Clubs have been ‘left in wilderness’ by FA
Flackwell Heath FC: Boss aggrieved chance of promotion will be denied
Marcus Richardson believes grassroots football clubs have been ‘left in the wilderness’ by the FA who are yet to determine if teams outside of the elite game can continue their campaigns.
The Flackwell Heath boss feels aggrieved that his team will have been denied a chance of promotion this season - if it was to be declared null and void - with the Heathens currently in top spot of the Hellenic Premier Division after seven games.
Richardson, however, believes there is a way for the season to finish and is calling on the FA to show some compassion and consideration to the clubs at the lower end of the footballing pyramid.
“I’m not going to lie, I’m flippin’ annoyed,” said Richardson.
“I want the league to continue and I’m biased because my team are flying and we’re in a very good position.
“I was confident at the end of last season that we would be challenging for promotion this year. I was so confident in that, and then bang, this has happened and we don’t know exactly what is coming next.
“It seems like the FA just wanted to get the league started for the FA Cup. Everyone is involved at the start of it, but once the teams from the lower leagues are out, it’s like they’ve given up caring.
“The big teams are seen as more important and the rest of us are left in the wilderness.
“Are the FA going to do something now to end the season? Let’s be honest, I don’t think they care enough. The easiest way to continue the season, I personally think, is that the FA should compensate the teams at the lower levels and make them play behind closed doors.”
Richardson added: “The FA have been getting money out of players for quite a long time at this level through bookings and fines. I’m suggesting they put that money back into the league and show that they care.
“They need to give something back to show that the guys at the lower levels do count and they do matter. I would be saying the same thing if I was at a higher level. I’ve been at the lower level when I was a player and I understand the grassroots of the game.
“It is tough, I’m not going to make out the FA aren’t finding it difficult to decide what to do. But I do think they’ve got to have a little more consideration.”
W There was some good news for clubs at Flackwell Heath's level this week, however, with sports minister Nigel Huddleston announcing yesterday (Wednesday) that £10m of emergency support for clubs in steps 3-6 of the National League system. Clubs like Flackwell will be able to apply for funding through the Football Foundation from today (Thursday).
The funding will be provided in the form of grants, however, the majority of financial help for clubs at steps 1-2 will come in the form of loans.
Clubs at these levels can apply for grants if their imminent future is at risk and they can demonstrate that taking out a loan would be unaffordable.
The Sports Minister said: “We promised to support sports and target help to where it’s most needed. Today we continue to deliver on that with further support for National League football clubs.
“The National League has already benefited from the Government support schemes through a £10 million Government-brokered cash partnership with the National Lottery, and there will be more support for the bigger clubs on the way.
“Today’s £10 million grant for lower league clubs in Steps 3-6 will act as a lifeline for around 850 clubs in towns and cities across England, and help these clubs through this difficult period until we can get fans back in safely.”