Ellie Jeffkins - National League Voided - Written By Lewis Browning

On Thursday, the FA announced that all men’s teams below National League level and all women’s teams below Championship level will have their current seasons voided due to the COVID-19 pandemic – the illness causes by the coronavirus which is taking over the word.

Unfortunately, Gillingham’s ladies’ team, playing in the National League South, fall into the second category mentioned.

We caught up with defender Ellie Jeffkins for some inside reaction to the cancellation of the Gills’ season.

“My first thought was ‘I’m gutted’” mentioned the 21-year-old, who joined the club from Charlton Athletic in the summer.

“Reason being is that we were just getting started and had been working so hard in training.

“Due to cancellations because of waterlogged pitches, and setbacks, our season was only just beginning - especially in terms of good performances.”

Currently, all professional leagues in England for both men and women are still playing. Whilst it’s a shame all leagues haven’t been given the same treatment, right now it’s unclear why the decision has been made to only cancel some teams’ campaigns.

“In terms of not cancelling the top divisions, I don’t have an answer (as to why)” added Jeffkins.

“I don’t think many people would have an answer.”

A decision is yet to be made on how the remaining leagues will finish.

The extended break will give the Gills some extra time to prepare for next season, however. The team were starting to string together some improved performances, although manager Jamie Raynor resigned from his position late last week.

“I think we have a lot to assess for next year in terms of the games we have played” said Jeffkins.

“In our eyes, this is the perfect time to prepare for next year, and to have an even longer period would suit us perfectly.

“We have a lot to work on in general, however I think it (the break) will suit the squad and improve us individually, not just as a squad.

“It gives us a good time period to get the fittest we can be and get on the same levels as the top teams in our divisions.”

The Gills were ninth out of 12 in the National League South when the FA’s announcement was made, although they did have games in hand on some of those above them.

When the first ball of next season is eventually kicked, the team will be fresh and ready to go again.