Silkmen Fans Could Make October Return

Silkmen supporters could potentially be back at the Moss Rose in October, according to the latest Government plans revealed on Friday.

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston confirmed that the Government are working towards an October return and have announced a series of pilot events to be held throughout remainder of July and the start of August ahead of a broader decision.

The pilot events are believed to include two County Cricket friendly matches, the World Snooker Championships and Glorious Goodwood.

It is hoped that a fuller programme of socially distanced sporting events will be able to return from 1st October - yet much will depend on the success of these pilot events, as well as the overall scientific advice regarding COVID-19.

Current guidelines outline the caveats which are likely to employed once the current restrictions start to be eased and these include a temporary but rigid limitation on numbers.

Further to this, it is expected that the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) will impose short-term licensing restrictions, as well as issuing guidelines to review socially distanced capacity calculations.

Mr Huddlestone commented -

"For months, millions of us have felt the void of being unable to go to the match to support our team or attend a top-class sporting event. So I am pleased that we are now able to move forward with a plan to help venues safely reopen their doors to fans.

"I recognise that not every sport, team or club has the benefit of huge commercial revenue, and it is often their dedicated fans that are the lifeblood which helps keep them going. By working closely with sports and medical experts, these pilots will help ensure the safe return of fans to stadia.

"Although it will remain some time before venues are full to capacity, this is a major step in the right direction for the resumption of live spectator sport across the country."