Inroads are, at last, being made

CONGRATULATIONS to Barrow, King’s Lynn Town and Wealdstone on their title wins in the National League’s three divisions. Ian Evatt’s Barrow return to the Football League 48 years after being voted out. For the Linnets and Stones, they will relish their places at Step 1. For the long-serving fans of both clubs, it will be back to watching their clubs among Non-League’s big boys.

We now wait for the play-offs. The debate around them taking place at Step 2 has illustrated the quick-moving nature of this situation.

This time last week, clubs in the National League North and South were arguing their case for their season to follow Step 1. Havant & Waterlooville got local MP Alan Mak involved, a social media campaign was started with York City, and most of the other clubs had their say.

The National League, after seeking clarification on government guidance, reintroduced the possibility of Step 2 play-offs to the resolution and that has now been voted through.

Whether they happen or not will depend on protocols being followed and the clubs agreeing to the costs.

Of course, we must acknowledge that clubs who feel hard done by at Steps 3 and below will no doubt be frustrated by the split in outcomes in Non-League.

The whole situation has created winners and losers. Talks are at least happening about what next season will look like. Cautious optimism over a September or October restart is now emerging.

There will be many unanswered questions and there may be setbacks along the way. We can’t be complacent or impatient. But at least we can start to see a roadmap of getting back to watching the game we all love.