National League write to Government and issue statement on the return of fans for the start of the 2020-21 season and how it could impact clubs like Hartlepool United, Notts County, Chesterfield and more

The National League have confirmed that its chairman, Brian Barwick, has written to DCMS secretary Oliver Dowden MP to ask the Government to carefully consider how its pending decision on the return of fans to football grounds will affect its clubs, their employees, and local communities.

Hartlepool United have sold 1,500 season tickets ahead of the new season and are set to host Aldershot Town at Victoria Park on the opening weekend of the season next month.

But as coronavirus infection rates increase across England, the Government are preparing to tighten restrictions in order to reduce the spread.

A National League statement read: “The National League has also asked the Government for permission to commence the new season on 3 October with fans in attendance with social distancing and other Covid secure measures in place.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, the National League has closely adhered to Government policy and fully recognises the overwhelming necessity to protect people's health and well-being.

"Following the Prime Minister's announcement on 17 July that Government intended to bring back audiences in stadia from October each club has started to prepare for the 2020-21 season.

"The National League has set the start date as 3 October, which is when 24 clubs would be due to play their first league match and a further 43 clubs are involved FA Cup ties.

“In readiness for the safe return of spectators, National League clubs have calculated their ground's new socially-distanced capacity.”

Pools’ ‘socially-distanced capacity will range between around 1,573 and 2,359 of the 7,865 seated Victoria Park.

And the National League have requested that the Government allow ‘up to 1,000 spectators in all grounds as a temporary solution.

The statement continued: "Whilst crowds could be accommodated up to a level of 20-30% of each stadium's normal capacity in accordance with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority guidance, the National League has asked the Government to allow up to 1,000 spectators in all grounds from October as a temporary solution that is validated by the Government’s approved pilot events conducted in September.”

The FA Trophy and FA Vase finals due to take place with 10,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium this month has been postponed due to safety concerns.

The majority of National League clubs haven’t played a competitive match since the 2019-20 season was shut down in March. Play-off matches resumed behind closed doors in July and August with a planned restart with fans in October giving clubs the chance to generate some much-needed matchday income.

Brian Barwick commented, “The National League restart depends upon crowds being allowed back in stadiums as live attendance is our clubs’ largest source of income.

"The Government urgently needs to set out a credible pathway for the safe return of supporters, and to ensure our football clubs can continue to function, and to perform their significant role in the sporting life of the country. We are proud to be a national competition with strong local connections.”

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