The midfielder from Jersey was in his third season at the south coast club, who were sitting in seventeenth place in the National League, just four points above the relegation places but with games in hand. The decision to end the season now undoubtedly suits last season play-off semi-finalists although promotion and relegation outcomes are still ‘under careful consideration.’
Another player from Jersey, Lorne Bickley, has seen his UK season ended before it has even begun. The striker signed for north-east club Hartlepool United until the end of the current campaign in March, only to see the league season suspended just one week later. Bickley has remained in the area throughout the lockdown, as required by his club in case the season resumed, but is now seeking to return to Jersey in the wake of the news from the National League. It is not yet known if Hartlepool, who were lying in ninth place, only three points off the play-off places, will renew his contract.
The statement from the National League said: ‘With almost 90% of responses returned it is evident a clear majority of clubs are in favour, including a majority of clubs in each of the National League, National League North and National League South divisions.
‘In the knowledge that the ordinary resolution has passed, the League’s Board has chosen to communicate the decision now and before the last few responses are received, which will not change the outcome, to enable clubs to make business decisions with greater clarity as soon as possible.’
It now remains to be seen how the National League will decide to end the season. They could follow the FA’s lead to null and void the remainder of the English football league system, as was the case in steps 3 to 7 (which included Jersey Bulls’ recording breaking promotion from Division I of the Combined Counties Football League), or opt for an average points-per-game solution.
