GFC in the dark over mooted start date
GFC know nothing as to a mooted early September start to the next season.
That was chairman Mark Le Tissier’s firm response to rumours of a surprisingly early start to the 2020-21 lower non-league campaign, which emanated from Jersey.
In running a story that Jersey Bulls would have to spend another season in Division One of the Combined Counties League, the Jersey Evening Post said that the current indication was of a likely restart in early September and more would be known following a meeting of the National League System Committee in mid-July. But Le Tissier says he is unaware of any new developments.
‘As far as we have been told all football, from Steps 1 to 7, will start at the same time and would not start until fans are able to attend games in full numbers and with no social distancing and there is full use of clubhouse facilities.
‘That is exactly where we are and it has been like that for at least a month and has recently been reiterated by the FA.
‘So, it is no change really.’
The chairman conceded that the Bulls might have received different communications, but from the Green Lions’ point of view they had not heard any mention of a start date.
‘As it stands we cannot make any preparations.’
When the season does start GFC and the Bulls will remain two divisions apart.
‘As disappointed as we are, we have to look forward’ was the message from Le Tissier’s opposite number at the Bulls, Russell Le Feuvre, after the FA confirmed that the Caesareans would not be going up.
Since the English FA took the decision to null-and-void and expunge the 2019-20 season for all leagues from Step 3 and below, Bulls were hopeful they would be given special dispensation to move up to the Premier Division of the CCL.
The Bulls had a dominant inaugural season – 27 league wins from 27 league matches – and had already sealed promotion before lockdown was enforced and all organised football programmes suspended.
‘Since the initial null and void decision several months ago it became increasingly possible through various discussions that clubs would be moved up to fill vacancies left by teams who had either folded or merged or requested voluntary relegation,’ said Le Feuvre.
‘It’s disappointing that this remaining hope has officially gone.
‘[On Friday night] the vice-chairman of the English FA rang at 11.30pm to confirm
the decision and say how he sympathised with us and the other team who had already won promotion, Vauxhall Motors,’ Le Feuvre continued.
‘The Combined Counties League were very supportive and keen for us to be granted promotion based on the level of performances achieved by the players and the management team this season. Ultimately, though, it was not their decision to make.’
Le Tissier has sympathy with the Caesareans, but has no doubt they will get their promotion in a years’ time.
‘They are too good for that level and it has got to be gutting for them.
‘They have been unlucky and it is very sad for them.
‘But I’m sure the will is still there and they will come back strong next season.’
Meanwhile, the Bulls have confirmed that they will be applying to enter a team into the prestigious FA Vase next season.
