Southport Visiter

Bootle in the dark over when season will start

- BY CONNOR O’NEILL

BOOTLE are yet to receive any indication from the North West Counties League or the Football Associatio­n about when their 2020/21 season will commence.

The Football Associatio­n confirmed back in April that the 2019/20 campaign was over with immediate effect for clubs at steps 3 to 6, with no promotion or relegation taking place.

The decision was met with a huge backlash from those within the game, with more than 150 clubs signing an open letter to the FA calling on them to reconsider their decision.

Clubs, including local sides Bootle, Litherland REMYCA, Lower Breck and AFC Liverpool, all signed the letter, but it appears that their thoughts on the decision have fallen on deaf ears.

And now as thoughts turn to the next season, the Visiter understand­s that clubs have been given no indication as of yet as to when the season may start.

Although it

is understod that

NWCFL secretary, John Deal, has spoken to Laurence Jones, the Head of the National League System at the FA, and he was informed that the FA Leagues Committee are considerin­g various monthly start up scenarios.

Jones is also believed to have claimed that he is in regular contact with the government over when they could be given the green light to start.

However, at this moment in time, it appears the normal start date in August is a no goer and the start of the season will be pushed back due to the current social distancing measures in place.

 ?? John Driscoll ?? Bootle (blue) in action against Skelmersda­le United in March
John Driscoll Bootle (blue) in action against Skelmersda­le United in March

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