SMITH’S PATIENCE TESTED BY STEP CHANGE
CONCORD Rangers chairman Ant Smith remains “frustrated” that fans of National League South clubs still can’t attend games, despite guidance being published on Wednesday allowing fans of Step 3 clubs and below to return to stadiums.
The National League, North and South are classed as elite sport and therefore are not currently permitted to allow fans back into stadiums.
However, Smith was pleased that the ‘#LetFansIn’ campaign which he was heavily involved in had worked to some extent.
“Myself and Mark (White) at Dorking and others who helped with the campaign are really happy that clubs that can welcome fans back are able to do so.
“It was just as important for us that teams at the lower levels could get fans back so even though we are frustrated that we can’t yet and we do want our own fans back, it was great to see that news on Wednesday.
“The irony is that because of our average attendances, if we were allowed crowds of 300-400 like these clubs are allowed then we would be very happy with that.”
Smith confirmed there had been a positive Zoom call between the National League clubs, the National League and the FA on Thursday and he remains hopeful that the guidance could soon change with the FA likely to send over a plan of action for a return of crowds to Steps 1 and 2 of Non-League to the Government “within the next week”.
Despite the frustration regarding the on-going situation for a club like Concord, Smith refused to criticise the FA, but did remind them that communication was key.
“Everyone is learning everyday so I am not going to put anyone down but I always say that communication is key, which sometimes has been lacking in some departments,” he said.
“I think personally the protocols do look a little bit over-zealous for the level of football we are talking about.
“Overall, I think the one cap fits all in this case doesn’t work and I know we are all against time as people are starting to play FA Cup fixtures for example, but I really do think there should be different guidance for different levels of football.”