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Next Game: Pre-Season

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Outline Of Government Support For National Leagues By Midweek?

BBC Five Live Sport had an item about today's statement from the National League Board earlier this evening.

Here's some of what their Simon Stone had to say:

"The National League didn't say in their statement that the National League would start on October 3rd as planned but that is my understanding.

"They expect the Government to come back to them early next week with the outline of what they intend to do in terms of funding the National League system through a season where they could be without fans for a long, long time.

"Bearing in mind a week ago I was speaking to people who associate with the National League who said it would be impossible to play without fans, it would be a major achievement if that was to happen because there is a whole eco-system around these clubs in terms of full-time employees, not just the players but admin staff. 

"So it is to be hoped this crictical support is forthcoming early next week because the National League say it is imperative that the revenue is responsibly addressed by the League and the League can only start when that happens.

"Bearing in mind there are 24 teams in the National League, 22 in National North and 21 in National South so that's 67 in total, you can only assume that this package to get them through this season that could run to next June, that's going to run into the low millions of pounds in total.

"The clubs have made it perfectly clear that they need this money.

"The National League North as a collective put out a statement before the board meeting today saying they took a vote at a meeting last night and 81% of clubs said they would not play and could not play unless funding was assured for them to start the season.

"Without it (funding) there doesn't seem any way that the club can find a way of financing themselves in order to play games with no spectators." 

As regards streaming Stone felt some clubs such as Notts County would make money from it whereas Curzon Ashton with their much smaller supporter base would not.

"It's elaying the fears of clubs who won't is the reason behind these talks with the Government and that is why unless that comes to fruition there will no football even if the streams are allowed which they will be because the block on streaming at 3pm on Saturday has been removed for now."