The start of Sudbury’s season has been thrown into doubt as opening-day opponents Thurrock appeal against their relegation.
Manager David Batch is hoping his side’s pre-season does not have to be extended if a decision from Thurrock’s arbitration hearing is not made before August 10, when the season is due to kick-off.
The league have confirmed they are waiting on a date for the independent panel to review a three-point deduction made over fielding banned player Joel Barnett last season, which led to their relegation after the season had finished.
Of the threat of AFC’s season being delayed, Batch said: “I hope not because it will mean we will have the longest pre-season ever, but I am sure it will get resolved.
“I think it is really harsh on them. I always make a point to check, I have already got it in my diary to check with our secretary every one of our players, particularly the new ones, aren’t suspended at the start of the season. If you do that and it comes back and says no, they are fine, you can’t do anything about it.
The situation means AFC could still be handed new opponents on August 10.
Manager David Batch is hoping his side’s pre-season does not have to be extended if a decision from Thurrock’s arbitration hearing is not made before August 10, when the season is due to kick-off.
The league have confirmed they are waiting on a date for the independent panel to review a three-point deduction made over fielding banned player Joel Barnett last season, which led to their relegation after the season had finished.
Of the threat of AFC’s season being delayed, Batch said: “I hope not because it will mean we will have the longest pre-season ever, but I am sure it will get resolved.
“I think it is really harsh on them. I always make a point to check, I have already got it in my diary to check with our secretary every one of our players, particularly the new ones, aren’t suspended at the start of the season. If you do that and it comes back and says no, they are fine, you can’t do anything about it.
The situation means AFC could still be handed new opponents on August 10.