Non-league teams mustn't be rushed back, warns Lewes boss

As hopes fade fast for the current season to be restarted in time to be played to a finish, many clubs and managers are starting to plan for the new campaign.

The Lewes men’s team boss says that given the length of time teams have now been out of action, it is impossible to see how they can return to competitive football in time to play much more of this season.

He said he could understand those who are impatient for league and cup matches to resume, but reiterated his view that player welfare must be a top priority.

At Lewes’ Isthmian premier level, teams have not played competitively since the start of November – and there is no prospect of them being able to play or train at least until the start of March, and it will probably be later.

Non-league season verdict may be delayed.

Langton said: “I’m using logical reasoning and if you think we’ve now had something like 13 weeks with no competitive football, you’d already need a seven or eight-week pre season.

“Our players are healthy and their general fitness is good – but their football fitness is zero.

“Some may say ‘ah but they’ve been doing things on Zoom and doing HIIT workouts, they’ll be fine’ and may think a couple of weeks of pre-season would be enough, but if you rush them back you’ll get a ton of injuries. And yes you could see serious injuries.

“Instead, if we can return to training in April or early May when it’s safe, you can gradually build players up, do practical work and then after two or three weeks start to think about playing other teams (in friendlies). August could actually be about right in terms of leagues and cups starting.”

Langton said non-league players could have missed around 50 games by the time they returned, and he felt especially sorry for young players who had lost time in crucial stages of their football development.

Meanwhile Langton and Lewes Women’s boss Simon Parker took part in an online meeting with Rooks fan-owners on Wednesday night. Langton said he was delighted to see supporters’ interest in all that was happening at the club remained strong.