Jeff Stelling reveals his plan for finishing the 2019/20 season - and what it could mean for Hartlepool United

The Hartlepool United club president laid out his vision in an interview with the Athletic, having expressed his disappointment at seeing parts of the non-league pyramid declare their campaign null and void earlier this week.

“I don’t think it is right for the season to be null and void as Liverpool would be denied the title, or Leeds, West Brom and Coventry would be denied promotion,” said Stelling.

“Lower down, South Shields are 12 points clear in their division. To declare the season null and void is not only unfair but also leaves the football authorities open to all sorts of legal action. I would rule that out. “

So what would the Sky Sports presenter suggest as a solution?

Stelling admits that there is no perfect solution, but he feels deciding promotion and relegation on a points-per-game ratio will prove a fair alternative to completing the season – even if it would mean his beloved Hartlepool United missing out on a return to the EFL

“How about playing to a finish? It might possibly work for the Premier League but to me, all the leagues need to be in synchronisation. This is a pyramid.

“My overall view is that it should be decided on a points-per-game model. The sides who have done the best so far are rewarded. Promotion and relegation on that basis is as fair as it is going to be.”

“Hartlepool have four of our final seven games against bottom six teams,” he continued.

“We could make an argument we would have a field day in those games, so, yes, some people would be upset. I don’t see any playoffs happening in the Championship, so maybe third place goes up instead.

“In the Premier League, Watford are one goal better off than Bournemouth and it would mean Bournemouth are relegated. There is no perfect system but this would give a clean break.”