ADENIYI: SAVING LIVES IS PRIORITY
HIS side were in the thick of a promotion battle before the coronavirus struck, but Peter Adeniyi believes the bigger picture is what matters most right now.
The Carshalton player-manager led his team to fifth in the BetVictor Isthmian Premier Division this term – and the FA Cup first round.
But hopes of winning promotion to National League South went up in smoke when the Step 3 and 4 Leagues began the process to terminate the season in the week.
The 40-year-old, who led the Robins to the Isthmian South title a couple of years ago, said: “It’s one of them where we have to put what’s most important first – people’s lives. That comes above anything else.
“It would be tragic if a player or fan was to die because a training session or match goes ahead. It’s just football.
“Of course, it’s a bit frusing for everyone at this time of year. Everything was ramping up towards the end of the season. Some clubs, like us, were going for promotion and others were trying to stay in the league.
“It’s quite disappointing we won’t be able to finish the season – there’s a lot of work that’s gone into it.
“To be on the home straight and have the race cancelled, through no fault of anyone, is frustrating, but I understand they are doing it to protect the public and clubs. It makes sense.”
Decision
While the decision to draw the curtain on this season has given Step 3 and 4 teams some clarity, Adeniyi is wary about looking too far ahead.
“The season has ended, but I don’t feel we can start planning for next season until we know when it will start,” he said.
“What will be the implications for fans? If we still social distancing at the start of next season that will affect the number of fans in the ground, which will affect income and the playing budget.”
Despite the sad ending, it’s still been a memorable season for Carshalton.
Aside from their promotion push, they beat National League outfit Dagenham & Redbridge 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round before bowing out 4-1 at home against National League North Boston United in the first round.
“I’m really pleaed with the season we’ve had,” said fortrating mer Eastleigh, Dulwich and Bromley midfielder Adeniyi. “The boys have done the club proud.
Exciting
“The FA Cup run was extremely exciting. The game against Dagenham & Redbridge will stay in my mind for a long, long time. To be on the touchline against someone like Peter Taylor is what dreams are made of.
“Boston was a brilliant day all-round – apart from the result! I feel so lucky and privileged to be working with this group of boys and the coachhave staff is as good as I could hope for. I’ve got a really good chairman and a great set of fans who back us even when we don’t deserve it. I’m so disappointed for them.”
Nigeria-born Adeniyi also heads up Carshalton’s academy and it’s no surprise that has also been affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
He added: “My life is usually based at the club so it’s a bit weird not being there, but we are monitoring the boys and making sure they stay on top of their work. We want to give them life skills and a good starting point in whatever career they want to go into.”