OUR LEVEL DESERVES RESPECT, SAYS COX

Poppies boss calls for a fairer share

PAUL COX wants NonLeague’s significant role in the culture of football in England to be given more respect – and hopes the on-going crisis can bring a better future with a fairer share of the pot.

The Kettering Town boss has enjoyed a successful managerial career that started with promotion at Eastwood Town and also saw him with the Conference title with Mansfield Town.

Having seen all levels – professional and semi-professional – Cox doesn’t feel there is enough understanding of life below the EFL. And he says the current season is showing it.

“I don’t think people realise what a big part of people’s lives – supporters up and down the country – of what Non-League is,” Cox told The NLP.

“For so many people it’s a massive part of their lives. They rely on it. There is a lot of conversation now around mental health and Non-League football is a big part of the culture of our country. It’s probably the only country around the world where you drop down to our levels of football and you still get the crowds we do.

“It’s our culture. Look in the National League now – huge football clubs with great fanbases. Even at our level. I probably get a little bit embarrassed when you’re classed as NonLeague football.

“The whole thing this season has been one of erratic-ness – Non-League, you go and stand over there, you’re not getting any testing, for example.

“Players in the EFL are tested every week. We are still putting our families’ health and safety on the line.

“I know we are very lucky, I know we are. We’re still able to go to work, still play, come out of your bubble and freshen up your mind.

“But there is a high level of hypocrisy that resonates around my mind. Some people are losing their jobs, losing their businesses, children aren’t able to go to school, yet we’re allowed to play football. And I don’t think we should lose sight of the fact there a lot of people losing their lives.”

Cox shares many fears of what the long-term impact of the ongoing situation could have on a number of Non-League clubs.

And he adds to the calls for fairer distribution of the wealth in English football.

Snobbery

“There has to be an understanding of what NonLeague football gives to people,” he said. “Share finances out a little more evenly – give people a chance.

“Businesses – bars, restaurants – are going out of business left, right and centre. I do think this will have a real adverse effect on Non-League football and I can see a number of clubs sailing close to the wind and maybe going out of business. That would be awful.

“Non-League is a great atmosphere. It carries so much weight in what it gives people every week. Clubs have been living handto-mouth for a long time.

It feels like we’re the poor relations left to one side.

“I don’t think that can happen going forward. There needs to be a rethink and getting a fairer share of the proportions paid to the top levels.

“You heard Pep Guardiola say last week, ‘Everyone started in these stadiums’. He was talking about Cheltenham, who are now a Football League club and have a history in NonLeague.

“Think about every Saturday afternoon, the amount of people who get in their cars and pay their hard earned money to travel up and down to watch Non-League football.

“I just think the whole thing needs a rethink. There seems to be snobbery in football which doesn’t sit right with me. Resources, and a thought-process, needs to be shared more equally.”

With the National League North and South divisions currently suspended while the funding crisis is assessed, Cox thinks a long-term view should be taken.

“There’s been no atmosphere in games,” Cox added. “We’ve missed supporters and they’ve missed the game. For the sake of closing it down and starting back when we can get a consistency of people coming into grounds, a consistency of duty and care where not so many people are passing the virus on, people are being vaccinated, I think that would be more logical.

“So everything to do with the game goes more or less back to a norm, and everyone gets their game back. The proper game, which everyone craves.”