Hyde United — who have described themselves as in a fight to cover running costs because of the loss of matchday income and block bookings for their 3G pitch — have come up with the novel idea of offering virtual packages for their remaining home games.
It’s now possible to buy virtual tickets, programmes, and even Judith’s legendary chicken soup with all donations going towards alleviating the Tigers’ plight. To get involved visit:
http://shop.hydeunited.co.uk/#!/Radcliffe-Borough-Game/c/46841334
Manager David McGurk commented: “As a club we need help. I hope the FA will do something to provide financial support for non-league clubs as I genuinely fear some will slip away without it.
“We’ll try to help ourselves in the meantime. I know things are hard for everyone at the moment but please donate what you can for a virtual matchday package.”
McGurk’s sentiments were echoed by Curzon Ashton’s finance director, Harry Twamley. Since the National League shut down, his club’s various income streams have dried up.
“It’s going to affect us all badly. With the league suspended there are not only no gate receipts but there are no bar receipts either,” he explained.
“Because people are being told not to go outside, we’re getting lots of calls cancelling parties in our function room. We’re losing room rent because organisations have called off the meetings they hold at our ground during the week, and we’re not receiving anything from the 3G pitch because youngsters have been told not to train.”
Harry believes financial support is vital if non-league clubs are to survive and he’s expecting it to come in the form of government grants.
He added: “The full details haven’t come out yet, but I understand that small businesses with a rateable value of less than £50,000 — which I think we all are in Tameside — should qualify.
“We’re waiting for guidance on so many levels. It’s going to be very hard but we’ve just got to get on with it.”
Stalybridge Celtic chairman Rob Gorski wants Premier League clubs to dip into their deep pockets to help.
“It’s fair to say no one knows for sure what will happen next. We’re in unprecedented times, but I’d like to think the Premier League would offer donations over and above anything the Government and FA might propose. They’ve made billions out of their new Asian contracts and it would be nice for them to make a gesture as non-league football comes to terms with the full implications of the pandemic,” he said.
“Premier League clubs could let fans in for free and not bat an eyelid. For non-league sides, admission money is the oxygen of the club. Everyone at our level will be deeply affected.
“I would hope the Government, FA, Premier League and our own Northern Premier League management will do their best to ensure every non-league club has their support. “All clubs may need understanding from their players and creditors alike as times are going to be tough. But all clubs also will need interest-free, short-term loans until the authorities allow us to host games again.
“Of course health always comes first and we hope that people stay safe. That’s paramount. But I sincerely hope that within the corridors of power, administrators are fully cognisant of the financial stresses that this crisis is putting on all non-league clubs.”