As the Football Association of Wales seeks clarification from the Welsh Government on the proposed level of restrictions after a second lockdown ends on Monday (November 9) there are vehement calls for the 2020-2021 season to be cancelled without a ball being kicked.

Clubs in the Costcutter Ceredigion League had arranged friendlies but the lockdown put an end to all activity, including training, leaving disillusioned and downhearted players and officials expressing grave doubt over whether it is worth prolonging matters any further.

Back in March the FAW suspsended football until April 4, but seven months on and there is no sign of leagues outside the Cymru Premier returning to action.

Now support for calls to start the season in July next year with a break at Christmas is growing throughout the Costcutter.

Cardigan Town chairman Seamus Doherty was not prepared to mince his words when calling for the season to be scrapped and expressed worry over trying to keep youngsters interested in the sport.

“We have been told by the Comet department of the FAW that all our players are suspended because we refused to pay registration fees.

“We were not going to pay any fees when the FAW could not tell us when the season is to start. And the players are suspended anyway,” he said.

“We have an Under 16 team nowadays but it is doubtful if they will play any football, and some of them will be too old next season and will have to look straight at the seniors. It is nowhere near an ideal situation.

“At the end of the day they are not going to start the season, so why not call it off now and announce a start in July next year. It would enable us to have a break over the Christmas period and still finish by May the following year. I see it as the only way forward,” he said.

Mr Doherty’s remarks were endorsed by several officials at other clubs and by Costcutter League chairman John Jones of Llanddewi Brefi.

Mr. Jones said “I agree wholeheartedly with his sentiments. Calling off the season now is the answer, as we are likely to have a further lockdown in January, which would make it even more imperative that the season is cancelled.

“I know that players throughout the league are really down through being uable to play football, but I’m afraid these are the times we live in now,” he said.