The prospect of borrowing money to play a season without fans is the antithesis of Hamlets business model. I cant see any other vote than finish now & although it is great being in the National League relegation to the Isthmian League would be no disaster and allow the club to stay solvent (assuming fans return in time for next season)
The NL will vote to stay on, the N/S will be null and void.
Southport have just sold their star player to Accy, so hardly have a squad left if we continue - 16 fit players. Supposed to be playing Torquay Saturdayin the Trophy- no idea if that will happen.
We are going down and we know we are, going down and we know we are! Isthmian League served us well from 1907 ie for all but the last 2 yrs of organised league football for the club. Totally agree with the clubs statement
We are going down and we know we are, going down and we know we are! Isthmian League served us well from 1907 ie for all but the last 2 yrs of organised league football for the club. Totally agree with the clubs statement
Lots of clubs refusing to play.
Southport manager has had a proper rant at the league and said he has no intention of the team travelling to Brackley on Tuesday.
Dover chairman has quit the NL board - doesn't agree with the league's stance.
The Dover chairman is one of a kind, very aware of the fiscal reality of being a sustainable National League club and not a wealthy individuals plaything. No other businesses would open with no customers. I really dont understand the thought processes of the board.
I get the feeling there is a disconnect at National League level between the reality of what a non league club is and the egos and aspirations of a significant minority of those that run them and prepared to gamble with the futures of the communities clubs of which they are custodians.
Benefactors are transient there is an underlying core business that determines the sustainability of each club with an element of fluctuation dependent on the competence of the directors. You can see that cycle throughout from Rushton & Diamonds to Bolton, Bury, Birmingham, Coventry and Leeds Utd. Presently the likes of unfashionable Burton, Lincoln, Peterborough and Brentford understand their limitations, maximise opportunities but have the discipline to function within them. Hamlets sole agenda is staying solvent so they can future proof the club for its community and a lot of work on the estate needs to be done with a 128 yr history another spell in the Isthmian League would not be catastrophic. I could probably get to all the away games on my bike.
Just reading up - if it goes to a split vote. National will carry on, North and South will stop.
However to split the vote needs 75% majority and the National clubs have one vote each and the Lower leagues 4 votes each.
Not sure if this will get through.
Loads of clubs have received letters saying they will face a hearing for failing to fulfil fixtures.
Others have been warned....
Several clubs already stated they will not play on.
Maidstone say they have furloughed all staff and if forced will put out non contracted or loan players which will not cost them a penny.
With Dover and numerous teams in N and S refusing to play, the best option is to null and void.
Sensible decision by N & S, also fully behind Dover who struggle financially even with fans in. The focus should be on keeping as many clubs solvent as possible so there is something to comeback to after the pandemic
Just seen that Notts County, Hornchurch, Hereford and Woking are into the FA Trophy semis.
Well done to them.
Harrogate and Concord still to play last years final. Presumably they will still play that if they finish this seasons event!? Two finals on one day perhaps?