Southport chief: Why we voted to suspend the season
SOUTHPORT director Ian Kyle clarified the Sandgrounders decision to vote for Option 3 – suspension of the National League season – when all 66 clubs met for a Zoom conference call last week.
Interim General Manager of The National League, Mark Ives, requested each member club to provide views on three alternatives: The operation of a club loan process; the operation of a National League Loan; a suspension to The National League 2020/21 season.
And, while the financial support via loans rather than grants has been an issue, Mr Kyle revealed it was the attitude of the National League board towards the club’s genuine concerns for the health and welfare of staff and players that swayed their decision to vote to suspend the season.
“As a club we have worked incredibly hard to make everywhere as safe as
Ian Kyle
possible for everyone associated with the club and those visiting as evidenced by our being the first National League North club post-Covid to host fans,” said My Kyle.
“Safety has been a constant concern, both in respect of the stadium, coach travel, and ensuring that grounds we visit are Covid-safe.
“We have continued to date on the basis that we had the backing and support of the National League in that continual striving for safety.
“Unfortunately, attitude shown towards the club by the National League through December and January has, rightly or wrongly, left us questioning this support.
“At the recent National League meeting, I tried to raise the issue of safety for our players, staff and volunteers but was informed that it was not the correct forum. I am not aware that a “correct” Forum has to date been made available for this specific discussion.
“It is for these reasons, and not necessarily the loan/grant argument that we have voted option 3 i.e to suspend. We have only voted option 3 because option 4 is not available i.e to null and void the season.
“My view, and that of my fellow directors Steve and Liam, is that health and safety should be discussed before finances.”
Our view is that health and safety should be discussed before finances