FC Halifax Town: “I do feel it could become very chaotic,” says Wild on conclusion to National League campaign

Town boss Pete Wild is anticipating a chaotic second half of the season in the National League.
Pete Wild. Photo: Marcus BranstonPete Wild. Photo: Marcus Branston
Pete Wild. Photo: Marcus Branston

Dover, King’s Lynn and Wealdstone have all said they will be unable to fulfill their remaining fixtures without further funding.

Dover have furloughed their playing squad and will not resume fixtures without “appropriate funding”, King’s Lynn have said they want to sit out the rest of the campaign, and Wealdstone have furloughed a small number of their players and are considering furloughing the rest of their squad or seeking permission to not play their remaining games.

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“I’m pleased there’s a decision been made, and obviously I want football to continue,” said Wild.

“I do feel it could become very chaotic, one because we’re now randomly going to start testing again, which will bring it’s own problems in terms of fixture scheduling.

“You’ve seen what Dover have said, Wealdstone have intimated the same, King’s Lynn, I’ve spoken to other managers in this league who could do the same thing in putting non-contract players in or younger players in to finish the season.

“It could and it probably will get chaotic in terms of teams, for want of a better phrase, chucking the towel in, because they’ve got nothing to play for and no threat of relegation.

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“As teams decide they can’t do anything I think it’s going to become a really stretched league, which for integrity purposes, isn’t great.”

Wild feels there are more clubs in the National League who could end up refusing to complete the season.

“There’ll be clubs week after week coming out, one to try and force the hand of the National League, and threaten the National League, some will be to play the game, and others because, like Dover, they literally have no money to do anything,” he said.

On the prospect of playing Wealdstone a week on Saturday, Wild said: “They’re still playing so we’re planning to play them.

“We’re not looking further than Hartlepool on Tuesday night, then after that we’ll be ready to go against Wealdstone.”