AFC Portchester boss hits out at Wessex League’s ‘wishy-washy’ approach to coronavirus fears

The Dorset club were en-route to the Crest Finance Stadium but were advised to turn around by the Wessex League after players felt unwell on the bus.

It left the Royals out of pocket, having already organised catering and hospitality.

Catlin felt it was a situation that could have been avoided.

'To have the game called off just after midday killed us,' he said.

'I can't blame Portland but the league didn't do anybody any favours with their wishy-washy approach.

'It is unfair that the onus was put on the clubs to make a decision they are not qualified to make.

'Other leagues looked at the situation and made a group decision for all their clubs.

'I spoke to the Portland manager Brendan King who I have known for a long time.

'He wasn't sure what to do but he had players unwell and his assistant manager's daughter was in hospital.

'Portland were told to go back and, looking at it, that was probably the right decision.

'Did we really want to have their players at our ground if they were ill?

'As much as it is hard to take, it was probably for the best.

'It is a situation, however, that could have been avoided.

'Our club wasted a lot of time, money and effort getting everything ready for the game.'

Last Friday, the Wessex League had tweeted advice to clubs.

‘Update on #Coronavirus - this weekend at least it’s business as usual with the fixtures,’ they said.

There’s clear guidelines published and available on the web on what individuals should do. The FA issue daily statements, on receipt of these we will follow their advice and act accordingly.’

Other games in the Wessex League took place with Bashley attracting a crowd of over 300 for their game against Brockenhurst.

Catlin went to watch his club’s Premier Division title rivals Alresford Town extend their lead at the top with a 4-1 win against Lymington.

Other local games were called off because of the weather and lack of availability of facilities.

The game between Horndean and Fareham Town was called off because of a waterlogged pitch at Five Heads Park - the home club’s second postponement in three days.

Baffins Milton Rovers were also inactive, and have now played only one league game since February 8.

They have endured almost 20 home postponements this season due to the weather, and at the weekend their game at Tadley Calleva was called off because the north Hampshire club’s facilities were unavailable.

It is believed the clubhouse and changing rooms were out of action because they were being 'deep cleaned' because of a virus scare.

Catlin believes if the weather hadn't intervened, then other clubs would have found themselves in the same position.

He also insists there should be uniform action across the football community.

'I was surprised the National League said their games could go ahead, though some of them were postponed because of illness,' he remarked.

'It shouldn't be the clubs' call.

'You can't expect clubs to prepare for games when it isn't certain they will take place.

'We should all be doing the same thing and this has to come from the Football Association.

'This situation is totally new to all of us.

'It is a mess but there is not a lot we can do about it.

'At the end of the day the health and safety of people has to be the priority, and we can't put that at risk.

'We certainly won't be finishing the season on the date planned at the end of April because clubs were struggling to fulfil fixtures before this.'

The Wessex League’s management board are due to meet on Monday night at 7pm.

‘This has been called to make a decision on whether to suspend all fixtures,’ the league tweeted. ‘A statement will be released following the meeting.’