Chesterfield boss John Pemberton gives his thoughts on ending the National League season now

The National League has asked clubs to vote on whether to call an immediate end to the campaign due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The league has advised that clubs back the proposal to not play any more games - and the Spireites have gone along with the recommendation.

Pemberton told the DT: “I think the sensible option is we can’t finish the season because logistically it just would not make sense.

“In terms of how we go about sorting promotion and relegation, that is another call.”

If the first vote is passed another one will be held to determine the outcomes of the season.

However, at the moment clubs do not know what the second vote will entail and if it will involve how to settle promotions/relegations/play-offs.

This is causing concern for the clubs at the top of the division and those in the bottom four because they could unknowingly seal their own fate by voting to end the season now.

Pemberton believes one solution would be to promote the top two teams – Barrow and Harrogate – and not have any relegations.

“That is probably more of a fair option (than relegating the bottom four now),” he said.

“I think it is harsh if you get relegated and I think it is more than harsh if you don’t get promoted and you have been top of the league for most of the season.”

Clubs have until May 7 to vote but it is hoped a decision could be made this week.

He added: “I think you can read the vote now - the ones at the top will want the season carry on, they won’t want it to finish unless they get promoted - and certainly the ones at the bottom if you have relegation (won’t want it to finish).”

On Chesterfield voting to end the season, caretaker boss Pemberton said: “It was a decision that Ashley (Carson) came to really.

“I was quite happy to finish the season but there was no way we were going to be able to do that in my opinion.”