Tompkins says Ascot United will come back stronger after club shuts down operations

Ascot United manager Jamie Tompkins insists the club will return stronger than ever after the Yellamen announced they would close until further notice on Monday.

Following the Government’s announcement of a new national lockdown and its restrictions on sport, Ascot United made the decision to shut down for the foreseeable future in order to best protect their members and the wider community.

While financial support from fans may be limited during this time, boss Tompkins believes his club has the foundations to get through this period unscathed.

“We’ve survived the first two lockdowns because we’ve got a really good infrastructure at the club,” he said.

“Financially, the club is in a really stable position.

“We’ve got our 3G pitch and we have staff, that are contracted to work for the club, in a very stable position with their jobs. That’s the most important thing. With over 60 youth teams, we’ve got a lot of club members on board and some really good supporters through sponsorship.

“It’s frustrating that we can’t get down to the club right now but the good news is that it will still be there once we’re out of lockdown and forevermore. That’s the positive sign for all of our senior sides and our youth teams.”

Having not played competitively since December 12, Tompkins is doubtful the Combined Counties league will have time to finish and fears of another null and void season. Until such a decision is made on the division’s future, the boss and player Ian Davies are working hard to maintain the Yellamen’s fitness in lockdown.

“We suffered from the FA’s announcement on making the season null and void last year because we were top of the league and we should have won promotion,” said Tompkins. “I can’t really see us ending this season in the current format and I don’t think the points-per-game ratio should be used unless we’ve played at least 80% of the season. I do think it will be another wasted season for everyone involved.

“But for now, we’re trying to keep the players engaged with the club and with each other. We’re trying to get everyone together by doing quizzes and online fitness sessions on Zoom. We’re very fortunate that one of our own players, Ian Davies, is a personal trainer. We’ve got about seven or eight players that join a Zoom call with him three times a week and train together. That’s been great and we’re always finding ways to keep the players engaged with the club over times like these.”