National League gets aid deal
NATIONAL League clubs have received an offer of financial aid from the Government which will help them start the season this weekend.
The 2020-21 season is due to begin on Saturday, but the future of the three leagues - the National League, the National League North and the National League South - had been in doubt after plans to allow spectators into grounds were shelved last week.
In the West, Yeovil Town play in the National League - and begin their campaign at King’s Lynn Town on Saturday (5.30pm). Weymouth are set to head to Altrincham (3pm).
National League North and South clubs play FA Cup qualifying games on Saturday and begin their league campaigns on Tuesday. In National League South, West sides include Bath City, who begin their campaign at Oxford City and Chippenham Town, who are at Hungerford Town in their opening game. Both matches are 7.45pm kick-offs on Tuesday.
In National League North, West clubs include Gloucester City, who entertain Kettering Town and Hereford FC who go to Southport. Both matches are 7.45pm kick-offs on Tuesday.
It was feared that without Government intervention many of the 67 clubs could have faced financial ruin if they did not have matchday revenue to rely on.
Several clubs were vocal in their calls for a Government rescue package and talks with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) over a bailout have been fruitful, with money due to be sent over before the weekend.
The PA news agency understands that the final amount and how the clubs will be paid is still being finalised, but it is enough money to see them through until their fans are allowed back into stadiums.
Dagenham managing director Steve Thompson told the PA news agency: “It is fantastic the Government has realised the importance of the 67 clubs of the National League.”
Premier League clubs are currently under pressure to help provide a bail-out package for those below them in the football pyramid.
Responding to an urgent Question in the House of Commons tabled by Conservative MP Tracey Crouch on government support for amateur and professional sport, sports minister
FORMER fan-favourite defender Byron Anthony has returned to Bristol Rovers as an academy coach, writes Sam Frost.
The 36-year-old played 190 games for the Gas, scoring 10 goals across a six-year spell which ended in 2012.
The former centre-back retired in 2014 after stints with Hereford United and Newport County, and has since moved into coaching roles with the Exiles and Swansea City.
He left his role with the Swans earlier this month but swiftly joined Rovers’ youth setup in a part-time capacity following discussions with academy manager Chris Hargreaves and head of coaching Adrian Harvie.
“I spoke to Aidy and Chris and I started working with the academy Monday last week,” Anthony said. “It happened quite quickly, but good to be back involved trying to support the development of the players. I hold the club really dearly to my heart because I spent some good years there and when the opportunity came up I jumped at it.
“I’m looking forward to it and we’ll see what happens. Hopefully at some stage I will be able to come in full-time.”
Anthony recently passed his UEFA Pro Licence and is working with Rovers’ under-14s.
He hopes the coaching skills he has amassed since retirement coupled with his extensive experience playing in the blue and white quarters can provide guidance and inspiration to Rovers’ burgeoning young talents
He continued: “I’ll be working with the staff as much as I can and trying to share my experience and knowledge that I’ve managed to pick up over the years and give that back to players and staff within the academy as well.
“I’m looking forward to working with the players and sharing my experience and try to give them
Nigel Huddleston said: “We all want our fans back in stadia as soon as possible. Sport without fans is poorer in so many ways. We did trial the return of fans with 12 successful pilot events, however rising infection rates across the country meant that the Government had to act and we could not proceed.”
Minister for Sport Huddleston said the Government support must go to “those most in need” and the implication of the financial problems stretched “way beyond football”.
There had been “constructive conversations” with the Premier League and EFL, Huddleston added.
“The do recognise their responsibility,” he said. “They are at the top of the pyramid and it is perfectly fair and reasonable that those with the broadest shoulders carry the biggest burden. They accept that.”
In Saturday’s FA Cup games Bath host Winchester City; Chippenham entertain Poole Town. Gloucester go to Christchurch, Hereford head to Gosport Borough. some sort of reality of what it’s like to come through a system and then go on and play in the Football League.”
Anthony left Rovers eight years ago when he was released by Mark McGhee, and he is “delighted” to be back.
“It was quite a quick departure in 2012 after spending six really good years with the club,” the Welshman said.
“I imagined I would go on and finish my career there even though it was early days and I was only 28.
“It’s a great club and there are some great people involved. The fans are absolutely fantastic, they were really warm and welcoming when I arrived and supported me through my journey with the club.
“I really enjoyed my time and I’m delighted to be back involved working with some of the players there, and who knows what the future holds, let’s see what happens.”