Conference clubs in financial aid talks

FOOTBALL: The National League is in talks with the Government over “a critical financial support package” which would allow their season to start on October 3 without fans.

Reports suggested 54 of the 67 clubs across the Conference Premier, North and South expressed the view at yesterday’s board meeting that they could not play the 2020- 21 season without either the return of supporters or financial help.

The start of the campaign was deliberately held back until October 3 because the Government had suggested supporters would be allowed back into stadia in limited numbers by then. Despite seven pilot matches at the weekend, they have now decided against in light of rising infection rates.

The National League abandoned last season when the pandemic forced matches to be played behind- closeddoors, although the play- offs did go ahead, with Harrogate Town promoted to the Football League. Conference side Halifax Town and York City, who were top of Conference North when the lockdown began but missed automatic promotion when the table was decided on points per game, lost in their play- offs.

Conference North Bradford ( Park Avenue) avoided relegation because there was no promotion from the seventh tier. Farsley Celtic and Guiseley also play in Conference North.

The cost of playing behindcloseddoors has been estimated at £ 3m- 4m for National League clubs. It has been suggested the Government might provide £ 1m a month of funding.