National League clubs told they will receive emergency grant from government

[life on mars]

Great news and so needed

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54352735

National League clubs have been told they will receive an emergency grant to enable them to start the new season this weekend.

Officials have been in talks with the government over funding to help cover the losses incurred by a ban on fans.

[Michael Morris]

They should let them have crowds in from this weekend. Level 7 and below are allowed crowds.

The ridiculousness of the situation is highlighted this weekend where Wealdstone can allow fans into their club house (a confined space) to drink and watch them play live on TV. The game itself will be played outside the clubhouse in the stadium but the curtains will be closed as they are not allowing fans to watch the actual action live. Just on TV.

[MarcP]

They should let them have crowds in from this weekend. Level 7 and below are allowed crowds.

The ridiculousness of the situation is highlighted this weekend where Wealdstone can allow fans into their club house (a confined space) to drink and watch them play live on TV. The game itself will be played outside the clubhouse in the stadium but the curtains will be closed as they are not allowing fans to watch the actual action live. Just on TV.

I popped along to Folkestone Invicta vs Cray Wanderers (Isthmian Premier Division) Iast night.
Govt legislation limits the crowd to 600 persons …. and the “official” attendance was 574.
Last season their average attendance was around 500, so effectively no change, and with a bit of financial planning they’ll survive.

However, further down the coast at Dover (Vanarama National League) , two leagues above, their average attendance last season was 1,100. This season, with no games so far, and at present kick-offs to be behind closed doors, the club is basically f&cked.
The players and staff were asked to accept a 20% short-term reduction in salary … but the players didn’t agree, so all of the squad have been made available for free transfer

….. meanwhile, in another universe, far far away from here, Man City pay £65mln for Ruben Dias, and Chelsea pay £62mln for Kai Havertz