Hartlepool United chairman Raj Singh thanks Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen following calls for Government grant support

In a letter to Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Mayor Houchen said the Government needed to support clubs by providing grant funding opposed to loans to the National League’s 66 member clubs.

He 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.”

Without further funding, the campaign is likely to be suspended and potentially cancelled altogether.

The National League North and South seasons are currently on hold for two weeks but Pools are set to play on for the time being.

With Hartlepool sitting third in the fifth tier table, the club are keen to continue with the season as planned.

And in a club statement, Singh has thanked the Tees Valley Mayor for helping the club’s cause.

“Ben has been very supportive of the football club in the past, and we are very grateful that he has taken the time to write to the government to urge them to reconsider their position,” Singh said.

“I spoke to Ben this morning and he then sent the letter this afternoon [Tuesday, January 26] – understanding the urgency of the situation.

"It is vital that these football clubs, at the heart of their communities, receive the necessary support to continue the season.

“We outlined our position last week with regards to wishing the season to continue on the right terms and that we were of the belief that funds should be available to clubs as grants rather than loans.

"We are thankful that Ben, and Mike Hill MP who also wrote to the government last week, are both of the same opinion and supportive of the club.”

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