It’s clearly a difficult time for our football club and sector, and I believe it’s important you as supporters are kept informed and understand the situation as it develops.

We as a league are still campaigning for the government to allow supporters into stadiums but it now seems highly unlikely, at least in the short term. I have always been an advocate for government measures to minimise the risk of this virus to human life and nothing has changed my opinion. I do, however, feel very disappointed that the government took the action it did without seeing the outcome of the test events that were run last week. We proved that you can run events in stadiums in a responsible way, with a reduced capacity, while still being able to enjoy a key local community event.

There is no doubt that football matches without supporters is financial unviable, not just at our level but I would think throughout the whole football pyramid. We as a club are no different and without supporters, we will not be able to operate our business. Our lost revenues will be circa £1.3m. To this end, the government have said they will look to provide a financial support package specifically for clubs in the National League System. We eagerly await a proposal, which I know key personnel on the National League board are working hard towards.

I know many of you who have bought season tickets or crowdfunder packages for this coming season will want to know what our next steps are. Whilst we await the government’s final thoughts and potential proposal, we are working on a streaming platform and other ideas, so once we know where we are with government I will liaise with the Supporter’s Alliance group and provide options to you all. I will communicate again to you later this week.

Finally, I would like to again record my thanks for your phenomenal support over the last few months – your backing in all sorts of different ways really does help the club and is a real boost to Darren, Terry and the team. 

Continue to be safe.