WARRINGTON Town chairman Toby Macormac says it’s virtually impossible for the football season to resume.
The Yellows have played just one game, in the FA Trophy, since early November and their Northern Premier League campaign remains paused amidst a backdrop of tier restrictions and the latest lockdown.
With just nine games played so far, it’s looking increasingly likely that for a second successive season will be declared null and void.
Macormac said on The Yellow Show podcast: “We’re in a position where it’s virtually impossible for it to resume. There are some saying start in March and play as many as we can, or even play to a finish; but what about close season, contracts, legal issues etc. There’s too much uncertainty in restarting.
“I said before Christmas it should be null and void, because it puts you in a position where you know where you are. The season is put on the shelf and you’re not back until June/July, so you can prepare.
“It’s a precarious situation. We’ve had no matches, no revenue coming in, even to the point where some sponsors have had to do an about turn because of the situation their businesses are in.
“No sponsors, no bar takings, no gate money and we still have contractual obligations that need to be fulfilled and the general day to day running, even down to the bills. I’ve took as many lines out of the cost as I can, but there’s still outgoings there and it’s tough when there’s nothing come in at all.”
The Yellows had started the season welcoming fans to Cantilever Park, albeit with a limited capacity of 600, and heavy restrictions on the usual clubhouse activity and bar sales.
The Northern Premier League tried its best to get clubs to resume after the second lockdown, making games voluntary – but barely any took place after a large number of clubs opted not to play due to restrictions on clubhouses.
“A lot of clubs want their cake and to eat it. They don’t want to resume until bars are open and they can have as many people as they want.
“But football’s changed. It’s totally unrealistic to think that way. People have got to adjust. It could be that we’re starting under restrictions come next season.
“I just don’t see that there will be enough headway with the virus that grounds are allowed to have thousands of people in August and have bars open.”
At present, all games in the Northern Premier League are postponed until March 12. Further meetings are ongoing regarding a solution and a decision, which also involves the FA and the wider football pyramid.
Warrington Town have been circulating players around clubs higher up the pyramid for possible loan deals, but the leagues immediately above the Yellows – National League North/South – are themselves embroiled in a funding dispute which could see their seasons ended too.
Jack Dunn has already departed Cantilever Park to join Prestatyn Town in the Welsh Premier League.
Manager Paul Carden is out of contract at the end of the season and is waiting for the resolution to this season before discussing his future.
