CLOCK IS TICKING

Tier changes prompt concern for the season

- Matt Badcock

WE’RE REACHING BREAKING POINT

FEARS are growing the Step 3 and 4 season won’t be completed in full with Pitching In Northern Premier League chairman Mark Harris warning the options are narrowing.

With more than 75 percent of the country now under Tier 4 Covid restrictions following the latest government announcement, the Trident Leagues are paused.

The Isthmian and Southern Leagues haven’t played league fixtures since the end of October and, while a handul of Northern Premier League clubs have played over the last fortnight, they too are now under a blanket season suspension.

With the coronavirus pandemic taking a grip of the nation once again, a restart in the near future looks unlikely.

The next Government review comes on January 13 and even if the situation does drastically, and unexpectedly, improve then squads will need a build-up back into games.

The Alliance Committee and FA will meet on Tuesday to discuss the situation ahead of surveying clubs. There is a reluctance for another null and void scenario. An alternate format – which could include splitting leagues to form smaller more regional divisions – is one of the discussion points, and the leagues want their clubs’ views.