POLL | Should the season be suspended?

Some clubs at Step 2 level (National League North/South) believe the season should now be suspended so that the National League can take stock of the current situation that is dominating the campaign.

Despite the country being in a national lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, sides at Hereford's level are not regularly tested, even though they are classed as 'elite'.

It was also confirmed this week that the Government's Winter Survival Package would be in the form of loans rather than grants that member clubs believed was the case.

In light of this, the National League have provided clubs with the following options...

• Clubs to apply for loans from Sport England. Applications assessed on an individual basis against strict criteria with loans repayable at 2% interest over 10 years with no interest or repayments for the first two years.
• National League to operate a loan from Sport England to be distributed to clubs as grants. This would impact on future central distributions as the National League will be responsible for repayment. Grant applications would be assessed based on need and the National League has committed to have an open and transparent distribution model.
• Suspend the season. An immediate break in the season to allow clubs to access the furlough scheme with a decision on how to resume taken at a later date. There will be no loans or grants available to clubs, however those experiencing financial hardship can submit independent applications to Sport England for support.

AFC Telford, who play in National League North, have said that the first two options are not viable for them, as the second one will still effectively a loan for clubs.

Three clubs in National League South are refusing to play this weekend. Both Concord Rangers and Havant & Waterlooville, who are due to face each other, have said they won't fulfill the fixture, while Slough say they won't travel to Eastbourne. Darlington, from National League South, have also said they want to suspend the season, as do Tonbridge Angels from the South.

Kettering manager Paul Cox was also critical of the arrangements made during Tuesday night's FA Trophy match with Leamington. Floodlight failure meant the second half did not kick off until 10.30pm, and Cox said players were left 'hanging around for two hours with people standing in corridors'. 

Eastbourne, Chester and Hemel Hempstead say they want more details about option 2, while Gloucester and Dorking Wanderers say they are not happy with any of the three options, stating they'd prefer to continue to lobby the Government and allow clubs to opt out of the season if need be.

On January 9, Hereford manager Josh Gowling told the Hereford Times that football should continue and that Covid 'isn't going anywhere'. He added that football is also good for people's mental health and gives people an outlet.

But what do you think? Should the current season be suspended? You can vote via our Twitter poll below. 

Should The National League suspend the current season?

— Bulls News (@BullsNewsBlog) January 21, 2021