Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver still hopeful that promotion could be a possibility

The Wetherby Road outfit currently sit second in the National League standings, four points behind leaders Barrow and were very much in the title race before the 2019/20 campaign was shutdown last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The National League board decided to suspend competition indefinitely earlier this week, with decisions still to be made regarding the conclusion of the season and the issues of promotion and relegation.

Weaver admits that he is still unsure as to what will unfold over the coming weeks, but revealed that he would be surprised if there are no teams promoted through the footballing pyramid.

“I think that there will be some promotions through the levels. I don’t believe we’ll see the National League, Football League and Premier League seasons all null and void because of the legal implications,” he said.

“As far as our own situation is concerned, I believe that if the Premier League and Football League seasons are played to a conclusion then two teams will go up from the National League.

“I think that the Premier League and the Championship will have to start up again because of the amount of TV money they would owe to broadcasters if they don’t. So that is comforting from my perspective.

“If two teams are to be promoted from the National League then of course we’re in with a chance. We're second in the table and if it comes down to points-per-game ratio then we're next in line after the league leaders.

“With the demise of Bury, I imagine that there could well be a place for Barrow [who are currently top of the pile] because League Two will be a team short come September. But, we’re only four points behind them - it’s not as if it’s 25 points - and we've worked so hard this season so get into the position that we are in."

Although he has more reason than most to be concerned with how 2019/20 concludes, Weaver has not lost sight of the bigger picture.

"Obviously, we are desperate to find out what is going to happen because we are second in the league," he added.

"If we're talking strictly football, then I don't think it's insensitive to be having this discussion, but I'm not going to sit here and make demands when we're in the middle of a pandemic. People's health comes first.

"Football should come through in the end, but until it's safe to walk down the street and shake someone's hand, then I don't think we're in a position to be thinking about resuming any kind of sport."