A no-win situation – Dominic Scurr delivers his thoughts on the National League suspension due to coronavirus after Hartlepool United, Notts County and more play on

Josh Hawkes and Macauley Southam-Hales of Hartlepool United touch elbows after scoring their first goal during the Vanarama National League match between Sutton United and Hartlepool United at the Knights Community Stadium, Gander Green Lane,, Sutton on Saturday 14th March 2020. (Credit: Paul Paxford | MI News)

Barnet have announced that it’s putting staff on notice in an attempt to cut running costs while many others have requested clarity and support through an unprecedented situation that is significantly impacting the footballing world and beyond.

When the Premier League and EFL announced that fixtures would be suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak on Friday, many expected the National League to follow suit.

But no, after prolonged radio silence, a statement announced that National League fixtures would go ahead as scheduled on 14 March – keeping in line with government advice.

But 11 coronavirus related postponements, several club statements and confirmation of the government withdrawing its emergency support of mass gatherings later – the National League eventually decided to get in line and suspend.

The suspension, as Hartlepool United chief executive Mark Maguire put it, ‘was inevitable’ – it was just a case of when. It officially lasts until April 3 but in reality is likely to be much longer.

It was a no-win situation – the league were under intense pressure from both sides. They need to keep the integrity of the competition intact while also doing what’s best for its clubs and the general public.

The National League wanted to continue for as long as possible as the consequences of not playing matches will be massive, as we’re already finding out.

Playing on last weekend was a bold call – some may even call it reckless – but it provided non-league clubs with a choice but also a chance to make the most of a difficult situation.

Many clubs decided not to play on medical grounds while others simply adhered to the National League’s advice.

As a result of non-league football being thrust into the limelight, attendances in the National League and Northern Premier League were up 15.5% and 89.7% respectively.

Those that played at home will have benefitted from significantly increased matchday revenue over the weekend for what is likely to be the last time in a good while.

Now, it’s just about survival.