FA makes move to gain non-league feedback

Hundreds of clubs across the Midlands are braced for another period of uncertainty when the new lockdown comes into force on Thursday.

There is an expectation every division beneath National Leagues North and South, which are classed as “non-elite”, will be halted for at least a month while stricter government measures remain in place.

And though the FA are hopeful the season will be able to resume in December, they have already contacted clubs and leagues to gauge their thoughts in case there is an extended delay.

The governing body’s decision earlier this year to expunge last season’s results in every division from the third tier of non-league football down proved highly controversial and led to several clubs taking legal action.

In a bid to avoid a repeat, the FA is understood to have sent a questionnaire to clubs and leagues to establish their views should a decision over curtailing the season be required at a later stage.

Talks between the FA and government were set to continue today to establish exactly how the new lockdown measures will impact the non-league season.

Matches scheduled for tonight across the region were scheduled to go ahead as planned, apart from the clash between Rushall and Stourbridge which has been postponed.

But they were likely to be the last for some time, with Midland League chairman Mike Joiner claiming a temporary halt to the season appeared “inevitable”.

Joiner and his fellow board members were due to hold an emergency meeting last night before reporting to clubs.

He said: “Even if the FA were able to convince the government football below the elite level can continue, there is no incentive for clubs to play matches behind closed doors.”

The new lockdown measures are not expected to impact Kidderminster Harriers who are classed as playing at elite level.

Clubs in National League North have all received a portion of a £10million government bailout which has allowed the season to take place behind closed doors.