Forres Mechanics to stop training and playing friendlies until mid November
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FORRES Mechanics' pre-season plans have been put on hold until the middle of November.
A meeting on Wednesday evening, the board decided to stop training and playing friendlies until at least November 12, when a further update on the Highland League season will be given by the SHFL.
The Cans were due to play Burghead Thistle at Mosset Park tomorrow but the match has been cancelled.
Chairman Dave Macdonald explained the reasoning behind the suspension of all footballing activities.
He said: "We took the decision to suspend games and friendlies for the health and wellbeing of the players.
"We are in autumn and going into winter and they are coming in their gear, ready to play, and if it's a foul night they have to towel down and go away home without showering, which is not the best.
"We had to take a common sense approach. The players have day jobs and other employers which provide their main source of income. They have to work the next day after training so we are mindful of that.
"Plus, the virus is out there and you have to be mindful that it's there."
Mechanics manager Charlie Rowley had previously said he hoped to continue playing or training once a week but was "accepting" of the board's decision, Mr Macdonald said.
The Highland League season is due to get under way on November 28 at the earliest.
Forres Thistle have also decided to suspend all football activities, with no date currently on the table for a return to action at junior level.
