NEILSTON co-boss Derek Carson admits having to wait for a decision on whether or not the West of Scotland Football League will continue has been like enduring slow torture.

Carson’s players haven’t kicked a ball since the beginning of January, when the Scottish Football Association (SFA) announced all training and matches below SPFL Championship level was being suspended due to concerns over a rise in Covid cases.

However, the SFA has said an announcement on whether or not the current suspension can be lifted will be made by March 1.

And, as far as Carson is concerned, it’s a case of ‘now or never.’

He told Barrhead Sport: “The rumour mill has been going crazy. I’ve heard we could be back playing by the last Saturday in March and training two weeks before that but that’s just a rumour.

“Nobody knows what’s happening, apart from the powers-that-be.

“I’m sure there will be meetings every day until March 1 so that, when that comes, it’s not just a case of having another review in three weeks.

“If it comes to that, you’re getting to the stage where you’re wondering if there is going to be enough time.

“That will be the end of March and, after two or three weeks of training before playing again, you’re into the middle of April and you’re not going to be able to finish the season.

“I really think this announcement has to be the one where dates start getting mentioned. If you leave it any longer, you’re into the end of March and you’re really struggling.

“You’ve got to think about the players who are going out running and if they want to do that for another three weeks.

“Everybody is just praying that we get a date for starting back. It’s been a long break.”

The Farmer’s Boys are keen to get back on the pitch after winning eight games out of eight in Conference B of the West of Scotland Football League prior to the suspension.

Carson insists he is “hopeful” that the season can still be rescued.

“We’re getting the lighter nights and decent weather now, so you could fling a couple of midweek games in there as well and get the season finished,” he said.

“We’re all hoping it’s good news and I don’t see why it can’t be. Listening to what’s happening down south, with outdoor sports going back, I just hope we follow suit.”