Chorley boss Jamie Vermiglio can start making plans for the future

Clubs in the National League voted to conclude the 2019-20 season by way of an unweighted points per game system, which means the Magpies will be relegated back to the NL North next season.

While the club feels that there is a certain element of unfairness about the decision and may look at legal options available, they can at least make some sort of plans for next season.

Having been in limbo since Covid-19 brought a premature halt to the campaign, boss Jamie Vermiglio may now be able to start making new signings.

In a statement published to the club’s website, Vermiglio (pictured) said: “The uncertainty of our league status has meant we’ve been unable to commit to any new players so far this summer.

“However, at the time of writing, we are delighted to have secured the services of Matty Urwin, Lewis Baines and Elliot Newby again.

“We remain in talks with other members of last season’s squad too and are hopeful of agreeing terms with at least one player. In addition, there have been many conversations and an unreserved determination to target and meet with many potential new players, staff and volunteers who, I’m sure, will help to give us a strong chance of promotion back to the National League.

“Further progress in this area will be made over the next few weeks.”

The Magpies have lost the services of club captain Andy Teague, who last week joined Lancaster City after nine years at Victory Park.

Fellow defender Courtney Meppen-Walter has also moved on to pastures new.

Vermiglio said: “The group of players we’ve had at Victory Park over the last three years and more have been loyal and dedicated, with many contributing over 100 games to the cause.

“A majority of the recent squad shared a plethora of brilliant memories with us, not least the fantasticpromotion to the National League last May.

“Some players, namely Andy Teague and Jake Cottrell, contributed to even more promotions. However, as we all know, changes occur in any line of work. Football is no different.

“We have made a decision to review our on-field model and as a result a lot of players have moved on; some of their own accord, some for personal reasons, some to accept offers we cannot compete with and some because we made the tough decision to let them go.”