Locks Heath reflect on ‘huge boost’ as FA’s controversial decision to null and void season spares them potential relegation

That's the view of manager Shane Lovell as the Hampshire Premier League Senior Division’s bottom side discovered they would not suffer the relegation they were facing.

Locks Heath sat a point adrift at the foot of the table when learning the campaign was expunged last Thursday following the coronavirus outbreak. They still had six games left to play.

It was a welcome ending to what was a turbulent season at the club who won the HPL title in 2012/13 - losing just one game en route - and were runners-up to Baffins Milton Rovers the following season.

Lovell, 23, became Locks Heath's third manager of the season after taking over from joint-bosses Tom Best and Joe Alvertella in January.

But he did reveal he would rather the season had been completed and his side beat the drop without a reprieve.

‘From our point of view, it’s a good decision and enables us to stay in the division,' said a relieved Lovell.

‘We weren’t sure what was happening in terms of how many teams were being relegated.

‘When we had the initial conversation with the league and they asked what our view was on how to end the season, we wanted to finish it.

‘With six games left we felt we had a good chance of climbing a couple of places.

‘We said if that wasn’t possible, then the next thing would be to null and void it.

‘It’s the best situation we could hope for, but I can understand why some people aren’t pleased.

‘The majority of people have accepted it, but you can accept why some teams are not happy.'

Lovell believes this outcome will give the squad a big lift as they search for more 'continuity' next season.

The PE teacher, who spent months with Swindon Town FC working as an academy analyst, has still to talk with the club's hierarchy because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

But when he does, they will be figuring the best way to take Locks Heath forward.

‘For us it’s going to be a huge boost,' he added.

‘There’s been a lot of change in terms of management at the club in one season and a lot of players coming and going.

‘To try to get some continuity to start next season off knowing we’re still in this league as well, it’s going to be a big boost.

‘We’ve tried to have a meeting in terms of management and hierarchy.

‘That’s something we want to have a meeting about and what we need to do to go forward.

‘I need to have a chat with the squad to see where we are then get some recruitment planned in terms of boosting numbers and getting more quality into the squad.'

The season ended with Locks having not won since beating fellow strugglers Chamberlayne 4-0 on November 20.

Since then, they had picked up only four points from 10 games - but the draws did include a stunning 1-1 result against unbeaten leaders Infinity.

Locks had also drawn with second-placed Paulsgrove after a horrendous start with saw them lose eight of their first nine league matches.

Among those was a Bank Holiday Monday match at Hayling they had to forfeit due to failing to raise a team.

When they season ended, Locks were three points adrift of third-bottom Sway, having played a game more. But they still had to travel to face the New Forest-based club.

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