AFC Telford United still waiting to discover extent of government's financial bailout ahead of season opener
AFC Telford United are eagerly awaiting clarification on the extent of the government’s financial support – as the start of the new season still hangs in the balance.
The Bucks are encouraged by initial correspondence from the National League regarding a government bailout and are hopeful of the support arriving to allow them to begin the campaign in the FA Cup at Chasetown on Saturday.
In parliament yesterday, the government reassured clubs that the National League funding is due to arrive to cover the loss of gate receipts for all fixtures played behind closed doors.
With around 48 hours to go until the start of the season, when many players’ contracts will officially start, Telford and other clubs want to establish how much of their losses they will receive, how often and when.
If the bailout payments do not cover 100 per cent of losses, clubs could be made to make up the difference themselves – a tall order with supporters’ refunds due and the lack of sponsors owing to the pandemic.
Gavin Cowan’s Telford meet for training at Lilleshall tonight, where they hope to be given the green light on funding to ensure Saturday’s fixture will go ahead.
The National League season begins on Saturday, while clubs in the National North – including AFC Telford – and National South will kick off their league campaigns on Tuesday night.
Clubs at that level remain classified as ‘elite’ – despite pleas to lower that status – and therefore have to play fixtures behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
All National League clubs were made to inform league bosses how much income they will lose without supporters present at matches.
Government funding is likely to be spread out across a time period rather than received as a lump sum.
Telford took another step forward in adjusting to games without fans when they streamed Tuesday night’s 3-2 friendly defeat to Birmingham City’s under-23s live and free on their Youtube channel.
The club were approached by volunteers – a family of supporters from Newport – who offered their services and equipment free of charge.
The stream had more than 6,000 views and was well-received. Telford have agreed for Radio Shropshire to provide live commentary moving forward.
Graphics were included in the package, as well as an interview with boss Cowan. They are on stand-by to film in the FA Cup at Chasetown on Saturday.
It will be free for season ticket holders, with a small charge for other fans to ensure some revenue.
Bucks supporters will be able to watch away games via the home club’s streaming service.
“It was a really good start,” said football operations manager Luke Shelley. “We want supporters to feel connected.”
“There is a worry some of those fans never come back. We’ll do as much as we can online.”
“We really appreciate the support from Radio Shropshire.”
AFC Telford are looking to invite fans in the coming days to place Bucks banners in the empty stands ahead of the first league game, at home to Brackley on Tuesday.
