Midland League COVID 19 Statement
As you may have all read on social media, the FA held a meeting on Thursday evening, which myself and the Chairman attended, where the proposed restart of competitive football at our level on 2nd December was discussed.
The FA reiterated that their key object remains "to conclude the 20/21 season and achieve promotion and relegation as a result, either by completing all fixtures or rely on a mathematical equation."
hey also reported that at Steps 5 & 6 players/teams can travel between tiers, however for our level of football no spectators are allowed for those clubs situated in tier 3. In addition, we were also informed that clubs in tier 2 cannot open their clubhouses, other than to provide a takeaway service, which must be consumed off the premises ie outside of the ground.The FA reiterated that their key object remains "to conclude the 20/21 season and achieve promotion and relegation as a result, either by completing all fixtures or rely on a mathematical equation."
Finance - As previously reported in the press, there is a sum of £14 million made available to clubs at steps 3 to 6, however 80% of that sum will be classed as loans, the remainder in grants, the terms regarding the loans have not yet been made public.
They closed by informing us that the FA Vase matches arranged for the next few Saturdays will go ahead, irrespective of which tier the competing clubs are in.
As you may remember, in June, it was stated that it was not sustainable for member clubs to play matches 'behind closed doors' for an undetermined length of time and that clubs also need the revenue from clubhouses and food sales, this view has not changed. The full Management Committee met yesterday to discuss the current situation and unanimously agreed that, as the vast majority of clubs in all Divisions have been placed in Tier 3, it is still unsustainable to expect clubs to play without any supporters.
Therefore, the decision has reluctantly been made to suspend the restart of all League fixtures until 19th December, We will then review the decision again on 16th December once the government has reviewed their tier levels.
In addition the Management Committee also agreed that, if fixtures do resume on 19th December that clubs can agree to switch their Boxing Day fixtures to 28th, 29th or 30th December to allow everyone to take advantage for the relaxation in the rules regarding families coming together this Christmas.
In closing, we have not taken this decision lightly, however we feel that it is the only practical and fair decision for all member clubs.
Stay safe and hopefully see you soon.
Nigel Wood
Secretary
Midland Football League
Recent stories
Due to the forthcoming lockdown, all games in the Midland Fotball League have been suspended from Thursday 5th November until Wednesday 2nd December...more
Unfortunately, due to ongoing floodlight problems at te Moat Ground, Tuesday's home game against Sporting Khalsa has been postponed.
We are still awaiting a decision regarding any ongoing games. Any news will be posted on our Social Media.
The match at Congleton on Saturday is not all ticket but if any Gresley supporters want to guarantee admission contact Ian.Collins@gresleyrovers.com or Steve Strive Stephenshrive@aol.com. Your place on the list we be available at the gate until 2-30pm after which it will be made available to other spectators.
Also, please note that Congleton is at level 2 High Covid tier at present. This does not prevent travelling to the game.
Also joining the Roverlution is Oli Bailey who has come to live locally. Oli joins us from Winchester City where across the last three seasons he scored 57 goals at step 4. He has also played for Southampton, Swindon Supermarine and Gosport Borough. Rovers are very pleased to welcome him to the club. He made his debut against Romulus.
Callum Riddell has returned to the club after agreeing a transfer from Stapenhill FC. Callum is an exciting attacking player who will fit in very well to the existing squad and the management team are delighted to have Callum join the club. Callum is cup tied for Saturdays game in the FA Vase but will go straight into the squad for next Tuesday nights home league game against league leaders Sporting Khlasa
Thanks to shirt sponsor Lee Wilson-Hart any 2020 Vase shirt purchased will give you the opportunity to spend a night with breakfast at The Greyhound Inn in the Peak District village of Warslow for just £30.
To claim your offer, you need to book via their website or by telephone. Then on the day of your visit to The Greyhound Inn just show or wear your Vase 2020 shirt.
www.thegreyhoundinnwarslow.co.uk
Telephone 01298 84782
