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19/6/2020 3:22 PM  #91


Re: Looking forward to next season

Matchman wrote:

The FA is meeting with Step 5 & 6 leagues tomorrow at 1pm.

Items on the agenda include:
 

Scenario planning for next season
Guidance on Covid return  
League development funding  
Update on league allocations & constitutions for next season  
Ground share process  


[url=https://twitter.com/Ollie_Bayliss/status/1273645133083357185/photo/1]

 [/url]                                                                                               **************************************************

The outcome of this meeting may give us an insight into scenario planning for next season in our league

                                                                                                             +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


The FA has told Step 5 & 6 leagues that a September start to next season is the most likely scenario. This afternoon leagues were told about various scenarios & plans. The aim, which is subject to government guidance, is to start all of non-league at a similar time with crowds.
 
 

Last edited by Matchman (19/6/2020 3:24 PM)

 

19/6/2020 7:49 PM  #92


Re: Looking forward to next season

SUMMARY OF FA MEETING TODAY WITH STEP 5 & 6 LEAGUES


Firstly the FA produced a series of slides for their presentation which they have said will be emailed out later today. The meeting obviously went into more details than the slides and each league was able to ask a question.

Summarising the main points

THIS SUMMER
Even if a league at a higher step has a vacancy caused by a club folding or requesting voluntary relegation, NO Promotion will occur and that league will run short.
The FA will look at applications to enter the pyramid to fill a vacancy (AFC Bury and Isle of Man were only ones mentioned)

FUNDING
The FA National Game have had a 38% cut in funding. This will impact all NLS leagues who will no longer receive FA Development funding, but they will still receive Administration grants at current level.
FA Vase prize money will be reduced by approx 6%.

COMPETITIONS
It is the FA’s ambition still to run the FA Cup & FA Vase in full, BUT that may not be possible and certainly with the FA Cup they are contractually bound to have the FA Cup 3rd round on the opening weekend of January, so the dates and numbers of earlier rounds may be affected by that.

The non-league final day at Wembley is subject to the FA calendar given that Euro 2020 matches now have to fit into 2021.

Consideration is being given to do away with Replays in both Cup & Vase to aid fitting in league fixtures.

If the season does not start in August then League and County Cups cannot be run in the traditional formats during the league playing season, but possible that new ways could be found to run Cups.

RESTARTING NLS FOOTBALL
The FA stated that NLS will only re-start when the Dept of Media, Culture & Sport (DCMS) gives approval AND subject to any conditions that the DCMS makes.

Games cannot re-start at Steps 1 to 7 of the NLS without spectators, AND ALL STEPS ARE TIED TOGETHER on a restart date (eg Step 6 cannot start whilst Step 3 is not allowed and vice versa)
Football BELOW Step 7 where no admission is taken may start on a different date and is subject to specific “grassroots” Govt guidance.

The FA are working on various scenarios as to when and how it affects the programme of games, this was explained as:
August = A normal season
September/October = Full League seasons to be priority with NO League or County Cups
November/January = Not possible for a full league season to be played and in this situation either half seasons (play each other once) or splitting divisions in half (probably on geographics) so that in our case we have 4 divisions of 10 rather than 2 of 20
Later than January = Worse case scenario with re-structure and leagues maybe held over again until 2021/22 season.
Whilst NOT a commitment or guarantee by any means, the FA said the most likely current scenario would be September

Pre-Season  -  The FA stated a pre-season would occur before commencement of matches, but they were not prepared to say what duration in weeks that timeframe would be.
End of season   -  Flexibility to go into May rather than the last weekend of April, but again this would really depend on the starting date of the season.

Possible agreement prior to restarting so that if a 2nd spike forced another curtailment of next season, that the leagues could be awarded based on the percentage of games actually played at that time -  details to follow.

CLUBS
The FA will require ALL CLUBS to produce and publish a Risk assessment and/or action plans to ensure they are Covid secure. This is specifically for clubs that are neither “elite” nor “grassroots” and will cover such things as:
Return to full training / matches
Use of facilities including clubhouses, dressing rooms etc
Travel
The volunteer workforce at each club

The FA are currently writing a guidance paper on this and it will follow to clubs in the near future.

Ground Grading: The FA have built into the temporary changes to regulations some flexibility regarding ground grading dates, whilst no specific date or rule has been changed, the FA stated that it is “Not the intention to relegate any clubs for work that Covid has meant they have been unable to do.”


Next FA Leagues meetingon July14 .

 

Last edited by Matchman (19/6/2020 9:32 PM)

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20/6/2020 1:50 PM  #93


Re: Looking forward to next season

New LED floodlights are being installed at Coles Lane, home of Sutton Coldfield Town.

The project to replace their ageing and inefficient floodlights has been in planning for three years, and these will now be replaced with the latest technology.

Costing £110k, the work was given the thumbs up by the club’s board last week following a £68k grant from the stadium improvement fund, a £20k community grant from Sutton Coldfield Town Council plus funding from within the club

The new LED floodlights consist of a four mast system, which will help remove obstacles in the main entrance. The LED lights will use less electricity, are brighter and can be individually switched on and off at each mast and are even dimmable. They are also fully controllable from a mobile phone app.



The work is being carried out by Musco, a world leader in the field having just finished the lights at several Premier League grounds and previously at Wembley.

A club spokesperson said: “We are really grateful to the FA and Sutton Coldfield Town Council for this support without which we couldn't have proceeded. “It is a fast track project having been ready to go as soon as we heard about our grant applications and should be completed around the end of June.

“Let's hope we have some football to try them out soon!” It’s the latest improvement made to the Coles Lane ground, with work over the past 10 years including the installation of a 3G pitch, new perimeter fencing, new turnstiles, staircase to the stand, new stand by the clubhouse, new toilets in the clubhouse, new referees changing rooms, improvements to the two bars with new tills and credit card machines plus many other smaller projects.

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21/6/2020 6:12 PM  #94


Re: Looking forward to next season

MATLOCK AND BUXTON NEWS

Matlock Agree Fee For Brighouse Starlet




Matlock Town have signed left-back Reece Kendall from Brighouse Town for an undisclosed fee. Kendall, 20, becomes the Gladiators’ fourth summer signing after the clubs agreed a compensation payment in accordance with FA rules.  Manager Paul Phillips said: “I’d been after him for eighteen months, I wanted to sign him when I was at Buxton. He’s a left back with loads of energy, tons of potential and he’s still learning the game. I’ve had lads that’s played for England C but he’s head and shoulders above these. He’s integrated well with the other lads, his enthusiasm and energy around the place’s a different class, He’s a massive, massive signing for us, he’s got the ability to push on to the next level and beyond. I believe that we can do that for him and in turn it’ll push us on as a club.”  

Kendall, who made 26 appearances for Brighouse last season, follows Buxton captain and midfielder Callum Chippendale, Racdliffe winger Callum Dolan and Mossley forward Kayde Coppin to the Proctor Cars Stadium.

*

Buxton Make Their Moves


Gibraltar international Reece Styche headlined a ‘super Sunday’ of signings for NPL Premier Division side Buxton.Styche, 31, has won seven international caps for Gibraltar, as well as representing England ‘C’ earlier in his career, and joins the Bucks from Bromsgrove Sporting after spells with Hereford, Alfreton Town, Darlington, Tamworth, Gateshead, Macclesfield Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Forest Green Rovers and Hednesford Town.
Also bolstering the front-line is former Birmingham City youngster Khaellem Bailey-Nicholls, who has signed from Bedworth United having previously been with Wrexham and Alvechurch, as well as a loan spell at Nantwich Town in 2017.

Bucks manager Gary Hayward has retained goalkeeper Grant Shenton, former Sheffield Wednesday youngsters Warren Clarke and Connor O’Gray, plus three players that Hayward brought in after being appointed boss midway through last season - midfielders Tom Elliott and Reece King and right-back Matt Curley.

Other new signings are former AFC Telford United captain and centre-back Shane Killock and experienced Spennymoor Town right-back Stephen Brogan.  In midfield, Jack Sherratt arrives from Stafford Rangers and James Berrett, who made more than 200 Football League appearances for Carlisle United, signs from Premier Division rivals Grantham Town.Wingers Callum Powell and Osebi Abadaki have joined from Nuneaton Borough and Hednesford Town, where Hayward was boss at the beginning of last season.Hayward and club chairman Dave Hopkins are still in negotiations with a couple of further signings, with news expected soon. 
 

Last edited by Matchman (21/6/2020 6:26 PM)

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22/6/2020 5:15 PM  #95


Re: Looking forward to next season

CARLTON TOWN NEWS


CUP HERO TO RETURN TO STOKE LANE ANNOUNCES BROOKBANKS !

T
ommy Brookbanks and Mark Harvey are hoping to keep good news coming for the loyal Millers Supporters who have been volunteering at the ground recently to help get the stadium spruced up for the next football season, whenever that will be!

Carlton Town’s excellent season last time round was cut short by Covid 19 when the Millers were in scintillating form and Brookbanks and Harvey are both determined to build on that.

It was recently announced that excellent young goalkeeper Jack Steggles had signed a new contract at the end of last season and now the club can reveal that another hero from their historic Nottinghamshire County Cup Final win against Basford United at Meadow Lane in 2017 is to return to the club.

Brookbanks has today told this website that he is delighted to be welcoming Lawrence Gorman back to the club.  
Gorman left the club to join Quorn during the 2018 -2019 season before joining Newark Flowserve in 2019-2020. He was a very popular figure at Stoke Lane and despite mainly playing at the back, chipped in with some crucial goals for the Millers, he has also popped in to Stoke Lane to donate some signed Memorabilia for a fund raiser since his departure.

Chairman Mick Garton responsed positively to the news and told us “I personally was sorry to see Lawrence go, he was pivotal to that cup triumph and a great signing by Wayne Scott at the time. He will challenge Toby and Bally for a centre half start but is equally competent at full back or in midfield and it will give Tommy and Mark some new options, he also knows the club well following his previous success here, so that is another plus

”The Chairman also paid tribute to those volunteering at the ground and gave his thoughts on football without fans .“Our supporters have really stepped up to the plate during this pandemic, both with the 100 club and what they have started doing at the ground, I will meet up with them as soon as there are more restrictions lifted and look in detail at some ideas they have put forward”

“Football without supporters in the ground is not football for me in the true sense of the word and make no mistake, we will not be able to play at our level without supporters, this is not me scaremongering, it is a fact and the powers that be will have to find a way of getting spectators into grounds next season”

“I heard Ian Holloway speak about this the other week and he was spot on, I know at the moment everyone is focused on the Premier League and the Championship, but at some point soon, these issues will need to be addressed ” concluded the Millers Chairman.

 

Last edited by Matchman (22/6/2020 5:23 PM)

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23/6/2020 3:30 PM  #96


Re: Looking forward to next season

Whitby Appoint Captains

 


  •  

Whitby Town have appointed goalkeeper Shane Bland as club captain and midfielder Daniel Rowe as team captain.Bland’s role essentially makes him the link between the club’s board and the players, which could include representing the views of the playing squad or providing feedback on new ideas to the board on how they can help the team develop.

Meanwhile, Rowe will have a key role on match days and on the pitch during matches. He will be the leader on the pitch and will have the right to speak with match officials during match scenarios. Rowe said: "It's an honour to be appointed team captain."I'm looking forward to leading the team out every week and I want to give support to anyone who needs it.  "The plan for the season is success and we can all come together as a squad and football club to become leaders and make history for the club, the fans and the town. "It's a great opportunity for myself and I'm ready to step up to the plate."  

                                                                                          *************************************


1.  Love going to Whitby and look forward to season 2021-22 when hopefully we'll be playing against them again.

2.  Will Tom Marshall retain the captaincy at Ilkeston? There are now some possible challengers for the arm band. Personally I wouldn't be surprised to see Joe Maguire given the role.


                                                                                        
  **************************************


As the lockdown rules now begin to be relaxed, there's a more optimstic feeling that a return to playing again is not such a distant dream. I'm guessing that the start of the 2020-21 season could be around mid September. 

If we do manage to start by then we should be able to play a full set of league fixtures but there would be a possibility of not being able to play in the FA Cup. 

There's been talk of League matches getting priority over Cup competitions and Cup competitions not having replays.


There are still plenty of obstacles to be cleared but the resumption of non-league football football seems to be slowly getting nearer.


 

Last edited by Matchman (23/6/2020 4:27 PM)

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24/6/2020 5:17 PM  #97


Re: Looking forward to next season

How well will we do next season ? 

There are several teams in this league who could make a playoff challenge. As well as the ones that finished in the top five last season, I think there are eight others who could push them.

This is how they finished last season.
   1  Leek
   2  Stamford
   3  Cleethorpes
   4  Belper
   5  Carlton
   6  Stocksbridge
   7  Sutton Coldfield
   8  Frickley
   9  Ilkeston
 10  Kidsgrove
 11  Loughborough D
 12  Worksop
 13  Sheffield

 14  Glossop NE
 15  Chasetown
 16  Spalding
 17  Newcastle
 18  Lincoln Utd
 19  Martet Drayton
 20  Wisbech

 I’ve separated the bottom seven because I think they are likely to remain in the bottom half of the table. All of the teams who finished between 1st and 13th are capable of finishing higher. 

 All things considered I would settle for the top ten looking like this at the end of the  2020-21season.

   1   Leek
   2   Stamford
   3   Ilkeston
   4   Cleethorpes
   5   Worksop
  …………………….. 
   6   Belper
   7   Carlton
   8   Sutton Coldfield
   9   Stocksbridge
 10   Loughborough D 


 Playoffs  :   semi final  -  Stamford  v  Worksop 
                                        Ilkeston v Cleethorpes    

 Play off final                    Stamford  v  Ilkeston   


 Promoted  :  Leek and Ilkeston.

 

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25/6/2020 4:14 PM  #98


Re: Looking forward to next season

Non-league clubs will need to adapt their facilities ahead of the new season.

From Monday, clubs can apply for up to £500 to help them make their facilities safer and cleaner.

Over £2 million is available from the Football Foundation.

More info:
http://footballfoundation.org.uk/grant/club-preparation-fund  

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28/6/2020 7:36 PM  #99


Re: Looking forward to next season

Loughborough Dynamo  

We are thrilled to announce that promising attacking midfielder Tristan Matthews has joined the Club from Heanor Town.

Welcome to Dynamo,


 

  
  

  


HEANOR TOWN FC

 We are sad to see Tristan Matthews depart The Town Ground but we wish him all the best on his move to Loughborough Dynamo.   


 

Last edited by Matchman (28/6/2020 8:01 PM)

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29/6/2020 5:51 PM  #100


Re: Looking forward to next season

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN NEWS



 

NEW SIGNING FOR THE ROYALS 

Sufyan Zia signs from Heather St Johns.

Toothy makes his first new signing for the new season and had this to say on Sufyan.

I am absolutely delighted to get this one done as Sufyan is a player of the highest quality. He had an outstanding season last time out in a very good Heather side. Sufyan can play in defence or midfield but he is technically very good and will bring a lot of quality into the squad. Added to the lads we have managed to keep, this is some very good business for the football club.




We have some other player news to bring you today   

Fans favourite Reece Gibson will be returning for another season. Reece had a stop start season last time out due to injury but was in fine form as the season finished


       
 

Last edited by Matchman (29/6/2020 6:01 PM)

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29/6/2020 6:49 PM  #101


Re: Looking forward to next season

BELPER TOWN NEWS

DATE SET FOR TRAINING RETURN

Belper Town will return to training on 11th July after the new season moved a step closer, writes Stephen Thirkill (Belper News)

We have never been committed to doing anything until we have a date, but we feel now is a good time to get back : GRANT BLACK  

The Nailers are hoping to begin their new Northern Premier League Division One South East campaign in September following an FA meeting on Friday. The meeting outlined three possible scenarios to re-start the non-league game, with September being the favoured option.

Town boss Grant Black welcomed the news and said: “It gives everybody a boost that things are starting to move, or looking like they are moving. “Dates are really getting mentioned now. We would obviously hope to get a full season in and a September start, rather than any shortened season.”

“We have spoken to the lads and they are all comfortable with starting back on 11th July to aim for a September start. “We have never been committed to doing anything until we have a date, but we feel now is a good time to get back. “If we go back when we don't have a start date the lads will be holding back, once we have a specific date they are mentally prepared to get themselves where they need to be .“If we usually start the season on 18th August, we would start back on 4th July and that has worked for us fitness and sharpness wise. “If we start the season on 1st September then we think those two weeks' difference should just even itself out.”

The FA meeting outlines three scenarios, including (1) a normal season starting in August, (2 )a full-league season starting in September/October, but without any league or county cups and (3) a half season if the season had to start between November and January.

The meeting also confirmed that the season will only restart when fans are allowed back into grounds.

A firm commitment was also made to having a pre-season, though the FA declined to say how long that period would be.

It means Black is likely to have to rejig the club’s friendly plans with three potentially lucrative matches possibly facing the axe. “Friendlies are difficult and are up in the air at the moment,” Black added. “We have had lots set up, with two or three league financially appealing games set up and league teams coming down such as Notts County, Chesterfield and Rotherham

.“We are looking to work in some friendlies where we are going to get a lot of the ball and a couple where we will potentially be chasing shadows and get our legs in that way. “It’s all hands on deck, but all managers are in the same boat.”


 

Last edited by Matchman (30/6/2020 8:33 AM)

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01/7/2020 8:07 PM  #102


Re: Looking forward to next season

LOUGHBOROUGH DYNAMO SIGN DEAN FREEMAN  




Loughborough Dynamo are delighted to confirm that experienced defender Dean Freeman has signed for the Club ahead of the new season.   Welcome, @dean_freeman5!    

Last edited by Matchman (01/7/2020 9:10 PM)

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02/7/2020 5:15 PM  #103


Re: Looking forward to next season

Update from the FA regarding the FA Cup, FA Trophy, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup received today.

Nothing too much to get excited about, but at least it's a communication about where they are at presently with these competitions.  



Last edited by Matchman (02/7/2020 5:21 PM)

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04/7/2020 9:26 PM  #104


Re: Looking forward to next season

Pinned Tweet   

FC Oswestry Town[/url] [url=https://twitter.com/FCOswestryTown]@FCOswestryTown·

 BREAKING NEWS

FC Oswestry Town has made the extremely sad and difficult decision that due to recent circumstances and the current economic climate that we have no alternative other than to fold the club and withdraw from the
@nwcfl. Please see the attached press release.  

    

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04/7/2020 10:28 PM  #105


Re: Looking forward to next season

Terrible terrible news.. lost for words .

 

06/7/2020 4:04 PM  #106


Re: Looking forward to next season

Apparently Hemel Hempstead Town FC who finished 11th in the National League South have reduced their admission prices from £14 to £10 for the coming season.


https://www.hemelfc.com/post/ticket-information-2020-21

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07/7/2020 2:11 PM  #107


Re: Looking forward to next season

More updates from teams in our League :

Stamford have signed left-back Connor Bartle from Grantham Town.
Bartle, 24, was part of the Basford United team that won the NPL Division One title in 2018. A former Notts County youth team player, Bartle moved on to Carlton Town for the 2018/19 before switching to the Gingerbreads in February 2019. He made 21 starts for Grantham last season, including their very last game of the curtailed 2019/20 season away at Whitby Town.   

Carlton Town have signed young striker Jordan Smith from East Midlands Counties side Kimberley Miners Welfare.
Smith was met by joint managers Tommy Brookbanks and Mark Harvey as the clubhouse opened at Stoke Lane at the weekend. Supporters were once again volunteering and doing work around the ground, and next weekend they will meet chairman Mick Garton to discuss a number of topics.   

Chasetown have confirmed 11 of last season’s squad will be returning for the 2020/21 campaign.
Curtis Pond, Alex Melbourne, Craig Deakin, Lewis Riley-Stewart, Alex Curtis, Joe Brown, Oli Hayward, Will Whieldon, Jack Langston, Liam Kirton and Josh Cooke have all committed to remaining with the club.
Manager Mark Swann told the club’s official website: “I’m chuffed the lads have agreed to stay at the football club. We have a really good core group of players and I’m delighted we have been able to retain most of them." 
”Danny Cocks and Dan Beddows have departed due to travel commitments, while Ryan Wynter, James O’Neill and George Cater have departed for Stafford Rangers, Newtown and Hednesford Town respectively.
Swann added: “We are disappointed to lose the lads as we wanted to keep the whole squad but we also understood the commitment was difficult for Cocksy and Bedds. "The other three lads unfortunately received very good offers from clubs at a higher level so as disappointed as we are we wish them all the best.”  

 Loughborough Dynamo midfield duo Charlie Young and Rob Norris have committed their futures to the club.
Norris, 32, played in all but one of the Dynamo’s games in 2019/20, while Young, 22, has become a key part of the side since his arrival from Birstall United two years ago.
Manager Lee Attenborough told the club’s official website: “I am pleased to be able to announce that Rob Norris and Charlie Young have again signed for the club for the forthcoming season.“These two are excellent players but unbelievable lads with fantastic attitudes to go with it, which made it very important that we kept hold of them.”   

Wisbech Town manager Brett Whaley has retained the majority of last season's squad, as well as adding some new faces.
Experienced striker Avelino Vieira (32) joins the Fenmen after a five-year stint at Peterborough Sports during which he scored 140 goals in 230 games. Whaley said: “Avi is massive signing for us. He’s had success at this level and higher and always scored goals. He’s got so much to offer our squad and will be a big influence both on and off the pitch and I'm delighted to have him on board!”  
24-year-old goalkeeper Luke Pearson was with Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division side Norwich United last season and has previously played for Fakenham Town and King's Lynn Town Reserves.
Winger Liam Adams spent some time on loan with Wisbech from Boston United in the 2016-17 season. He started 17 games plus another nine appearances as sub and scored seven goals including a stunning equaliser against Yaxley (then managed by Brett Whaley) in the UCL Cup Final. He was with Stamford last season and also spent some time at Holbeach.
20-year-old midfielder Jack Gurney previously played for the Fenmen on work experience from Peterborough United in March 2019, starting seven games with another three appearances from the bench. He had also turned out for Stamford earlier in that season and spent 2019 at Deeping Rangers.
Danny Setchell returns after a disjointed 2019-20 season saw him make 15 appearances for Wisbech between October and Boxing Day. Having suffered an appendicitis during the 2019 close season, he played for Holbeach in the early part of the season before switching back to the Fenmen but he departed just after Christmas, returning to Holbeach United.
Those players who have committed to play in the Fenmen's centenary season include defenders Stacy Cartwright, Dean Grogan, Liam Marshall, Beckham Kennelly and Jack Keeble; midfielders Ollie Gale, Layton Maddison, Sam Murphy and Jay Whyatt; and striker Dylan Edge.
Club Captain centre-back Sam Spencer has still to commit to Wisbech for the coming season, whilst defender Aaron Hart and forward Tiago Nassunculo have decided to pursue their football careers elsewhere.   

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07/7/2020 8:13 PM  #108


Re: Looking forward to next season

Please give your opinion on how football should return

The Northern Premier League have partnered with the FSA and the Non-League Paper to give supporters the opportunity to share their opinions on how football can safely return from its COVID-19 suspension.

The start of the new season with fans in the ground will require Government sanction and The FA has announced that the new season will only start when spectators are allowed to attend.
These constraints aside, the NPL and our clubs would like to know what supporters think about a potential start to the new season.
We want to know what is important to you and what the clubs and League can do to make you more comfortable.
The survey, which will run until mid-July, will help form a picture of the attitudes of spectators across the whole of non-league, and allow clubs and league administrators to plan with more certainty ahead of a resumption of matches.
In launching the survey, NPL chairman Mark Harris said: "I think it’s critical, not only that we make our clubs ready to be playing football again at the earliest opportunity, but that we create an environment in which fans feel comfortable and confident they can come back and watch football safely.
"Although the FA will be taking the lead in producing club guidance information, we need to ensure that guidance is well informed. We’re delighted to be working with the FSA and the Non-League Paper on this to ask fans for their thoughts, and we can’t do without them.
"The survey represents the biggest canvassing of supporter opinions across the game since the declaration of the health emergency in March and we want the hear from as many supporters of NPL clubs as possible.

To complete the survey, head to bit.ly/non-league-survey  

 

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08/7/2020 2:36 PM  #109


Re: Looking forward to next season

WORKSOP TOWN

Ambitious Worksop Town recently appointed Craig Parry as their new manager. Parry enjoyed three successful seasons at Pontefract Collieries including two promotions. His first action on arrival at Worksop was to clear out all of the existing team except for a couple so that he could bring in his own players. 
The below list of NPL transfers shows that Parry has started to put together the side that he believes will be capable of making a strong promotion challenge. It shows that he has brought in twelve players including nine from his former club. I bet Pontefract Collieries are none too pleased at having their team decimated.


Player movements registered with the Northern Premier League from Saturday 4th June to 11am on Tuesday 7th July

Michael Jacklin from Lincoln United to Cleethorpes Town
Harry Middleton from Cleethorpes Town to Grantham Town
Ashley Worsfold from Basford United to Grantham Town
Michael Antkowiak from Gainsborough Trinity to Lincoln United
Nicholas Bates from Sleaford Town to Lincoln United
Simon Biggs from Hykeham Town to Lincoln United
Jackson Buckthorp from Hykeham Town to Lincoln United
Sidnei Costa from Hykeham Town to Lincoln United
Callum Foster from Winterton Rangers to Lincoln United
Harrison Holland from Boston Town to Lincoln United
Jack McMenemy from Barton Town to Lincoln United
Jake Park from Hykeham Town to Lincoln United
Rob Smith from Lincoln Moorlands Railway to Lincoln United
Charlie Ward from Grantham Town to Lincoln United
Jack Wilkinson from Hykeham Town to Lincoln United
Ross Woolley from Lincoln City to Lincoln United
Kayde Coppin-Critchlow from Mossley to Matlock Town
Samuel Egerton from Trafford to Matlock Town
Liam Hughes from Frickley Athletic to Matlock Town
Declan Walker from Stalybridge Celtic to Matlock Town
Jordan Butterworth from Chadderton to Mossley
Szymon Czubik from Stockport County to Mossley
Jack Grundy from Oldham Athletic to Mossley
Jordan Hadlow from Chadderton to Mossley
Matty Waller from Shelley Community to Mossley
Edward Cribley from Mickleover FC to Sheffield FC
Scott Bakkor from Stalybridge Celtic to Witton Albion
Isaac Baldwin from Farsley Celtic to Witton Albion
Joshua Gregory from Prescot Cables to Witton Albion
James Baxendale from Pontefract Collieries to Worksop Town
Jack Broadhead from Pontefract Collieries to Worksop Town
Cody Cromack from Pontefract Collieries to Worksop Town
Michael Dunn from Pontefract Collieries to Worksop Town
Jack Greenhough from Pontefract Collieries to Worksop Town
Harry Holland from Jubilee FC to Worksop Town
Sebastian Malkowski from Pontefract Collieries to Worksop Town
Jake Picton from Pontefract Collieries to Worksop Town
Oscar Radford from Maltby Main to Worksop Town
Vaughan Redford from Pontefract Collieries to Worksop Town
Aaron Sennett-Neilson from Ollerton Town to Worksop Town
Jamie Williams from Pontefract Collieries to Worksop Town
  


 

Last edited by Matchman (08/7/2020 8:45 PM)

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09/7/2020 7:55 AM  #110


Re: Looking forward to next season

Really interesting column from Southern League vice-chairman Anthony Hughes in @NonLeaguePaper. The whole piece below is well worth a read.     


Clubs are waiting to find out when football is deemed safe to return 
Covid changed our world and lest not forget the thousands of people who sadly lost their lives, including the many who gave unstinting service to the Non-League game. 
Sadly, people are still dying but we hope to continue seeing those numbers dwindle until we find a way of treating this virus effectively or vaccinating against it. Many have called for this crisis to become an opportunity for the National League System to become something which more actually reflects how Non-League football should look in 2020, and I believe there is merit in that. 

After the debates and deliberations over the decisions to expunge the season or settle it on a points-per-game basis, we are now, at least, talking about when to start the 2020/21 campaign.

The decisions made by the leagues, in consultation with The FA and of course with each other, were difficult, purely because there wasn’t a good decision for everyone. It was about trying to do the best of a bad job but also trying to get some uniformity throughout the National League System and working together. I sincerely felt for some clubs, including some in our own league.

Not so long back, many in the game were thinking we may not be able to start before the end of the year so, with the considerable help of the National League System team at the FA, scenarios were drawn up as to what the season would look like if it started at any time between August and December, and even January 2021.

Now there is more optimism around a possible September or October start and in those situations we would be able to accommodate a full league campaign – even if it meant going into May. 

At the Southern League, we recently asked clubs about their feelings with regards to restarting and a number of things became clearly evident. Over 90 per cent of the clubs told us it would not be viable to play behind closed doors whilst slightly more said they could operate with reduced capacities and accommodate social distancing.

So, to start the season we need clubs’ hospitality facilities to be open for business, as is now the case in England. It is not yet in Wales but that could change in the next few weeks.The other crucial decision the Government would need to make is to allow mass gatherings. With minimum ground capacities at Steps 3 and 4 being 1,950 and 1,300 respectively, a possible solution could be that attendances would be restricted to a percentage of those capacities.

That could be enough to see us start the new season but will still require significant planning and procedures which I am sure the clubs will embrace but only with the help, advice and guidance of the leagues. That leads on, of course, to how clubs will cope. We have all feared that some clubs would fall during this crisis and that, sadly, may still be the case. The task for us as administrators is to give clubs the best possible opportunity to function financially and despite a difficult economic situation. We are endeavouring to secure further sponsorship which would enable us as leagues to provide at least some help in terms of equipment and services to member clubs. 

There is also an onus on the clubs themselves to plan for next season in a financially sensible manner and to ensure their forecasts and spending plans are realistic, just as we as leagues have had to. Sponsorship will be a challenge but there is now another element to the planning not taken into account previously. That is the possibility of a second wave of the Covid-19 virus and also the possibility of local lockdowns as we have seen in Leicester just this week.

When the crisis first began in March, the Government did assist. Grants were made available to many of our clubs under the hospitality sector through local government and many clubs were able to furlough staff and players, which was a huge help. Further assistance has come via the Football Foundation.

Clubs were rightly concerned about how they would be able to pay their players before the furlough scheme began, particularly those on contract, and the reality was that either agreements had to be made with players or the contracts had to paid until the furlough scheme came into effect at the end of April. It was extremely difficult for some clubs. In all the planning we do for the new season, we must take into account the possibilities of a second wave of the virus striking or regional areas of the country going into lockdown.

We hope it doesn’t happen and the last thing anyone wants is a second season without promotion/relegation so we must seek out contingencies to ensure that doesn’t happen even if the season was to be curtailed. I sincerely hope clubs will also take this into account when putting playing squads together because a second wave of the virus coming in January or February could be catastrophic for the clubs as well as public health.

My concern is that it will be difficult for the Government to offer the financial support to business in the way they have this time. Is the money there?  Hopefully it would be but what if it was not?  I appreciate there are club owners screaming right now… “that is our business, not yours”. Understood, but…..contracts would still have to be paid unless agreements could be reached with players and for that reason maybe we will see more clubs going down the non-contract route throughout Non-League in order to give them more flexibility at this time. Obviously, time will tell but one thing is for sure – we need to get this fabulous game of ours back on track as soon as possible. 

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09/7/2020 4:41 PM  #111


Re: Looking forward to next season

STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS



THE STEELS SECURE NEW SPONSORSHIP DEAL

 
[img]https://static.wixstatic.com/media/192ee2_7db5cefc94184ed9b1b8a742767e7ce7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_780,h_601,al_c,lg_1,q_90/192ee2_7db5cefc94184ed9b1b8a742767e7ce7~mv2.jpg[/img]

After months of uncertainty and concern, Stocksbridge Park Steels FC have agreed a new Sponsorship package, securing the clubs position as South Yorkshires top Non-League Football Club.  When the playing season abruptly came to an end and long term sponsorship agreements finished, the clubs fortunes looked bleak. But due to the amount of publicity the club have generated via Social Media and the press, several people had shown an interest in supporting the club, and we are pleased to announce, we have reached an agreement with a very progressive South Yorkshire Business, talks have been taking place over several weeks and we are pleased that a deal has now been confirmed.  

Eco-Power Environmental Ltd, will be The Steels Main Sponsor for the next two seasons. Discussions were completed when Louis Calders, Commercial Director of the business and Club Chairman Graham Furness signed the papers this week.  Feeling relieved that we have finally managed to secure funding for the Club, Roger Gissing the Clubs Commercial Manager has stated, we now have a solid platform to build on and ensure we have a club and teams representing Stocksbridge to be proud of, and ambitions to have the club playing football at the highest level possible, and we look forward to working in partnership with Eco-Power Environmental Ltd, below is a statement from Louis Calders.  


Statement from Eco-Power Environmental Ltd :  

Club Sponsorship Stockbridge Park Steels FC  I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Eco-Power Environmental to say how proud we are to become the main sponsor of Stockbridge Park Steels FC.  Eco-Power is an Environmental & Alternative Fuels business with sites across the country, but the head office and foundations of the business are here in South Yorkshire. As a collective we have a passion for both Football and community and see this partnership as prosperous for both Eco-Power and SPS FC.  Our ambition for the club is quite simple, we want to get the club on a positive footing both on and off the pitch. We can see the great work that Graham the Chairman, and Roger the commercial manager are doing, it’s clear they’ve got a real passion for the club and are great custodians, but operating in very difficult conditions, particularly of late.  We want to support them, and Chris the manager to keep the club sustainable and hopefully realise the club’s and supporter’s aspirations. If we can achieve that, then the club will be heading in the right direction of where we all want it to be, successful and at the heart of the local community. 

 Louis Calders Group Commercial Director





   

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09/7/2020 6:47 PM  #112


Re: Looking forward to next season

"Competitive grassroots football can prepare to return and look forward to the start of the new season."


The FA's response to today's announcement:
  


[url=https://twitter.com/Ollie_Bayliss/status/1281293458364420096/photo/1]
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        [/url]


 I understand that the FA will soon issue a club guidance document on the return of non-league football. All clubs will be required to produce a Covid-19 risk assessment and publish it on their website. The deadline for publishing this will likely be end of July/early


                                                            ************************************************************

All eyes on the FA  

Over the coming days I’d expect:  

New guidance on the return of non-league football  
News on the ratification of the National League’s PPG resolution  
The league allocations below Step 2 to be announced  


                                                                    ****************************



Here's the new government guidance on spectators for 'recreational team sport'. (These will only apply to a sport once it's own specific guidelines have been approved by the Government.)  

 

Last edited by Matchman (10/7/2020 6:26 PM)

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10/7/2020 8:37 PM  #113


Re: Looking forward to next season

  Footy is almost back!!!


 


After yesterdays announcement, and although we are awaiting official guidance and news, it looks like we’re getting close to the return of competitive football!!

However we’ve got to do loads of work to be compliant & we need to start straightaway. If you want to see us playing live football, we need you to help out.

We’ve got a working session at the Wezzie tomorrow – gates open at 9am – & we really do need as many people as possible. Loads of stuff to do – age, gender & ability are no barriers – we’ll find a job for everyone.

We will also need additional volunteers on match days because of the guidelines issued by the government, so if you can volunteer please let us know.

We need you now more than ever


 

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11/7/2020 1:02 PM  #114


Re: Looking forward to next season

>

A September start is looking promising

If the non-league season starts in September, the FA believes a full season can be completed. However County & League Cups may have to be ‘revised’ for a year. The table below was part of an FA presentation given to the leagues.  



To clarify the above :   looking at Step 4 teams including Ilkeston Town :

Number of League fixtures to be played  = 38

Maximum number of Saturdays following a September start   = 34  of which 3 taken up by FA competitions leaving 31 Saturdays free for League matches

Maximum number of midweek slots (assuming one per week)  = 33  of which 2 taken up by FA competitions leaving 31 midweek slots for league matches

So if there are no League Cup or County Cup competitions, we will have 31 free Saturdays and 31 midweek slots in which to play 38 league matches plus any additional FA Cup or FA Trophy matches depending on progress.  

Even allowing for postponements for bad weather, this looks very achievable

However if League Cup and County Cup matches were to take place as normal, then the teams who have good runs could end up struggling to get their matches played.  In my opinion it would be wise if either one or preferably both of these cup competitions did not take place this coming season. 
 
 

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12/7/2020 8:38 AM  #115


Re: Looking forward to next season

As the start of the season gets closer and we look forward to an exciting and successful campaign with real hopes of promotion, here are the Ilkeston Town FC Matchday admission prices for 2020/21  :


https://www.ilkestontownfc.co.uk/matchday-tickets/

https://www.ilkestontownfc.co.uk/season-tickets/



Away travel Information :

https://www.ilkestontownfc.co.uk/away-travel/


 

Last edited by Matchman (12/7/2020 8:50 AM)

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13/7/2020 5:29 PM  #116


Re: Looking forward to next season

FA Leagues Committee meet tomorrow (Tues 14July).

They are likely to make decisions on league allocations for non-league below Step 2. Promotion isn’t allowed but sideways movement & voluntary relegation by clubs will be considered.

New clubs (Bury AFC & Isle of Man) could be accepted.
 



After this meeting we should know the teams in our league. (It should be the same as last year unless there are any sideways movements)

On a positive note, It now looks like advanced preparations are being made for the restart. 

A restart in September seems to be the target date and this would enable a full set of League fixtures to be played.

There are still a few hurdles to overcome and the FA await the non-league go ahead from the Government.

The FA are to issue guidelines to all clubs regarding ground safety.
All clubs must comply with the safety standards and will have to produce a covid risk assessment and publish it on their website. Social distancing arrangements will be more of a challenge for the better supported clubs like Ilkeston.



Possible arrangements for ground safety might include the following :

Compulsory wearing of face masks
Temperature checks at turnstiles
Social distancing at turnstiles
Staggered arrival times for supporters before kickoff.
If the FA were to impose a maximum crowd limit then some matches might have to be by ticket only.
Watching areas within the ground to be separated and each given a crowd limit. (toilets and refreshments would then have to be provided for each area)
Designated area for away fans
Staggered exit times after the game
Social distancing in the clubhouse and at snack bars











 

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14/7/2020 6:42 PM  #117


Re: Looking forward to next season

Officially there is no news of a possible restart date but Kidsgrove have pencilled in a pre-season friendly.


 

FIRST PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY PENCILLED IN

Kidsgrove Athletic are delighted to announce that their first pre-season friendly for the 2020/21 season has been confirmed. 
The Grove will welcome Crewe Alexandra, recently promoted back to League One, to the Autonet Insurance Stadium on Wednesday 2nd September with a 7.30 pm kickoff.
The club would like to thank former Kidsgrove players, and current members of the Alex management team David Artell and Alex Morris for agreeing to the match.
Admission prices will be confirmed closer to the date of the game.

The game is subject to any advice from the FA or the Government regarding the Coronavirus pandemic. 


                                                                                                 ***********************

The most common prediction of many pundits is for a 12th September restart



                                                                                                 ***********************

Breaking News
It has been reported that the FA have now submitted their grassroots project restart plan to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and it’s now a case of waiting for DCMS and Public Health approval. 
If the plan is approved, it will likely result in friendlies beginning in August. 



                                                                                                       *********************


More breaking news (Friday 17th July) :

The FA says the return of grassroots football is "imminent". They've also welcomed today's 'positive update' from the Government on the return of fans to stadiums.  





 

Last edited by Matchman (17/7/2020 6:06 PM)

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18/7/2020 2:46 PM  #118


Re: Looking forward to next season

BREAKING:

The FA & the Government have given the go-ahead for 11 a-side grassroots football to return!


Pre-season friendlies can take place from August.


The aim is for non-league & grassroots leagues to return in September!



More details here
  https://thefa.com/news/2020/jul/17/grassroots-guidance-for-competitive-football-restart-in-england-170720 

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18/7/2020 3:32 PM  #119


Re: Looking forward to next season

I flicked through the guidelines and Im not too sure whether the fans have to socially distance or not or even when fans can watch the games. Maybe I missed some bits there is a lot of it to take in!

 

18/7/2020 8:47 PM  #120


Re: Looking forward to next season

These are the FA’s key guidelines :


  • Everyone attending a ground should have self assessed for COVID -19 symptoms
  • Clubs should ensure that their facility is COVID-!9 compliant.
  • Social distancing by players and officials before and after matches
  • Players and officials  to sanitise hands before, during breaks and after games 
  • Ball disinfected in breaks of play
  • Goal celebrations should be avoided
  • Where possible players, coaches and officials should arrive changed and shower at home
  • Observe best practice for travelling
  • Clubs should keep a record of attendees at a match to support NHS Track and Trace

These are what I think could be possible arrangements required to be in place for ground safety  :  

    * Provision of hand sanitising facilites all over the ground
    * Supporter social distancing and compulsory wearing of face masks
    * Temperature checks at turnstiles
    * Social distancing at turnstiles
    * Staggered arrival times for supporters before kickoff.
    * If the FA were to impose maximum crowd limits, then some matches might have to be by ticket only
    * Watching areas within the ground could be separated and each area given a crowd limit. (toilets and refreshments would then have to be provided for each area)
    * One way travel inside the ground 
    * Designated area for away fans
    * Staggered exit times after the game
    * Social distancing in the clubhouse and at snack bars  


BREAKING NEWS 

Non-league clubs will take part in the FA Cup
The FA Cup extra preliminary rounds will start on Tuesday 1st September 2020
The proposed non-league start dates for Leagues in Steps 1 to 6 are ;

Steps 1 and 2   -  No earlier than Saturday 5th September 2020
Steps 3 and 4   -  Saturday 19th September 2020
Steps 5 and 6   -  From Saturday 5th September 2020


So for Ilkeston Town it looks like the first league match will be Saturday 19th September 2020 

                                                                                   *************************************


Post by the Nothern Premier League :

The Northern Premier League welcomes the information relating to the return of football.
We are excited about the potential return to action, with a provisional season start date for steps 3 and 4 of Saturday September 19, subject to further approval.
Further detailed information will be provided to clubs after Sunday's League Management Committee meeting. In the interim, clubs are urged to continue to follow the guidance currently in place and as per Government guidelines.

The information released by the FA relating to competitive football:

The FA strongly recommend a phased return to competitive football, with no fixtures taking place before the end of July. 
During this time competitive training can occur, with groups limited to 30 people including coaches.
Competitive matches, including pre-season friendlies, can begin from Saturday, August 1st. 

The FA and the Leagues are aiming for a September start of competitive matches in the NLS; however, this is subject to change in accordance with Government guidance and approval for paying spectators, which may be published from time to time. 

NLS (or relevant FA Competition) fixtures are proposed to commence on: 
• Step 1 & 2: No earlier than Saturday, 5th September 2020 
• Steps 3 & 4: Saturday, 19th September 2020 
• Steps 5 & 6: From Saturday 5th September 2020 


Clubs must complete their Action Plans for all aspects of this document as soon as possible to ensure that Leagues are able to start against these timetables.

                                                                                   *******************************************

A Further update :


The situation on non-league crowds:

The FA has submitted a proposal to the DCMS for the return of non-league fans, it hasn’t yet been approved.
As things stand, pre-season will begin WITHOUT fans.
Leagues will only start in September IF the FA's fan proposal has been approved.




 

Last edited by Matchman (19/7/2020 3:32 PM)

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