Waiting Game

Four football clubs in Tameside are facing an anxious wait to see if the season will be null and voided.

Due to the ongoing nature of the coronavirus outbreak and the latest measures imposed by the government, clubs in step three or below of the non-league system have been forced to halt their seasons once again. Locally, the teams affected by the current break are Ashton United, Hyde United, Stalybridge Celtic and Mossley, whilst across the border Glossop North End have also been affected. As we went to print, a decision had yet to be made on the situation.

The disruption caused by the outbreak since the season started on September 19 is clear to see, with some teams, including Hyde United, having played just six league fixtures.

Hyde manager Dave McGurk spoke to Luke Edwards and gave his thoughts on what he descried as 'a complete mess'. "It's been a tough few weeks from a football club point of view and from a personal point of view. Coronavirus has gone through our camp and I was laid low after Christmas with it, and it does kind of change your perspective on things. I was in bed for a few days in a bad way, and I'll openly admit I didn't take it seriously enough before I caught it, but now I'll be taking it seriously and morally as it stands with football I do think it's right that things have been delayed and pushing towards the null and void option with the league.

"Can we finish the league in the current format? Impossible. Can we finish the league in a regional format? Very unlikely, as that's even looking at 20 games. Can you finish the league in any other format? It will affect the integrity of the competition, because to play less than 20 games and decide promotion and relegation on it is not right. It's going to be very difficult, and we will deal with the consequences that arise form the decision. I do pity those that will make the decision as they can't please everyone. It's a complete mess and there's no fair way around it."

In their latest statement, the Northern Premier League uploading the following to their official website: "The board of the Northern Premier League has, together with our fellow Trident Leagues, reviewed the implications of the latest Government lockdown. The matter was also discussed at length by the FA’s Alliance Committee earlier this week.

"In order to reach a decision that will apply across Steps 3 & 4 in the National League System, and which is informed by the views of all clubs at Steps 3 & 4, clubs will shortly be asked by the Football Association to provide their views on whether the 2020/21 season should be terminated and, if not, what the alternative should be.

"Independent of that survey, all three of the Trident League’s boards hold the view that the season should cease immediately and be declared null and void.

"The ultimate decision lies with The FA Council, following a proposal made by the Alliance Committee but no proposal will be drafted until clubs’ views have been collated and assessed.

"In the meantime, the Northern Premier League is postponing all fixtures up to and including Saturday 6th March since there is no suggestion that the national lockdown will be lifted prior to this date.

"The League will continue to provide its Member Clubs with updates as and when it is able to do so"