Two more National League clubs issue statements on season vote

All 66 clubs in the National League, National League North and National League South are voting on whether the current campaign should continue or be cancelled.

The vote came about after it emerged government funding for the rest of the season would be provided in loans and not grants.

Clubs can apply to Sport England for funding but they will have to prove they cannot afford to pay back a loan before being considered for a grant.

The deadline is the end of the month but an outcome is expected before then.

Wealdstone, currently 19th in the National League, say they have voted for the season to be made null and void.

The Stones also voted for each league to be able to decide its own fate.

“We do not believe it is appropriate for the club to take on debt to complete the season,” chairman Rory Fitzgerald said in a statement.

"The club has now incurred close to two months of costs without any meaningful revenue and this cannot continue for further months if the club is to survive in a recognisable form.

“We therefore do not feel it is possible for the board to vote for anything other than ending the season whilst there is no clarity on future financial support and what form this may take.”

Meanwhile, Wrexham say they are in favour of the season continuing but have abstained from voting because they are excluded from receiving any financial support because of their location.

“The club position was, and remains, that it does not want to impose our view on others, on a matter where all clubs are not being treated equally,” the club said in a statement.

However, the club says it has voted in favour of each division being able to decide its own fate.

The statement adds: “The club has now voted in favour of Resolution 1 but will maintain its position of abstaining on the other resolutions.

“It is our hope that the National League (Step 1) season continues.”

Chesterfield, Notts County, Sutton United and Hartlepool United have all voted to continue, while King’s Lynn Town and Dover Athletic want the season scrapped.