I return to writing on the Teesside Football Blog but not with good news. The FA’s decision to declare the season, at steps 3 to 6, as void has left a bitter taste for many. All the hard work, the joy, the pain and all the between apparently does not matter. For managers, players, volunteers and supporters this is a major kick in the teeth.
In particular, for the club I volunteer with Stockton Town. This has been the best season the club has experienced and for it to amount for nothing will take some getting over. This decision would be understandable had it been pre-Christmas but to declare it void with less than ten games remaining is totally nonsensical.
I appreciate that, whatever the decision, clubs were always going have their grievances. However, this decision awards struggling clubs and effectively punishes clubs that have had good seasons thus far. It has resulted in bizarre outcome where clubs such as Jersey Bulls and Vauxhall Motors have to remain in the same division despite already winning promotion. An absolutely ludicrous outcome!
The decision has been made too hastily, surely there must have been more time to decide what to do rather than to declare the hours of dedication from the clubs as pointless? This shows that clubs below the National League level are not important.
It will be interesting to see how the impacts the outcome of the professional leagues. It would be safe to assume Liverpool will not be getting such treatment. Imagine the utter outrage if the Premier League was struck from the record. Too much money to be lost up there of course. A rule for one but for not for the other- totally fair.
I hope there will be appeals coming forward and there should be. This is a decision that should not merely be accepted. Clubs need to fight their corner for the correct outcome.
What the FA can’t take away are the memories that have been made this season. The fantastic gates at home for Stockton Town. The trips to Knaresborough and Bridlington Town among others. The club has certainly grew this season and will continue to do so.
Of course, there are much more important things than football going on at the moment. But football is the most important of things that do not matter.
Disclaimer: These are entirely my views and not those of Stockton Town.
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