HEYBRIDGE Swifts manager Karl Duguid admits it was the right decision to end the Isthmian League season – but admits being denied a promotion shot was tough to take.

The FA Council last week approved the decision to end the 2019-20 non-league season across steps three to seven due to the coronavirus pandemic, expunging all results for the 2019-20 season.

Swifts were fourth in the division north table when the campaign was brought to a halt and in with a great shot of a play-off spot – and a potential promotion to the premier division.

But while he admits it was disappointing to miss out on going for glory, boss Duguid feels it was the correct choice.

Duguid said: “It’s upset a lot of people and it’s made other people happy depending on where they were in the league but I think it’s the right decision.

“I think they should do the same in leagues all over the world, to be honest.

“This situation is big; they are people dying all over the world and it’s tragic.

“For me, it’s not about football now and it’s the bigger than anything.

“We talk about our league but it’s very small, compared to what’s going on around the world - it’s about people’s lives.”

Duguid has enjoyed a highly productive first season as Heybridge manager, having taken over from Julian Dicks in the hot seat last summer.

His Swifts side won 15 of their 29 games, drawing five and losing just nine times and were also the third-highest scorers, in the division.

He said: “We’ve had a really good season, especially after bringing in so many new players and building what we felt was something special.

“The players worked so hard and it’s such a good football club.

“It’s one of the best-run football clubs in the division and Gary White and vice-chairman Steve Spreadbury are fantastic to work for and make all of the players welcome.

“It’s a kick in the teeth to miss out again, this season.

“Last season, we won our play-off final but didn’t go up and we’re gutted we haven’t been able to finish this season, because we felt that we could finish in the play-offs again.

“We’re gutted with the way that it’s ended but I think it’s the right decision.

“It’s disappointing for Maldon, too; they’ve had a fantastic season in the league and had a great run in the FA Cup.”