Non-league football season 'should be declared null and void now'

The Hillians chief spoke out after the government put the county into a new national lockdown until mid-Feburary – ruling out the prospect of a resumption of non-elite football any time soon.

Clubs in the Isthmian League, in which Town play in the south east division, have not played competitive games since the start of November.

Newell, who is on the Isthmian League board, told us: “I very much doubt that this season will be completed in the usual way.

“The Alliance Leagues are preparing a survey to get feedback from clubs on the alternative scenarios that have been considered, but all depend on the current lockdown restrictions being relaxed.

“It is accepted that there can be no return of football at steps three to six of the Non League System without paying spectators and secondary spend like bars and tea huts.”

Newell said using points gained over two seasons to make up one full season - which some have suggested should be talked about - had not been discussed at Isthmian League level.

He added: “Speaking entirely personally, I believe the current season should be declared null and void now and clubs told to mothball their facilities with a view to starting again in July.”

It’s a similar picture of uncertainty in the Southern Combination League and Mid Sussex League.

SCFL chairman Steve Nealgrove said with no chance of a restart in the near future, they were waiting for guidance from the FA over how the season should be settled if the full fixture list could not be completed.

The Mid Sussex League tweeted: “Following the latest news it is evident that the MSFL will not be in a position to restart fixtures for some weeks.

“The league officers will be meeting with the Covid working group to monitor the situation with a view to restarting the season at the earliest ‘safe’ opportunity.”

Other sports, including rugby, hockey and tennis, have also been forced to shut down again.