Worthing boss Hinshelwood - FA's decision to end season has let down players and supporters

Worthing manager Adam Hinshelwood admitted the FA’s decision to end the Isthmian Premier Division season because of the coronavirus outbreak is disappointing for players and supporters.
Adam Hinshelwood feels the FAs decision to end the season is disappointing for Worthings players and supporters. Picture by Stephen GoodgerAdam Hinshelwood feels the FAs decision to end the season is disappointing for Worthings players and supporters. Picture by Stephen Goodger
Adam Hinshelwood feels the FAs decision to end the season is disappointing for Worthings players and supporters. Picture by Stephen Goodger

More than 100 non-league clubs, including Worthing, have signed a letter to the FA expressing their ‘profound concern and displeasure’ over the decision to terminate the 2019-20 season and expunge all results below step three.

The Reds, Lancing, Littlehampton Town and Hastings United, all league leaders now set to miss out on promotion, are among those lobbying the governing body to reverse the termination of the campaign.

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A final decision on the contentious ruling is expected by the FA this week.

All football below National League level was terminated with immediate effect last Thursday, with all results from the campaign expunged.

The ruling means there will be no promotion or relegation this season, scuppering top-of-the-table Worthing’s chances of lifting the Premier Division title.

The Reds sat seven points clear of second-placed Cray Wanderers with eight games to go.

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Hinshelwood was left aggrieved for everyone involved in Worthing’s promotion push but conceded that it must have been a ‘tough decision’ to make for the FA.

He said: “Initially you are disappointed, especially for the players considering how hard they worked.

“They’ve been immense this season with their work-rate and their endeavour.

“You’re also disappointed for the fans. The money they’ve put in to follow the team home and away this year has been a lot of effort.

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“There’s been a lot of effort throughout the club. For that to come to an end, for what feels like nothing, is disappointing.

“But at the same time it’s unprecedented circumstances we’re going through and I’m sure it was a tough decision for the FA to make.

“If we were down the bottom and it was done on a points per game ratio we would have been disappointed.”

Hinshelwood was also keen to pay tribute to his players after a sterling effort this season.

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He added: “I messaged the players when we were waiting for the decision and I just said whatever happens, no-one can take away how hard you’ve worked.

“I wanted to thank them for their efforts, their endeavour and the quality they showed.

“They should be proud of what they’ve achieved this season.”

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