Eeles: Time is running out, we quickly need alternative plan
LEEK Town chairman Jon Eeles insists it is crucial that an alternative plan is agreed to ensure the Northern Premier League season can be saved.
The non-league scene has been severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic, which has left clubs playing just a handful of matches so far this season.
Leek have managed to fit in just eight of their scheduled 38 South East Division games before the turn of the year.
It had been hoped to restart the league on December 26, but clubs were given the option to postpone matches if they so wished.
And the majority of sides postponed their festive fixtures because it would not be financially viable to stage them without fans.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to reveal the latest nationwide restrictions today.
“Time is running out,” said Eeles. “We are supposed to return from January 9th, but that’s not in the NPL’S or FA’S hands - it’s in the government’s.
“There needs to be a credible Plan B, otherwise there is the risk we will have another null and void campaign like last year.
“If there was a guarantee that we will finish this season - and could have 200 fans in at least - then you would play.
“But if you return to play for three weeks and then there is another suspension, all you’ve done is pay three weeks’ wages.”
Leek were on course for promotion last season, sitting top of the table, before the suspension was announced in March.
The season was then declared null and void, but Blues have made an impressive start to this season’s limited action and currently top the table.
There has been talk of splitting the divisions in two to ensure less games are played, while still keeping promotion and relegation.
However, Eeles says that it something which needs to be rubber-stamped - if it is the way to go - in the very near future.
“Geographically smaller leagues is a possible option,” he added.
“It would be safer to travel and it does make sense, but whatever happens you are not going to please everyone.
“There has to be alternative plan - and quickly - because if we get to the end of February and there’s no solution then there is the fear we will end up with another null and void campaign.”
Non-league clubs have been hit hard financially because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Eeles says it is difficult to gauge how hard its long-term future has been affected.
“Until we get back to some sort of normality, we won’t know,” he explained.
“Football is a habit and whether it’s Stoke City, Port
Vale, Leek Town or Kidsgrove Athletic, you want to be at games.
“I worry for clubs’ volunteer bases and also for players.
Some not have had two seasons effectively and it they are at the wrong end of their careers, you might lose them.
“Our league has taken a lot
of stick - sometimes right, sometimes wrong - but we do need a plan.
“I do just wonder what is coming.”