National League North and South clubs calling for Covid testing in new statement

Thirteen clubs from the National League North and South have issued a statement saying they only want action to return when Covid testing is in place.

Action is set to resume following the two-week suspension, due to the funding row, on Saturday.

Alfreton Town are due to host York City.

Released shortly after 7pm this evening, the statement read: "Following a meeting between clubs in the National League North and South we wish to make the following statement:

"All undersigned clubs support the re-commencement of all viable fixtures until the results of the resolution are known, but only when both clubs participating in a fixture are in agreement and when there is a fully funded Covid testing regime in place, as both the National League and it’s member clubs have a duty of care for the safety of players and staff.

"Clubs who are unable to commit to fixtures should continue to have their season held in suspense by the league and do so without fear of sanctions."

The statements also called for clubs to send in their votes on whether or not to end the season as soon as possible. Clubs currently have a 28-day window.

"Furthermore, we have agreed to submit our votes on the resolutions to the National League as soon as reasonably practical and implore all clubs at steps one and two to do likewise," the statement continued.

"Any delay or abstaining from voting would be damaging for the clubs in the most urgent situations. We must finish the season with all 66 clubs in existence."

The signatures on the statement come from: AFC Telford FC – Andy Pryce, Bath City FC – Paul Williams, Blyth Spartans FC – Tony Platten, Bradford Park Avenue FC – Martin Knight, Curzon Ashton FC – Rob Hurst, Dulwich Hamlet FC – Ben Clasper, Farsley Celtic FC – Joshua Greaves, Gateshead FC – Neil Pinkerton, Guiseley AFC – Gary Douglas, Kettering Town FC – Ritchie Jeune, Southport FC – Ian Kyle, Slough Town FC – Kay Lathey, Spennymoor Town FC – Tony Wilson.