Isthmian League may now be out of action longer than it needs to be

The Horsham manager says the fact the Isthmian, Southern and Northern Leagues have clubbed together to put plans for a restart on hold could create problems down the line.

He is worried that if the Isthmian League no longer has any clubs in Covid tier three areas after the next government review but the Northern League does, Isthmian clubs could be kept out of action without good reason.

Like all clubs, Horsham are anxious to resume their fixtures in an effort to make sure the 2020-21 season does get finished – unlike 19-20.

But the Hornets boss is worried last week’s vote – in which the majority of clubs wanting a delay was slimmer here than in other parts of England – will itself hit attempts to get things moving again promptly.

Meanwhile, Horsham are back in training and playing practice matches and friendlies just to keep players ticking over and give fans the chance to watch some football.

Di Paola told us: “If they’re going to review it on or after December 16, I don’t know why we needed to have that vote last week.

“A lot of teams could have played more games up to December 16 then it could have been reviewed after that.

“And why are we (the Isthmian League and clubs) grouping ourselves with the Northern League, for example, where lockdowns are likely to last longer than here?

“We could have a situation where all our clubs are in the tier two and we’re sat waiting for another part of the country to come into line.”

Di Paola said there should have been more transparency about which clubs wanted to restart and which didn’t – and why.

He said allowing teams to restart that were able to would have meant fewer clubs needing financial help longer-term. But he said the FA’s handling of the saga and the general decision making of those in power was ‘all over the place’. He added: “There’s no strategy – and no contingency plan in place for what happens if this season isn’t finish.”

Di Paola said his players were pleased to be back in training and playing friendlies and practice matches.