Ryhope CW midfielder calls for clarity over start of new non-league season

Frustration has continued to spread around clubs across the country as uncertainty continues to disrupt their planning for a return to competitive action.

Pre-season friendly fixtures have been played behind closed doors as clubs continue to work hard completing risk assessments and site declarations to ensure that their home grounds meet Covid-19 criteria.

The Ebac Northern League are planning to get their season underway on Saturday 5th September if the all-clear is given for supporters to attend and the Football Association have signalled their intention to hold the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup four days earlier.

However, discussions between the Football Association and the DCMS are ongoing with the Government insisting that football grounds will be opened up to supporters “when it is deemed safe to do so”.

The situation has led to concerns that non-league clubs could be forced out of business as they contend with the financial challenges caused by the coronavirus epidemic and Hotchkiss has joined the calls for more clarity over the way forwards.

“It’s been a crazy time for everyone in the non-league game,” explained the experienced midfielder.

“Clarity would be nice – but we are still waiting for that to come from those above us.

“It’s frustrating as a club, it’s frustrating as players, we just want to know where we are heading with all of this.

“We want dates, if supporters can attend and to know what the way forward is – it’s the same for everyone involved at clubs at our level.

“It’s a difficult situation and I feel for anyone that makes these calls because it falls on their heads.

“But hopefully, an announcement will come soon because everyone is asking what is happening and no answers are coming.”

Hotchkiss and his Ryhope team-mates will learn of at least one of their competitive fixtures on Tuesday when the draws for the early rounds of the FA Cup are released.