Barry Town United boss Gavin Chesterfield believes the disruptions to the JD Cymru Premier has put his side through multiple pre-season preparations.
The 41-year-old is adamant that going through the gruelling preparations on multiple occasions has been a huge test for players.
The Linnets alongside every team in the Welsh top-flight haven’t played competitively since the end of December with Barry last match resulting in a 4-1 victory over Cefn Druids at Jenner Park.
Chesterfield’s side will return to action on Saturday March 6 as they travel to face Cefn Druids after the Cymru Premier and Welsh Premier Women’s League sides had their ‘elite’ status reinstated earlier this week.
“The hard thing so far for all of us in the league I suppose is that we have probably gone through two or three pre-seasons now,” Chesterfield said.
“Physically and psychologically, it is a huge challenge, but obviously we are all in the same boat.
“I think our last game was on the 19th December, so we have had nine, ten weeks off from competitive action.
“We have been able to do what we can to keep fit and train the best as we can when permitted and we are just looking forward now to the rest of the season.
“It is going to be busy but we have had quite a while off, so we are looking forward to that business.
“Thankfully because of the boys’ status and being able to train at times, that has probably given the boys a bit of a release which has been a really fortunate thing.
“Unfortunately, others haven’t been able to do that at times, so we know how lucky we have been there and how privileged we are for that but it is just like the start of a new season really isn’t it.
“It is like the first day of the season trying to get pre-season out of the way and look for the main event and we are all in the same boat now as managers and players, but also the staff and volunteers involved with the clubs aswell.”
Chesterfield admitted that he thought that he thought everything was being conducted safely prior to the league being suspended before Christmas, however, he is more than thankful for the top-flight to be back.
He also had plaudits for everybody involved in every Cymru Premier club for their efforts no matter how difficult it may be to stick to all of the guidelines and protocols.
“I hoped (that we would return to playing) is the first thing. For me it probably went on for longer than it was needed, but the truth is I’m not pretty to the science.
“I’m just grateful to be back if truth be told and I’m just looking ahead with excitement to March 6th.
“You ask most managers and most people involved in the club, it is almost like being a COVID control officer at times. It has been a huge challenge that in truth nobody was really prepared for.
“We all go through a high level of education, but this is something that is totally different.
“We have all had to find a way to adapt and even when the league was being played, we were constantly finding a way to adapt.
“I have to commend all of the clubs there because, I said this on record previously “it felt safe”.
“I thought the clubs organised themselves ever so well and delivered a very professional offering.
“Thankfully, the league now has returned off the back of that.”
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