Skegness Town and Brigg Town will have at least another week to wait before discovering fate of NCEL season

Football clubs in steps three to six of the National League System will have to wait until next week at the earliest to discover the fate of their season.

The 800-plus sides recently took part in a Football Association survey, putting forward their thoughts on whether the campaign should continue or be concluded.

But the next steps will not be announced until after next Monday (February 22) - at least - as the FA awaits clarity about the easing of lockdown from the Government.

The outcome of the National League's vote on whether or not to cancel the season may also have an impact on any FA decision as a vote to null and void could cancel promotion and relegations between steps two and three.

The National League clubs still have two weeks to submit their votes.

Clubs in the Northern Counties East League divisions, such as Skegness Town and Brigg Town, haven't seen action since December 28.

“The Alliance Committee (steps three and four) and Leagues Committee (steps five and six) met on February 8 and 9, respectively, to discuss the data that was collated following the recent surveys circulated to clubs at this level of the game,” an FA statement said.

“During discussions, the committees acknowledged the likelihood that the Prime Minister will set out a ‘roadmap’ to the nation on February 22 as to how the government intends to begin to reduce the current Covid-19 restrictions.

“Given that any such update from the government on February 22 may provide the committees with additional, relevant information to help determine the preferred route forward, they have agreed to reconvene after this date.

“In addition, the Alliance Committee are also conscious of the ongoing process the National League (steps one and two) are undertaking and the potential impact this could have on any actions the committee may choose to take.”

The Trident Leagues - the Northern Premier League Southern League and Isthmian League - recommended to their member clubs that the season should be declared null and void.