National League clubs vote in favour of ending 2019/20 season

The National League is set to call an end to this season, but a decision on promotion and relegation issues is still to be finalised.
Chorley skipper Andy Teague in action this season in the National LeagueChorley skipper Andy Teague in action this season in the National League
Chorley skipper Andy Teague in action this season in the National League

Clubs at steps one and two of the non-league football pyramid were asked to support an ordinary resolution earlier this month to end the playing season for all fixtures scheduled up to and including 25 April 2020.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the league revealed that they had received 90% of responses which had returned a clear majority of clubs in favour, including a majority of clubs in each of the National League, National League North and National League South divisions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The leagues look set to ask their member clubs to vote further on how to end the season whether that be declaring it null and void or using a point per game ratio to determine final league placings.

That will have a major impact on Chorley and AFC Fylde, who currently reside in the relegation zone of the National League.

The statement said: "In the knowledge that the ordinary resolution has passed, the League’s Board has chosen to communicate the decision now and before the last few responses are received, which will not change the outcome, to enable Clubs to make business decisions with greater clarity as soon as possible. Clubs yet to respond still have an opportunity to do so, and the League wishes to include as many preferences as possible before the final voting result is declared.

National League Chief Executive Officer, Michael Tattersall, commented, “At a time when the entire country is wrestling with the devastating impact of Covid-19, the cancellation of the remaining normal season matches brings a degree of certainty to our clubs coping with the business implications of the virus.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"In consideration of the very serious and unprecedented national public health emergency caused by the coronavirus, National League, National League North and National League South football activities have been suspended since 16 March.

"The options concerning the sporting outcomes of the 2019/20 season remain under careful and timely consideration, and further updates will be given in due course."