LEE CLARK reflected on the call-off of Saturday’s friendly at Wakefield FC and said: “The danger of picking up injuries outweighed the setback of not having the work-out.”
The Town manager, Wakefield boss Ronnie Glavin and the match referee took a joint decision not to play because of the hard and uneven state of the College Grove pitch.
The development came with Town fans arriving at the Evo-Stik (Northern Premier) League ground, where a crowd of between 1,500 and 2,000 was anticipated. It means Wakefield, formerly Emley, will miss out on an estimated £20,000 pay day, but Clark has pledged to rearrange the game.
With Town’s friendly schedule pretty full – they head to Bradford Park Avenue on Wednesday and Frickley Athletic on Thursday – the match may have to take place during the season.
Tickets bought in advance remain valid, while Wakefield will confirm refund details over the next few days.
“It was disappointing not to play after arriving at the ground, but it just wasn’t worth taking any risks,” explained Clark, whose side won 5-0 in their opening friendly at AFC Emley on Friday.
“We have plenty of friendlies coming up, so we’ll review what we do in the early part of this week to take account of the match not taking place.
“We’re keen to maintain our good relationship with local clubs, and we will certainly rearrange this game, although it may well be into the season.”
Clark confirmed trialists John Rooney, the younger brother of Wayne, and Australian midfielder Calum Hare will figure against either Bradford or Frickley.
“They would have played at Wakefield, but the plan was always to keep them here this week as well.”
Attacking midfielder Rooney, 19, is out of contract at Macclesfield, who can demand a fee.
Midfielder Hare, 20, has been playing for Brisbane Strikers in the Queensland State League and has also been at A-League Gold Coast Utd.
