It's been more than three months since the sound of footballs being kicked, coaches issuing instructions and teammates laughing with each other reverberated around the Beveree Stadium.

But the past fortnight has seen a semblance of normality return to Hampton & Richmond Borough FC: manager Gary McCann and his staff have hosted optional, socially-distanced training sessions.

A number of last season's squad, some academy graduates and a handful of unattached players have attended the sessions.

Club physio Mark Findley ensured all who were present were tested for high temperatures, and the relevant FA guidelines were followed and adhered to during the different training drills.

McCann said: "It's obviously been a long time, and it's great to get back onto the pitch.

"All those who chose to attend took heed of the rules and we held a couple of fun but functional sessions."

The start of a long road back to normality

Chairman Jacques le Bars was also happy to see the Beveree being used safely. "It's not a decision we took lightly," he said.

"Thanks to Mark Findley who was central in ensuring it passed off without any issues.

"It was great to see football, albeit in a limited form, return to the Beveree. This is the start of a long process of the club returning to normal and we're working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we're in the best possible shape for when football proper is able to return."

As the club start to look to the future, McCann said: "Our intention is very much to keep a number of last season's squad.

"This is something myself and Jacques are working on as we try our very best to plan effectively for next season."

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