SWINDON Supermarine chairman Jez Webb does not believe the current Southern League season will resume and has backed a fresh start with a new campaign in August.

The Marine chairman’s view came hours before a statement was released by the Southern League on Tuesday night saying clubs at steps three to six of the non-league ladder were unanimously in favour of ending the 2019-20 season immediately.

Marine were fourth in Southern League Premier Division South and on track for a shot at their highest ever finish as a club before the coronavirus pandemic shut down all football across the country.

However, matters on the pitch are not too much of a concern to the club’s chairman, who said he would rather see the integrity of the competition upheld with a clean slate next season as opposed to cramming the final 10 games into a few weeks.

Webb said: “In my own mind, I don’t think we’ll kick another ball this season, but that’s only my opinion.

“There are so many thoughts and opinions flying around, but I don’t think anyone really knows still.

“I think we need to start next season in August if we can and hopefully by then, everything will be somewhere back to normal.

“If that means we can’t finish this season then so be it, it’s just unfortunate.”

The Southern League put out a statement on Tuesday night condemning the decision of the National League to carry on with the current season.

They say step three and four-league clubs are frustrated that is taking so long to determine whether the 2019-20 season is to end now, and if so on what basis.

In the Southern League’s view, one solution must be found to suit all non-league clubs in order to maintain the integrity of the competition.

The statement continued: “Right now, the National League’s position is that they wish to be able to resume the 2019-20 season at some point.

“The feeder leagues do not support this because our clubs do not have the financial resources to continue to honour player contracts indefinitely.

“The Southern, Isthmian and Northern Premier Leagues have therefore implemented the process to terminate the season.

“This has to be ratified by FA council, so there may be a short delay as the relevant documentation is submitted, distributed and approved. Therefore, the League’s desire is not the confirmed outcome.

“Whilst this process is on-going, and once the National League has finalised how it wishes to proceed, competition issues can then be decided, together with the implications for promotion and relegation.”