Belper Town boss hopes season will be finished on the pitch

Grassroots football is currently on hold until the start of December at the earliest and could face a restructured season if the present lockdown drags on.

As part of the revamp, Division One South East of the NPL could be split into two regional leagues of ten teams, with the top two from both leagues entering play-offs.

An extended lockdown, or a lockdown later in the season, also raises the possibility of the season needing to be cut short or null and voided.

“It would be disappointing if the season ended with points-per-game,” the Nailers boss said. “We were suckered last year by a voided season and we really don’t want to be stung for the second year in a row.

“There will be other teams who did well last year and will do well again this year who could miss out again.

“I’d rather the season was extended if needed so a full quota of games are played over a longer period into the end of May.

“A shorter pre-season break for next season will not be an issue for players if we have had breaks during the season.

“It's disappointing news but not unexpected, even when we knew we were starting the season it was inevitable.

“It was a case of how far we could get. Fingers crossed we're back in December and we get good weather so more games aren’t called off.”

Crowds have been up for Town since the season began with fans of professional clubs flocking to enjoy non-league football.

And the Belper boss hopes the lockdown will be restricted to four weeks so financial disruption is minimised.

“We have had capacity crowds every home game since being back and a lot of new faces,” he added.

“The club has done research and kept a note of the new fans we are getting. We’re getting a lot from Derby and Alfreton.

“We have had a lot of neutrals who have really enjoyed the experience and want to come again.

“They have really enjoyed the whole non league experience and hopefully we can pick it back up again when we restart.

“I think when professional football allows fans back in, we will still see fans come to watch us when their team is away.

“Financially it is what it is. We hope it won't impact us too much. We will survive if its just a month.”