Chesterfield fans could still be set for return to Technique Stadium in October despite new Covid-19 rules, says Sports Minister

The government’s plan to allow supporters to return to stadiums on October 1 was cast into doubt last week when new rules on social gatherings were announced as well as the daily rise in coronavirus infections across the country.

The new National League season was delayed until October 3 so that that clubs could allow spectators entry into grounds otherwise they would not be able to start the campaign because of the need for vital matchday income.

But in a letter, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, Nigel Huddleston, has said they still hope fans will be able to return to stadiums at the start of October as planned.

"The government wants to see spectators back at sports events as soon and as safely as possible,” he said in a letter to Tracey Couch MP.

"I know how important this is for sports clubs for whom paying spectators are vital. That is why we amended guidance to provide extra clarification for organisers of non-elite sport events to help them manage and admit spectators safely, adhering to social distancing.

“As stated in my previous response, it is up to the respective governing bodies to determine what constitutes the boundary between elite and non-elite within their sports.

"In football's case, the FA's definition means that only leagues below National League North and South can continue with spectators.

"However, subject to the successful staging of the pilot programme and the wider public health conditions, we hope to reopen elite sports fixtures including the National League for socially distanced spectators under covid-secure conditions from October 1.

"We continue to work closely with a whole range of sports to understand the latest thinking that may allow increased numbers of spectators to return.”

Spireites chairman Mike Goodwin has said that they hope to be able to allow more than 3,000 people into the Technique Stadium when the season starts, adding that tickets for the first two home matches should go on sale this week.