It happens every year in various areas of the country, and this season is no different. And it's entirely understandable too. In regions like the north-east and south-west, hardly a week has passed since October without one of more fixtures being lost to the rain. Every week the Met Office seem to announce a new storm and warn us all to head for the hills.
This has been the eighth wettest winter on record, but most clubs have managed to get games on thanks to herculean efforts of volunteer ground staff and good pitch maintenance. Despite that, some clubs now have a lot of games to play in a relatively short period of time.
In many respects, it's hard to defend not extending the season. Player welfare is hugely important, as is the wear and tear on fans' pockets, but it's not the only factor.
It's not that the playing season can't be extended. Some Step 5 and 6 leagues have been granted a small extension to May 11 to complete their fixtures. However, it's not an easy decision for the FA and Leagues to make, and here's the reasons why.
• FA player contracts expire on the first weekend in May, so new terms of engagement have to be reached with contracted players for them to feature in play-off games.
This story is from the April 14, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 14, 2024 edition of The Non-League Football Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PILGRIMS' PERFECT DAY SEALED BY CAM
BOSTON United won their second penalty shoot-out in four days as they overhauled second-placed Scunthorpe United to earn their place in the National League North play-off final.
Spirit of Angelo's Iron keeps dream alive
ANGELO HARROP hailed calm heads as Braintree Town hauled themselves off the ropes after Chelmsford City's late comeback to land an extra-time knock-out and reach the Promotion Final.
UNITED BID IS SUNK BY WATERS' WINNER!
ASHTON UNITED'S lingering play-off hopes were finally extinguished at Hurst Cross as the visitors secured their own place with a deserved victory.
PREECE'S KEEPING IT REAL!
ANDY PREECE doesn't want his Chorley side to forget how good season has been to this point and urged them to use that belief at Brackley Town.
STONES STILL ROLLING ON!
Gist EORGE Elokobi insists his Maidstone United side are not in danger of succumbing to fatigue as they look to complete a marathon season on a high.
ACE JACK LEADS A HORNETS HURRAH
HORSHAM managed to muster the energy in their 60th game of the season to finally breast the tape and secure a topfive finish in what was already the finest season in the club's history.
RUSSELL ENDS ON A EURO MISSION
Italy adventure is fitting for Rooks boss
COMMUNITY WILL UNITE TO HELP HEED ON A LONG ROAD AHEAD
Local pride can heal the pain of play-off snub
EMOTION LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Critics gave us no chance, says Cousins
SAM'S IN THE STONES ZONE
UPBEAT music, positive messages only and even group prayers - Sam Cox says Wealdstone's survival story is something to be proud of.