CAMPION are 'disappointed' with the Toolstation Northern Counties East League's decision to suspend their season until January.

37 of the 40 teams in the league's two divisions are currently in tier 3, which means spectators would not be able to attend games.

A survey last weekend found that 80% of clubs were not willing to return behind closed doors.

These findings contributed in the NCEL's choice to not resume league action until next year.

The Division One side say they were part of the 20% who voted for coming back without fans.

Campion assistant manager Andy Shepherd accepts the delay but would hate to see it go on longer.

He said: "I can see why the league has done because a lot of clubs need income from gate receipts and their bars.

"We don’t get the biggest crowds. Other clubs are far more reliant on supporters coming through the gates. We are fortunate that we have some loyal sponsors each year.

"We as a club said we would be in favour of restarting and doing it for a few weeks, maybe go through three or four home games and see how things planned out.

"80% of the clubs had voted against that and I can fully appreciate where they are coming from.

"It is disappointing but in a democracy you have to go with the majority.

"Hopefully by January, West Yorkshire will have been pulled down to tier 2 so fans can come in.

"If it isn’t , the season will just keep getting delayed. The last thing we want is it to be null and void like it was last year."

In the meantime, clubs are allowed to train and host friendlies.

Shepherd thinks some may seem hypocritical though if they are willing to play games during this time off.

He added: "Now we are out of lockdown we are planning a few friendlies just to keep things ticking over in December.

"The lads have been training individually but we want to get everyone back together as soon as possible.

"To some degree it is a bit ridiculous that clubs say they don’t want to resume behind closed doors, but you will find now that there will be lots of friendlies played.

"You still have expenses going out when you have got no income coming in."

Since they last played, Campion have been busy off the pitch keen to retain their place at the top of the table after losing their last two fixtures before the break.

"We have signed Tom Brennan from Penistone Church and Leon Hurles-Brook has come back from Silsden.

"We are hoping these signings will get us back to winning ways when we resume so we can continue our promotion challenge."