LET’S NOT RISK LIVES – HUSSEY
OUTGOING Holbeach United boss Danny Hussey has called for the season to be declared null and void – even though his side have the chance of a United Counties Premier Division championship and league cup double.
The Tigers were due to meet Rothwell Corinthians in the final of the KitmanUK Knockout Cup on April 29, and still have a mathematical chance of winning the title, with ‘six-pointers’ against fellow contenders Shepshed Dynamo and Rugby Town still to take place.
The former Deeping Rangers manager and Stamford and Spalding United assistant announced his intention to stand down from Holbeach at the end of the season, ahead of last Saturday’s 6-2 home win over Lutterworth Town, because of family and work commitments. But he reckons he has already had his last game in charge.
Speaking after Prime Minup ister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that it could take the UK 12 weeks to “turn the tide” against coronavirus, and ahead of Tuesday’s FA web seminar at which chairmen of Steps 5 and 6 clubs will discuss plans on how to conclude the season, Hussey said that in the circumstances there is now no point in trying to continue the campaign.
Decision
Hussey said: “Lives aren’t worth risking for the sake of football matches.
“Football is such a small fish in a big pond and the main thing now is people’s health, including that of supporters and helpers. Many of them are retired with health implications.
“Suspending all football is the right decision. We haven’t seen the peak of the virus yet.”
He said that trying to extend the campaign throughout the summer will mess
next season, with clubs unable to use the summer months to reseed pitches and then organise training sessions and play friendlies. Also, many players will have holiday commitments which they booked to take during the close season, and will not be available.
“There’s no way we’ll all be ready to start again in a few weeks,” he said. “Why can’t we just null and void the season now? Just finish it – it’s the only fair and safe way.”
On Thursday, a meeting of club officials discussed potential replacements for Hussey.
Hussey, who returned to take over as manager following the decision of Seb Hayes to stand down in January last year, said he had announced his decision to quit early so that the Tigers could find the right person to continue the progress that had been made since the end of last season.
“I’ve put a few people forward myself who can improve on what has already been done,” he added.