The coronavirus pandemic has brought a close to Harefield’s return to step five football prematurely, and manager Jason Shaw maintains his squad needs to have ‘more self-belief and confidence’ in order to develop when football returns next season. The FA declared all non league football this season below the National League North and South null and void.

The Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, along with all other leagues from steps three to six had their efforts in 2019/20 wiped from the record books in drastic measures enforced by those at the top of football.

The coronavirus pandemic brought a close to Harefield’s return to step five football prematurely, and The FA declared all non league football this season below the National League North and South null and void.

Shaw however echoes the sentiments felt by chairman Gary South in light of the announcement, seeing that everyone gets through it safe and well.

‘I am just glad a decision has been made so clubs can start focusing on how they will recover from this difficult situation and trying time we all find ourselves in,’ stated Shaw.

‘Had we been in a top 3 position in the league and pushing for promotion then maybe I'd feel a bit different about it.

‘I don't think there is a fair way to resolve this type of situation, because whatever decision the FA makes, there is going to be pros and cons for and against their decision.’

The Hares last saw action in the first week of the month in a stalemate against London Colney at Preston Park, which of course means precious little now.

Does the boss feel like the last few months have been wasted and, literally, counted for nothing?

‘No, Michael and I, along with the players, have learnt a lot about the league which I'm sure will help us next season, if we are able to beat this coronavirus and football can return to normal.’

United returned to the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands Football League after a four year absence, and were sure to avoid relegation after conclusively finishing 15th.

A season highlight for the club was a 6-1 romp of Newport Pagnell Town, showcasing that Jason Shaw’s rightful home was in the Premier Division.

The positives of these performances, as Shaw states, will outweigh the disappointment that the voiding of the campaign will bring to players and fans alike.

‘I think we proved we could compete at this level, and if we can take a bit more self belief and confidence into next season, I'm sure we will have a more positive season in 2020/21.’

An ambivalent campaign, mostly hampered by postponements and it’s knock on effects of reintegrating and adjusting back to the pitch, took it’s toll on Harefield at times.

Nonetheless, results like the aforementioned Newport Pagnell Town victory and a spirited draw to Colney Heath will allow Shaw and Michael Molokwu take courage in what has transpired to be a free hit at adjusting back to life in the Premier Division.