MELIDEN manager Gareth Jones has outlined his concerns regarding the Tier 4 season taking place.

The Miners have made some great strides off the pitch to meet the necessary requirements outlined by the Football Association of Wales to secure their place in NWCFA Tier 4 (East) Premier Division, but with the latest lockdown measures implemented by the Welsh Government, a return to competitive action still seems some way off.

Jones stated he was “happy to be proved wrong” regarding his doubts, but made a strong case as to why such a scenario might play out in the coming months.

He said: “Obviously along with everyone else I have been hoping that the season will start so that we can get back to doing what we do, but I understand that it has to be deemed safe to do so.

“I personally find it difficult to distinguish the difference between the tiers above ours being deemed safe to resume and ours not. Is it not 11 vs 11 on the pitch, with social distancing for coaches and subs on the sidelines as we have been playing during friendlies?

“The later it gets in the calendar, I personally can't see our league resuming in any format although I will hopefully be proven wrong.”

Jones took over at the club in June last year and has put together a squad more than capable of being competitive against some top opposition. He was quick to thank both his current group of players and the people behind the scenes for their efforts in difficult circumstances, which will hopefully come with some positive results on the pitch once things get back to some semblance of normality.

“A big thank you to the lads and coaching staff who have continued to turn up to training throughout the difficult circumstances,” he added.

“I am extremely proud of everyone who has worked tirelessly on the frontline during the pandemic including my own family members. Thanks go to everyone involved behind the scenes at grassroots football enabling some sort of games to take place safely. I have seen the effort that has gone in at my club even down to donating to the local food bank.

“I am not sure if things will ever get back to normal but being able to play football again in a safe and competitive environment is something that all of us in the game are looking forward to.

“I know even at this level it gives the outlet some people need for their mental health and wellbeing.”