Hartlepool United and rivals face anxious wait as National League campaign thrown into doubt after funding blow revealed

Pools are second in the National League after an impressive campaign but news has emerged future grants would only be handed out in exceptional circumstances.

It raises doubts over whether the current season will be able to be completed, with league bosses set to meet with clubs on Wednesday.

The three National League divisions started their campaigns in October after securing a £10m grant from the Government for the first three months of the season.

The BBC report: “However, that grant funding has expired and a total of £11m, part of the government's £300m rescue package for sport, is available to clubs to claim as loans over the next three months.

“BBC Sport was told by a number of clubs in January that they only agreed to start the season during the coronavirus pandemic and in the absence of fans on the understanding that continuing costs would be covered.”

In response, Hartlepool United Supporters’ Trust (HUST) has written to town MP Mike Hill to lobby Government.

On Tuesday morning, HUST tweeted: “After reading worrying government plans last night to provide loans rather than grants to National League clubs, we contacted @MikeHillMP as encouraged by the NL itself.

“He's promised to lobby on our behalf, along with other NE MPs. We'll give an update when we hear more. #united

“Got to say thanks to Mike, who is also a Trust member, for getting back to us straight away late last night."

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