SAVE OUR CLUBS
Mirror campaign to rescue teams in the heart of our communities
WHAT WE ARE CALLING FOR:
No club should go under because of Covid A clear plan to get fans back in stands where it is safe to do so - including rugby league and rugby union games
A transfer tax to support lower league football and the professional women's game Lottery support for all grassroots and amateur sport
A FOOTBALL club has always been about more than just sport.
Yes, what happens on the pitch is important. But following your team through thick and thin is also about belonging, identity and tradition.
So today the Mirror is calling on the Government to take action to save struggling clubs pushed to the brink by the coronavirus crisis. Big or small these institutions bind communities together and create a feeling of place and pride.
And it is not just football. Whether it is rugby league in England’s north or union in Wales and the South West, local clubs are part of our heritage.
Because of Covid fans cannot go to matches, meaning clubs already facing huge financial pressure could go under.
Their loss would be a devastating blow to areas already hollowed out as banks, shops and police stations close.
Towns and cities would not just lose a source of weekend entertainment, but also the community work done by so many clubs – not to mention decades of history. Even before Covid, lower league sports struggled, with many clubs neglected or mismanaged. Now many are staring into the abyss.
Some of the pain could have been avoided if we had a properly functioning test and trace system.
The Government urgently needs to come up with a plan to save sport.
Money washing around at the top of the games should be redistributed.
Lottery funding should be directed to help clubs most in need.
No club should go under because of Covid. If we care about our communities we should care about our teams.
WIGAN ATHLETIC League One, formed 1932
WIGAN won the FA Cup in May 2013, beating Manchester City in the final, however they were relegated later that month bringing their eight-year stay in the Premier League to an end.
The cup success even gained them a Europa League spot, but on July 1, 2020, less than a month after a change of ownership, the club were placed into administration and relegated from the Championship due to the points deduction.
LINCOLN CITY League One, established 1884
BOSS Michael Appleton has called for urgent government financial support for League One and League Two clubs.
He spoke out after the decision to freeze the planned return of spectators to sports venues in England from October 1.
Mr Appleton said: “It’s a huge blow. From a financial point of view it’s absolutely devastating. It’s time for the Government to take responsibility.”
LEYTON ORIENT League Two, established 1881. Arthur Askey sings with Orient fans in 1962 after they beat Barnsley
OWNER Nigel Travis saw Orient’s Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham called off this week due to positive Covid-19 tests.
In an open letter to fans earlier this month, Travis said on latest projections the impact of the coronavirus would mean an additional loss of £1.5million for the East London club.
”We’re getting very little help from the Government,” Travis said. “They need to step up and give football some support.”
GILLINGHAM FC League One, established 1893
THE Kent-based club’s chairman Paul Scally met local MP Rehman Chishti this month to discuss HMRC demands which are “putting clubs at risk”. The MP slammed “completely unacceptable” lump sum bills.
Gillingham’s last income was their home game on February 29. “They are demanding full payment of all arrears in one lump sum, which is unachievable,” said Mr Scally.