Reservoir to build stronger club during cancelled 2020 season
Reservoir president Luke Bryant said 97 years of history could have been at stake if the 2020 season had gone ahead and believes the year off will allow the club to build strong foundations.
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Reservoir president Luke Bryant says preserving 97 years of history were more important than playing football in 2020.
The Mustangs’ survival may have been put at risk if the Northern Football League had decided to play a shortened season.
Limited crowds, pressure on volunteers and important sponsors hit hard in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic were critical factors in the NFL’s call.
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Bryant was pleased the league had listened to its clubs in the decision-making process.
“There’s mixed emotions. We’re disappointed we can’t play but I think it’s a logical decision,” he said.
“It’s disappointing for the boys but when you look at the big picture, I don’t want to put 97 years of history at jeopardy.
“I’m happy the league has listened to us … as a committee we’ve got the chance to reset now, attack a few things, and set us up for years to come.
“There might have been a few clubs that would have come through this but is it worth risking clubs? Or just making it harder for years to come?”
Reservoir remains in a rebuilding phase after going into recess in 2016.
However, the Mustangs enjoyed a solid off-season, installing Jason Hamilton as senior coach and recruiting several talented players.
Bryant said he understood players’ frustration that the game they loved had been taken away from them.
But he was confident the group would stick with the club for 2021.
“Speaking to Jase, he’s in regular contact with the players, they’re obviously disappointed but I’m confident they’ll stick fat and come on the ride with us,” he said.
“Hopefully we can have a few functions when restrictions are eased a bit more.
“Once we get the chance, we’ll speak with all the boys and ladies. Hopefully we can get out on the field and get some feedback from them on what they want to do.”
Bryant said the club would consider its options if a “COVID Cup” style tournament was organised among metropolitan clubs.
“There’d be a few things you’d have to look at but if it went over a couple of weekends and made the boys happy and we could afford it, we’d look at it,” he said.