WARRINGTON Town’s season is to be declared null and void for a second successive year after the FA confirmed the 2020/21 campaign has been curtailed.
The Yellows had played just nine Northern Premier League games when the season was suspended in November, and despite a brief attempt at restarting, it has now been written off.
It follows on from the 2019/20 season, which was declared null and void – albeit in much different circumstances, with a large part of the season having already been played.
Yellows chairman Toby Macormac said: “The club and I personally welcome the decision. I publicly stated before Christmas that null and void was the only option ahead due to situation we were all in, this gives some clarity on the season and enables clubs to plan for next season and at the same time keep costs as low as they can.
“For us we have to plan and decide now for the reopening of the club in either May or June and get things back on track for what will be a very difficult next season ahead.”
The decision relates to Steps 3-6 of the National League system, which means Warrington Rylands’ season is also over.
More than 76% of all clubs said they would like to curtail the season if it could not be restarted with limited spectator numbers and hospitality before April 1.
An FA statement said: “Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees have reached a consensus that subject to the approval of FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season.”
Rylands will now wait to see whether the planned re-structuring of the pyramid – postponed from last summer – will be undertaken this summer and how that might impact them.
They are hoping to gain promotion to Step 4, where they would likely fit in to the Northern Premier League N/West Division, a level below the Yellows.
