National League North and South clubs launch Let us Play campaign following null and void decision

Alfreton Town's season has been declared null and void. Photo: Oliver Atkin

On Thursday evening it was announced that both the step two divisions, the North and South had been declared null and void following a vote by clubs.

However, within 24 hours 18 clubs had signed a Let Us Play petition, calling for the decision to be overturned or rectified.

The National League revealed the outcome of the voting which saw resolution one – which called for steps one (the National League) and steps two (North and South) to be able to determine the outcomes of their own divisions.

Twenty-one National League sides voted in favour and none against, In the North it was 16-6 in favour and 9-12 against in the South.

Clubs in step one voted 7-13 against ending their campaign and action will continue.

In step two, a majority of 22 was needed to axe the campaign. In total, 15 North clubs voted to null and void against seven. In the South nine clubs wanted to null and void and 12 to continue.

The 24-19 majority saw the National League announce that the lowest tier of elite football will be scrapped for the remainder of the campaign.

Yesterday Gloucester City and Dorking Wanderers - who top the North and South respectively - had announced they were seeking legal advice about the ruling.

By 6pm an open letter to Mark Ives, interim general manager of the National League, was signed by 18 of the 19 clubs who voted to continue.

Those clubs stated they felt the options presented in the resolutions 'did not provide an alternative solution to a null and void scenario' and the result of resolution three (the vote to null and void step two) 'was very closely divided with a very small majority determining that the season will be ended with immediate effect'.

The 18 clubs have also suggested they be allowed to resume action – with promotion spots in place – even if other teams do not wish to continue. Other clubs are against continuing the season since Government grants, covering lost revenue through the absence of fans, ended in December.