Grassroots football boss: Why couldn’t we ‘continue with our normality’ during lockdown?

But he understands why the Government took the decision to temporarily stop clubs at step three level and below from continuing amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Fleetlands and every other non-elite football team in England are currently facing at least four weeks without a league fixture

Despite the fact that elite level clubs - teams playing in the sixth tier and above - are allowed to continue playing behind closed doors, all other leagues have been suspended.

It means Fleetlands are unable to carry on with their Hampshire Premier League Senior Division campaign at present.

But Bessey stressed that should not have been the case and football at all levels should have been able to continue during the lockdown.

‘No, I don’t (think it was right halting the season),' he said.

‘I get there is a pandemic. For me, the realism is that this virus is here and I think it’s the way of the world.

'I’m not big on politics nor am I a health minister but I feel if anyone is vulnerable of a certain age then maybe they should isolate.

‘Those working can continue with their day-to-day to help keep the economy going.

‘I just feel that if schools are still allowed to be open and parents are allowed to congregate outside and talk about what they’ve done on the weekends, why can’t we just play football and continue with our normality?‘

'At the end of the day it’s a killer, it’s killing people, and unfortunately we’ve got to make sure we survive.

‘Football is irrelevant really, my business is likely to suffer, we’ve got to be real and wait for football now and hope that it does not extend.'

The current suspension means Fleetlands will not be able to provide a farewell to both Steve and Jim Duffin.

The cousins informed Bessey of their decision to leave the club following the midweek win at Locks Heath prior to lockdown.

They have both decided to retire with playing time decreasing with Fleetlands' squad strength increasing in recent weeks.

But Bessey thanked the pair for all their efforts for the club.

‘As far as blokes go I wish I had more of them in the team. They are top, top guys, they’re really loyal, they take it on the chin when you make a decision and they just get on with it,' said Bessey.

‘They’re retiring so they’re not going anywhere else. I just want to thank them for what they’ve done for the club.

‘Steve Duffin has sponsored the club in many ways. He’s sponsored our tracksuits and sponsored our away kit through his company.

‘Jim has done some banners around the ground and sponsored Kelvin (Robinson) our top goalscorer. They’re just good guys and I just want to wish them all the best.

There’s a real family connection at the club and it’s a shame to have lost them.

‘They’ve been superb for us at the club but, unfortunately, these things happen in football.'

Fleetlands have dual-signed striker Sam Adams from Wessex League Division 1 club Romsey Town.

Adams scored over 30 goals at Hampshire Premier League level for Colden Common last season - including four against Fleetlands in a League Cup tie.