In this article, we take a look at when the National League aim to start the 2020/21 season, with talks still ongoing on the current campaign.
Following this week’s meetings, the league organisation have reportedly told clubs when the next season will go ahead amid fears of no matchday income.
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The National League has told clubs they are working towards a September start for the 2020/21 season and it applies to both Steps 1 & 2.
The two tiers of the non league pyramid, and leagues below, will have to follow public guidance on gatherings, which is currently limited to just six people in a gathering.
Once the guidance is relaxed to allow not only sufficient numbers but also contact between participants, football should be able to resume.
The FA are working with the Government to allow spectators into grounds, and the protocols required to not only allow fans in but to also keep everyone safe, from travelling to matches to the use of the various facilities around the ground.
The National League situation continues to evolve, so here’s a summary of events of the last few days and where we are now according to Ollie Bayliss.
The National League situation continues to evolve.
Here’s a summary of events of the last few days & where we are now… pic.twitter.com/ArU2vXO7qv
— Ollie Bayliss (@Ollie_Bayliss) June 13, 2020
Wednesday Night: Step 2 playoff teams received an email from the League suggesting that playoffs at Step 2 can’t take place under government advice as that level is not considered ‘Elite’ sport.
Thursday Afternoon: The National League & FA spoke to clubs. They outlined a draft ordinary resolution to end the season under PPG. Without Step 2 playoffs that would mean: top clubs promoted in each league; playoffs at Step 1 but not Step 2; bottom Step 1 club relegated. Clubs were told they’d be sent the ordinary resolution on Friday and asked to vote by Monday.
Thursday night/Friday morning: Clubs including York City and Havant & Waterlooville proposed amendments to promote top 2 clubs if playoffs can’t take place.
Friday: MPs including Paul Bristow & Alan Mak began asking the Government for clarity on whether Step 2 counts as ‘Elite’ sport.
Current situation: The League has delayed sending out the ordinary resolution. York City & Havant & Waterlooville’s amendments are unlikely to be accepted. Reportedly playoffs are back on the table if the Government allow. The formal resolution will be sent out on Sunday with voting possibly delayed.
The ordinary resolution would be to have the final standings for all three non league divisions based on points-per-game (PPG).
That would see Barrow, King’s Lynn Town and Wealdstone crowned champions and promoted. The Linnetts would leapfrog York City to take top spot in the National League North.
Only one side, Chorley, would be relegated meaning AFC Fylde, Ebbsfleet United and Maidenhead United would avoid going down Chorley.
However that could change if playoffs are back on for Step 2.
No teams will be relegated from the National League North and South after the Football Association chose to null and void the season from step 3 to 7.
All National League clubs will have a vote, with the North and South divisions having four votes each.
A majority of 51 per cent would be required but any decision still has to be ratified by the FA Council.
No decision has yet been made on whether Stevenage or Macclesfield will be relegated from League Two. Stevenage are bottom of the division but Macclesfield – three points above them – face a potential points deduction if a charge of failing to pay their players’ wages on time is proved.
Fans reacted after seeing that this September is when the National League aim to start the 2020/21 season…
??? it’s exactly how it feels
— Anthony Johnson (@amjonno) June 11, 2020
tell them we fancy not fulfilling the season properly so we’ll start when we feel like it!
— Rodge (@roguez9) June 11, 2020
The speed in which Boris is lifting restrictions now, I reckon a September 8th start will happen, things put in place such as offering masks, sanitisation when entering the ground. Non league can’t operate behind closed doors it wouldn’t survive.
— Stevie G PhD ??????? (@Renegade_Moors) June 11, 2020
Get rid of county and league cups for a season, make plus FACup, vase and trophy no replays and that should leave a 1st October start feasible
— john slater (@01255401) June 11, 2020
Having gone 12 and a half weeks without football I’d happily take an obscene amount of midweek games. Mind you I only watch, I don’t play them.
— Matt Davison (@mattdavison1970) June 11, 2020
Dorking Wanderers have announced the are provisionally planning pre-season friendlies in August
— Jane and David London (@jane36london) June 11, 2020
Yeah cos Blyth will survive playing infront of no fans
— SSFC (@Adam51028500) June 11, 2020
Finally allelujah
— Matt (@mattlawrence734) June 11, 2020
This feels like it will mean behind closed doors unless the government rules change drastically. Would you pay to watch a stream of your team? Can’t see non league being sustainable without any gate revenue.
— Jason (@Symes88) June 11, 2020
They are a fucking shambles
— Jamie Scarborough (@jimycfc1) June 11, 2020
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