National League clubs to vote next week on season

At the moment, clubs have not been told what they will be voting on or how quickly they will get to make a decision.

Clubs will hear more details on Monday.

The season hangs in the balance after it emerged funding for the next three months will be provided in loans and not grants, which is the opposite to what happened for the previous part of the campaign.

Sports minister, Nigel Huddleston, has written to National League clubs inviting them to a meeting with Sport England - administrators of the government’s Sport Winter Survival Package - so they can hear more information about the funding options.

If clubs can demonstrate that they would not be able to repay a loan then they will be considered for a grant.

Mr Huddleston said in his letter: “We are aware of the need to move quickly. Once there is clarity on needs across clubs, we will process help quickly.

“No decisions can be made - for loans or grants - until clubs have opened their books.”

He has also said this week: “With precious public money, we are providing financial support to the National League steps 1 and 2 in the form of loans. However if clubs at those levels can demonstrate it needs grant funding urgently to survive, we will ensure that option is available.

"We will not let clubs go to the wall. Applications will be assessed by the independent board, through the same rigorous process that we apply to other sports.”