We took the difficult decision to cancel training last night (Wednesday). Given the announcement made by the Scottish Government on Monday we felt uncomfortable asking our players and staff to travel to Dalbeattie from around Dumfries and Galloway and also from Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Carlisle.

Despite the fact that we have followed all protocols and hopefully have been providing a COVID safe space, the rising number of cases in Dumfries and Galloway means we are very concerned that bringing players and staff to Dalbeattie for training is an unnecessary risk to our local community at this difficult time for everyone.

We are classed as elite professional players but no provision is available for covid testing at our level, we do however query the professional status as we are a part time club and all players have other careers out with football.

We as a club have today written to the Scottish Lowland Football League requesting that consideration be given to suspend the league till this terrible disease is under control again.

Whilst we fully appreciate that we’re all in football for the love of the game we believe it’s a distant second right now to the safety of everyone in Dumfries and Galloway and beyond and therefore we hope you’ll understand our thoughts and concerns at this moment in time as we look to protect each and every individual.

Like all clubs in the league we would love to be able to be able to complete this season in a timely manner but the safety of our committee, management team, players and of course the people of our local community is of more concern than football at this present time.

Hopefully we will get back to normal in the near future and be able to welcome everyone back to Islecroft in a safe environment.

STAY SAFE - C’MON THE STAR