The future of the National League and Steps 3 and 4 revealed?

The future of the National League and Steps 3 and 4 revealed? It comes following a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon.

The leagues at Steps 3 and 4 are are wanting to end the season now, however the National League are ‘dragging its feet’ as summed up by the Non League Paper.

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE’S STATEMENT:

“The Alliance Leagues held the latest of several conference calls last night (Monday) after our own Board, and those of the Northern Premier and Southern Leagues, met over the weekend to determine how we wish to proceed. We have also participated in calls with the Step 5/6 clubs.

“The Step 3 & 4 Leagues share Clubs’ frustration that it is taking so long to determine whether the 2019/20 season is to end now, and if so on what basis. To maintain the integrity of our competitions, we ideally need to apply one solution across the whole of the National League System. However, this may not be possible.

“The Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues are unanimous in wanting to terminate the 2019-20 season immediately. The Step 5/6 Leagues also support the immediate termination of the season.
Whether that is done on the basis of determining final placings via average points per game, or the season is declared null & void cannot be determined until the National League decides how it wishes to proceed.

“Right now, the National League’s position is that they wish to be able to resume the 2019-20 season at some point. The feeder Leagues do not support this because our Clubs do not have the financial resources to continue to honour Player contracts indefinitely.

“The Step 3 and 4 Leagues have therefore commenced the process to terminate the season. This has to be ratified by the FA Council, so there may be a short delay as the relevant documentation is submitted, distributed and approved.

“Whilst this process is on-going, and once the National League has finalised how it wishes to proceed, competition issues can then be decided, together with the implications for promotion and relegation.

“As soon as the National League’s position is finalised, we will be able to confirm the basis on which the 2019-20 season has ended. As I have already pointed out, we need as much commonality across the National League System as possible.

“The FA is currently reviewing its Rules to understand whether any emergency changes are required for season 2019/2020 which impact on player contracts, registration deadlines and retention/offers of re-engagement in the National League System. Given the fast-moving nature of the existing situation this work is ongoing.

“Finally, at this very difficult time, I hope that you and your families will stay safe.”

“Once we have more information about this matter, we will bring it to you as quickly as we can. ”

—— STATEMENT ENDS ——

Fans gave their thoughts with the future of the National League and Steps 3 and 4 potentially revealed…

Perhaps a key factor for the National Leagues is to understand how the EFL reacts/decides so as not to prejudice their knock on position

— Nick DuGard (@NickDuGard1) March 24, 2020

I don't understand this, why not just wait and stay aligned with the football league and national League? Eventually they will have to realign so why not just wait and play all leagues out to a close when possible?

— Shaun Rootham (@ShaunRootham1) March 24, 2020

But if teams getting promoted to national League or relegated will have to wait an extended period to begin there next season, what's the point of this finishing early? Surely it needs to be collective through Grassroots up to the highest level to ensure fluidity… Strange one

— Shaun Rootham (@ShaunRootham1) March 24, 2020

Whether it’s PPG or Null & Void (only option to avoid 100’s appeals) is pointless if the National league decide they play on.

How would promotion & relegation work then! Can’t have Steps 1 & 2 start next season in November and Step 3-6 in August…going to be fun!

— Tooting Bec FC (@TootingBecFC) March 24, 2020

Shame to see the isthmian leauge gone aswell but safety first

— mark cording (@sparkloaf26) March 24, 2020

The final decision seems to be hanging on the outcome of the National League. ??‍♂️

— UP THE MARINERS! (@UTM_Mariners) March 24, 2020

So it looks like the National League are the only setup in the pyramid below FL who want to complete the season. All the feeders below seem to favour ending the campaign now.

Can't see it happening. Fully expecting the plug to be pulled in the next couple of days or so….

— Gandermonium (@Gandermonium) March 24, 2020

Typical of the National League to be the only ones out of step!

— Les B (@OctoLes) March 24, 2020