Moneyfields boss: I just want to get the season started – with or without fans in the grounds

It was yesterday confirmed that competitions at step three and four level across the country would not begin until supporters are allowed back in stadiums.

Both the Southern and Isthmian League have laid out six possible scenarios for 'Project Restart' as they claim it's not financially viable for clubs to begin the new campaign while matches are held behind closed doors.

However, Carter is eager for his side's Southern League South Division season to start at the original proposed date of September 19.

Moneyfields have already played four pre-season friendlies and are ramping up preparations for the upcoming campaign.

But Carter admitted putting the Southern League start date back could result in problems.

‘From the club’s point of view, they probably wouldn’t want the season to start (without fans),' he admitted.

‘From my point of view as a manager, I want to get going as soon as possible.

‘We’re all fit, raring to go and we’ve had a good pre-season.

‘It’s a difficult one. I don’t run the money situation at the club, I’m just a football manager.

‘Everyone likes to play in front of people, but my personal point is to get going as soon as we can.

‘You try to prepare for that season start date on September 19 and suddenly it could be three weeks after that.

‘It’s a difficult situation, really difficult.

The start of league seasons could be put back by nearly a month for some teams should government restrictions remain.

However, the FA competitions are still planned to go ahead whether supporters can enter stadiums or not.

At present, Moneyfields have a Portsmouth Senior Cup quarter-final against Denmead (September 8), at least one FA Cup tie (at home to Camberley or Blackfield & Langley on September 12) and an FA Trophy fixture (at home to Basingstoke Town on September 29) next month.

And Carter is delighted his side will at least be able to get some competitive fixtures played ‘We have got four big games in there that we can really focus on.

‘They’re all competitive games which is good.'