The National League System (NLS) and FA have today announced that it is season over for teams in steps three to six and below of the football pyramid after liaising with the appropriate competitions following the premature suspension due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

That means for the likes of Basford United, Carlton Town and Worksop Town in the Northern Premier League it is season over with all results and standings expunged with no promotion or relegation from the competition.

The same goes for the Northern Counties East League which includes AFC Mansfield, Ollerton Town and Retford FC and the Midland Football League which houses Newark Flowserve and Selston.

It also effects the East Midlands Counties League, Central Midlands League and Notts Senior League along with others involving the counties amateur teams.

In a statement on the Northern Premier League website the announcement was that “The FA and NLS steps three to six have reached a consensus that their 2019-20 season will now be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between NLS steps three to six, and no promotion to NLS step two.”

“These decisions will also apply to the leagues and clubs who play at NLS step seven.”

“We will continue to assist and support the National League (NLS steps one and two) to determine the outcome of its 2019-20 season as quickly as possible. The planned implementation of the restructure of the NLS will also now be deferred until the start of the 2021-22 season.”

In a further blow to grassroots football the governing body also stated “Furthermore, we can now confirm that we have decided that all grassroots football is concluded for the 2019-20 season. This will allow the game to move forward and to commence planning for next season. Our County Football Associations (CFAs) will be supporting grassroots leagues over the coming days to determine how they should close out their current competitions.”

The decision also effects the Womens football pyramid at all levels below the WSL.

*Main image @CT1904 NPL South playoff chasers Carlton Town are just one of the teams hit by the predictable announcement.