National League North Season Postponed Following Financial Concerns
22.01.2021
Following discontent over funding and undue financial stress, all National League North games have been brought to a halt for 2 weeks. The news was announced on Friday, January 22nd. This leads to the conclusion that all games scheduled for after Friday as of right now stand postponed. The games postponed include Chester FC’s matches against Blyth Spartans, Southport and Darlington, originally scheduled to be played on January 23, 26, and 30 respectively.
The National League clubs were informed on Wednesday that they had misconstrued the 11 million pounds government support package being offered to them for January to March as grants and not loans. Many clubs chose to begin the season in October based on this very assumption only. This led to discussions between the clubs and the National League that looked forward to a favourable outcome for everyone.
Not long before the postponement of the season was made public, several National League North clubs expressed their desire for this season to be brought to a halt. They took to the press to express their concern for the well-being of their families, staff, volunteers, and most importantly healthcare workers amidst the time of corona. They called for the immediate suspension of the season. This was to allow the clubs under financial stress to look to other solutions to stay above water in this difficult time. Furthermore, they stated that continuing the season without proper funding would leave the clubs even more financially weak. They mentioned that they can not take any further financial burden upon themselves.
They went on to say that they are prepared to assess the situation and continue the season on the basis of the second option presented to them by the National League (the National League will take a loan from DCMS to distribute to the club as grants). However, this still leaves many questions unanswered for the clubs. This confusion over the distribution of the grants and its effect on future funding leaves the clubs in a very difficult position.
In their joint statement, the clubs urged DCMS, the National League, and the FA to collaborate for their safety and for the sanctity of the sport.
Source: chesterstandard.co.uk
