Lockdown has done nothing to impair Worthing's National League vision

Worthing chairman Barry Hunter says the club are well-placed to come out of the lockdown in a healthy state – and resume their bid to reach the National League.
Worthing celebrate a goal v Horsham in their table-topping 2019-20 seasonWorthing celebrate a goal v Horsham in their table-topping 2019-20 season
Worthing celebrate a goal v Horsham in their table-topping 2019-20 season

The club have conceded they will not able to overturn the FA’s decision to write off the season for clubs at non-league step three and below – a move that effectively cost the Mackerel Men promotion.

But Hunter says once football and related activities can resume, the club will be in a good position to resume their efforts to move up to the next level.

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That will include a major fundraising drive to help cover the cost of work to upgrade Woodside Road to ensure it is up to the standards required for National League South football.

Worthing were seven points clear of their nearest rivals in the Isthmian premier division with eight games left when football was suspended in March.

Last week manager Adam Hinshelwood told the Herald series he was confident the majority of the squad would stay together and would not feel sorry for themselves as they set about another promotion bid.

Hunter said it now looked like the decision to expunge this season’s results couldn’t be overturned.

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“We were one of a small group of clubs who were leading the charge prior to tghe FA ratification of the decision to null and void the season for step three and below,” he said.

“We had support from many other clubs and felt it was important to pursue that for our club and supporters.

“But the FA Council ratified the decision quite unanimously and it would be really difficult to reverse that decision now.

“But it remains important to hold the FA and committees to account and we are still asking questions about the process, the haste with which it was done and transparency.”

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Hunter said Worthing officials were now focusing on the need to prosper once football returned.

“Our priority is to reach the National League and we have a good population, football community and business community that can help us.

“We are moving mountains off the park to give Adam what he needs on the pitch.

“We will be prepared for the day when football is back.

“We have lost some income but the majority of our costs are around players and they are on the job retention scheme. We’ve effectively mothballed the club. Coming out of it, I have great faith in supporters coming back in numbers – once social distancing rules allow it.

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“I think sponsorship levels will be where we want them to be, even though it is a tough time for many businesses.

“We have been prudent and will be able to come out of this in the right place, with exciting times ahead.”