Dover shares National League email on start of the season

Dover Athletic shares an email sent by the National League on the start of the season which commences on Saturday, with no fans expected in attendance.

The league only wanted to start the season if fans were allowed in the stands in order for clubs to get some sort on matchday income to survive.

Now that might not be possible, a financial package is also being urged from EFL and non league clubs towards the government and Premier League.

In an email to Dover Athletic Chairman Jim Parmenter, the National League outlined its intentions and details on games being behind-closed-doors.

It read: ”Until the Government announced its review of the safe return of spectators, the League was fully geared up to commence the season with clubs applying new socially-distanced stadium capacities and putting in place Covid-secure measures to ensure crowd safety.

“This week, three of our Clubs successfully held test events with up to 1,000 fans, and we hope that the diligent preparations made by all clubs to enable the return of fans may still be implemented in due course when permitted to do so.

“The League must now abide by the Government’s decision to exclude fans, and therefore, matches will be played “behind closed doors”, i.e. without supporters admitted, in accordance with Government policy and Stage 3 of the elite sport protocols until further notice.

“Looking forward, the Board’s objectives are to ensure that all clubs can commence their fixtures programme, and all clubs are able to meet their obligations over the course of the season. Moving forward with only a subset of clubs involved would not be acceptable.

“Hence, the League’s appeal to Government with the assistance of The Football Association for each club to receive compensation for lost net gate revenue each month for the period that clubs are prevented from admitting supporters.

“The Board is aware that whilst some clubs may want to commence the season without external support, the vast majority of clubs require financial help to be able to sustain their participation over the coming months without crowds.

“The League is aiming to receive confirmation of the Government’s support in advance of the season commencing next weekend. Should this not occur, the Board will review and reconsider its stance, and as ever, the Board will ensure the position and views of member clubs are central to any decision made.”

Dover’s National League campaign is due to start against Notts County at Crabble on Saturday, October 3 at 3pm.

There are many clubs that plan to live stream their fixtures and getting fans to pay for viewing it, which will boost matchday income. Others are also selling ‘virtual food drinks, programmes, and more’.

Dover, who’s future is seriously at risk, said fans who have already purchased a season ticket can watch the live streaming for free. Again this will apply to other clubs in the top two levels of non league football.

To help the club, season ticket holders have two options.

1. Take up the option of watching live streaming for free and use your ticket if the fans are allowed to attend games again. Once committed to this option, no refunds will be available.
2. Season ticket holders can claim a full refund.

The Chairman said: “We may be back playing football next week, but we need the support of our fans more than ever while they are not permitted in ground.”

They will be in touch with all season ticket holders directly.

Meanwhile, St Albans City owner Lawrence Levy said on BBC3CR: “We would not be able to afford to kick off the season if there’s no income coming in.”

“We are more than just a business, we are a community asset.”

“I would support weekly Covid testing if there’s was a way of funding it.”

A statement from the National League North clubs warned that 81% of clubs would not be in a position to start the season without financial assistance, whilst the statement following the National League board meeting revealed discussions were ongoing with the Government with regards to securing a financial support package to assist the National League system.

Any money handed out from the government is unlikely it would see after they has called on the Premier League at the weekend to “step up to the plate” and help support lower league clubs who are struggling financially due to the impact of coronavirus.

Top flight clubs are set to hold a virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss whether to provide further funds to the English Football League (EFL), which features 72 clubs across three divisions, yet nothing seemingly for non league.