Season over for Blackpool non-league clubs Squires Gate and AFC Blackpool

This includes the North West Counties League, which features Fylde coast clubs Squires Gate and AFC Blackpool.

Though an FA announcement is still awaited, the decision is being widely reported.

No decision has yet been made whether to declare the season null and void at these levels or to promote and relegate clubs ahead of 2020-21.

This could be done on the basis of points per game achieved by each team. Promotion and relegation could not be decided by current league tables as teams have not played an equal number of games - in the premier division and first division north of the NWC, teams have played between 26 and 32 of their scheduled 38 games.

Both Blackpool clubs are in mid-table, meaning the early end to the season is a cause of no great concern on the field.

Both last played on March 14, when Squires Gate were 3-1 winners at Hanley Town, while AFC Blackpool lost 4-2 at home to Darwen.

Gate end the campaign ninth in the premier division and Blackpool 10th in first division north.

AFC Blackpool manager Martin Baird told The Gazette: "I was expecting this decision and what can you do? At the end of day, football means a lot to us but people's health comes first.

"I think they will go on points per game over the course of the season and that's fair enough, though I doubt there's a solution everyone will agree on.

"At least we have plenty of time to get our pitch in good shape for next season."