So here we are again… The sequel to lockdown one has already arrived with its winter version and the imposed ban of socialising and sport is now just days upon us. Football, the mainstay of English culture since the turn of the nineteenth century has flown the flag in recent months, almost single-handed as the UK and its people come to terms with ‘new normal’ and ever-changing government measures but even our nations favourite has been left not knowing what to do after the most recent announcement by blonde-headed Boris.

Agree with lockdown or not, it’s here again and you must act accordingly or be punished…

So what can we do?

Well from Thursday, not a lot. Football (and sport) is set to continue at ‘elite level’ whatever that is? The Premier League and Football League are almost certain to continue regardless with closed stadiums and pay per view now ‘expected’ for some time yet.

Forest and Mansfield fans will at least get to continue paying through the roof for buffering streams on ifollow but for Notts County, these days semi-elite, things aren’t quite as straight forward.

The Magpies have had to cancel games in the National League and FA Cup already this season due to covid, more cancellations could have a dramatic effect on the continuation of their campaign.

The National League should for now continue, especially after a government package was agreed in October to help bail teams out due to not being able to play football in front of fans, but below steps 5 and 6 of the football pyramid and for the likes of Basford United, Carlton Town and Worksop Town of the Northern Premier League (steps 7&8), and for sides who can still let fans in under strict-measures, the time has now come to potentially take a back seat and rest up those feet.

Grassroots football has relied heavily on gate receipts through turnstiles for its teams to survive so playing ‘without’ fans may not be feasible, in anycase it may not be allowed with the FA set to make a statement later this week.

Likely to happen is the toss of a coin on that leagues like the Northern Counties East League or East Midlands Counties League will continue without fans, or they will simply take break until it is safe to resume with them. Football below that has already been given the red light to stop.

Other sports have been affected to. The biggest surprise is that golf and tennis can no longer continue, even when played alone or against other members of your household, although you’ll still be able to watch the worlds elite through your satellite subscriptions whilst safely avoiding any ‘virus’ sat in your armchairs at home.

Gyms and Pools are set to close so keeping fit is limited to outdoor cycles, walks and runs, perhaps some socially distanced space in the park can allow you to use ‘other equipment’ like balls or weights although a winter lockdown won’t be as appealing to those who did like in the spring and summer earlier in the year. If you brave to head out, wrap up, it will be cold.

Many indoor sports have long been paused with elite basketball only recently making its comeback, unsure now on whether it can continue, Basketball England will make an announcement sometime soon.

But the simple verdict other than that is that sport, participating or watching is not recommended, and it will sadly be the case until the first week of December at least. Whilst you may get to watch the best in the business on the box, you won’t be able to get out in the open and enjoy your favourite past-times if you are ‘non-elite’ or ‘amateur’ so stay indoors, stay safe and stay positive that things will eventually resume but until then, we’ll keep you in loop of anything that happens involving our local clubs and athletes.

*Main image @AFCMansfield the Forest Town Arena could be forced to close this month.