Hartlepool United supporters debate the three options presented to National League clubs following DCMS loan controversy and calls to suspend the season

Following the announcement that funding for the remainder of the season will be made up of loans from the DCMS, the National League has presented three options to its 66 member clubs.

Option one is for clubs to take out a low-interest, long repayment period loan from the £11 million package allocated by the government.

The second option would see the National League take on the loan themselves and provide grants directly to clubs though this is likely to impact future central funding payments.

The final option is to suspend the season indefinitely which would allow clubs to access the government’s furlough scheme to reduce losses.

The National League will hold another board meeting on Friday following the feedback received from clubs before arranging a Zoom call with the DCMS on January 25.

Several National League North and South clubs have already issued their stance with some favouring option two should more clarity be given while others are calling for the season to be suspended.

With Hartlepool sitting second in the National League, the club are keen to avoid any form of suspension to the season.

We’ve been discussing the options with Poolies online, here’s what some of them had to say:

Dan Nicholson made his feelings clear: “The league has a moral duty in these unprecedented times – whether they care or not – to these clubs. Players need to work and fans need the club's at the centre of their community. I hope a full inquiry is made of the National League following this. They're a disgrace.”

On option two, he added: “It depends on how much the annual payment will be depleted by. If it's going to be more than what any club would pay in loan repayments and interest then you might as well take the long term debt on. I'd only take option one if the National League act as guarantor.”

The Town Ender commented: “Obviously 2 makes the most sense in Pools’ case, however there’s something I still don’t trust about The National League not wanting any money in return for the grants given. Time will tell...”

Jack Ashman said: “One or two. Pools probably haven’t done bad having the biggest grant before eg. 1500 season tickets sold for a poor stream. But I imagine anyone under the top 10 want it cancelled.

"But option two presents the best option for me. I’m sure you’ll get the likes of King’s Lynn, Yeovil, Barnet, Weymouth wanting it off.”

@_wrighty4 looked at a wider issue surrounding coronavirus: “Every club should be putting pressure on option 2 to ensure the season continues with grants on the National League’s head instead of clubs.

"Some clubs are where they are through no fault of their own, but Dover, Barnet, have had constant positive test results in their squad leading to games being postponed. Look at Pools, the discipline and positive tests have been immaculate. Allowing us to play games.

“Clubs need to take a look at what’s caused their games to be off and how someone’s caught it, it’s easy for them to say call the season off through their lack of discipline.”

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