We can’t go on if we can’t have fans says Rebels chief
THE uncertainty of the future of non-league football is affecting almost 1,600 clubs in the National League pyramid and below.
One of those is FC United, who are only welcoming 600 fans into their 4,700capacity stadium due to the 30 per cent minimum capacity rule, implemented by the FA and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
FC United’s chair of the board Adrian Seddon believes it is wrong to treat every club identically and that more fans through the gates at Broadhurst Park is the only way his club will survive.
Seddon said: “We started hearing that the level would be set at 30 per cent. It would have worked for us, but 30 per cent of our capability, not of a figure that has nothing to do with us.
“We’re caught between a rock and a hard place. We’re not elite so it doesn’t look like we’re going to get government subsidy, but we’re not allowed to have anything like the sort of fan numbers we need in order to be sustainable.
“They’re restricting us severely, and we seem to be forgotten in all this.”
The Northern Premier League side lost £200,000 because of last season’s early end, and with only 600 fans now allowed at games, the total revenue loss will be £500,000 next year.
That could rise, with behind-closed-doors football looking likely to be a reality for the National League system soon – the final nail in the coffin unless the government step in, Seddon believes.
“If fans can’t come into the ground, I don’t see how we could continue,” he said.
“Non-league football relies so strongly on people coming into the grounds and spending their money.
“If National North clubs can’t survive playing behind closed doors than we certainly can’t, with no TV money, unless there is a government bailout – but we’ve got no evidence of that coming.”
With money tight, there has been a real collective effort from fans to keep the club they love afloat.
Seddon added: “We’re very lucky that our season ticket holders have been so understandable of the situation – we’ve not had a single one ask for their money back, which is absolutely incredible.
“Our fans have been fantastic, over the Summer they raised just over £100,000 in donations for us.”
Despite the circumstances, Seddon remains positive about the season, which has started with two league draws and a 6-2 FA Cup win over Pontefract for the Rebels ahead of tonight’s games at Hyde.
“We’re optimistic, we think we’re pushing for the play-offs this year,” he said. “We’ve got a real good unit. I’m confident about this season.”