THE Northern Premier League has outlined its intention to end the 2019-20 season now.

The coronavirus pandemic has shut down all football until at least the end of April but together with their fellow leagues at Step Four of the National League system, the NPL say they wish to draw the season to a close.

This means Witton Albion have played their final game of the campaign.

A statement released by the Northern Premier League reads that a decision on the consequences of this – whether it be final placings being decided by average points per game or that the season is declared null and void – is yet to be taken.

It also says the collective impact among clubs in the division is estimated to be more than £3million.

"The Northern Premier League has been working alongside its fellow step 3&4 leagues, via the FA Alliance committee, to find a solution for the 2019/20 season that can, ideally, apply across all of the National League System," the statement read

"The NPL, Isthmian and Southern Leagues are unanimous in wanting to terminate the 2019/20 season immediately.

"Whether that is done on the basis of determining the final placings via average points per game, or the season is declared null and void cannot be decided until the National League’s intentions are confirmed.

"The NPL, Isthmian and Southern Leagues have made the FA of their wish to terminate the 2019-20 season, although any such decision has to be ratified by FA council.

"While this process is on-going, competition issues can then be decided, together with the implications for promotion and relegation.

"The league, via the Alliance, is lobbying the government, the Premier League and others for additional financial assistance.

"A recent survey amongst NPL clubs estimated the impact of Covid-19 on those clubs to be over £3.25m

"The NPL will continue to provide its member clubs with as much information, support and guidance as possible to assist them during this difficult time."

Albion are currently 14th in the NPL Premier Division table.