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Next Game: Scarborough In The League At Edgar Street On Tuesday 19th November At 7.45pm

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Interview With National League General Manager

BBC Sports correspondent Ollie Bayliss conducted a long interview with Mark Ives, the general manager of the National League, which was broadcast this afternoon.

Although Ives has only been in the job for a couple of months he was well aware of the difficult position of some clubs because of Covid-19.

Some of the points discussed:

The funding meeting with the DCMS

The Independent Review Panel

The current situation at Steps 1 & 2


The future of the League's management

As regards the call by some clubs, including National North York City, to 'let us play', Ives said the League would consider the proposal.

I think it's in the best interest of the league that we should listen to all the clubs, either side of the fence - I believe that's right.

"Do I believe that there's an opportunity to consider an alternative, viable solution - (there was) a very well-crafted letter put to the league on what might possibly happen - do I believe we should consider that, yes, I do.

"The gift of this is in the FA as the resolution that has been put together is not binding and the FA have the ability whether to accept it or not.

"And, the FA, as a central body, are responsible for the National League System, so anything that is suggested would need to go through the Alliance Committee and ultimately, the FA Council.

"So, do I think that it's in our best interests to present everything, so that they can consider what is the right thing to do, yes, of course, I do."

Here's a link to his interview: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0989527