No surprise as steps 3-6 null and void

BOOTLE FC’s North West Counties League Premier Division campaign was brought to an end last week when the FA announced that all football at steps 3-6 was to cease with immediate effect.

The Covid-hit season was declared null and void for a second year running, and came as little surprise to those involved in non-league.

Non-League clubs across Merseyside had been out of action since both the

Northern Premier League and the North West Counties League suspended their seasons in the new year.

And while grassroots sport has been given the green light to return from March

29th, it was always expected that the likes of the NWC and the NPL would follow the example of clubs in the the National League North and South, which was declared null and void the week previous.

With the season scheduled to end in May and no facility to extend, there was little chance of clubs being able to fulfil their fixtures in such a short space of time, especially as many had a backlog already to make up as a result of lockdowns.

A statement from the FA said: “The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees have now considered the large amount of data and information submitted by clubs across the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6 as part of a survey to gather views on the continuation or conclusion of the 2020-21 league season, in addition to the information set out in the Government’s roadmap.

“Submissions were made by 99.1% of clubs at Steps 3 and 4, and 95.8% of clubs at Steps 5 and 6.

“We would like to thank the clubs for submitting their views and the time taken in providing responses during what we appreciate is an incredibly challenging period for everyone.

“The results of the survey showed that over 76% of all clubs across Steps 3-6 indicated a preference to curtail the 2020-21 league season if it could not be restarted with limited spectator numbers and hospitality before 1 April 2021.

“During this process, taking into account views of clubs and leagues it was decided that extending the 2020-21 league season beyond the end of May 2021 would not be a viable option.

“This was due to various considerations, including the financial implications for many clubs, player contracts and the extent of the fixture scheduling issues caused by the national lockdown and various postponements which had resulted in there being 81% of matches left to complete for Steps 3 and 4, and 75% at Steps 5 and 6.

“Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees have reached a consensus that subject to the approval of FA

Council, the 2020-21 league season for

Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season.

“The Committees will now present their collective recommendations to The FA Council for ratification.

“It has also been decided that subject to FA Council’s decision regarding the curtailment of the season at Steps 3 to 6, both committees will revisit discussions around a potential restructure at Steps

4-6 of the NLS, which was previously agreed and has been on hold since the 2019-20 season.

“A further update on this will be provided in due course.”