No festive football for Leek as NPL matches are postponed
LEEK Town have called off their scheduled Northern Premier League Christmas fixtures.
The South East Division side have taken the decision to postpone matches after the league released a statement saying playing would be optional.
The coronavirus restrictions means that clubs throughout the non-league scene are unable to generate income from clubhouse facilities and fan numbers have been severely restricted all season - if allowed at all.
A league statement read: “The NPL board met to review its initial decision to re-start the 2020/21 season from December 26.
“The principal issue raised by clubs was that, as a result of the original decision, clubs were effectively being forced to stage competitive fixtures at a financial loss.
“The decision to recommence competitive fixtures was based on a call back on December 1, where it was discussed with clubs the prevailing circumstances and at what point clubs felt a restart would be possible.
“One of the key points of consensus then was “that a restart would be possible once clubs in Tier 3 are allowed paying spectators”.
“Since the recent vote of 57-4 in favour of a continued, temporary suspension, paying fans have been allowed back in to step 3/4 games in Tier 3 venues, albeit at Phase 1 levels. The NPL is working, via the FA, to put pressure on DCMS to return to Phase 2 levels.
“The league recognises the impact of lost secondary revenue from clubhouses etc. As part of our lobbying of government we continue to press for clubs to be able to open their bars.
“However, with so many pubs and restaurants closed we have to be realistic. Government simply won’t budge on this point.
“Whilst the league board has every sympathy with clubs experiencing financial difficulties, its primary responsibility lies with the competition as a whole.
“Clubs have shown great ingenuity in generating revenues, even during the temporary suspension of competitive fixtures.
“The league board’s decision to re-start the season on 26th December was unanimous, although the board recognised that re-starting would be challenging for all.
“The league is also highly conscious of the unacceptable position that exists whereby Steps 1 and 2 of the NLS receive government funding and we, at Steps 3 and 4 may only be been offered loans which few clubs would wish to take up. Once again, the
league is pressing for these decisions to be reviewed, but this will take time.
“The NPL wants to avoid, if possible, a second consecutive season being declared null and void. Clubs should therefore bear in mind that any further fixture suspensions could increase this risk.
“It has, therefore, been decided that playing league fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day will now be optional.
“Clubs who wish to continue with fixtures arranged for the
22/26/28/29-Dec and 01/02Jan have the option to play those matches where both clubs are in agreement.”
Leek Town chairman Jon Eeles says he understands fans’ disappointment, but stands by his decision not to play at home against Glossop North End on Boxing Day and visit Sheffield FC on New Year’s Day.
Eeles, in a statement on the club website, said: “This week has been another difficult one for the club and country as a whole.
“The landscape has been changing daily and it has been virtually impossible to make decisions regarding the football club, and the planning of future fixtures. I am pleased that the NPL have reviewed their stance and these fixtures are now optional, and we are aligned with the other Trident Leagues.
“I have taken the decision not to play as I believe it is the only thing to do, given the set of circumstances the club faces.
“I hope that during this period
the guidance is reviewed as it is disjointed, ambiguous and make operating a club unviable. I know that the news will not be welcomed by all connected with the club and fans may be disappointed, but I stand by this decision.
“They say a week is a long time in politics, the same can also be said for football.
“The club and its officials would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone associated with the club with their unwavering support during these difficult times.”