Kettering Town swoop for new signings as season gets the green light

Ben Stephens, pictured during his first spell with Kettering Town in 2015/16, has returned to Latimer Park. Picture by Peter Short

Kettering Town have completed two new signings as they gear up for the start of the new season tomorrow.

The National League confirmed today (Friday) that they have received confirmation of “significant grant-aid support” from the government to allow clubs in the National League, North and South to get their campaigns under way.

However, for the time being at least, the Poppies’ matches will be played behind closed doors, starting with tomorrow’s Emirates FA Cup second qualifying round clash with Chelmsford City at Latimer Park.

But Kettering had already been busy before that announcement after they confirmed the signing of striker Joshua Scott on a youth loan deal from Sky Bet League Two club Mansfield Town.

And the Poppies then revealed that midfielder Ben Stephens has returned to the club.

Stephens’ first spell with Kettering was in 2015 when he signed from Oadby Town. He went on to make 30 appearances for the club before joining Stratford Town.

From there, he earned a move to Macclesfield Town where he played in League Two but, after the Silkmen’s recent troubles which has left them facing expulsion from the National League, Stephens has now returned to Kettering.

Both players are expected to be part of the Poppies’ squad for tomorrow’s game with the National League South outfit.

Meanwhile, the National League confirmed the season would be starting as scheduled in a statement released this afternoon.

Reports suggest the government grant will be £10m for the first three months with the money to be split between all clubs at Step 1 and Step 2.

In their statement, the National League said: “In recent weeks, the National League and the Football Association have been engaged with the government to address the revenue shortfall expected by member clubs caused by the pause to the safe return of spectators.

“The National League has now received confirmation of significant financial grant-aid support from the government to compensate clubs for essential revenue lost from fans not returning in October, and has communicated with its member clubs to provide reassurance ahead of the season start.

“The 2020/21 National League season will now commence on October 3 as planned with clubs playing ‘behind closed doors’ in compliance with the elite sport protocols.”