HEREFORD Civil Service hope to return strongly next season after deciding not to play on again this term.

In a statement Civil Service said that a decision had to be made by early March on their involvement in the Herefordshire County League and cup competitions.

They said at that stage it was decided they would terminate the 2020/21 season.

"A decision had to be made by early March,

but at that stage, the management team had not been vaccinated and were wary of mixing with lots of young players, even though this would be outdoors," the statement said.

"In addition, at that time, they perceived that there could be difficulties controlling spectators, particularly those travelling with visiting teams. "Whilst small numbers of spectators would not be a problem in public grounds, as Civil Service play on a privately owned pitch they would be responsible for ensuring that no spectators attended, which could have been problematic.

"There was also the issue of travel and non-use of changing rooms and as at that time, it was a possibility that football may not resume until early May.

"Taking all that into account, it was decided

not to continue for the sake of possibly playing just a few games.

"The club appreciate that if the question was put to them now, bearing in mind the success of the vaccine rollout and the sharp decline in coronavirus cases, then a different conclusion may be reached."