Football Southern League recommend season should be scrapped

THE Southern League has extended the suspension of the 2020-21 season until March 6 - and are recommending that the campaign should be scrapped.

A statement issued by the League also says clubs will shortly be asked by the FA for their views on the season as a whole - but add that the view of the league board is that the season should end and be declared null and void. The statement said: “The Board of the Pitching In Southern Football League has, together with its fellow Trident Leagues, reviewed the implications of the latest government lockdown.

“The matter was also discussed at length by the FA’s Alliance Committee earlier this week.

“In order to reach a decision that will apply across Steps 3 and 4 in the National League System, and which is informed by the views of all clubs at Steps 3 and 4, clubs will shortly be asked by the Football Association to provide views on whether the 2020-21 season should be terminated and, if not, what the alternative should be.

“This will take the form of a short survey. Independent of that survey, all three of the Trident League’s boards hold the view that the season should cease immediately and be declared null and void.

“The ultimate decision lies with the FA Council, following a proposal made by the Alliance Committee but no proposal will be drafted until clubs’ views have been collated and assessed.

“In the meantime, the Pitching In Southern Football League is postponing all fixtures up to and including Saturday March 6 since there is no suggestion that the national lockdown will be lifted prior to said date. The league will continue to provide its member clubs with updates when it is able to do so.”

Locally, Yate Town, Westonsuper-Mare, Paulton Rovers, Mangotsfield and Bristol Manor Farm all play in the Southern League.