Kendal Town coach Steve Edmondson says he “feels very sorry” for promotion contenders Workington, after the league declared all results null and void and cancelled promotion and relegation.

Last week, the lower levels of non-league football decided to end the season and void all results, meaning that from the regional premier leagues, which sit at level three of the non-league pyramid, down to level six, there will be no relegation or promotion.

In Cumbria, this will affect Kendal Town, who currently sit 19th in the Northern Premier League Division One North West league, and Workington Reds, who currently sit top of the same table, which is level four of the non-league system.

“We weren’t happy the season was postponed because we were fully capable of staying up ourselves,” said Edmondson.

“We were five points clear of Pickering Town, with a game in hand. We had some tough games coming up, but we also had some we felt we would be able to pick up points from. I’m obviously happy there’ll be no relegation but I feel very sorry for Workington and South Shields, they’ve spent thousands and Shields has spent money on their ground. If the league has time after all this, I think there should be a play off for promotion.”

When asked about the financial ramifications of cancelling the league, Edmondson said: “I think a lot of clubs will be in financial difficulty. We’ve had financial difficulties already this year, but thanks to our army of volunteers and our sponsor Rayrigg Motors, we’ve managed to get through it with hard work and determination. It’s a bloody miracle we are where we are and hopefully we can build, and bring some sustainability to the club. We may have to have more fundraising events for the club, but that would be in the future once everything that’s going on in the world is over.”

Looking ahead, Edmondson added: “The squad we’ve got obviously needs improving.

“About 75% of the lads are good enough to play at this level, we just need some more experience and we will hopefully be mid-table, or even higher, next season.

“We’ve played well against some of the best teams in the league. We’ve also had some heavy defeats, but there’s potential there.”

George Gudgeon