CONWY Borough manager Matthew Jones bemoaned a lack of communication from the Football Association of Wales after his side suspended first-team training due to the local lockdown.

The Tangerines’ made the difficult decision due to a number of players and the management team being based outside of Conwy county, but the reserves will still be taking part in sessions under Covid-19 safety guidelines.

Jones stated his concerns regarding the damage current restrictions could have on the domestic game in Wales, with many managers across the region harbouring the same belief as the prospect of a season start date looks further away than ever.

He said: “The local lockdown has unfortunately meant we have had to suspend first-team training. Although we have a squad that is local to Conwy, the majority of the players are Gwynedd or Denbighshire based, whilst myself and Rog are Denbighshire based.

“This is obviously frustrating for us all as training has been brilliant and has been he fix of football that we’ve all needed. Even without the prospect of games, training has been extremely well attended and the intensity and attitude shown by the players have ensured it has been very enjoyable. As soon as we are able to, we will be back in training.

“I’m not sure what impact this will have on the season starting, I know the FAW have released the protocols for the phase three return to play but there seems to be so little communication as to what the plans are for the return of competition.

“The longer this goes on the more damage I feel it’s doing to the game in Wales. It’s difficult watching games with fans in attendance in England while we are still unable to play games.”

Jones added his voice to those who are growing increasingly concerned about platers and coaching staff across the region become disinterested due to a lack of competitive action, which is already seeing some opt for moves across the border and to JD Cymru Premier clubs.

“The biggest fear is that players, coaches and volunteers begin to lose interest, although this isn’t something I’m seeing with us,” he said.

“The game in Wales seems to have been on an upward trajectory, but this has the potential of undoing all that good work.

“I fully understand that we are in a pandemic and that people’s health must come first. I also sympathise with those who have to make the decisions as these are unforeseen circumstances, but I feel some clarity and communication as to what is going on and what the plans are and what’s being discussed with the Welsh Government will help.”