The number of Chesterfield fans who could be allowed in the Technique Stadium next season

That’s according to one National League owner who says talks are ongoing about the best way forward for the new 2020/2021 campaign, with a start date around the middle of September rumoured.

Allowing supporters back in stadiums will be a big boost for all clubs at non-league level given how much they rely on matchday revenue to survive.

Chesterfield would be able to have around 3,300 fans in their 10,000 all-seater stadium.

AFC Fylde owner, David Haythornthwaite, said: “Everyone is trying to get a date for when football starts again and, critically, for when football starts again with crowds.

“It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to start without crowds in non-league.

“They are talking about clubs being allowed to have one third of their capacity.

“In our case, that will allow us to have 1,600. I said straightaway: ‘That’s perfect for us. We never get more than 1,600, so that would be great’.

“If it’s going to happen with one-third of (maximum) crowds in the leagues above, there’s no reason why non-league can’t start with crowds.”

However, Mr Haythornthwaite believes visiting supporters will not be allowed into stadiums.

“I don’t think there are going to be any away fans for obvious reasons and I’m not quite sure how you keep the social distancing,” he added.

“It’s quite easy to do with seating but I’m not sure they’ve thought it through with standing.

“So it’s a bit of a ray of sunshine.”