Haywards Heath boss: I would like to restart but it just seems impossible

But he simply can’t see how the season can carry on – and believes it should be null and void.

It’s still unclear how this season will be resolved and the Isthmian League believe it should be terminated but they have asked the clubs for their views.

Burgess Hill Town are clear on what they want and back the null and void option. And Saunders thinks the same. He said: “They are saying they are going to give you 14 days’ notice before a return but we are nowhere near that 14 days’ notice yet.

“I just don’t see how we get started and get all the games in without playing through the summer. Like everyone else I am hopeful, I am missing it and can’t wait to get back at it. For me I would like it to restart but it just seems impossible.

“Last year I said it should be null and void. It’s easy for me to say because we are not top of the league but by the same token the implications would just be mad. I think it should be null and void this season and we should start afresh when we can across the board, that’s the fairest way.”

Saunders also understands why other clubs do want a resolution – and feels particularly sorry foir Hastings United. He said: “There are other teams who have been top of the league who will disagree with me.

“You have to feel for the likes of Hastings who have been the standout side in our league for the last two seasons. I have no doubt they were going to get out of this league this season, for me they are the best team in the league.

“They will probably disagree with my view that the season should be terminated and I see that.”

Saunders is adamant football is secondary to everything to that is going on. He said: “It’s paramount everyone comes out the other side of this and football has to be secondary when you talk about people’s lives. As a club we are already making plans for next season and I am in constant touch with the chairman.

“We are planning but who knows when next season will be. When we started the season I didn’t envisage the lockdown I thought we would be all right, that may be ignorance on my part and maybe the league the same, but I did not see another lockdown.

“It’s frustrating for everybody. But at the end of the day people’s lives are more important than football and politics.”