COLWYN Bay manager Craig Hogg could not hide his delight following the Welsh Government’s decision to allow the resumption of training sessions.

The Seagulls’ boss has been working hard with his coaching staff to ensure all safety measures are in place ahead of their return to the pitch, and they are now waiting on additional guidance from the Football Association of Wales before preparations for the upcoming JD Cymru North campaign can begin.

It promises to be a pivotal season ahead for the Bay, who are setting their sights on promotion to the JD Cymru Premier at the second time of asking. Hogg has targeted next weekend as the start date for his squad to get down to business, all being well in the meantime.

Hogg, said: “It’s really good news that the FAW have given all clubs protocols, guidance and advice for phase 1 return to training.

“We are excited at the prospect of getting the players and staff back on the grass and getting some work covered.

“The management team have been working on putting in place the described health and safety measures for phase 1 training over the weekend, but we are waiting for some additional guidance from the FAW on top of what we have received.

“When we have clarity on those additional points, all going well, the plan for our club is to get the squad back in next weekend for very small group technical and conditioning work.

Hogg added he has found life without football over the last few months difficult from a personal perspective, and claimed that a return to team activities was “just what everyone needs” in the current climate.

“Obviously we will be working to a very different training plan for the time of year, compared to what we would usually deliver as a coaching team, but it’s a start and I feel it’s something we all need.

“For a number of reasons, I’m really looking forward to putting the stopwatch and whistle back on and being a coach again.

“I like many others have struggled with not having football during the past four months or so. Hopefully being able to work with players and other staff members is literally round the corner for us now.”