Newark Football Alliance teams have their say as season outcome remains undecided

Clubs from the Newark Football Alliance have mixed feelings on how their season should be concluded — with a decision still up in the air.

Around the country, different leagues have voted on how to conclude the Sunday League season.

And, with 27 teams and more than 450 players and managers in the Alliance, it is fair to say there will not be an outcome to please all.

Marc Birkett, of Nottinghamshire FA, said all grassroots football seasons were closed and no more games could take place when asked for a fixture deadline by the Advertiser.

“We have circulated regular information to our leagues as to how they can close their seasons off and there is additional support form the FA for a WebEx to go through the closing process,” he said.

In the Premier Division, leaders Walesby said voiding the league would be the only fair way to finish the season, given the circumstances.

RHP manager Neill Reilly, whose side are also in the hunt for the title, said he would prefer for the league to be concluded given the position of his team, who have games in-hand on Walesby.

Newark Town also preferred the league to be concluded, suggesting points-per-game would be the best solution.

Mid-table FC Genes’ Jack WIlson said: “During these difficult times, nobody can begrudge whatever decision is made.”

The club did not propose an idea.

Collingham, who sit bottom of the division, said: “Points-per-game would be fair then at least the league can award some trophies. Null and void would suit us given our league position.”

The runaway leaders in Division One said they were disappointed with the FA’s decision to conclude all grassroots football.

“Everyone has put a lot of effort in and for the FA to end everything so abruptly seems to have highlighted how out of touch they are with grassroots football,” said FC Newark.

“We’re gutted after getting ourselves in to such a good league position with a just few games remaining, a cup final to look forward to and potentially another final, however, our safety comes first and that has to remain the priority.”

Second-placed Laxton suggested voiding the league.

Mid-table side Robin Hood Colts suggested points-per-game to finish the division in its current format, while Rose & Crown believed making the season null and void would be the best decision due to the amount of unplayed fixtures.

In Division Two, leaders Fernwood believed a points-per-game approach to settle unplayed fixtures, while Bottesford said they wanted to make the league null and void, but carry over the cup competitions to next season.

Flowserve Reserves shared Bottesford’s views.

Bleasby said despite not being in contention to win the title, they would be gutted to see the league voided.

They felt it would be unfair on those who had done well.

The Alliance committee will have the final say at its next meeting — a date is yet to be comfirmed.