JOHNSTONE Burgh boss Jamie McKim admits he fears for his players’ physical and mental wellbeing as they wait to discover the fate of the 2020/21 campaign.

All football below the SPFL Championship has been sidelined since January 12, when a suspension of matches and training was imposed due to rising Covid cases across the country.

It had been hoped the Scottish Football Association (SFA) would give clubs a road map for a return to action when it delivered its latest update on Monday.

However, there was more frustration for Burgh and fellow West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) outfit Renfrew as the SFA instead stated it was still waiting for guidance from the Scottish Government.

And there was a new twist yesterday when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed clubs in League One and Two, as well as women’s teams in SWPL One, can return to training, provided players are tested before matches.

McKim has called for “strong leadership” as WoSFL clubs look to kick-start the season.

He told Gazette Sport: “There’s always been a need for strong leadership and we’ve not really had that, so it’s disappointing. Whoever is making the decisions, whether it be the SFA or the government, I just think everybody has been let down.

“For the players’ mental and physical health, they need to get back playing as soon as possible.”

McKim said he had been “really hopeful” the SFA would deliver some positive news this week, as progress has been made in reducing the number of Covid cases across Scotland.

“I think we needed some dates,” he added. “I’m no expert but the figures are improving.”

In the statement released on Monday, the SFA said: “As outlined at the weekend by the national clinical director for Scotland, Professor Jason Leitch, the Scottish FA has been in regular dialogue with the Scottish Government since the temporary suspension of football was implemented on January 12.

“Since then, a series of discussions have taken place via video conference with all leagues affected by the suspension, to establish the measures and protocols under which each might resume their competitions.

“This information has been shared with the Scottish Government and, while it has been positively received, we await a final decision from ministers.”