'Looks like the season could be over' – Hartlepool United fans and National League clubs react to DCMS loan blow

All 66 National League clubs have received their allocation of the £10m National Lottery grant to support them during the first three months of the season without supporters.

A further £11m from the Government’s £300m rescue package for sport is now available for clubs to claim over the next three months. But unlike the initial £10m grant, this further funding will mostly be available as a loan – grants will only be permitted in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

As a result, there are concerns over whether the National League season can continue without further financial assurances in place.

A National League board meeting will be taking place on Tuesday afternoon prior to a Zoom meeting with all National League member clubs on Wednesday.

And many have taken to Twitter to voice their dissatisfaction with the situation:

With Hartlepool United currently sitting second in the National League table, many of the club’s fans are desperate to have the situation resolved.

The North West Corner Twitter account wrote: “Clubs taking loans out to survive always end up in one way. Unbelievable, it’s obvious they do not care about lower leagues and grass roots. Pathetic.”

The Hartlepool United Supporters Trust said: “This is an incredibly worrying situation. Many clubs won’t want to take out loans and be saddled with the debt- where does that leave the league?! £11m really isn’t a great amount giving the positive impact clubs make around the country. Changing rules mid-season is a disgrace.”

Many senior figures at National League North and South clubs also voiced their frustration with the situation.

Havant and Waterlooville manager Paul Doswell said: “Looks like the season could be over very soon. Wages due in ten days,and the promises made to us makes the first £10 mill pointless. FA told DCMS it will cost 14 million to furlough all 66 clubs for three months opposed to 10 million to keep going.”

Chester FC director Jim Green commented: “Unfortunately I fear this spells the end for The National League this season. Clubs have been misled, the previous £10m of grants was misused and now it is about survival. It is not too late to correct this mistake but time is running out.”

The Dorking Wanderers club Twitter account posted: “How strange? If the National League were to be cancelled it would cost over 14 million from the Furlough Scheme. It would appear DCMS are yet again struggling to comprehend the impact of no crowds, in addition this is moving the goalposts on what was agreed.”

Concord Rangers chairman Ant Smith said: “Personally would 100% be behind any clubs who wish to make a stand in not playing there fixture this Saturday. I’m pretty sure it is the only way we will get the attention that is required, we have seen how long it takes to get answers if you just nod your head and say ok.”

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