James believes it’s right to call off season

Burnham boss Ash James accepts there probably won’t be enough time to finish the league season when lockdown is lifted and therefore believes calling the campaign off now and declaring it null and void is the best thing to do for all clubs.

This was James’ first season as a player/manager, after he took over from Paul Shone just weeks before the season kicked off in August.

However, while he’s ‘gutted’ he won’t get the chance to complete it – with league bosses looking increasingly likely to call it off rather than wait to see if the situation improves ahead of the spring – he’s content that would be the right decision and says people need to look at the bigger picture.

That said he doesn’t think clubs should have to wait until August for their next taste of competitive football and believes a World Cup style competition in Bucks and Berks could be hastily arranged if things do improve with the virus to give players some action and bring some money through the gate.

Some have suggested the league could be extended into June or July to cram in the matches, but James would prefer to see a clean break and is confident the Blues would be in a better position to compete next season.

“I think it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “I think it’s going to be impossible to cram in all the games, so I think voiding it is what they’re going to have to do.

“We need to look at the bigger picture. People are dying and this virus doesn’t seem to be letting up.

“I don’t know how it’s going to work with promotions and relegations, but it will mean that two seasons in a row this has happened.

“You could maybe play games again from March or April, and you might get two or three months in, and then see what the points situation is like. But we don’t know when we’ll be allowed to get back.”

He added: “If we don’t do something it will be a long time to go without football. If they did decide to void it, they could maybe bring in a cup competition. Maybe like a Bucks Cup and play against teams nearby.

“There wouldn’t be much travelling between the clubs, and you’d be getting fans through the gate to help out with the finances.”