THE WITTON COLUMN - By Paul Harper

LAST week, the Football Association (FA) ratified their decision to conclude the BetVictor Northern Premier League season as null and void, and so taking away the uncertainty facing clubs during this current Covid-19 pandemic.

As I’ve mentioned in previous columns, it’s far from ideal. You’d like the season to be decided on the sport played on the pitch, but given the circumstances at the moment, that can’t be done.

There was a lot of hard effort and work done during the 2019-20 campaign for Witton Albion and it won’t be forgotten. The players and the staff have once again done a fine job and deserve a lot of credit.

There have been a number of great memories from the season, doing the double over league leaders South Shields, a memorable comeback to draw 3-3 with FC United and a number of impressive victories.

On the club’s social media channels, we’re going through the season game-by-game so we don’t forget all those memories, good and bad, and to recognise the hard work carried out by everyone at the club.

We’re now looking ahead to next season and the preparations will no doubt already be underway.

Despite no matchday income available at the moment, and the enforced closure of the social club due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the club is ticking over due to generous donations which have come in from supporters to help support us over this tricky period.

Chairman John Salmon has worked hard to improve the financial position of the club since he took over and we are in a much more stable position to deal with this crisis as best as we can.

Those kind donations are certainly a big help, though, and the support has been fantastic, so a huge thank you to all those who have been involved.

We must extend a mention to Northwich Victoria who have continued to pay their rent as per the groundsharing agreement we have with them despite no football being played during this time. Again, that support is a huge aid to the club at the moment.

We can look forward to the new season with optimism. Bring it on!