BRENDAN Kelly believes the Southern League Premier Central will come to a premature end following the suspension of non-league football.
Bromsgrove Sporting – who find themselves fourth in the table at present – have enjoyed a remarkable first season at Step Three, but may now have to wait until a later date to complete their remaining fixtures while the coronavirus pandemic rages on.
And the Rouslers manager is of the belief that his side will not even be afforded the chance to see the campaign out.
“I think that’ll be it done,” said Kelly. “I think the league will be scrapped and started again next season.
“We very much want to see it through, but the safety of the players and supporters is the most important thing.
“It’s up to the powers that be, but we really are in the unknown.”
While Kelly and his managerial counterparts are no strangers to dilemmas – be it squad selection, tactics or on the transfer front – the issues caused by the shutdown offer fresh problems previously unbeknown at this level of the game.
“There are definitely concerns, when there is no income but still the usual outgoings – paying rates and rent on the ground and a few of the lads being on contracts – plus the fact we’ve had to cancel all of the functions booked at the club,” Sporting’s manager added.
“All managers have been asking each other the same questions, it’s new territory for everyone.
“We had some friendlies arranged which we’ve now had to cancel, training has had to be called off. The lads will keep ticking over at home as best as they can.
“But with the gadgets that they have, they’ll have to post their stats in the group chat to see where they’re at.”
Should the eventuality of a cancellation to the season take place in the coming weeks or months, the Bromsgrove boss says his side can look back with pride on their efforts this term, adding: “You’ve got to say it’s been a huge achievement from all involved.
“I think we could’ve done better, I’ve got high standards and the players know that. We had a very difficult start, we hit a run of form around October and November and haven’t been out of the top eight since then.
“I think we could’ve had a better go of it as far as the title is concerned.
“But to be consistently inside the top three or four in our first season at this level, and in a [Worcestershire Senior] Cup final, I think even the most critical fans will agree it’s been a very progressive season.”
