8.

If we progress, then the next round is currently scheduled for the following week on Tuesday, December 15.

The first team squad will resume communal training next Thursday with, hopefully, another session squeezed in on the Saturday.

We will issue further updates as the situation becomes clearer.