When will the 2020-21 National League season start? The big question Hartlepool United and other clubs are asking following conclusion of 2019-20 campaign

The National League has drawn plenty of criticism over its handling of the shutdown of football due to the coronavirus pandemic which left its member clubs in limbo for the best part of three months.

But the past week has seen the 2019-20 fifth and sixth tier seasons take significant steps towards a conclusion.

The final standings have been decided on a points-per-game basis and the play-offs in all three leagues are now set to go ahead between July 18 and July 31.

King’s Lynn and Wealdstone will be promoted from the National League North and South respectively along with each divisions’ play-off winners.

It means that Chorley, AFC Fylde and Ebbsfleet United are set to be relegated from the National League in order to maintain a 24 team league.

Meanwhile, Barrow will be promoted to the EFL alongside the play-off winners from the fifth tier. Only one side, Stevenage, will be relegated into the National League as 23rd placed Macclesfield Town’s points deduction wasn’t enough to lift The Boro off the foot of the League Two table.

The only thing preventing Stevenage’s relegation to the fifth tier would be if the National League are unable to complete the play-off matches or give assurances over when next season will start.

The majority of National League clubs are still awaiting that crucial announcement over when the 2020-21 campaign will get under way. The FA has said it would be realistic for the non-league season to commence from September 2020, though it would not do so without fans present.

But until a set date is officially confirmed, clubs are unable to plan effectively for the future.

Hartlepool United are yet to sign any new players due to a lack of clarity over when football will restart. The club is also yet to provide information on season tickets for the 2020-21 campaign as a result.

Season ticket sales make up for about £400,000 of the club’s annual income in normal circumstances.

Hartlepool season ticket holders for the 2019-20 campaign have not been offered a refund plan for the final four home matches that were cancelled.

It is unlikely many supporters would take up any potential refund offer as they are currently attempting to raise £30,000 to help boost Dave Challinor’s playing budget for next season.

“These are really uncertain times,” said the Pools manager.

“Everyone will have to cut their cloth accordingly because we have to protect what is happening with the football club until we’re back playing football – hopefully that’s soon.

“With the fanbase we have, we need to be able to get out and sell those season tickets so our supporters can contribute massively to what we want to do.”

New acting executive officer Martin Jesper is expected to issue an update on the club’s situation in the coming days.