OXFORD City have joined 17 clubs in calling for permission to complete their Vanarama National League South campaign.

The 2020/21 seasons in the southern and northern divisions were cancelled on Thursday after 24 out of 43 teams voted for results to be declared null and void.

It followed disputes over funding, with teams in the three divisions only guaranteed loans for the rest of the campaign after a £10m government grant expired.

But a letter to National League general manager Mark Ives, signed by all-but one of the other 19 clubs, says they should be allowed to resume ‘either separately or as one’, with promotion and relegation included.

Read also: Oxford City's league season cancelled

Last season’s tables were decided on points per game after the coronavirus pandemic caused its cancellation, with play-offs taking place in the summer.

The same scenario this time around would include fourth-placed City, but they want to play on as normal.

The signatories feel there was ‘no alternative solution to the null and void scenario’, which the two divisions were asked to vote on in one of the resolutions distributed to clubs.

Many of the reasons for why they believe the campaign should resume focus on funding, arguing teams have ‘an obligation to proceed’ having already accepted the winter survival package grant for the first three months of the season.

The letter raises fears about the commercial impact, with teams now facing the prospect of issuing refunds to season-ticket holders.

It also mentions the effect on fans, adding: “Our feedback and experiences week to week leave us in little doubt that the majority of our communities and supporter base are under extreme strain within the current lockdown conditions.

“Looking forward to better times and more normality is a large part of keeping people positive.

“We believe that a null and void scenario would negatively impact the mental health of our supporters and communities.”

In National League South, 12 of the 21 clubs voted against the cancellation of the season, but just seven out of 22 did so in the northern division.