Baker rules out Rebels swift return to friendly action when lockdown restrictions are eased

Neil Baker this week ruled out the possibility of Slough Town’s players returning to play friendly matches when lockdown restrictions are lifted later this month.

The Rebels’ season has been officially ended and the results declared null and void, but last week’s announcement from Government gave the green light for community teams to resume training from the end of March.

Baker said the club simply doesn’t have the funds to open the ground and put-on matches without the income of fans coming through the gate, however, there is still the possibility of Slough’s u23s squad getting back to action.

The u23s, who are privately funded, hope to restart their Suburban season when restrictions allow in April, and Baker confirmed that he and Underwood would be watching on with interest if they do.

“We’re hopeful the u23s Suburban season might restart,” said Baker.

“It’s a private organisation that funds the u23s because if it was via the club, we wouldn’t be able to continue with it from a financial point of view.

“But, with a bit of luck, they might actually get some games in in April time.

“That would be great because we could watch a few of those games. Our thoughts are that we’ll start back early.

“We will probably look to arrange some trial games in May, we’ll look at various players, those who want to step up or those coming out of pro clubs.

“We can look at them for the u23s or if they impress enough for the first team. I think we’ll do that in May and then come back properly in June and get to a position in August where we’re ready to go.”