Horsham boss hits out over timing of Isthmian League vote

The results were expected today from a poll in which clubs were asked whether league fixtures should resume next week as planned or the restart should be delayed.

It’s because of issues arising from the new Covid lockdown tiers, with Kent’s Isthmian League clubs now in the highest tier and even those in Sussex unable to open bars and clubhouses.

Di Paola, speaking before the result of the vote was known, said this season was already a shambles – and the latest complications made it even more of one.

“They’ve shot their bolt and have not used common sense, in my opinion,” said the Hornets manager.

“In another couple of weeks we could have Kent in tier two and all be good to go, but as it stands we’re now possibly going to have to wait to well into January to restart.”

Horsham will resume training tonight and have three practice games planned at the Camping World Community Stadium. But if the league does not restart, a Sussex Senior Cup clash with East Grinstead will be the only competitve game on the horizon.

Di Paola said: “If there’s no league games I’ll be looking to play friendlies. The league should have had a contingency plan for this and arrange regionalised mini-leagues.

“A lot of players and fans just want some football – they don’t care whether it’s the usual league or something smaller. Football is part of the entertainment business and people just want to be entertained.”