Chorley want this season's National League season declared null and void

Chorley in action against Barnet at Victory Park this season
Photo: Stefan Willoughby — Chorley in action against Barnet at Victory Park this season Photo: Stefan Willoughby

No games have taken place at steps one and two in the non-league football pyramid since the middle of last month due to the coronavirus crisis.

Earlier this month, clubs were asked to support an ordinary resolution to end the playing season for all fixtures scheduled up to and including April 25, 2020.

Ninety per cent of the clubs have voted in favour, although a decision on how to finalise the season in terms of final league placings, promotion and relegation looks set to go back to the clubs for a further vote.

There is the possibility that the season will be decided on a points-per-game ratio or be declared null and void.

With Chorley bottom of the table and staring down the barrel of the drop, it could be argued that they have everything to gain from the season being declared null and void.

But chairman Ken Wright said that in light of the devastation being caused by Covid-19, there are more important things to worry about than football.

Indeed the Magpies boss believes the league’s management committee should take the lead in the decision-making rather than put the onus on the clubs.

He said: “Football has got to take a backseat hasn’t it?

“What’s happening in the world at the moment is terrible. Everybody is going on about how we can get playing again, but for me it’s impractical.

"Whilst I have every sympathy for those clubs who have invested heavily and are looking for promotion, when is it practical to complete the season?

“We are now talking about May or June to restart the season but then you have the issue of player contracts which are coming to an end.

“The easiest way would be to say we have got to start forgetting about all that and start planning for a new season.

“Whichever way it goes, it’s going to draw criticism from different directions.

“From my perspective, the league has a board of directors who are there to make these sort of decisions.

“As far as I am concerned that’s what they are there for and for it to go out to the clubs for a vote, inevitably the clubs are going to vote in a way which is to their advantage.”