National North clubs planning for next season are finding it very difficult, in particular, to decide on how big a playing budget can be put in place.
Not even knowing when the season might start and whether it will be a 'whole' season or a curtailed season doesn't help.
Blyth Spartans chairman Tony Platten has set his budget.
"As most people are aware, there are three main elements to financing our football team – sponsorship, our social club and most importantly our supporters.
"We are in discussions with our main sponsors but because of the huge financial uncertainty caused by the virus and the uncertainty about what we can actually offer sponsors, this is not easy. We are confident that most sponsors recognise the importance of the club to our town and county and that they will be supportive.
"As with all entertainment businesses, our social club is in the same position as other licenced premises. The club had a full program of bookings over the summer but these have all had to be cancelled. We do not know when the restrictions on licenced premises will be lifted and what conditions will be imposed. The social club does have some advantages in that it has large rooms and space outside. Work has been taking place to improve the efficiency and appearance of the club during the lockdown. All lighting has been upgraded to LED saving over 70% on electricity costs. The gent’s toilets have been upgraded and work is starting on improvements to the décor in the Club foyer using volunteers.
"The most difficult area to quantify is how many supporters will attend matches. This is the most significant element of income. As I have stated in the past, if we could achieve an average gate of 1,200 the finances of the club would be transformed. Some of our loyal supporters are elderly and the potential risks of gathering at sports events in the light of the virus will be hard to judge. We have a capacity of over 4000 and there is talk that a limit of 25% of maximum capacity will be implemented. The simple answer is we just do not know.
"There was talk of playing behind closed doors but for football at our level this is simply not financially viable. Equally, if the opening of the social club is not synchronised with the commencement of football the offering available to spectators will be seriously reduced. If the season starts late, there is talk of running a compressed season with two games every week. If this were to happen it would have a serious impact on income because, in a lot of cases spectators, understandably, may not be able to afford two matches per week.
"For all of the above reasons and in frank discussions with the manager, we have set a very modest budget to ensure the survival of the club. This is a theme running through not only non-league but League One and Two as some clubs may fall next season."