IN these strange times, people are searching for anything that represents normality. A hobby that resembles this is going to watch your local football team. However, this has not been possible since the sport returned for pre-season.

After, the FA ended the 2019-20 campaign for steps three to six prematurely, due to the pandemic, there was uncertainty on when the game would resume.

Clubs were back in training later than usual. Mid-July was the date albeit under strict restrictions like no contact during sessions.

From August 1, teams were greeted with the news that behind closed doors friendlies were allowed, as long as, safety protocols were followed.

Temperature checks, closed changing rooms and sealed bags for dirty kits were all present in Thackley's friendly with Campion at Dennyfield on Saturday.

Boss Patrick McGuire discussed the challenges his side will have when the season begins, in the FA Cup extra preliminary round, on September 1.

He said: "For any league fixtures to take place, we are going to need to use changing facilities and have the fans back in.

"We usually draw teams from the North East (in the FA Cup). If, that happens this year, we cannot shower or have a coach.

"You’d have to drive home in your smelly kit which isn’t better than not getting a shower.

"Even before the start of pre-season, we made it very clear that safety is paramount.

"If anyone is uncomfortable in any shape or form, they can stay away.

"Anyone showing symptoms would be putting us at risk which we can't have."

One player who was wary about joining up with the squad again was Thackley veteran Kris Hargreaves.

He said: "I have been one that has questioned it due to my girlfriend working at the BRI.

"Since the lockdown hit, I have been very isolated. It was a big step from working indoors all the time to going to training with 16 lads. It was quite daunting.

"She (his girlfriend) did (have some concerns). Not, only for me taking it home and her taking it to work, but the other way round too.

"The club have empowered us to make our own decisions. When the measures are in place you feel safe."

Financially, clubs at non-league level have been hurt the most with many fearing for their own future.

Thackley chairman Ben Oliver believes his club should have enough to survive for now, but if the current situation does continue then they may run into trouble.

He said: "We had supporters turn up against FC United of Manchester on Tuesday and I had to turn them away.

"In the short term, we have cash to see us through. There are teams calling it a day so you never know what may happen. But, we have got a long way to go before that, thankfully.

"If the league starts you have got all the expenses without supporters in and using the bar, then it becomes an issue."

Campion joint-manager Lee Ashforth thinks another factor may affect clubs even worse.

He added: "Everyone has got caught up with this fans thing, but people have forgotten about the sponsors.

"You are approaching companies who usually give you x amount and we don’t have that anymore. The companies do not have that type of money to put in.

"That shows in player expenses and players have got to get more realistic.

"Non-league football has had a massive reality check."