Belper Town say playing in front of 200 fans is not realistic

The club say it is not viable financially for the Nailers and have criticised the NPL for calling for a return to action compared to the other equvalent step leagues who have voted to postpone action until more fans are allowed in.

In a statement realised this week the club said: “The Club’s Board of Directors have considered the League’s proposal to restart the season.

“It was agreed that with limited matchday income based on maximum attendances of 200 and with no secondary spend, the Board is not prepared to jeopardise the long-term financial stability of the club for the sake of playing matches before current Government restrictions are eased.

“The Board also believes that the NPL should realign itself with the other Step 3/4 leagues, by acknowledging the continuing significant threats to the health and safety of players, volunteers and supporters and to consider a potential restart date of 9th January, subject to restrictions being eased at that time.”

The statement also added that being forced to play would see the suffer a significant financial hit.

They also felt there was no benefit in returning to action until more fans are allowed to enjoy games.

“The Board emphasized that the club should not be expected as a business to endure significant finance losses through playing matches whilst it remains in a Tier 3 area and with cases continuing to rise across much of the north of England and the Midlands,” the statement added.

“Also, it was plainly evident to the Board that many of our supporters will not be able to attend matches in the short term, which begs the question as to whose benefit it is that clubs are being forced to restart the season.

“It certainly doesn’t appear to be for the benefit of supporters or the club.

“Accordingly, the club has formally requested that the scheduled home match against Sheffield FC on 26th December and the away match at on 1st January at Ilkeston Town are postponed and reinstated when it is safe to do so.

“We will advise supporters when a response has been received from the League.”

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