Macc in limbo as appeal case is put back to August S
TEVENAGE Borough will NOT have a say in the appeal process which will decide whether or not Macclesfield Town should be fined further points for late payment of wages in March.
Club representativesmet with EFL officials on Tuesday to conduct a Directions Hearing ahead of the appeal, which was lodged by the EFL on July 3rd. At the hearing, it was determined that the case will be heard once again on 11th August 2020, much to the club’s disappointment.
With the new season set to kick off on Saturday 12th September, they had hoped the issue would be resolved long before then in order to prepare for the new campaign.
But the indecision leaves Macc in limbo and they suggested the ‘lateness of the Appeal Hearing unquestionably compromises sporting integrity.’
The club issued a statement on Tuesday which said having to prolong their wait for the appeal to be concluded: “...will put even more pressure on the Club to be ready to commence the 2020/21 Sky
Bet League Two season on September 12th.
“It is our staunch belief that the lateness of the Appeal Hearing unquestionably compromises sporting integrity, as it paralyses the Club in virtually all of our preparations ahead of the new campaign.
“As well as logistical matters, it was also put to the presiding Judge that representation be made by Stevenage FC when the Appeal is heard.
“This had been widely reported by the media in the build-up to the Directions Hearing and was supported by seven fellow Sky Bet League Two Clubs in total - with one Club having withdrawn their backing prior to the hearing.
“Although we were surprised and in many ways disappointed that this request was forwarded as part of the Directions Hearing, the Judge rejected this in a decision which we believe to be fair and just.
“A further update will be provided in due course.”
With the new campaign kicking off in mid-September, it leaves the Silkmen behind their rivals whatever division they find themselves in.
An EFL statement said: “The EFL can confirm that the 2020/21 season will get underway across the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two on the weekend of September 12. The 2020/21 season will conclude on the May 8 and 9 2021, with the Sky Bet
Play-Off Finals reverting back to the Spring Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May.
“Work is currently underway in respect of fixture scheduling and details will be announced in due course as to when full fixture lists for 2020/21 will be made available.”
Most lower league clubs were desperate to be told the date by the EFL so they can ramp up their planning for the big kick off – including bringing in new players and returning to training.
But Tuesday’s Directions Hearing means the Silkmen are unable to press on until they know the outcome of the appeal against the independent panel’s two-point deduction for late payment of wages in March.
That deduction saw Stevenage relegated from the Football League – but the EFL’s appeal means the process is ongoing.
Based on the Government’s current advice - that crowds should be allowed back into sports stadiums from October - the opening matches of next season will be behind closed doors. from the tee.
She hit a cracking shot within a foot of the hole and tapped-in the putt for four for two points.
Her score drops her handicap by two shots and her mum Kerry commented that Daisy is a happy girl with her score but is anxiously looking to see where she loses shots (first and 11th holes!)
Unfortunately as the Hollins Bowl is a ‘major’ and ‘board’ competition as a junior she can’t win it.
It is the second time this has happened – she had the best score in the 36-hole competition in 2019 but the ladies section have decided to give her a voucher equivalent to a first prize in recognition of her outstanding round.