“Of course, it’s massively disappointing that the season has been made null and void,” he said. “We were sat in the top five in what was a competitive league and were still involved in four cup competitions, but there is a bigger picture here and the safety and well-being of everyone has to be paramount.

“When you look at what is happening all over the world right now, it’s clear that there are bigger things than football. Our NHS staff and key workers, including my wife, are putting their own lives at risk to save others and we all have a responsibility to look after each other.

“The FA made their decision for the right reasons; managers and players up and down the country, just like ourselves, have been left disappointed by it and it may be that the decision is overturned as these are unprecedented times, so we will sit tight and see what happens.

“Whatever happens I will remain extremely proud of what my players have achieved this season. We recruited well during the summer with the budget that we have, and it is a massive credit to the lads that they have been in the top eight all season.

“As a manager, this has been my most enjoyable season. It’s never felt a chore, even through our bad patch, the lads turned up for training, worked hard and kept the team spirit and camaraderie, which is the best I have ever known.

“The fact that I am not just missing football, but also being around the lads says it all about the togetherness we have here.

“The group chats are still going strong and the banter is flying, which is helping us all deal with these worrying times.”

McDonald has heaped praise on the whole squad for their achievements and is excited by what the future holds in store for the club.

“Everyone here, on and off-the-pitch, has played their part,” he added.

“We’ve made great strides as a club; crowds have gone up slightly, the academy is booming, the under-21s and under-18s have progressed well and are producing players that can step up, whilst the community side of the club is growing all of the time.

“On the pitch, we have played some neat football, scored some great goals and turned Dales Lane into something of a fortress.

“There have been some key performers. It’s the first time as a manager that I have been blessed with the best goalkeeper in the league and we have that with Jon Flatt who has been such a reliable and consistent last line of defence.

“We’ve also got one of the best centre-backs at this level in Sam Whittall who has been outstanding for me. He’s a real leader who's attitude is spot-on and to get 16 goals this season is unbelievable. Sam is one of the best defenders that I have ever worked with.

“Alex Moore has been our midfield play-maker who, to be fair, has exceeded our expectations and been one of the most influential players in the team.

“There have been so many positive performances and what’s more, the nucleus of the team is local lads, which is great to see. I’ve said to the players throughout the season that they could go down in club history for what they have done. If they get the chance to carry it on this season, who knows, but as I say, I am so proud of them.

“This club is the place to be; the passion comes right from the top with the chairman and vice-chairman and the progress that we have made this season leaves me excited for what the future holds in store”.

(Andy Poole)

Meanwhile, Rushall have confirmed details of a special offer for the forthcoming 2020/21 season.

As a gesture for supporters valued loyalty as existing season ticket and `Fabulous Five` ticket holders for 2019/20 and to encourage new supporters to come and join, as well as helping a local charity that needs support at this difficult time, the Pics have come up with the following offer.

Between now and Saturday 9th May the club are running an EARLY, EARLY BIRD SEASON TICKET OFFER, which means you will be able to watch every home League game next season at Dales Lane for a bargain price.

ADULTS £120.00

CONCESSIONS £65.00

Also, for every ADULT Early Early Bird Season Ticket sold, the club will make a donation of £10 to Walsall Outreach and £5 for every CONCESSION Early Early Bird Season Ticket sold.

This works out at just £5.24 per game for an adult ticket and £2.86 for a concession ticket, which is great value as the club strive to continue progression as an ambitious and inclusive community outfit.

For further information and to order your tickets for the new season, please contact Terry Brumpton on 07771-802 048 or email: terrybrumpton@yahoo.co.uk.