Non-League in a Pandemic

[Formic]

There are a couple of thought-provoking articles about whether the season should continue at National League level and at lower levels


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55575536

https://www.sloughtownfc.net/article/23 ... -statement

I'm sure many clubs are in similar positions and have similar concerns. At least we don't have all the uncertainty of the Tier system now, and reasonable clarity there will be no football until March at least, meaning there is no chance the season can be played over 42 games. There's plenty of debate about what that might mean, but anything less than a full season, whether a completed 2020-21 or a restart for 2021-22 will be insufficient to attract people back into grounds if we do conquer Covid.

[Phil-the-Diamond]

I think all football should be halted.

[Biggles]

Its pointless carrying on this season and its looks like the League agree.

The Clubs will be given a chance to submit their views to the League, then the League will pass it to the F.A who will make the final decision.

https://southern-football-league.co.uk/ ... -STATEMENT

[Formic]

It's quite odd to initiate a survey like this, whilst at the same time advising what they believe the outcome should be / will be?

Accepting that it may be the case that the season is cancelled, it might have been wise for the league to at least suggest how clubs might be supported in the absence of any revenue until late summer. To just be cast adrift as starkly as this might be the final straw for some clubs.

[Adrian]

Ive said all along that part time football should not be restarted, stop start, stop start, a virus that is invisible, asymptomatic people spreading it, part time players picking it up from their day job and spreading it on a cold Tuesday night in Oadby... it's notworth the risk.

The FA should work with landlords and energy companies to look at getting reductions for the clubs while football can't be played.

The FA are a disgrace, Derby had a Covid outbreak yet were not forced to forfeit their cup tie, non league clubs were forced to forfeit theirs.

It's about time mutual respect ran across the board because when this pandemic is finally over... we will lose so many non league clubs unless clubs from all levels start working together.

[Formic]

There's quite a good article about the options for how the season might be concluded, and some of the related issues at https://cfbfootball.com/2021/01/10/null-and-void-again/

[sussexdiamond]

Regardless of Covid I wonder just how many games would have escaped the weather. Since mid December we have had floods, freezing cold and now snow is forecast. Just another normal season! Take Care everyone see you all again in August.

[Formic]

It looks like some clubs are realising the impact of a possible second consecutive null and void season on their club / players / volunteers / fans and have started a campaign towards an alternative solution - see https://twitter.com/Projectnonleag1

[Biggles]

Not sure how the Money problems in the National League would effect promotions if they suspend and maybe null and void their season due the issues over grants or loans.

Their decision on Friday on suspension or carry on could impact down the Pyramid if there will be any promotions this season anyhow.

[Formic]

The Step 2 Leagues have now been suspended for a fortnight - https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/na ... to-n-65013

Judging by this interview with the Poppies Owner, there is quite a divide between clubs and the league board - https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/sp ... es-3109719