CITY'S wait for fans to return to Valley Parade continues, after West Yorkshire was confirmed as being in tier 3 of the new local restrictions introduced by the government, which are set to be enforced from next Wednesday.

The Bantams have not had a home game in front of fans since they beat Plymouth Argyle 2-1 on February 29, and there is no indication as to when they will next play one in front of their own supporters.

The whole of West Yorkshire has been placed into the tier, which is the strictest of the three.

It also spells bad news for Bradford (Park Avenue) and Guiseley, who will have to carry on playing their National League North home fixtures behind closed doors too.

There are at least financial packages in place for those at elite level like City, Avenue and Guiseley to combat having to play without fans, though how long clubs can sustain themselves on those, without any matchday revenue, remains to be seen.

There is also real uncertainty for many clubs across the country below that elite level (which consists of the National League North and South and above).

And that is no different for our clubs in the Bradford District.

The likes of Brighouse (Step 3 of the Non-League System), Thackley, Eccleshill and Silsden (Step 5) and Campion and Steeton (Step 6) are all still unsure whether they will be allowed fans at games, or even whether the team can travel to games outside of the region.

So far, the government guidance has been that spectators at non-elite sports will be able to attend events in line with Covid-secure guidance for each tier.

But what exactly that means is unclear.

Given the rules surrounding hospitality, it seems highly unlikely that those in tier 3 at "non-elite" level, will be able open their clubhouses, which will be a financial blow.

But fans paying admission for games would still generate several hundreds of pounds, with that money absolutely vital to clubs at that level.

So although those leagues are all due to restart over the next couple of weeks (after being postponed during the current national lockdown), it remains to be seen whether that will still be the case if fans are not allowed in or if teams cannot travel beyond their own region.