Herne Bay are one of over 60 non-league sides to have signed an open letter to the Football Association calling for them to reconsider making the season null and void.

Football records in the Isthmian League and Southern Counties East league have been expunged and there will be no relegation or promotion in, our or between the divisions.

Among those fighting for promotion were Herne Bay, occupying the final play-off place in Isthmian League South East, before the FA agreed with the league to scrap the season.

Along with Bay chairman Stuart Fitchie, there are also signatures from the secretaries at Beckenham Town and Corinthian. The pair occupied the top two positions in the SCEFL Premier Division.

A lengthy letter to the FA ends with a plea to change the decision, saying: “We urge the FA to reconsider its decision and to slow down the whole process, offering proper consultation with afflicted leagues and clubs as the picture becomes clearer, before deciding a way forward.

“We stand ready to play our full part to help achieve a fair outcome, allowing the integrity of England’s football pyramid to be upheld in such a period of national adversity.”

The letter said: “We are writing to express our profound concern and displeasure regarding the decision to null and void entirely the 2019/20 playing season from steps three to six of the non-league, as well as tiers three to seven of the women’s non-league.

“Our concern is grounded primarily in the needless and inexplicable haste exercised in reaching the decision, coupled with a total lack of substantive dialogue or consultation with affected clubs. The decision also disregards the millions of pounds invested and countless hours expended collectively by clubs, and so has critical financial implications.”

The decision to expunge results for the season is still pending, awaiting official ratification from the FA Council. Clubs hope to have dialogue with the FA with a view to the decision being overturned.

The letter accepts that “it would be both irresponsible and reckless to consider resuming playing football at this time.”

Herne Bay have since commented on the letter, saying: "We fully support this letter sent to the FA. Although we do not stand to gain anything through this process we feel it is the right thing to do and important that the integrity of our game is upheld."

Last week Beckenham chairman Paul Faires criticised the FA for their lack of communication during the process.

There has yet to be a decision made on what happens with football in the National League. The EFL and the Premier League remain keen on concluding the season, although that might be done behind closed doors.

The letter continued: “A crisis like this is a watershed moment for the FA and the relationship it chooses to have with non-league and grassroots football. It is imperative to solve this issue sensibly and democratically over the coming weeks, with transparent, constructive and fair dialogue with respective leagues and clubs.

“The alternative which would certainly not reflect well on the FA, is forcing clubs to embark on potential legal recourse, which is wholly unnecessary and financially burdening to clubs.

“However, we reserve all our rights in this respect and this letter is without prejudice to any legal arguments which may become required to be made in due course.”

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