We will have our day again, says Corby chairman Noble

The Corby Town players have seen their season cancelled after they were sitting in third place in the table

That was the overwhelming message from Corby Town chairman Stevie Noble following the news that the Steelmen’s efforts in the 2019-20 will now count for nothing.

The Football Association confirmed yesterday (Thursday) that the season for divisions from Step 3 and below are now over due to the coronavirus outbreak with all records being expunged.

The Steelmen were sitting in third place in the BetVictor Southern League Division One Central when matches were suspended and were all-but assured of a play-off place while also still having an outside shot at the title after becoming embroiled in a three-horse race with Halesowen Town and Berkhamsted.

But those hopes have now been dashed.

There has been fierce debate on social media since the FA’s decision was confirmed with clubs pushing for promotion furious and those facing potential relegation relieved.

However, Noble was quick to throw perspective on the whole situation.

“I was a bit down to be honest but you don’t really have time to reflect on that, you have to look at the upside,” the Steelmen chairman said.

“And the upside is that if everyone stays fit and we get to start the new season with all our supporters, volunteers, players and their families intact then it’s a result.

“At this time, I think football is insignificant. But we have a duty at Corby Town for when we get to the other side.

“We are a massive hub in the community, we have in excess of 500 boys and girls who are part of things as well as everything else we have going on and people will be looking for things to help them get back to normal.

“They’ll need the responsible social interaction and I think the club will come into its own when that happens.

“We will be ready to pick up the community and get things back to normal as soon as possible.

“I had an idea of what was happening and there’s obviously disappointment for clubs like us who were in with a chance of promotion.

“But that disappointment soon turns into looking at the bigger picture.

“We have been competing with teams week in, week out but they are also our friends and the volunteers and supporters at these clubs are their community.

“And as long as they all stay safe, who cares about promotion and relegation? We will have our day again.

“I know it might not be what everyone wants to hear but I am speaking as someone who has grandchildren and their safety and their future comes way before anything Corby Town do.”