North West Counties Football League outfit Eccleshall were sitting in 7th place in the First Division South when their season was cancelled and joint-manager Kyle Adams gave his thoughts on the situation to Sport in Staffs.
The FA announced on Thursday that the 2019/20 campaign for non-league clubs from step 3 to 6 would be made void amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s obviously disappointing that the season has ended but it was inevitable really given the current circumstances,” said Eagles boss Adams.
“In terms of the decision to void the season, opinions are obviously always going to differ.
“For us, we still had an outside chance of promotion but there are a lot of clubs who were almost nailed on to be promoted. It was always going to be a difficult decision to make for The FA, though.”
Adams said there was no easy way forward with the length of the pandemic largely unknown.
He commented: “What do you do, wait and see what happens? We could be in this situation for a good few months yet.
“I’ve heard a few people say play the season and out and then go straight into next season – it’s near impossible. Leagues then have to be sorted out pretty much instantly with promotions and relegations. It wouldn’t work.
“There’s just no clear answer that would present itself as completely fair or correct. It’s a unique situation that everyone has to accept is difficult to work out.”
Adams, who co-manages Eccleshall alongside colleague Craig Bould, stated that the decision would impact many clubs.
“There will be some clubs that will struggle and maybe even go under. I really hope that doesn’t happen but unfortunately finances will dictate.
“In terms of ourselves at Eccleshall, we’ve got good stability off the pitch and it helps that we haven’t had a player budget during the season. It will obviously impact us with that lack of income etc and having to cancel big fundraising events but we should be okay moving forward.
“If we’re honest though, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not an important thing right now and however hard people have worked this season the most important thing is the well-being of everyone in and outside of football.”
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