Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor hopes to carry on with National League season despite concerns of an early end

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc with the football season once again with many matches being postponed over the opening three and a half months of the campaign.

In addition, National Lottery grant funding given to National League clubs for the opening three months of the season has ended with no plans in place for further grants.

READ MORE: Business as usual for Pools despite positive coronavirus case

Instead, clubs will be able to apply for a loan as part of the Government’s £11 million package for the remainder of the season.

This has caused a lot of uncertainty over the future of the campaign with many clubs insisting that they cannot continue unless given assurances of further financial support.

Due to the lack of matches played as well as many clubs having up to six games in hand on others, any decision to end the season as it stands would not result in a points per game decider as we saw last season.

And with Hartlepool sitting second in the National League table after 17 matches, Challinor is hoping to see the season play out safely.

“We’re not in a bad place and January is a quiet month for us to be fair but February through May are really hectic months for everybody as it stands,” he said.

"You just hope we get the opportunity to carry on because the rumours that circulate, there are more calls for football to stop and if that’s the case, there’ll be concerns on how to finish the league.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor