'I fear some will face permanent closure' - Mayor calls on Government to support clubs like Hartlepool United

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Mayor Houchen said the Government needed to stand by its commitment to provide grant funding to the 66 clubs that make up the league set-up, rather than loans.

Mayor Houchen wrote: ‘This is a matter of real concern because the football clubs in question have already been faced with a loss of revenue throughout this pandemic, through loss of income from spectators and lost hospitality and sponsorship revenue which would normally be enjoyed in normal times.

‘The provision of loans rather than grants will see the financial burdens placed on clubs such as Hartlepool United become even greater.’

In October, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden agreed a £20million pandemic financial support package for the clubs that make up the National League system, with £10million in grants to cover October to December.

Clubs were told that if fans were still unable to attend matches the support would roll over for another period.

However, it has now emerged that the Culture Department has told clubs that the support for January to March 2021 will be in the form of loans to clubs rather than the expected grants.

Mayor Houchen fears that there is now a real threat that the season may not be completed.

He said: “There are already indications from National League clubs that without the grant funding, many would vote to finish the current season early, and I fear that as a result some of our community clubs will face permanent closure.

“Hartlepool United is incredibly close to my heart, not only do I have some great memories of my uncle at the club, but like so many Poolies I’m looking forward to being able to return to the stands to support them once we are through the pandemic.

“For 113 years Hartlepool United has been at the centre of the community in the town and I’m sure it will be for another 113 years, but I do fear that if the Department for Culture doesn’t change how it is going to support our community football teams across the country, some will not be around for much longer.”

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