ALEX Salmon admits he cannot see his Basildon United side being back in Isthmian North action until August at the earliest.

The Isthmian League announced last week that all football in their respective divisions would be called off until April 3 at the earliest.

Although Salmon praises the decision to halt the campaign, the former Burnham Ramblers chief believes the enforced break will last far longer.

“I think suspending the season was the most sensible thing to do for everybody,” said Salmon.

“The Isthmian League have kept us up to date and followed the guidelines of the FA and Government.

“It’s good to see that the sensible approach has been taken because this is bigger than football or sport.

“We know our season won’t get back underway in early April because the number of people contracting coronavirus and, unfortunately, dying keeps going up.

“The Government are putting more strict guidelines in place everyday and I can’t see any football being played this side of August.”

West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady caused controversy by suggesting the campaign should be declared null and void.

But Salmon does not agree with Brady’s opinion.

“As a football man, I want to see the competitions finished and the success of each team to be determined by playing their remaining matches,” admitted Salmon.

“From a Basildon United point of view, it would be a clean slate if the season was null and void. But that would not be fair on a team like Maldon & Tiptree, who have been on fire all season and look to be on course to win the title.

“I don’t want it to be null and void.”