Brora Rangers player-manager Steven Mackay hopes social distancing measures can be implemented to allow the Highland League to resume with crowds.
Highland League secretary Rod Houston has already dismissed the notion of the new season starting behind closed doors, due to the clubs’ reliance on matchday income through ticket sales and hospitality.
Mackay believes the layout of most Highland League grounds, including Brora’s Dudgeon Park, would allow clubs to fall in line with the government’s social distancing guidelines.
Mackay said: “Our club and all the other clubs need fans to come through the gates. We need people paying to come in and watch us, as well as the hospitality, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to function.
“Once the Highland League decides on a start date, it needs to probably be determined by what the guidance is at the time.
“You’d like to think with the way our ground, and a lot of other Highland League grounds, are set up, you could socially distance quite easily.
“If we can’t get fans through the gate, for me I don’t see how clubs can continue to play behind closed doors with the financial burden.”
Aside from the financial need for supporters to attend games, Mackay says crowds are a vital part of the matchday experience.
Mackay added: “The fans play a massive part.
“We don’t get tens of thousands of people coming to watch our games, but the people that do come and watch us – it means a lot to the players.
“It wouldn’t be right for me going back and playing without having our fans there.”
