Forget 'proposals' - clubs at other end of pyramid are in dire need of support
Call it a power grab, call it a money grab, call it whatever you want. The radical ‘Project Big Picture’ proposals put forward by Liverpool and Manchester United have created a chasm across the Premier League and EFL.
Taking it on face value, and feel free to call me cynical, but it is, at best, an opportunistic power play looking to take advantage of the crisis caused by financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The “Big Six” offer muchneeded financial support to EFL clubs to stave off the short and medium-term cash-flow issues that they are experiencing.
In return, they get support for their proposals to dictate the future of the game at the top level and, as many have described it, ensure that the Premier League’s top six becomes a “closed shop”.
With claim and counterclaim, discussion and debate over the proposal dominating the headlines and airwaves since the weekend, the din created by the proposals has over roared those clubs that are crying out for help at the other end of the game.
The non-league game is in crisis, there is no doubt about that, I see and hear of clubs in peril more and more as time goes by.
With supporters still prohibited from attending games, and income limited as a result, clubs are being edged towards the precipice and we are closing in on the point of no return.
Yes, the National League have received their rescue package, but their clubs are still awaiting confirmation of how and when the funds will be distributed, despite player contracts being activated with the new season now underway.
Clubs have watched on as people are allowed to meet in pubs or attend events at the Royal Albert Hall in large numbers, yet see their income limited to funds created by offering access to live steams of matches in return for a fee far lower than the usual cost of a matchday ticket.
There are some clubs that have also benefitted from the unwavering support of longterm sponsors, but that cannot go on forever as the finances of businesses across the country become more strained as time goes on.
Below National League North and South level, attendances are limited to such a level that clubs are losing money with every passing game.
Volunteers at clubs across our region have gone above and beyond over the last few months to ensure that their home grounds meet strict criteria to welcome supporters back to games.
Social distancing procedures have been put in place, hand sanitizer can be found in abundance, e-tickets are available, and track and trace instructions are being followed.
I have attended over 20 games so far this season and supporters and club officials are following every requirement asked of them by the Football Association, the government and other bodies involved.
But attendances are still limited, and, in some cases, that has been extremely prohibitive.
In the Northern Premier League, South Shields, FC United of Manchester and Scarborough Athletic are suffering after only allowing a small percentage of their average matchday attendance in through the gates. There are far from alone. In the Northern League, Stockton Town’s attendances increased significantly as they romped towards promotion last season.
But now, those crowds of over 700 are limited to under half of that amount.
Again, they are far from alone as supporters are restricted to the role of armchair fan that is common at the “top end” of the game, sat in front of their laptop or smart TV deprived of the simple joy of a “normal” matchday.
I have held several discussions with officials and board members at a number of North
East non-league clubs over their prospects for the current season.
One ventured that his club were aiming to “survive”.
I suggested that it would be a challenge with everything going on at a number of clubs in their league, only to be shocked by the reply of “no, just survive and still have a club next summer”.
Another has suggested that he was shocked that we haven’t lost a North East club in the top six tiers of the non-league system.
They may seem like negative responses, but they are the brutal reality of the challenges that face clubs across the nonleague pyramid.
Although we focus on our own region, this is a crisis situation that can be found at clubs across the country.
We have lost several clubs, at the moment, they are not the leading lights or the non-league clubs that have stolen headlines for their on-field exploits in recent times.
But we have lost clubs that have worked hard in their communities and gave pride and an identity to their hometowns and villages.
They are clubs with rich histories, and those that have emerged from the shadows caused by high-profile neighbours to enjoy rare days in the sun.
Droylsden, formed in the same year as Newcastle United and a mainstay of the upper echelons of non-league football for decades, have withdrawn from the Northern Premier League.
Again, they are far from alone.
The predictable din created by ‘Project Big Picture’ cannot be allowed to mute those that are suffering in the non-league game.
Their voice, their increasingly desperate cry for help, must be heard, otherwise the consequences will be severe.
Support is needed and it is needed now. Don’t leave them to fight this battle alone.