Scrapping non-league season is only way, says Chichester chief

City's Oaklands Park ground remains closed while the sporting shutdown continues

Along with all Isthmian League clubs, City have been asked for their views on whether 2020-21 should be terminated or whether there is some way of salvaging it.

But they are in the camp that says making the season null and void is the only reasonable option.

And chairman Andy Bell says the club will be in a good state to emerge from lockdown and be competitive when non-league football does finally get up and running again.

The FA is currently considering a mass of response from clubs in the Isthmian League, Southern League and Northern League.

No decision on whether to terminate the league or pursue another option – such as combining results from more than one season to make up a full campaign – is expected for a week or two.

Bell told us: “I can’t see our level of football playing again this season.

“You only have to look back at last year and the amount of time it took between the number of virus cases being at its highest and things like the pubs reopening. Things don’t just start up again overnight.

“We’ve seen the effect of Covid locally much more in this wave and football just has to take a back seat. I know we’re semi-pro but it’s a hobby at this level. We have to protect everyone involved with the club.

“The club’s point of view, and my personal point of view, is the null and void route.

“A big part of it is sporting integrity and is there really much integrity in playing some games, stopping, playing some more then maybe stopping again and no-one knowing what they’re aiming towards? I think starting again next season – and hopefully that can be in August – is the way to go.”

Yesterday the government announced a £10m grant package for clubs at steps three to six. Clubs will have to apply for a share of the kitty.

Bell said the club’s FA Cup prize money from last season plus government and local authority financial aid during lockdown had been a blessing.

“We have lost a lot of money through not having any activity going on but we will be okay. Null and void would be disappointing but we accepted it last season, when we could have got in the play-offs if the season had finished.

“We’ve stagnated but will be ready to come back strong when football returns.”