Anxiety-ridden Toolstation Northern Counties East League clubs have appeared to have received no new clarity from the FA on when their new season will start.
Step 5 and 6 leagues were once again told at the FA conference call that their seasons will not start without spectators.
That means that unless the NCEL choose to follow the North West Counties by altering course and mapping out their own potential future, the provisional start date remains as 5th September – a date that many chairmen and managers have already cast doubt on.
If the Government do not grant permission for spectators, the opening day of the Step 5 and 6 seasons starting on the 5th September will be moved, the FA told the leagues.
The FA have said that FA Cup and FA Vase and Trophy ties will have to be played behind closed doors if need be.
Many expected the season to be delayed until at least September 12th or 19th because Step 7 clubs were given that piece of information a few days ago.
The North West Counties have already informed their clubs that their provisional start date is the 3rd October. Given the lockdown complexities in various regions of which make up their league, the decision has allowed their clubs to be a bit more relaxed as they do not have the anxiety NCEL teams have.
Despite the lockdown restrictions affecting Bradford, the NCEL have left the decision-making to the FA and clubs have not known if they are coming or going. The uncertainty now rages on.
One of the key requirements of the season being able to start is that clubs are allowed to admit spectators.
How long before that happens is literally like asking ‘how long is a piece of string’ as the Government have to sign off on allowing spectators into grounds.
So basically we are no further forward , they need to make a decision soon , they want the cups played but leaving the starting dates open to the respective leagues , what’s the difference between playing friendlies and competitive games ? It’s just a mish mash