Infinity boss Thompson unsure whether he can face another season in the Hampshire Premier League

The FA's controversial announcement last Thursday to null and void the season for clubs at step three level and below has deflated everyone involved with the Fareham-based team.

They were on track to clinch Hampshire Premier League Senior Division promotion, potentially the title and even become history makers by completing an unbeaten campaign.

However, they will now have to do it all again in the same division next term - whenever that might start - as the coronavirus epidemic continues to keep a blanket ban on sport in the UK.

But Infinity might well have to mount their charge for promotion with a new manager at the helm.

Thompson - who took over as Infinity boss last summer after leaving HPL rivals Fleetlands - admitted he is undecided as to whether he can face another HPL campaign.

‘To be honest with you, I probably think that’s me done,' he revealed.

‘I know it’s still a bit raw at the minute, but I don’t know if I can stomach to do it again in that Hampshire League.

‘Everyone, all the management team - myself, Ollie Bennett and my coach Joe - we were all set to make that next step up to the Wessex where we are more than capable of holding our own.

‘The lads that we brought into the squad at the start of the season, I’m not just saying it, they’re too good to be playing in the Hampshire Premier.

‘We’ve proved it by the amount of games we’ve played this season and not getting beat.

‘Everyone was really relishing to get out of the league.

‘Hopefully we would have done it as champions and kickstart in Wessex One next season, that’s what we were all hoping for.'

Thompson lifted the lid on the impact the decision has had on all involved with Infinity - particularly owners Jody Hoare and Simon Tribe who founded the club in 2006.

'We did all the work and got the ground grading approved,' explained Thompson.

‘It was all there and done.

‘To hear this news, Jody and Simon are devastated.

‘They just feel like wrapping it all in.

‘I’ve told them not to do that as they’ve worked so hard.

‘From my point of view, I’ve been involved with Gosport Borough at a high level.

‘I’ve been at other clubs and I just don’t think I can do it again at this Hampshire League level.'

The traditional end-of-season managerial merry-go-round has already begun, and there are already Wessex League clubs seeking new managers if Thompson fancied applying to a higher level club.

Wessex League Premier Division pair Alresford and Hamble Club have vacancies.

Richard Luffman has stepped down at Alresford after the FA scuppered his dream of leading the Magpies into the Southern League for the first time.

Graham Castle and Chris Castle, meanwhile, have stood down at Hamble Club.

Hamble were 10th in the Wessex Premier when the season was halted, but had been higher - they had only taken three points from their last seven games.

They were through to the semi-finals of the Wessex League Cup, though, having recently claimed a shock 2-1 win at Alresford.

In the Hampshire Premier League, Colden Common are also seeking a new manager after Adam Pullinger resigned to take over at Wessex Division 1 club Romsey Town.

Martin Beck, Curtis Osborne and Luke Watts have also left Common - who had reached the HPL Cup final, where they were due to face Bush Hill on May 6 - to follow Pullinger to Romsey.