The Football Association Leagues' Committee met on Tuesday, 5th January 2021 to discuss the current lockdown imposed throughout the country. The Committee, which governs football at the level of the Toolstation Western League, concluded that with the current restrictions in place, any resumption of football in a manner that provides the clubs with safety, coupled with the ability to admit supporters, means that completing the 2020/2021 season is becoming increasingly doubtful.

The FA have stated that information gathered to date suggests that extending the season into June would not be feasible. Given that the FA have not made a decision regarding the possibility to play out this season, or alternatively how and when this season is concluded, the Committee will be issuing all Toolstation Western League Clubs, including Radstock Town and Welton Rovers, with a survey. The FA will also be undertaking this exercise with teams in the Southern League, including Paulton Rovers. The results of this survey will be used to assist the Leagues' Committee in making a recommendation to FA Council as to how this season is concluded. Once the FA Council has met, the Leagues' Committee will then call a meeting of the Step 5 & 6 Leagues to advise them of the decision.

The County FA’s will be liaising with the Regional Feeder Leagues as to how they may decide what is the best options for themselves to conclude their season. The FA Executive remain in constant dialogue with DCMS and Sport England regarding the £14M winter survival funding, where the FA are pushing very hard for this to be in the form of Grants as opposed to Loans.

Ian Nockolds