Mark Carruthers' non-league verdict: There's light at the end of the tunnel - and now we must work together to help clubs

The return of supporters to non-league grounds around the North East seems to be getting closer – although any optimism that has risen in recent days should be that of the cautious variety.

There is not a supporter around the region that has not missed waking up on a Saturday or leaving work or school during the week and experiencing that matchday feeling.

Going through the same routines, carrying out the same superstitions, standing alongside the same people in the clubhouse and in the stands to experience the highs, the lows, the celebrations and commiserations.

The rush of a last-minute winner from your top goalscorer, a last-ditch tackle from your veteran defender, a wonder save from that long-serving goalkeeper or the thud of a keenly-contested challenge in midfield.

Who has not missed the feeling of belonging to something that means so much to your local community and playing a part in getting behind one common cause?

That feeling that you have experienced so many times before, but it never fails to lose its meaning.

It may have only been just under a month since supporters were allowed into grounds in the region – but the last time clubs held home games without restrictions was way back in March.

On the final matchday before lockdown was imposed, I attended one of the games of the season (that never was) as South Shields came out on top in an eight-goal thriller against Northern Premier League title rivals FC United of Manchester.

Over 3,200 supporters came through the turnstiles at Mariners Park (as it was named then) in a day that showcased all that is wonderful about non-league football.

The buzz that went around the ground throughout a pulsating 90 minutes is something that I have recalled ever since – a feast before the famine perhaps.

I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to attend matches during the last few months to provide reports, reaction and features for various publications around the North East and beyond.

And from speaking to players, managers, volunteers and committee members over that time, I can honestly say that clubs have missed their supporters as much as supporters have missed their clubs.

The feeling of togetherness has been absent, not just in football grounds around the region, but in society as a whole as lockdown has prised us apart from friends, family and work colleagues.

From a sporting point of view, we are approaching a critical point in the battle against Covid-19 – quite simply, the next step is the biggest yet.

Our non-league clubs have been fighting a battle for over eight months as the absence of supporters has taken a large proportion of their income away from them in this most challenging of years.

Even our National League and National League North clubs have been forced to rely on encouraging supporters to watch from afar on live streams of their matches at a cost far reduced from the usual matchday tickets.

The message from clubs is very simple.

Supporters are their lifeblood, and they need them back in their numbers as soon as possible – but patience is needed from everyone involved as we look to take the next step towards normality.

We are all still waiting on confirmation over which tier the North East will be placed in this week and clarity is needed over what that will mean for clubs at every level of the football pyramid.

But whether the wait is ended or extended, there is much work to be done before grounds are able to host an increased number of supporters in the not-too-distant future.

Clubs will have a short period of time to satisfy a number of criteria and that will mean calling on volunteers to go above and beyond once again.

Social distancing will still be in place, masks will still have to be worn, hand sanitiser will still be available around the grounds and clubhouses will remain under strict watch for any breaches in the regulations.

I was party to a conversation over the last week that summed up how every aspect of matchday will remain impacted by Covid-19.

How will supporters be able to be provided with food and drinks? How will they be able to safely make their way in and out of the ground? Will existing toilet facilities be opened or will temporary replacements need to be found?

How will season ticket holders be allocated seats? Will clubs possibly limit the number of spectators as a test before moving to increased numbers? Will stewards need to be employed?

These questions are far from alone, but they will need to be answered before we can be ready for the big restart across the pyramid.

Supporters will have to play their part too.

Football – and sport in general – will be under serious scrutiny over the coming weeks and we all have to abide by the restrictions that will no doubt remain in place for the foreseeable future.

We have all missed that feeling of matchday so now it is time to come together and ensure that we do all we can support our clubs in their efforts over the coming weeks.

There light at the end of the tunnel is close and now it’s time to work together to ensure that our clubs emerge from the darkness.