East Sussex Football League update: 'We would like to start in September...if we're allowed'

The local grassroots league will follow FA and government advice on the safe return to play amid the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.

There have been no matches in the league since before the start of lockdown in March and the 2019/20 campaign was cancelled.

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Fixture secretary Kevin Bray said: "We would like to start in September, as usual, if we're allowed. We're working towards that in the hope that we can, but it's totally out of our hands.

"There's so much uncertainty. Teams can now train in a maximum of six - five players and a trainer - but until the FA or government say grassroots football can start, we've no idea.

"Everyone's in limbo at the moment. Clubs are starting to affiliate with the Sussex FA and we've sent out our affiliation forms so we know which clubs are continuing and which aren't."

September is a key month for the league as the favourable weather at that time of year enables clubs to get several games played early in the season before the conditions turn.

Despite playing throughout September last year, the very wet winter meant many teams were well behind schedule with their matches when the action was halted.

A delayed start to next season - if it happens - would raise the possibility of another late season fixture backlog, particularly in the event of more bad weather.

The league usually holds its annual general meeting in early July to get everything in place, including the composition of divisions, for the coming season.

But the uncertainty over when play will start has meant a date for this year's gathering, which is likely to be a virtual one, has yet to be confirmed.

Bray continued: "We could hold an online AGM and set all the divisions, but if we don't end up starting until October or November, if we're putting 11 or 12 teams in divisions, we may not complete it (the season) anyway."

Bray added that for the 2020/21 season, the league will be one team down on last term, with three existing sides having departed and two new ones set to join.

Premier Division outfit Sedlescombe Rangers have moved to the Mid-Sussex League, while Division One duo Hollington United II and Old Hastonians have withdrawn.

On the flip side, Peche Hill Select and Hampden Park will be introducing second teams.

Although there was no promotion or relegation as last season was curtailed, the anticipated six divisions for next term will likely have a slightly different look.

The three team withdrawals, combined with one or two sides offering to drop down a division in the hope of being more competitive, will see some clubs move up a level.

The planned line-up for each division, however, has yet to be decided.

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