Further Clarification

By Admin ccl

Comprehensive Letter issued by Isthmian League

Following the FA decision to “void” the current season, the Chairman of the Isthmian League, Nick Robinson, has written a comprehensive letter to all Isthmian League clubs explaining further the rationale behind the decision. It can be read by going to the Isthmian League web site and although directed at Isthmian League clubs, it has a clear relevance for us and other leagues at Steps 5-7. The site address is: https://www.betvictoristhmian.co.uk/season-expunged-chairman-explains-the-reasons-behi-61809

It possibly explains why the FA used the word “consensus” as part of their explanation for the decision they made.

Although it seems there was an eventual consensus within the Boards of the three Step 3-4 leagues, you will be aware there was no consensus as such within the CCL as clubs were split three ways, almost equally, as to what should be done. It is thought that most Step 5/6 leagues had a similar situation.

It is extremely tough on those clubs who looked as if they would achieve promotion and even harder on Jersey Bulls who had already clinched it before the lockdown started. Should a vacancy arise, for whatever reason, the CCL will wholeheartedly support Jersey and any of our clubs in the frame to fill any such vacancy.

All we can do now is to hope that the virus situation eases in time to allow season 20-21 to start on time, which would be the first Saturday of August, assuming the opening round of the FA Cup is on the second Saturday. It is premature though at the moment and out of our hands as nothing is certain. Our thoughts for the time being can only be concentrated upon doing whatever we can all do to beat this curse upon us. We have heard of one or two people connected with the CCL either now or in the past who have contracted the virus and all our hopes and wishes are that they come though it and make a full recovery. That includes Mike Appleby, now an officer with the Spartan South Midlands League but previously the national non-league manager at the FA.

Sadly, we have already lost Isaac Jempeji who many will remember as a much respected match official on our League for many years. Isaac had already been hospitalised for months with a rare form of cancer and when he then contracted Corona virus on top of everything it was just too much for him. Our deepest sympathies are with his wife and family at this sad time.

The League has received one or two enquiries concerning finances and the Board will consider in due course what financial assistance it may be able to give clubs. This will be done as soon as the situation becomes clearer.
We will provide a further update whenever the situation changes but for the moment please keep safe.

Where next?

The Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Football League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe