WHAT CLUBS ARE SAYING...

THE NATIONAL League are canvassing all their clubs as to how they think the season should be finished and a vote is expected this week.

The NLP spoke to clubs at Step 1 to get a feel for the room and how they might vote if asked whether the season should be cancelled now and, if it is, should promotion and relegation be settled by points-per-game or declared null and void.

Some were happy to talk on the record, others preferred to speak off it, and a large majority spoke of football’s place in the bigger picture and the importance of public health.

While some would like to complete the season – an outcome it is thought Notts County and Yeovil could push for – an overwhelming majority either want it to be cancelled now or expect it to be.

However, of those who would like to finish the season, different scenarios were suggested as opposed to just completing every fixture.

Some managers would like to see the play-offs played out with one – in charge of a club not involved in the play-offs – proposing Barrow be promoted with the next four clubs entering a mini play-offs that could be played out in a single week. A promotion-pushing club agreed that would be feasible.

It’s thought the

National League – aware of criticism the null and voiding scenario has drawn below them – have been receptive to different ideas. Although there was also criticism the league board haven’t yet reached a decision.

But one issue consistently raised was that of player contracts and the risk, if the season resumed, of clubs with squads that look vastly different to now. We’ve learned some players have already told they will be released. How the current campaign restarting in, say, August would work without bringing into question the integrity of the competition was debated.

The reaction became more mixed when asked how a cancelled season should be resolved.

Of course, everyone sees it through their own situation and, make no mistake, there are some clubs who feel null and void is the only option.

Maidenhead’s idea of promotion but no relegation drew support and there was an acceptance Barrow, at the very least, deserve promotion.

Views were aired over the league being wary of legal repercussions – particularly with Notts County holding such weight and being well-placed in the league – but nearly all accepted there is no right answer to solve one of the game’s biggest conundrums amid a public health crisis.