FROME Town’s dream of promotion have been shattered after the Football Association announced the immediate end of the non-league season and declared the campaign null and void due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Town were sitting second in the Southern League South when the lock down began, level on points with leaders Thatcham Town although Frome had played one game extra.
Even if they missed out on top spot and automatic promotion, they were almost certain to clinch a place in the end-of-season play-offs where four teams earn a chance to clinch the second promotion spot.
Frome were 13 points ahead of Cirencester Town and Paulton Rovers, the two teams just outside the play-off places.
In the past, if a season had to finish early, a points-per-game system was used to decide the final standing and this system was favoured by a lot of clubs who have been angered by the FA’s decision.
Laurence Jones, the FA’s Head of National League System said: “We know that it is impossible to reach decisions that will please everybody. We entirely sympathise with the teams that oppose the decision affecting their leagues, some of which have perfectly understandable reasons for wanting to see the 2019/20 league season continue.
“But it is important to emphasise that the decisions they took were made in the best interests of all the leagues, as a collective, and in consultation with key stakeholders across English football. We sympathise with those clubs that are currently occupying promotion spots – or those hopeful of securing promotion.
“The overwhelming feeling across the Leagues and the FA was that temporarily postponing the 2019/20 season, and resuming at a later date, would create great uncertainty on a number of issues which include: player contracts and squads; scheduling of the 2020/21 season; and the ongoing financial impact on clubs.
“I understand that this decision has inevitably caused some clubs, players and supporters to feel a sense of injustice and those feelings are entirely understandable. This is not an easy time for anyone in football and we understand that there is no decision that will suit everyone.
“We sympathise with those clubs that are currently occupying promotion spots – or those hopeful of securing promotion. Some believe that it would be better to opt for a Points Per Match [PPM] model to conclude the remainder of the season, as oppose to expunging results.
“Both options, and the potential implications of each, were considered at length by all involved.
“It is impossible to find a solution that works for everybody, so the decision was based on two main factors. Firstly, the potential financial impact on clubs during this uncertain period, and secondly, the fairest method on how to decide the sporting outcomes for the season, with the integrity of the Leagues in mind.”
