Eastbourne Borough have sympathy for National League clubs whose fate remains unclear

Eastbourne Borough have expressed sympathy with fellow clubs in the National League who still don't know whether they'll be promoted or relegated.
Elbow bumps replaced handshakes at Eastbourne Borough's final game / Picture: Jon RigbyElbow bumps replaced handshakes at Eastbourne Borough's final game / Picture: Jon Rigby
Elbow bumps replaced handshakes at Eastbourne Borough's final game / Picture: Jon Rigby

The Sports are content that their season has been declared officially over by the National League and say it means the players and management can be stood down with thoughts turning to next season.

But clubs at the top and bottom of the National League's three divisions still have no decision on whether this season's results will be expunged, or used to calcluate final tables, promotion, play-offs and relegation. It is believe it is still possible play-off matches will be played.

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An Eastbourne Borough spokesman commented: "This decision by the National League board is supported and welcomed by Eastbourne Borough Football Club. It brings clarity in place of the uncertainty that we have been living with, and we believe that it was the only logical decision.

It was elbow bumps not handshakes at Eastbourne Boro's final game / Picture: Jon RigbyIt was elbow bumps not handshakes at Eastbourne Boro's final game / Picture: Jon Rigby
It was elbow bumps not handshakes at Eastbourne Boro's final game / Picture: Jon Rigby

"This means that our management and players can be stood down from the possibility of suddenly having to regroup and complete fixtures. The players have of course been keeping up their own personal fitness, and manager Danny Bloor will be able to do some proper planning for the new season."

Borough football chairman John Bonar added: "We have every sympathy with clubs who - unlike ourselves - were directly involved in promotion and relegation issues in the National League and National South. Some tricky decisions still have to be made.

"We ourselves can only look forward to the time when we can safely resume a new National South campaign. But above all, we wish all players, officials and supporters of all clubs continuing safe health and strong spirits. This dreadful situation has brought us all together. Stay strong and stay safe."

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All contracted Borough players will be out of contract in May and Bloor is expected to continue discussions with many of them about next season's options.

The only significant fixture on the Sports' fixture list now is the Sussex Senior Cup final against Brighton and Hove Albion U23s, but that has no scheduled date, and it may well become a curtain-raiser for the new 2020-21 season.

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