Do we have any idea yet when our fixtures will be out it must be pretty complex with Tiers involved ?
Understood to be a meeting between the Northern Premier League, Isthmian League, the Southern League and the FA today.
Major issue is that clubs in Tier Three areas are no longer allowed spectators. Mark Harris (in his capacity as NPL chairman) had stated at the start of the season that playing NPL fixtures behind closed doors was a non starter.
In the Northern Premier League, only about 5 of the 22 top flight clubs are currently located in Tier Two areas (Witton Albion, Nantwich Town, Warrington, Whitby Town and Scarborough Athletic) so that doesn’t leave many other clubs to arrange fixtures against.
I believe all the NPL clubs are having a virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss the way forward.
Announcement by the NPL expected at around 6.00 p.m. tonight (Thursday).
The Clubs in membership of the Northern Premier, Southern and Isthmian Leagues (the Trident Leagues) met earlier this week to consider the challenges and issues brought about by the reintroduction of Tiers after the raising of the nationwide lockdown with effect from yesterday.
The clubs were asked to vote on a proposition that the pause in fixtures be continued with a regular review in light of changes to the Tiers and/or grants becoming available.
The total votes cast by the 224 Clubs show a substantial number of Clubs in agreement with the proposition.
The matter has been considered today and is subject to comment by The FA.
A further statement will be issued in due course.
Further Statement.
The Trident Leagues have issued the following statement.
Following the statement issued by the Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Football Leagues yesterday, further clarification can now be given in relation to the voting following the Zoom meetings held by all 3 Trident Leagues with their Member Clubs to discuss the impact of the raising of the lockdown on 2nd December.
There were 224 Clubs voting across the 3 Leagues and of these 172 agreed with the proposition to continue the pause in fixtures, 51 disagreed and there was 1 abstention. Broken down by League, 57 Clubs in the Northern Premier League voted to agree with 4 disagreeing, 68 Clubs in the Southern League agreed with 14 disagreeing and in the Isthmian League it was much closer with 47 Clubs agreeing, 33 disagreeing and 1 abstention.
The “Agree” vote was therefore 76% and it has been agreed that the three Leagues will not sanction fixtures at this time.
It is intended that the situation is kept under review in line with Government review on the Tier allocations and restrictions. Accordingly, the next review is set for 16 December and then 30 December. It is the hope of all the Leagues that a date in January can be set for a return to fixtures with Clubs who wish being allowed to play before that date but this will not be until there is a change in the Tiers and/or some progress in the funding of the Clubs at this level.
The Government has allocated £25m to Sport England to fund Steps 1 to 6 of the National Leagues System, of which £14m is set for Steps 3-6 but is heavily weighted in favour of loans, not grants. The FA is working tirelessly with DCMS and Sport England to have the funding presented as Grants. However, these negotiations take time, and it is not expected to have an answer or clarification of details of even the loans until mid-January.
The deep concern of all involved in the NLS is that circumstances may mean that it is not possible to conclude the current format of competition in a manner in which promotion and relegation can be achieved throughout the whole pyramid with Step 2 being brought up to 48 Clubs and Step 4 brought up to 240 Clubs.
If, therefore, no progress is made by the Government on the Tiers in either of the two December reviews, it is the intention of the Alliance Committee to circulate those concerned with a survey to gather the views of the Clubs as how best to finish the season. Options will include an alternative format competition and extending the season possibly into June 2021. However the implications of all such proposals will involve the cost of players contracts and the ability of some clubs to continue playing because of other issues of grounds and the need to prepare grass pitches for the following season.
The Leagues are mindful of the needs of all Clubs and are striving to find a solution which is fair to all.
Northern Premier League have just advised member clubs as follows…
ALL LEAGUE MATCHES UP TO AND INCLUDING SATURDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2020 ARE HEREBY POSTPONED.
However, please note that if in the interim Government make any changes to the current Tier restrictions that allows the return of fans to all NPL fixtures, the league will approve the reinstatement of any scheduled matches where both clubs are in agreement.
(Witton were due to host Morpeth Town on Saturday 12th December and to travel to FC United on Saturday 19th December).
Postponements don’t affect FA Trophy fixtures.
Following the announcement made on 10th December that confirmed the return of spectators to grounds in Tier 3 areas, we subsequently received a high number of requests from NPL teams asking to play league fixtures from Saturday 19th December.
In line with the statement issued yesterday morning it was the intention of the Trident Leagues to await notice of the implications of the latest Government review expected on Wednesday.
However, in view of the number of requests the Northern Premier League Board has taken the decision to permit clubs who are in agreement to play their league fixtures on Saturday 19th December with a 3pm KO.
Should there be any adverse changes affecting our Steps 3 - 4 as a result of any announcements made on Wednesday, we will advise you accordingly. Otherwise we will look to resume the published league fixture schedule from Saturday 26th December for all clubs.
This decision is that of the Board of the Northern Premier League.
All Northern Premier League fixtures upto and including 12th January have been postponed.