Stewartry clubs will have to wait until at least Valentine’s Day before they can return to action.
Football below the Scottish Championship was suspended on January 11 due to concerns over the increasing number of coronavirus cases.
That suspension was originally due to finish at the end of January but the SFA has now extended it with no games or training sessions allowed until after midnight on February 14.
The news came as little surprise to Dalbeattie Star manager Ritchie Maxwell.
He said: “If the country stays in lockdown or level four then I think the suspension of football has to remain in place but if things start to get eased then we should be looking at how we can resume.
“However, we will probably need a few weeks notice as we are going to need a mini pre-season of a few weeks before we can get back going.
“I know League One and League Two are talking about starting back if they are tested twice a week but that just isn’t feasible at this level.
“For away games there is talk of boys travelling in separate cars but that soon adds up with travel expenses as well and it’s coming in a season when finances are already pretty low.
“I know League One and League Two are having talks with the SFA. The Lowland League and Highland Leagues had meetings last week and I think it’s good that there’s talks so that we have a route map for when we are allowed to resume.”
Star haven’t played since they drew 2-2 with Gretna 2008 just before Christmas and the shutdown means both training and playing are off the agenda for at least the next few weeks.
And Maxwell admitted: “The highlight of my day is going out for a walk!
“We have asked the players to keep themselves ticking over at the moment so that they’re ready if we do get the call to return but it’s difficult because all the facilities are closed.
“The only thing you can really do is road running. We are trusting them to look after themselves and they are all professional enough to know what to do.”
The SFA is expected to announce a further update on February 10 but the fourth round of the Scottish Cup – planned for February 20 – has already been pushed back.
SFA president Rod Petrie said: “The conversations we have had with representatives from the clubs and leagues affected by the temporary suspension have been hugely beneficial. We have been able to further communicate the rationale behind the decision in the midst of an ongoing pandemic whilst also hearing at first hand the most important issues facing clubs and leagues at each level of the game.
“We have also been greatly encouraged by the sense of togetherness shown by the clubs and the robustness with which protocols and measures have been implemented in the interests of player and staff safety within football.
“The decision to extend the suspension is necessary given the Scottish Government’s own extension of existing lockdown measures. Football will play its part to support the collective effort.”
