Listened to Gary Liddle on Switch of Play. He stated players contracts outside of League are normally for only 44 weeks or last game ie playoffs.

always thought that was only for the part time pro,s and not full time ones.

Could be wrong but that’s the way I thought he said it. Does seem more plausible what you say.
Other thing he said was that after Lee was sacked Raj called him into office and asked him (Liddle) for his opinions on the short list of managers he had complied.

Re-played podcast Liddle said he signed 44week contract which he says normal for non-league players.