Spalding United waiting on result of NPL vote but a delayed re-start looks likely

The future of the Pitching In NPL South East Division season remains up in the air.

Spalding United, as well as all of the other clubs in steps three and four of the non-league ladder, have been asked to vote on whether the current campaign should remain paused.

Votes had to be submitted by Wednesday night, with a result expected on Thursday.

Gaby Zakuani’s Tulips are one of many sides stuck in Tier 3 of the Government’s restrictions until at least December 16.

The Tulips could play at Sheffield FC on Tuesday (7.45pm) if the vote goes that way, but a meeting on Tuesday hinted at fixtures being suspended for at least another few weeks.

Tulips CEO Leigh Porter tweeted the following on Tuesday night: “After the league meeting this evening, (it) looks like restart may be delayed by a couple of weeks, the powers that be need to sort some realistic funding and allow tier 2/3 fans in and hospitality or we face even more challenging time.

“Support non-league as it needs you even more!”

Meanwhile, boss Zakuani has continued the reshaping of his Tulips squad by landing French-born full-back Lyes Mezine.

The 21-year-old lists Lille OSC, Real Salt Lake, Woking and Leatherhead amongst his former clubs, but is looking forward to playing at the Sir Halley.

Mezine said: “I’m delighted to be coming to Spalding. The manager’s ambitions matched mine, he’s played at a high level so I know I can learn a lot off him.”