AFC Fylde are 'deeply disappointed' with null and void decision
AFC Fylde have issued their response after clubs voted to declare the season null and void.
The National League will continue but the tier below it, NL North and NL South, will cease with immediate effect after votes cast by clubs in all three divisions.
As part of the voting, a special resolution was passed allowing the NL North and South clubs to decide their own fate on a one-club-one-vote basis.
Clubs in Fylde’s league, NL North, voted by 15 to seven to halt the season.
Although NL South clubs voted to play on (12-9), the overall majority of 24-19 means both competitions are scrapped.
The Coasters posted a statement on Twitter on Friday, saying: “In light of yesterday’s resolution, we are deeply disappointed with the outcome.
“We firmly believe that there is an alternative solution.
“Our stance is unchanged and we will fight to continue the 20/21 National League North season.”
National League clubs voted 13-7 to continue their season.
The vote had been called on February 1 with clubs given 28 days to cast their votes, but with all bar two National League clubs having voted, the league decided to announce the results early.
A league statement said: “The Board will take the resolution outcome to The Football Association for ratification. This will include dialogue regarding promotion and relegation.”
The result is a blow to AFC Fylde, who had sought to play on in a bid to regain their National League status following relegation last year.
This is the second successive year that Fylde have seen their season halted early amid the pandemic.
Last year’s vote to curtail the campaign resulted in a lengthy debate over how to resolve the season and Fylde were ultimately relegated on a points-per-game basis.
This year it was made clear from the outset that a vote to stop play would mean the season being declared null and void.
The vote followed a government announcement that any further funding to help clubs complete the season behind closed doors would take the form of loans.
Clubs had received grant aid to cover the first three months of the season.
Many clubs had refused to play matches this month as they awaited the outcome of the vote.
Of 37 NL North fixtures scheduled over the past two weeks, only four took place.
Fylde featured in one of those at York City on Tuesday, winning 3-1 in their first match since January 9.
The season has been abandoned with Fylde in second place, five points behind leaders Gloucester City after playing three fewer matches.
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