'They need to be strong and find solutions' - pressure mounting on National League not to delay new season as frustrated clubs and managers speak out

The National League season was purposely delayed until October 3 so supporters could attend matches, providing clubs with vital income.

But on Tuesday the government ‘paused’ plans for spectators to return to grounds from October 1.

Frustrations are now building, with some claiming the National League needs to show stronger leadership.

Earlier this week the National League apparently told managers on a Zoom chat that the season would not start if fans were not allowed in stadiums

Boreham Wood chairman, Danny Hunter, slammed the decision-making of the National League, saying: “You can’t make those decisions as a league without talking to owners and chairmen, you don’t give that sort of information to managers. Managers don’t pay the staff, players and themselves.”

He added: “I think first and foremost the league needs to have a consultation with its owners and chairmen.

“My personal view is I would like to start the season on October 3 with or without a crowd.”

Notts County manager, Neal Ardley, also expressed his frustration at the situation and said he “absolutely” does not support the season being delayed.

“The government has made it quite clear this is not a two-week job,” he told Nottinghamshire Live.

“If they (National League) want to delay it, then why are they doing it? Are they going to give the government three weeks more to see if they will then allow fans back in?

“I don’t understand what the delay is for.

“We can’t fold and say we haven’t got what we wanted, the season is over.

“What sort of mentality is that? We have to come together and find a way.

“Too many clubs at the moment are just saying that’s it, I am not willing to play.

“That’s the worst case scenario for everybody.”

He added: “At this precise moment, I am bereft by where it is going and by the leadership.

“They need to be strong and find solutions. That’s what leaders do.”

Fellow National League club, Maidenhead United, want the season to go ahead as planned and said there is “no alternative.”

The club said in a statement: “The reality is that we passed the point of no return when we started pre-season. Furthermore, a delay or extension to the season simply risks extending the financial impact of the pandemic on football clubs at our level.”

Meanwhile, Gateshead chairman, Neil Pinkerton, fears for the future of many clubs.

He told the Press Association: “Clubs will go to the wall, without a doubt. There are clubs that have invested heavily in their playing staff this off-season, and all clubs at this level have got contracted players.

“The footballing world below League Two needs some sort of intervention to keep going, without a doubt.”

Elsewhere, Dagenham & Redbridge managing director, Steve Thompson, believes the government has to step in.

“I believe that a package of between £15-20million for the National League would enable those clubs to start behind closed doors,” he told the Press Association.

“It is only the government that can give us this money, there is no point going to the Premier League again, they have got their own problems with this.”