COLWYN Bay manager Craig Hogg outlined his concerns about a lack of discussions and the potential physical strain on his players after the JD Cymru North announced plans to begin next month.

Every second-tier team will be facing a demanding league and cup schedule over a ten-week period that will eventually result in somebody getting promoted to the JD Cymru Premier, with Hogg putting together a formidable-looking squad that looks more than capable of achieving this feat.

The Bay boss claimed that managers had not been asked for their views at any stage by the Football Association of Wales before the announcement, which also put an end to hopes of any competitive action for Tier 3 and below.

Hogg is also deeply concerned about the impact having so many games in a short space of time will have on his squad, especially with work commitments and a lack of activity over the last year.

He said: “The proposed start date is much needed, and it gives us something to aim towards.

“I am concerned about the physical loading it’s going to place on people, as the schedule will be a demanding one for the players to contend with.

“We will be playing at least 17 games - 15 league and a minimum of two cup ties - in a ten-week period, with a game roughly every four days.

“That’s heavy, especially after so much inactivity for teams in tier two and very little time to prepare squads, together.

“Whether this is the right solution or not doesn’t really make a difference. Managers and clubs haven’t once been asked for our views on anything.

“We’ve put a large squad together and we are going to need every single player we have. I just hope we do get going, as I’m eager to see my lads back at it as they really need football now.”

Hogg also stated that he is eager to return to football and some semblance of normality as soon as possible, with events in recent months taking its toll on people young and old across the country.

“If I’m being honest, football is something I need back in my life soon as well,” he added.

“I’ve struggled of late without it and it’s just been purgatory.”