Where does today’s FAW statement leave us?

Hope? a little hope? or no hope?

The FAW’s statement on a potential return to football below pyramid tier 1 today was pretty unclear.

We are told that due to the recent increase on Covid-19 cases, we must remain at phase 2.

Then in the next sentence, it is announced the FAW aims next week to release details for phase 3 of the Return to Play for all junior and youth football and senior clubs at tier 2 and below.

Football in Wales appears to be all about the national teams and Cymru Premier – and even our national league is getting a raw deal with the closed doors policy.

The adminstrators in Cardiff should remember that the likes of Neco Williams started off at grassroots. Most do.

As for the juniors, it’s fine to fill schools with pupils, but no competitive football? It’s a farce.

For what it’s worth, here was today’s statement from the FAW:

“Following today’s (11 September) announcement from the Welsh Government, the Football Association of Wales will remain at Phase 2 of it’s Return to Play protocol due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and current restrictions on a maximum of 30 people meeting outdoors remaining in place.

“Week commencing 14 September, the FAW aims to release the protocols for Phase 3 of the Return to Play for all junior and youth football and senior clubs at Tier 2 and below.

“This protocol will detail what is currently permitted following the latest Welsh Government guidelines and outline the stages that must occur when restrictions are relaxed.

“We continue to work with Welsh Government, Sport Wales and Welsh Sports Association and we hope to be able to announce the return of fixtures in the near future.”