IT’S the time of year when fans get excited about the new faces are going to watch week in, week out in the up-and-coming season.

But coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown has changed all that. It’s changed people lives. Everyone has been affected with sport taking a bit hit.

And that’s particularly the case at Wrexham Football Club.

The new league season should have kicked off on August 8. Instead it looks like it could all kick off when the club holds it’s AGM that same day.

So while Stockport County fans are welcoming the Jennings brothers - ex-Reds Connor and James - and £75,000 signing John Rooney - another former Wrexham star - it’s off the field matters that dominate at The Racecourse.

In their latest update, the club said they have so many issues to discuss that they have called an EGM for August 1.

The club statement read: “We have received a large number of resolutions for the upcoming AGM and the Society Board have discussed the practicalities of managing the meeting.

“We have received nearly 30 resolutions, including those sponsored by the Board, for discussion and even allowing for a minimum amount of discussion we are possibly looking at a six-hour meeting.

“This is obviously not a situation that is desirable and may stifle debate on issues that need to be discussed. As a result, we have agreed to call an EGM for Saturday, August 1, one week prior to the AGM, where we can debate some of the more time-consuming resolutions.

A notice will be sent out this week inviting you to the meeting and detailing the business to be discussed.

“We will be in contact with some resolution sponsors ahead of this to ask permission to move their resolutions to the EGM. There is obviously no compulsion on them to do so but it would help us in managing the meeting.

“The EGM is as important as the AGM and it is important that members make every effort to attend. The main business of the meeting will be the presentation of the proposed Groves project and details of this will be placed on the website later this week.”

With no date yet set for the start of the new season and with Wales lagging behind England in the lifting of restrictions, it’ remains unclear when fans will be allowed back in the grounds.

“We have had no indication from the National League about a potential restart date for the new season,” added the club statement. “Nor have we had any indication about social distancing guidelines or ground capacity instructions.

“We do need to bear in mind that the National League are subject to rules set by both governments. There would be obvious problems for us if football in England was allowed to resume some time before football in Wales.

“It is the view of the directors that it would not be possible to restart football without fans being present and we believe the majority of clubs at our level have the same view.

“We note that the English FA have set a start date of September 5 and we have written to the National League for clarification. We will update supporters when we have that information.”

Reds boss Dean Keates has also been told about a possible September restart, adding: “We are just waiting on a bit more clarity. There’s plenty of rumours about start dates and September being the month.”

After snapping up Rooney, who has ditched life in League Two with National League champions Barrow, for a three year deal at Stockport, County will be considered one of the favourites this season.

Rooney scored 20 goals as The Bluebirds gained promotion and County boss Jim Gannon is well pleased with his capture.

“We are all delighted John has joined us at County,” he told the club’s website. “I think this signing is a real statement of intent on behalf of Stockport County. In my recent squad update I had highlighted a strong desire to add goals, creativity and quality to our front line. In that regard Simon Wilson has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to attract players, that we can be regarded as amongst the best in the League.”

Stockport have added another former Wrexham player to their ranks in the shape of Alex Reid.

The 24-year-old has signed after leaving Stevenage, Gannon adding: “I think Alex adds another strong dimension to the team and squad.”