‘If Horndean are going to survive, we need functions taking place in our bar’ – boss Michael Birmingham

The Deans boss is more concerned about the welfare of the nation and functions at lower level clubs’ social venues being postponed - particularly weddings.

Clubs up and down the country have been left infuriated following the FA's decision to null and void the campaign for sides at step three level and below because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

It means no promotion or relegation will be awarded to teams under the National League pyramid.

But rather than share sympathy for those who have missed out on league glory and the chance to move up a level, Birmingham would rather the country adhere to government guidelines.

That way clubs like Horndean might be able to re-open a much-needed revenue stream.

‘It was a no-brainer, it had to be done (cancelling the season),' Birmingham said.

‘If it’s the Premier League or going down to the National League, I get it, there’s a lot of money involved.

‘The Wessex League clubs don’t earn money through the gate, it’s usually through the social clubs being rented out for weddings, funerals and christenings etc.

‘Our main concern is to make sure this is all nipped in the bud because for Horndean to have to survive we look at functions going on in our social bar, that’s my main priority.

‘People who have booked weddings for two years to have their wedding at Horndean FC.’'

Birmingham acknowledged there were going to be complaints no matter how the FA reached their final outcome after the season was cancelled.

But his primary concern is making sure his players, coaching staff and their families remain safe during the coronavirus crisis.

‘It’s always going to be a grey area (reaching an outcome),' added Birmingham.

‘You’re going to have the top four teams fighting tooth and nail and the bottom teams saying they’d have won all their games.

‘Then you’ve got the mid-table teams who are not that bothered.

‘If they were going to end the season, it had to be null and void or points-per-game.

‘Points-per-game it would have still meant Alresford would have gone up.

‘I worked it out and Christchurch would have been second.

‘In my opinion, they were the best side.

‘The argument is, Christchurch were fourth when the season was suspended, (so) how can you say with points-per-game they rise to second above the likes of AFC Portchester and AFC Stoneham?

‘But they’ve got every right to say they should have been second on points-per-game, it’s not their problem they had so many games called off.’

Birmingham summed up: ‘None of my players, coaching staff, none of their family members I want in jeopardy, and that includes mine.

‘People have got to realise is this really the major topic in life at the moment? About (whether) you get a silly winners’ medal or you get a picture with the Wessex Cup.'