COWDENBEATH are making preparations for four friendly games in the run up to the start of the Betfred Cup on Saturday October 10.

However, while arrangements have been agreed with four clubs the coronavirus crisis is leaving a lot of work to be done to get the games on.

Said Blue Brazil secretary David Allan: "We have agreed to play matches with Broughty Athletic and Dundee North End away from home and Rangers U20s and Montrose at home.

"But these games are all subject to ourselves and the two Dundee sides fulfilling the Return to Play criteria.

"The SFA will visit us and ultimately let us know if we conform to regulations needed.

"The thing about the friendlies is that the teams cannot change at the grounds, they turn up ready to play and get on with the game.

"It is a really strange set-up but we are where we are and hopefully we can get at least a couple of the matches played."

Cowden are busily trying to ensure they will have enough changing accommodation for the Betfred cup-tie with Hearts on October 10 and there league matches.

"We now understand that the requirement per player social distance wise is four square metres so it looks very much as if Cowdenbeath will be changing downstairs at Central Park and the opposition in the lounge upstairs and the boardroom," said David.

"It really is a bit strange but we know that all the Premiership sides have had similar problems and many are using hospitality suites to get enough changing space for their visitors.

"There are still a lot of issues to sort out to make it work but at least we know we are not on our own in having major problems to sort out the changing rooms conundrum."

With players unable to have showers after games due to the current Covid regulations finding space to accommodation two squads, their backroom staff and match officials is the conumdrum but the early signs are that this can be achieved at Cowdenbeath.

Meanwhile Cowdenbeath have one goalkeeper on board as the new season approaches.

He is 20 year-old Mac Whyte (pictured), who joined up during last season and was a regular on the subs' bench and played in Fife Cup-ties.

Secretary David Allan said: "Mac has signed a professional contract now and is someone the coaching staff have high hopes for."

Meanwhile the Blues are in negotiations with an SPL over the possible signing of a 'keeper for the full season.

The damage to Central Park caused by the deluge which hit the area over a few short hours on August 11/12 has run to almost £100,000.

All the downstairs rooms were affected by the water which entered the building under the front door of the office block as the car park became completely waterlogged.

But the drying out operation, using powerful dehumidifiers was a complete success in all the area affected by the floodwater and now repair work is underway.

Said David Allan: "We knew just by looking at it that the infiltration of water had posed serious problems for flooring, with only the dressing rooms, which have concrete bases, really in any way OK.

"However, the work is now taking place and hopefully we can have most of the offices ready for the beginning of October."