North West Counties Football League writes to FA as opposition grows to scrapping of season

Squires Gate are among the non-league clubs to see their campaign abruptly ended even if the North West Counties League refuses to erase the season from its record books Picture: ALBERT COOPER

Blackpool's Sunday Alliance league had wanted to play on

The NWCFL, a non-league step five and six competition which includes the Blackpool clubs Squires Gate and AFC Blackpool, has spoken out against the decision on grounds of the financial implications, the lack of consultation and the waste of effort after almost eight months of the nine-month season had been played.

And the NWCFL is far from the only league opposed to the ruling - it emerged last night that 64 clubs across the country have signed a similar letter expressing their concerns.

The NWCFL letter, written by chairman Paul Lawlor to the FA's Leagues Committee, states that many clubs have expressed their disappointment at seeing all of their hard work count for nothing.

The league’s management committee intends to honour the efforts of its clubs by at least entering this season’s results and league tables into its record books, even if no titles, promotions or relegations ensue.

The NWCFL questions how the decision to nullify the season was taken without any vote being held at meetings its representatives attended, and asks why the National League has so far been excluded from the abandonment.

Clarification is also called for on matters of compensation to clubs for lost revenue and sponsorship, and on the question of season ticket holders’ entitlement to refunds.

The NWCFL cites Vauxhall Motors and Jersey Bulls as two clubs who had already sealed promotion only for their league season to be abruptly halted.

The NWCFL questions whether their efforts will be recognised and asks how the places of clubs which go out of business may be filled.

In his letter, NWCFL chairman Lawlor writes: “As leaders of the game, it is our duty to think of the bigger picture and not just the short-term solutions that might make life easier but also cause so many unintended consequences as a result.

“Given the negative reaction of clubs, players and supporters of non-league football, in order to maintain the integrity of our game, I would request that the Leagues Committee consider the decision again and look at alternative solutions that recognise the achievements and contribution of clubs this season.”