Club and supporter solidarity V National League

[John Glendenning]

As far as I know, there remain 17 teams across National League North and South who, in the absence of further grants and funded regular testing (not to mention the health and safety concerns held by many) would wish the season to be declared as over. The case for this not only concerns the serious risks posed by Covid-19, but also encompasses financial probity and actual existing Governance rules that prohibit company directors from causing their company to operate in a state of insolvency. Whatever rule changes or "understandings" are put in place to mitigate issues arising from clubs taking out loans to see out the season, the fact remains that for many clubs, borrowing against an uncertain future income stream is NEVER going to be the sensible or prudent (god I hate that word) road to take.

I have been concerned that there still does not appear to be a united front from the clubs concerned - apart from the joint statement issued a couple of weeks ago. It is, of course, possible and perhaps likely; that discussion has continued behind the scenes. I think that as the potential outcomes (for our clubs) might even included expulsion from the league (unlikely but a threat nevertheless), but most certainly WILL cause financial difficulties, supporters need to have their voices included within the hubbub.

A collective statement agreed by as wide a selection of supporter groups as possible would carry a degree of weight which could be used to attract wider media interest which in turn will create further pressures upon the League to "do the right thing".

I am sure Port Chat already has a comprehensive contact list for these multifarious supporter groups. Just in case, here are some that I found.

https://poppiestrust.co.uk/post/trust-s ... ent-season

http://www.gfcsoul.co.uk/news/

https://www.hust.org.uk/home/

https://www.farsleyceltic.com/a/support ... 31334.html

http://www.guiseleyafcsupportersclub.com/

https://www.telfordunited.com/supporters-association/

https://www.telfordunited.com/supporters-association/

http://darlofc.co.uk/

https://www.alfretontownfootballclub.com/news

https://bpafc.com/

https://www.curzon-ashton.co.uk/

https://spennymoortownfc.co.uk/ https://spennymoortigers.co.uk/

https://sloughtownfc.net/

https://dhst.org.uk/board-members/

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/chippenhamtown/news

https://www.concordrangers.co.uk/

[John Glendenning]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... y-runs-out

Perhaps here (Nick Ames) we have a reporter who is already writing about the situation with the National League and so might be interested in following up with the supporter's perspective.

[John Glendenning]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... e-thompson

Over ten months old (this story) but nevertheless puts everything nicely into the proverbial nutshell.

[portchat]

Going to speak to the FSA tomorrow about possibly putting together some sort of joint statement of solidarity from all the fan groups of clubs who have openly stated they are voting to null and void the season. Will report back what they say.

[John Glendenning]

Going to speak to the FSA tomorrow about possibly putting together some sort of joint statement of solidarity from all the fan groups of clubs who have openly stated they are voting to null and void the season. Will report back what they say.

Thanks PC

[John Glendenning]

https://southportfc.net/statement-curzon-a/

Statement from Southport regarding our refusal, in agreement with Curzon; to play the match.