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Post by chesterken on Jan 21, 2021 17:02:56 GMT
NLS clubs - Slough reply to NL General Manager Mark Ives- Dear Mark, We have this evening given consideration to the 3 options presented to us today. We would support OPTION 3, which is, as you know what we have been suggesting for some time now. Neither Option 1 or 2 make any sense from a business perspective and we are not prepared to put our club into a long term financially unsustainable position by taking loans or a grant which is repayable (which is in effect what Option 2 is). Given the need for a speedy decision on the part of the clubs, we would expect that a similarly quick decision will be taken by the board and any suspension to be in place before Saturday. By playing fixtures on Saturday, clubs will have to pay their players an additional week and in our case, incur the biggest travel cost of the season. As soon as the decision is made to suspend, we can move our players to furlough, thus avoiding further costs, If the decision is to suspend, it MUST be made immediately. As a club we will go as far as to say that we do not propose to travel to Eastbourne on Saturday to fulfil a fixture which could be meaningless, incur unnecessary costs and put our players at risk.We will have a separate discussion regarding Saturday with the Fixtures team and also with Eastbourne, but our position is clear. The issue can be avoided, by making your decision prior to the weekend.Tonbridge Wells - It was a unanimous decision by the Board of Tonbridge Angels to recommend option 3 and the NL were thus informed at nine o’ clock yesterday evening. Said Angels Chairman Dave Netherstreet : “With no real certainty as to when restrictions will be eased or lifted completely, to commit to unknown levels of debt whether direct or indirect seems to us a dangerous and foolhardy path down which to proceed. We want our supporters to be able to return to a thriving community club once this terrible pandemic is over.”
Representations are being made by the club to the Government via local MP, Tom Tugendhat, regarding the funding of the NL. A decision from the NL is expected by tomorrow (22nd January). Havant + Waterlooville - Following a meeting of the HWFC board this morning, the Club have decided to impose a 10 day self isolation break on Health and Safety grounds. This means we will not be playing against Concord, Dorking or Braintree. CEO Stuart Munro and manager Paul Doswell (worth listening to if you have the time) - Thanks AVFO hard to argue with the stance they are taking it’s a complete mess.
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Post by agl on Jan 21, 2021 17:13:59 GMT
Can't wait to hear from the Dover chairman, who was very forthright in his condemnation of clubs which dared to challenge the original grant allocation. I see Dover are well adrift at the bottom of the NL. I have a hunch he may want the season voided
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Post by dmcnally on Jan 21, 2021 18:18:17 GMT
Option 2 is an interesting one - there are huge disparities between central payments in the National League and those in the N/S.
Going back to our previous accounts, our central funding in 2017/18 (NL) was £113k. Last season it was around £33k.
This is where our request for further information about the terms is so important. If the decision to follow option 2 is taken as a collective, will the National League...
A. Simply withhold all central payments until they have repaid the loan.
B. Withhold central payments on a club by club basis, up to the value of their grant.
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Post by bluejay on Jan 21, 2021 18:33:45 GMT
Option 2 places too much responsibility in the hands of the inept NL board. If we agreed to that we would yet again be reliant on how they decide to distribute the money. It's one thing feeling cheated out of your fair share of a gift, it's another thing when you will be paying it off for years whether you've had your fair share or not. With good faith in short supply as a result of the funding before Christmas, I don't trust we won't be screwed over again.
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Post by avfo on Jan 21, 2021 18:42:43 GMT
Southport -
Southport Vote Option 3 Jan 21, 2021
Yesterdays National League Zoom meeting left the clubs with three options :
Interim General Manager of The National League, Mark Ives, has requested each Member Club to provide views on three points:
The operation of a Club Loan process. The operation of a National League Loan. A suspension to The National League 2020/21 season. The purpose of feedback is to assist the Board in understanding views of all 66 Clubs. The Board will be meeting before the end of the week.
The Southport response:
As a club we have worked incredibly hard to make everywhere as safe as possible for everyone associated with the club and those visiting as evidenced by our being the first National League North club post COVID to host fans.
Safety has been a constant concern, both in respect of the stadium, coach travel, and ensuring that grounds we visit are COVID safe.
We have continued to date on the basis that we had the backing and support of the National League in that continual striving for safety.
Unfortunately, attitude shown towards the club by the National League through December and January have, rightly or wrongly, left us questioning this support.
At the recent National League meeting, I tried to raise the issue of safety for our players, staff and volunteers but was informed that it was not the correct forum. I am not aware that a “correct” Forum has to date been made available for this specific discussion. It is for these reasons, and not necessarily the loan/grant argument that we have voted option 3 i.e to suspend. We have only voted option 3 because option 4 is not available i.e to null and void the season.
My view, and that of my fellow directors Steve and Liam, is that health and safety should be discussed before finances.
Ian Kyle
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Post by mcseal on Jan 21, 2021 19:11:25 GMT
12 NLN clubs (Not us) write letter opting for suspension so I doubt it is viable carrying on.
“Whilst the integrity of the National League is important, we do not value this above the safety and wellbeing of our families, staff, volunteers or that of our heroic workers who are tackling this pandemic on the frontline. Furthermore, we have now been asked to consider loans against our clubs and we are quite simply not prepared to trade whilst insolvent.
“Therefore, we are calling for the immediate suspension of the league competition to allow the National League, FA and the DCMS time to find a solution that is acceptable to all. This suspension will allow us the time to lobby our respective MPs and carry out our own financial risk assessments against avoiding a Null and Void scenario.
“An inability to secure acceptable funding to cover COVID testing and the loss of fans will continue to render us insolvent and we are not prepared to prolong this beyond the 29th January 2021.
“We are duty bound as mere custodians of our clubs and will do everything we can to ensure we do not place any avoidable further financial burden now or in the future upon our community assets.
“Quite simply, 66 clubs would not have willingly participated in any footballing competition which initiated playing contracts, without assurances.”
Signed by:
AFC Telford – Andy Pryce
Alfreton Town – Wayne Bradley
Bradford (Park Avenue) – Martin Knight
Blyth Spartans – Anthony Platten
Curzon Ashton – Wayne Salkeld
Darlington – David Johnston
Farsley Celtic – Joshua Greaves
Gateshead – Neil Pinkerton
Guiseley – Gary Douglas
Kettering Town – David Mahoney
Southport – Ian Kyle
Spennymoor Town – Tony Wilson
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Post by avfo on Jan 21, 2021 19:17:20 GMT
CFC -
In response to the joint statement issued on behalf of 12 National League North clubs this evening, the Board of Chester FC is in full agreement that further financial support in the form of grants not loans and the introduction of COVID-19 testing is essential to the continuation of the 2020/21 season.
However, it remains our hope the National League, The FA and DCMS can reach an agreement that enables all clubs to continue playing, but clearly time is running out.
Like other clubs, we are unable to consider a loan, so the only possibility is the option of the National League operating a loan distributed to clubs as ‘grants’.
This will effectively still be repayable through a reduction in future central funding payments and we also anticipate a number of other potential complications, but are unable to make a proper assessment of this option without having full details.
We have requested this information from the National League and feel it reasonable to expect receipt of this no later than Wednesday 27th January so that each club can decide if it offers a viable and acceptable way forward before Friday 29th January. If this does not happen then we would request that the National League is suspended from that point.
To ensure the integrity of the competition is upheld, it is our view that fixtures should continue to be played in the interim in compliance with the elite sport protocols that have been in place since the start of the season, but we fully respect every club must take whatever action it deems necessary to protect itself amid unprecedented pressures.
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Post by yossergolf on Jan 21, 2021 19:39:35 GMT
A measured response from the board that spells out exactly their stance, along with the 12 clubs that responded jointly there has to be a reply from the National league to detail the 3 options in greater detail. Will they do it? Or will they allow the north and south leagues to stall so that they can focus on the National League and forget the rest.
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Post by Harry Lime on Jan 21, 2021 20:51:01 GMT
Option 2 is an interesting one - there are huge disparities between central payments in the National League and those in the N/S. Going back to our previous accounts, our central funding in 2017/18 (NL) was £113k. Last season it was around £33k. This is where our request for further information about the terms is so important. If the decision to follow option 2 is taken as a collective, will the National League... A. Simply withhold all central payments until they have repaid the loan. B. Withhold central payments on a club by club basis, up to the value of their grant. Yeah. I thought about this too. What would happen where a club or clubs go bust before they repay their part of the loan? Is that part written off, or transferred among those still going? Can't see the NL taking it all on. Especially as they've put their clubs into jeopardy in the first place.
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Post by avfo on Jan 21, 2021 22:52:02 GMT
Leamington -
Chairman Jim Scott today held a meeting with local MP Matt Western to advise him of our concerns and the situation we find ourselves in and to seek his support in lobbying the DCMS on our behalf, for funding to be in the form of grants and not through loans. This he agreed to do and is a process that has or is being replicated at National League clubs across the country.
Last September the club agreed to the return to playing football on the basis that grants were available until such time as supporters were allowed to return to games. We were given assurances from the National League and FA that such funding would be provided although the detail for the period January to March 2021 was unknown at that stage.
Following a meeting of all directors last night the club submitted its’ response to the National League stating that we did not see individual loans to clubs as a viable option and would require clarification on the second option re the distribution model and future impact on central funding, before deciding whether we see it as a viable option.
Whilst this has been a successful season for the team thus far and there is a desire for a continuation, it does not make financial sense to continue playing behind closed doors with the dramatically reduced income streams and no grant funding. Nothing would give us greater pleasure than continuing to entertain you, albeit via live streaming, but we will not put the club into debt and risk our long-term security. We are a massive community asset that provides much to the health, well being and education of local residents and this must not be compromised.
We thank all our supporters and commercial partners for their continued support and will keep you updated on matters as they develop.
Jim Scott Chairman On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Maidstone -
We have noted the statements made by the National League regarding the alternative funding options available in principle. These currently have insufficient detail to enable an informed choice to be made.
Maidstone United would prefer to finish the season uninterrupted. This is of course subject in any event to the Covid virus and its future severity. We have been placed in the category of an ‘elite’ football club; we therefore have some responsibility to our supporters, business partners, staff and players to complete the season if it is at all possible.
Maidstone United are not in favour of applying direct to Sport England for a loan, which would leave our club with an outstanding debt in our annual accounts for many years to come. We have managed for years with virtually no external debt and we continue to favour this business practice.
We would, however, be prepared to accept the proposal of receiving a grant paid through the National League and acknowledge that as a result there might be less money available for distribution to clubs from the National League central fund over the forthcoming years.
We would not be prepared to accept a grant from the National League if the method of distribution to clubs was the same as was used for the three months of October, November and December 2020.
Any future grants must take into account the allocation deficit sustained by our club (and others) over the last three months due to the National League Board’s decisions. This deficit is specifically confirmed by the Independent Review Panel’s revised allocation table.
The way that the National League shared the £10 million, given so generously by Camelot, has proved to be grossly unfair and has brought a number of well-supported clubs into financial distress, as well as raising many so far unanswered questions regarding the governance of the National League.
On the clear understanding that the National League distributes the £11 million fund using the methods and recommendations of the Independent Review Panel then we at Maidstone United would in principle agree to continuing the season.
Terry Casey
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Post by Churton Blue on Jan 21, 2021 23:08:37 GMT
Getting so so messy. Seems that we're heading towards a season suspension judging by the majority of club statements so far. The more I think about it then it's not really the fault of DCMS.....it would appear they've never suggested to the National League that the second funding package would be anything other than a loan, but the National League have wildly misinterpreted it and conned their members into believing that the season was going to be funded as grants and now they've ended up with egg on their face once again. That being said, I do believe its the responsibility of the government/FA to implement the Covid testing measures at this level considering they classed us as elite in the first place. I can't believe the ineptitude from the National League in that they clearly didn't know it was 100% going to be a grant and sat on this for ages which has led to clubs now starting to refuse to play the games until it's sorted. We've got a game at Blyth on Saturday.......the coach company will need paying, the players will need paying, Bern & Jonno are trying their best to plan for the game, yet nobody knows if it's even going ahead. National League are basically taking no responsibility for a huge balls up and their best suggestion is them lending us the money (via whatever questionable distribution model they opt for) but then they withhold our funding for however many years until it's paid off. Whatever happens in the situation, when the dust settles the entire National League membership needs to DEMAND a change of board as this one only serves to repeatedly threaten the existence of their member clubs. Their massively salty reply to a perfectly reasonable NLP article a few weeks back now looks even worse. The view of the DCMS publicly stated from the outset has been that it will not give money to football at the lower levels because of the amount of money washing around the Premier League. It did decide to give significant grants to bail out the arts so came under pressure to support the National League in the same way. www.gov.uk/government/news/157-billion-investment-to-protect-britains-world-class-cultural-arts-and-heritage-institutionswww.theguardian.com/culture/2020/oct/12/england-arts-bailout-a-gamechanger-but-some-will-miss-outSo it appeared to have changed its mind when a 20 million pound bail out fund was trailed in numerous media outlets. The National League started on that basis with assurances from the FA and National League Board. www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/non-league-football-clubs-need-22777999Then it was reveled the money was 9 to 10 million for three months with a review. Later it came out that the money was not from the Government but the National Lottery promotional fund. The DCMS has never intended to bail out the National League with 11 million pound worth of grants. It could and should have made that clear to everyone at the outset. Any protestations made now about promises not being made are weasel words. Everything the DCMS did and said in September and October led the NL and all 66 clubs to believe differently. The National League Board and the FA have played their part in this fiasco but the DCMS should not be let off the hook. They are the only realistic chance of the season being completed.
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Post by avfo on Jan 21, 2021 23:59:32 GMT
Getting so so messy. Seems that we're heading towards a season suspension judging by the majority of club statements so far. The more I think about it then it's not really the fault of DCMS.....it would appear they've never suggested to the National League that the second funding package would be anything other than a loan, but the National League have wildly misinterpreted it and conned their members into believing that the season was going to be funded as grants and now they've ended up with egg on their face once again. That being said, I do believe its the responsibility of the government/FA to implement the Covid testing measures at this level considering they classed us as elite in the first place. I can't believe the ineptitude from the National League in that they clearly didn't know it was 100% going to be a grant and sat on this for ages which has led to clubs now starting to refuse to play the games until it's sorted. We've got a game at Blyth on Saturday.......the coach company will need paying, the players will need paying, Bern & Jonno are trying their best to plan for the game, yet nobody knows if it's even going ahead. National League are basically taking no responsibility for a huge balls up and their best suggestion is them lending us the money (via whatever questionable distribution model they opt for) but then they withhold our funding for however many years until it's paid off. Whatever happens in the situation, when the dust settles the entire National League membership needs to DEMAND a change of board as this one only serves to repeatedly threaten the existence of their member clubs. Their massively salty reply to a perfectly reasonable NLP article a few weeks back now looks even worse. The view of the DCMS publicly stated from the outset has been that it will not give money to football at the lower levels because of the amount of money washing around the Premier League. It did decide to give significant grants to bail out the arts so came under pressure to support the National League in the same way. www.gov.uk/government/news/157-billion-investment-to-protect-britains-world-class-cultural-arts-and-heritage-institutionswww.theguardian.com/culture/2020/oct/12/england-arts-bailout-a-gamechanger-but-some-will-miss-outSo it appeared to have changed its mind when a 20 million pound bail out fund was trailed in numerous media outlets. The National League started on that basis with assurances from the FA and National League Board. www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/non-league-football-clubs-need-22777999Then it was reveled the money was 9 to 10 million for three months with a review. Later it came out that the money was not from the Government but the National Lottery promotional fund. The DCMS has never intended to bail out the National League with 11 million pound worth of grants. It could and should have made that clear to everyone at the outset. Any protestations made now about promises not being made are weasel words. Everything the DCMS did and said in September and October led the NL and all 66 clubs to believe differently. The National League Board and the FA have played their part in this fiasco but the DCMS should not be let off the hook. They are the only realistic chance of the season being completed. In my opinion the NL board are guilty of both arrogance and incompetence in equal measure. I do agree that financially they are powerless. The writing was on the walls months ago when various spokespeople from the DCMS started to adopt the attitude that the 'Elite Leagues' were all the same and as such should be grateful for any financial assistance. They absolutely should be targeted, they misled clubs and possibly the league but given this governments response to calls for action and or criticism I wont be holding my breath. If only the NL had someone like Marcus Rashford to champion their cause /shame the relevant bodies into action, someone with a massive international following, especially online. Maybe they have, no scratch that, as he stated, 'my heart belongs to the Vancouver Whitecaps'.
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Post by bluejay on Jan 22, 2021 10:49:19 GMT
There is clearly a lack of trust from many of the boards in the NL and they are not willing to take any risks. Once bitten I guess. Our board have shown excellent composure. They are right not to make a decision without more information and I applaud them for this. Not sure the National League is capable of sorting this out though.
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Post by devadiva on Jan 22, 2021 10:59:37 GMT
I think the Board have been spot on too. The level headed approach is to be commended in the circumstances. To be expected to make what are potentially life/death decisions for clubs without the information necessary to do so beggars belief. It also underscores (like it was ever required) the complete ineptitude of the NL. I use the word “inept” in the current circs, in terms of the distribution of funds last year let’s be honest, it was downright wrong and against all the principles laid down by the Government as the independent review would appear to have endorsed. On that independent review, the Board were also spot on in a recent press release about its contents being made public. I praised our players’ behaviour in the current circumstances earlier this week in another post, the Board’s approach at the moment, is yet another reason for us to be proud of our Club - which consistently stands head and shoulders above its peers for how to behave on and off the pitch.
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Post by Si on Jan 22, 2021 11:19:50 GMT
Amazing how all the member clubs can come up with such excellent statements, yet whenever the National League release a statement it's usually about one paragraph and consists of nothing of substance.
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Post by highpeakblue on Jan 22, 2021 12:20:12 GMT
And still not a word from any of the individual board member clubs.
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Post by loskasleftfoot on Jan 22, 2021 12:46:53 GMT
Just tweeted
Following the review of the feedback from Clubs in connection to the recent Clubs meeting, a Board meeting this morning decided to halt the participation in the North/South Divisions for a two-week period, effective immediately. Tomorrow’s games are now formally postponed
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Post by Rio Doherty on Jan 22, 2021 12:50:33 GMT
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Post by Wortleyblue on Jan 22, 2021 12:50:56 GMT
Just tweeted Following the review of the feedback from Clubs in connection to the recent Clubs meeting, a Board meeting this morning decided to halt the participation in the North/South Divisions for a two-week period, effective immediately. Tomorrow’s games are now formally postponed Does this help can staff be furloughed for the 2 weeks or do clubs have to pick up the wage tab
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2021 13:00:20 GMT
Good decision, Hopefully gives times to sort this mess out, Would be a shame if season was finished, Only thing to look forward to is our Footie fix, But not worth taking on debt for, 🤞common sense prevails re - Grants not loans.
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Post by exiled on Jan 22, 2021 13:18:51 GMT
I think the Board have been spot on too. The level headed approach is to be commended in the circumstances. To be expected to make what are potentially life/death decisions for clubs without the information necessary to do so beggars belief. It also underscores (like it was ever required) the complete ineptitude of the NL. I use the word “inept” in the current circs, in terms of the distribution of funds last year let’s be honest, it was downright wrong and against all the principles laid down by the Government as the independent review would appear to have endorsed. On that independent review, the Board were also spot on in a recent press release about its contents being made public. I praised our players’ behaviour in the current circumstances earlier this week in another post, the Board’s approach at the moment, is yet another reason for us to be proud of our Club - which consistently stands head and shoulders above its peers for how to behave on and off the pitch. I agree never felt prouder to be a Chester fan, even going back to the playoffs with players playing for free and the fundraiser to pay toward testing etc. If we couldn't have afforded to compete we wouldn't have. The National League should take a leaf out of our book when talking about sustainability, and not be encouraging clubs to take on additional debt.
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Post by chesterken on Jan 22, 2021 13:41:48 GMT
North and South leagues suspended for 2 weeks National league carry on
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Post by waggoner on Jan 22, 2021 13:42:13 GMT
Good decision, Hopefully gives times to sort this mess out, Would be a shame if season was finished, Only thing to look forward to is our Footie fix, But not worth taking on debt for, 🤞common sense prevails re - Grants not loans.Well we all know what will happen. The NL will sit for 2 weeks pondering what to do, come back with no solution to all of this then offer the same 3 options. But will leave it up to the clubs to decide if the season carries on or not....Amateur's!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2021 13:46:44 GMT
Sadly you’re probably right!
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Post by Si on Jan 22, 2021 13:48:12 GMT
Gutted but understand the reasons. My fear is that National League won't be any further with this in two weeks time and we'll still be in limbo. So shit having weekends without games, I base my weekend around the match and it gives me something to look forward to during these boring and tough times. I know it's not the same but I love watching the games and then ringing my old man and we'll have a rant afterwards.
Agree with the post above by exiled.....whatever you think about the standard we're at and the clubs we play against I couldn't be more proud to be a Chester fan.....we've got managers that live and breath the club, players that give everything for the shirt and are so desperate to play for Chester that they took reduced wages or are playing for free, and we have a board that have conducted themselves magnificently through the toughest of times. We've also provided the best platform in the league for viewing games, and we're as strong in the community as we ever have been. It's worth savouring the spirit of this club in times like this because it's easy to take for granted and sometimes you only realise it when we've got mercenaries playing for a last payday or lads that just aren't prepared to give everything for the shirt. This club is chalk and cheese compared to what it was like under Jon McCarthy, so much better for it albeit one division lower.
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Post by chesterken on Jan 22, 2021 13:51:50 GMT
They have probably done this to deflect the revolt that was starting in the North and South but still keeping the National league happy this will not save any money as the players will have to carry on training to be ready to play in two weeks time,do we really think the National league can sort this out in just two weeks🤔
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Post by agl on Jan 22, 2021 13:54:11 GMT
Gutted but understand the reasons. My fear is that National League won't be any further with this in two weeks time and we'll still be in limbo. So shit having weekends without games, I base my weekend around the match and it gives me something to look forward to during these boring and tough times. I know it's not the same but I love watching the games and then ringing my old man and we'll have a rant afterwards. Agree with the post above by exiled.....whatever you think about the standard we're at and the clubs we play against I couldn't be more proud to be a Chester fan.....we've got managers that live and breath the club, players that give everything for the shirt and are so desperate to play for Chester that they took reduced wages or are playing for free, and we have a board that have conducted themselves magnificently through the toughest of times. We've also provided the best platform in the league for viewing games, and we're as strong in the community as we ever have been. It's worth savouring the spirit of this club in times like this because it's easy to take for granted and sometimes you only realise it when we've got mercenaries playing for a last payday or lads that just aren't prepared to give everything for the shirt. This club is chalk and cheese compared to what it was like under Jon McCarthy, so much better for it albeit one division lower. Spot on, and yet we are dictated to by the likes of the clown at Dover. Is there a single representative from NLN or NLS on the board..or is it only open to chairmen from the NL? From memory Barnet, Aldershot and Solihull are on the board. Perhaps AVFO or Churton Blue could fill in the gaps. The fact that none of the lower tier clubs appears to have a voice is the root of the problem.
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Post by chesterken on Jan 22, 2021 13:57:52 GMT
Gutted but understand the reasons. My fear is that National League won't be any further with this in two weeks time and we'll still be in limbo. So shit having weekends without games, I base my weekend around the match and it gives me something to look forward to during these boring and tough times. I know it's not the same but I love watching the games and then ringing my old man and we'll have a rant afterwards. Agree with the post above by exiled.....whatever you think about the standard we're at and the clubs we play against I couldn't be more proud to be a Chester fan.....we've got managers that live and breath the club, players that give everything for the shirt and are so desperate to play for Chester that they took reduced wages or are playing for free, and we have a board that have conducted themselves magnificently through the toughest of times. We've also provided the best platform in the league for viewing games, and we're as strong in the community as we ever have been. It's worth savouring the spirit of this club in times like this because it's easy to take for granted and sometimes you only realise it when we've got mercenaries playing for a last payday or lads that just aren't prepared to give everything for the shirt. This club is chalk and cheese compared to what it was like under Jon McCarthy, so much better for it albeit one division lower. Your spot on Si even when we drop points one thing that the can’t say it’s through lack of effort the lads never stop running.
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Post by Harry Lime on Jan 22, 2021 14:07:48 GMT
Gutted but understand the reasons. My fear is that National League won't be any further with this in two weeks time and we'll still be in limbo. So shit having weekends without games, I base my weekend around the match and it gives me something to look forward to during these boring and tough times. I know it's not the same but I love watching the games and then ringing my old man and we'll have a rant afterwards. Agree with the post above by exiled.....whatever you think about the standard we're at and the clubs we play against I couldn't be more proud to be a Chester fan.....we've got managers that live and breath the club, players that give everything for the shirt and are so desperate to play for Chester that they took reduced wages or are playing for free, and we have a board that have conducted themselves magnificently through the toughest of times. We've also provided the best platform in the league for viewing games, and we're as strong in the community as we ever have been. It's worth savouring the spirit of this club in times like this because it's easy to take for granted and sometimes you only realise it when we've got mercenaries playing for a last payday or lads that just aren't prepared to give everything for the shirt. This club is chalk and cheese compared to what it was like under Jon McCarthy, so much better for it albeit one division lower. Excellent post. 2nd paragraph should be framed and put on the wall of the Blues Bar.
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dhw
Full Member
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Post by dhw on Jan 22, 2021 14:09:06 GMT
Just tweeted Following the review of the feedback from Clubs in connection to the recent Clubs meeting, a Board meeting this morning decided to halt the participation in the North/South Divisions for a two-week period, effective immediately. Tomorrow’s games are now formally postponed Does this help can staff be furloughed for the 2 weeks or do clubs have to pick up the wage tab My limited knowledge from the last furlough scheme that my employees were on it had to be a minimum of 3 week periods a s blocks of 3 weeks. Have not seen anything that changed that so a 2 week situation won’t help. Only saving will be temporary in the no travel cost to Blyth but IF the season restarts that will be an awful Tuesday night trip probably!!
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