Clyde FC: October League One return was only realistic option

The Bully Wee will return to action on October 3 when the Betfred Cup group stage kicks off - with a three-quarter length 27-game league campaign starting two weeks later.

The decision means the club can make more definitive plans for a return to action from the Covid-19 shutdown which has put Scottish football into hibernation.

The Clyde board voted unanimously in favour of the October resumption - and director Gordon Nisbet admitting there were no other realistic alternatives.

He told the club website: “With the Championship already agreeing to the same start date and format, it was the only viable option.

“We simply couldn’t consider not playing, given the likelihood of that route resulting in relegation for 2021-22.

“So, although it will be an enormous challenge to be ready for competitive action in October, as a club we had no reasonable alternative.

“Notwithstanding that we all want to see the team back in action as soon as possible, so we’re doing everything we can to be ready.”

He continued: “I was also personally delighted that as a club we stayed on message throughout the reconstruction debacle, with complete transparency on every statement issued.

“Will this subject matter raise its ugly head again? I certainly would not bet against it. All the more reason that we find the proper resources to help equip Danny and his team to be above any line drawn in any future reconstruction proposals.”

Clyde already have eight players under contract for next season and have freed five others.

Boss Lennon is now waiting to see whether agreements can be struck with the remaining members of his squad - including Ray Grant, Chris McStay, Mark Lamont and Ally Love - before he can finalise his recruitment plans.