Isthmian League conundrum on the table

Bognor general manager Simon Cook believes the future of football at Bognor's level will become clearer over the weekend after the latest three-tiered system put in place by Government.
Bognor in action against Tooting in the FA Trophy / Picture: Trev StaffBognor in action against Tooting in the FA Trophy / Picture: Trev Staff
Bognor in action against Tooting in the FA Trophy / Picture: Trev Staff

Power-brokers throughout the game are trying to flesh out the details of the new protocols and continue to seek clarity on the measures from Downing Street.

The Rocks are poised to get back in action on December 8 when they head to Thame United for an FA Trophy first round clash. And although that game is almost certain to go ahead, the league campaign restart has yet to be confirmed.

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One issue is teams from tier three - and in the case of the Isthmian League, that includes Kent - travelling to tier two areas for games; another is the financial implications for clubs having to host matches without paying fans and with no boost to revenue through bar sales.

Cook explained: "At the moment we are awaiting guidance on the restart and with meetings planned for the weekend we should get more of an idea on the way ahead once they have taken place."

Bognor players will resume training next week ahead of the Thame game with manager Jack Pearce and coach Robbie Blake keen to get the squad in shape and to pick up from a fine run of results before the lockdown.

Before the shutdown, the Nye Camp aces chalked up four victories, netting ten times.

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The Rocks won successive home league games against East Thurrock with a convincing 4-0 triumph, followed by a 2-0 win over Margate. A 2-0 FA Trophy third qualifying round victory over Tooting and Mitcham United and a 2-1 Sussex Senior Cup win over Burgess Hill followed just before the pause button was pressed on proceedings.