National League urges government to set out 'credible pathway' for safe return of fans as big decision looms for Chesterfield

The National League has asked the government for permission to start the season on October 3 with fans in attendance with social distancing and other Covid-19 secure measures in place.
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The chairman of the National League, Brian Barwick, has written a letter to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, to ask the government to ‘carefully consider’ how its pending decision on the return of fans to football grounds will affect its clubs, their employees, and local communities.

It is hoped that clubs will be allowed to at least fill 20-30 per cent of their stadium capacity, but the National League has also asked the government to allow up to 1,000 spectators in all grounds from October as a ‘temporary solution.’

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At Friday’s Q&A event, Chesterfield chairman Mike Goodwin said they are hoping they can have more than 3,000 fans inside the ground with social distancing in place.

It is hoped Chesterfield can have more than 3,000 fans in the Technique Stadium when the season starts on October 3.It is hoped Chesterfield can have more than 3,000 fans in the Technique Stadium when the season starts on October 3.
It is hoped Chesterfield can have more than 3,000 fans in the Technique Stadium when the season starts on October 3.

Mr Barwick said: “The National League restart depends upon crowds being allowed back in stadiums as live attendance is our clubs’ largest source of income. The government urgently needs to set out a credible pathway for the safe return of supporters, and to ensure our football clubs can continue to function, and to perform their significant role in the sporting life of the country. We are proud to be a national competition with strong local connections.”

The Spireites’ last competitive match came on March 14 against Dover Athletic before the pandemic struck.

Town will play Wealdstone away on the first game of the new season.