Basford United have penned an open letter clarifying their position on the season. Vice Chairman Stan Mitchell issued a statement after the FA sent all non-league clubs at steps 3-6 a survey about how to decide the campaign, presently curtailed due to ongoing coronavirus concerns.
Teams at National League North and South level have also being consulted.
The Greenwich Avenue club currently sit second in the Northern Premier League, Premier Division, three points behind leaders Mickleover with a game in hand.
Mitchell wrote: “As you will have all seen recently the FA have contacted clubs to get their views on how the currently suspended season should be concluded, therefore as a club we feel it is important to update you all on our stance.
“Before going into the details of our view, I would like to make it clear that owner and Chairman, Chris Munroe, has abstained from our discussions, due to the compromising position this would have placed him in because of his direct involvement in the league, sitting on the League Management Committee.
“Our overriding view is that, for the integrity of the league to be upheld, a null and void situation, where possible, should be avoided.
“Last season the National League, ratified by the FA Council, concluded its campaign on a points-per-game basis, based on the points totals of teams when the 2019-20 season was suspended. At that point most teams had played 75-80% of their games.
“Based on this, our board feels that such a precedent should be replicated at the lower levels of the non-league pyramid, subject to the following conditions:
“- Any final decision on a null and void situation should be delayed as long as possible until there is a clearer picture regarding the country coming out of the current national lockdown.
“- The League should not resume play unless the majority of clubs, subject to the end of the national lockdown, are in tier two level of restrictions, so that fans are allowed into grounds and secondary income is possible.
“- The FA Council provides written confirmation that they accept that points-per-game can be used to finish the season should it be cancelled again, as long as all sides have completed a minimum of 75% of their games.
“We feel that clubs in our league could complete 75% of their games if the league were to resume on Saturday 19 March and conclude on Saturday 15 May.
“In coming to this decision, we have considered the financial impact of refunding both season ticket holders and sponsors against the benefits of additional income on match days and removing players from the Government’s furlough scheme.
“We strongly believe that failure to reach a conclusion to the current season, would mean that the previously mentioned costs place the 2021-22 season under significant financial duress.
“I am sure you will all agree with me that when safe to resume non-league football has a responsibility to do so in order to protect the social and mental wellbeing of fans, players and volunteers across the country.
“As always, we respect the views of individual clubs, but for the sake of total transparency and a duty towards our fans, I felt the need to make our stance clear.”
In addition, the FA have confirmed that should clubs at steps 3 and 4 only not be able to fulfil their fixtures, either in full or via mathematical calculation, such as points-per-game, there will be no promotion or relegation between the levels.
They also told clubs at steps 3-6 inclusive that no fixtures can resume unless they can admit paying spectators to 30% grading requirement and have access to secondary income streams, such as bars and club shops.
*Article provided by Marc Williams (Basford United Correspondent).
*Main image @BasfordUtd Vice-Chairman Stan Mitchell voicing his concerns.