SHIELDS APPEAL FOR HELP IN BATTLE WITH FA

SOUTH Shields are calling for other aggrieved clubs to help cover the legal costs of their battle to overturn the decision to null and void Steps 3-7.

The north-east club led the Northern Premier League by 12 points before the season was ended by the FA in March following consultations with leagues.

The decision was ratified by FA Council but South Shields have sought legal advice in an attempt to reverse it.

More than £16,000 has been raised so far of their £50,000 target with 11 other clubs making donations.

“More than 1,600 clubs, many of which are at the heart of their communities, are represented in Steps 3 to 7 of the NonLeague system in English football,” the club said. “It is our firm belief that they have been treated grossly unfairly by the decision to expunge all results from the 2019-20 season.

“The decision, although a difficult one in such unprecedented circumstances, jars with the outcomes further up the league ladder, where it has been decided to either wait until it is safe to complete the campaign and therefore maintain sporting integrity, or decide final placings on a points-per-game basis.

“This inconsistency simply is not fair to the tens of thousands of players, staff, volunteers, sponsors and of course supporters who invested so much time, energy and money into what has now been deemed a meaningless campaign.

“With the support of and on behalf of hundreds of other clubs, South Shields FC has sought legal advice in respect of the hastily-made decision to null and void the season.

“The costs behind this are unfortunately significant, and we are now asking others to assist with the costs so we can ensure we can continue to fight for what is right for not only our own club, but hundreds of others across the country.”