ARDLEY: WE MUST PLAY TO A FINISH

NOTTS County boss Neal Ardley has called for promotion from the National League season to be settled through the play-offs – even if it’s all concluded in double-quick time.

- Chris Dunlavy

The National League regular season is now over after a majority of clubs at Steps 1 and 2 voted to end the 2019-20 campaign with immediate effect.

That leaves County marooned in third place, three points shy of second-placed Harrogate and seven adrift of leaders Barrow.

However, talks to decide issues of promotion and relegation are ongoing and, whilst the EFL have made no official announcement, they are understood to want two teams from the National League if their own season can be brought to a conclusion.

Barrow, who would finish top on either points-per-game or current standings, would almost certainly take one spot.

But it is thought the EFL will only accept a second-team through the traditional play-off system.

A National League board meeting was convened on Friday to discuss the feasibility of holding the playoffs over the summer – and Ardley says they must try to find a way. “If the government and the authorities deem it unsafe to play football, I’ll accept that,” said the former AFC Wimbledon manager. “Health is paramount.”