Ardrossan Winton Rovers boss Stevie Wilson reckons temporary local leagues might be the only way to save non-league football from the chop this season.
Wilson believes the time has come for clubs to seriously consider their options with a start date for the new West of Scotland League still far from set in stone.
The big kick-off was originally pencilled in for Saturday, October 10, but a new provisional date of October 31 was announced in an email to clubs on Monday night.
The development comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding getting fans into grounds and travelling restrictions.
Wilson has real fears about the season getting off the ground.
But he reckons arranging a one-off season of fast-tracked local leagues could salvage a campaign of sorts and throw clubs a life-line - so long as crowds are allowed back.
Now he's urging league chiefs and clubs to take the bull by the horns to ensure teams aren't left high and dry for a year.
He said: "At the moment the new league set up is up the air. Everything's a real mess.
"It's so hard to see where we go from here and I'm beginning to seriously think we won't kick a ball this year if someone doesn't force the issue.
"Everyone involved at our level knows we can't start the season without fans. But that's the situation we find ourselves in as things stands.
"We still don't have any idea about if and when that might change and now we are looking at delaying the season till the end of October?
"We have to be realistic. For me, we should be considering scrapping the new set up till next season. Let's be honest, it doesn't look like it will happen, and even if it starts, can it realistically finish?
"Getting local teams together and forming mini leagues across the country would seem to me to be more manageable and it would generate interest.
"Even if you took North Ayrshire as an example, you could have a great wee set up with plenty of local interest with the likes of ourselves, Beith, Kilbirnie, Largs, Kilwinning and others in there.
"Letting fans in would still be key, but we would be cutting out any concerns for both fans and players in terms of travelling.
"Track and trace would be easier so the authorities would be able to monitor the Covid situation better in certain areas.
"Replicate that around the country and we could get football back safely and sensibly in my opinion.
"Clubs are more than happy to follow all the guidance and rules on coronavirus. We understand how important it is. All we are asking is to be given the chance to prove we can do things right.
"Clubs need to a take a united stance in one shape or form and put a bit of pressure on the powers that be.
"I feel we are small fish in a very big pond now and no-one is fighting for our clubs."
