The National League have cast doubt on the chances of next season starting in August.
The chief executive of the National League, Mike Tattersall, has written to their member clubs to update them.
The National League hope to finish the 2019/20 campaign with play-offs, but expect the 2020/21 season to be delayed. The League also seem to have ruled out playing matches behind closed doors due to the financial ramifications.
In a letter to all National League clubs, Tattersall said: “The start date for the 2020/21 season officially remains as August 8, 2020, but this will inevitably need to be reviewed and updated.
“In establishing a new commencement date, the board will be guided by the FA, the season dates decided for the EFL, the views of member clubs and the plans of the rest of the National League system.
“As it stands, it is assumed that it is not practical and sustainable to commence the new season if matches are to be played behind closed doors. If this view is not shared by your club or you have a comment to make on this matter, please do get in touch.”
Tattersall added: “The National League is in regular dialogue with the EFL and they remain supportive of maintaining promotion and relegation with the National League at the end of 2019/20.”
Several NCEL managers have already revealed their doubts on the return of Step 5 and 6 football anytime soon. They have cited social-distancing rules as a major reason why.
At least two want the FA to use the break to restructure the leagues to reduce the travelling burdens placed on clubs.
Restructuring could be a topic discussed when the FA hold an online update with Step 5 and 6 leagues in the next few weeks.
Since they are talking about having around 300 inside a PL ground for ‘behind closed doors’ TV games, I don’t really see why they can’t let 250 or so into non-league grounds IF we are going to have season 20-21. Squads of 14 on each side, manager & physio each, refs, a couple of club people to sort the turnstiles, switching on the floodlights etc, would be less than 40 – the rest, up to the 300 could be home supporters.
No away fans, and maybe limit it to season tickets. Grounds are big enough for people to space out – sit/stand apart. I imagine at the NE Cts and even NPL level those numbers would be adequate for home supports for the most part. 5-6 clubs get far bigger crowds (SAfc, FCUM, Stafford etc) and might not welcome it but I’d suspect the rest would rather get a bit lower crowds then try to play empty or not play at all.
This idea would not be accepted in the conference structure, I’m sure – Notts Cty, Chesterfield etc will not want to open up for a couple of hundred. Similar in the football leagues lower 2 divs. I am not keen on the rush to get footy playing again, so would rather we take our time, and get 20-21 right than panic & try to play more games over the summer. IF things are improving, as I say, I reckon non-league footy could manage & run with restricted crowds next season.