Finally 'light at the end of the tunnel' for Championship clubs, says Mark Sawyer

Championship clubs are hoping to return to action in March with fans allowed to attend matches in areas under Tier 2 and Tier 1 restrictions. Picture: SWpix.com.

Betfred Championship and League One sides have not taken to the field since March, with their seasons curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

For Dewsbury Rams chairman Mark Sawyer - who is also Bradford Bulls chief executive - the news that fans can return in areas with Tier 2 restrictions has come as a huge boost.

A Government loan has been made available to all rugby league clubs but the Rams have not been forced to draw on any of that money.

Dewsbury Rams chairman Mark Saywer. Picture: Paul Butterfield.

West Yorkshire is currently in Tier 3 measures, meaning supporters are not permitted to attend sporting events.

There is plenty of time before the start of next season, however, for the area to get the spread of Covid-19 under control.

Up to 2,000 fans can attend in Tier 2 areas, although with social distancing in place it is likely Dewsbury could only fit 1,500 supporters into the Tetley’s Stadium.

Sawyer feels it would be a good achievement for the area to be placed into Tier 2 by next year, with measures set to be reviewed by the Government on a fortnightly basis.

Being able to welcome fans back would represent a huge boost for Dewsbury and Heavy Woollen rivals Batley Bulldogs.

Sawyer admits he is “desperate” to see the club back playing again, after the Rams’ season was cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have got by and we are not in a bad position from a financial point of view,” he said.

“We are just desperate for a return to play, we want to play matches because that is what a rugby club is there for.

“It is going to be 12 months before we play again. I think people are really missing it.

"It would be a great achievement if we could get from Tier 3 to Tier 2 by next year. There is certainly a light at the end of the tunnel and it has given us all a lift.”

The Championship campaign is expecting to start at some point in March, although sides could play 1895 Cup and Challenge Cup games first.

Even if fans are not permitted to return in Kirklees, the Rams are working on a streaming option so supporters can still watch their side.

He added: “Dewsbury are working towards a back-up that if we have to play behind closed doors we will have streaming services available.”