Torquay still await decisions

TORQUAY United are continuing to wait to see if the National League season will start on October 3 after a meeting on Thursday failed to give an affirmative or negative answer.

The National League met on Thursday after the Step 1 and 2 divisions were thrown into disarray by the Government’s ban on fans in ‘elite’ stadiums until next March - six months away.

Torquay manager Gary Johnson said previously, if fans cannot be inside grounds, rather than have the season cancelled he would prefer it started behind closed doors, but the National League North division has voted in favour of not starting, and there are major concerns about the future of clubs in all three divisions with no money coming in from fans through the turnstiles.

The National League released a statement after the meeting which read: “In recognition of the financial uncertainty facing its member clubs, the National League is actively engaged with Government, with the assistance of The Football Association, to secure a critical financial support package, and it is hoped this can be announced very soon.

“It is imperative the revenue shortfall caused by the pause to the safe return of spectators is responsibly addressed so each club can operate sustainably over the course of the forthcoming season.”

With Torquay at home to Stockport County in eight days, soon can’t really be soon enough.

Torquay released a statement following Boris Johnson’s announcement, saying: “Following the Prime Minister’s statement in the House of Commons, Torquay United AFC would like to advise its supporters that the club remains in discussions with all governing bodies, including the National League.”