The next 24 to 48 hours are critical, says Poppies chairman Mahoney

David Mahoney knows the next “24 to 48 hours” will be critical in deciding what becomes of the National League season.

The Kettering Town chairman, along with colleagues from across all 66 member clubs, was part of meetings held yesterday (Wednesday) to find a way forward after it emerged that £11m of government funding to help Step 1 and 2 clubs through the next three months would be in the form of loans instead of grants.

It has prompted the National League to offer out three options to their clubs - the operation of a club loan process, the operation of a National League loan or the suspension of the season.

Poppies chairman Mahoney confirmed the club have now shared their view with the National League but insisted they will keep their thoughts private while the process takes its course.

The National League Board are expected to meet tomorrow to discuss the situation once all clubs have shared their views.

The Poppies currently sit in 18th place in the National League North table ahead of Satutday’s home clash with Darlington.

“I think it’s really important to stress at this time that from what we understand no decision has been made, albeit the clock is certainly ticking and we need clarity in the next few days,” Mahoney said.

Everyone was under the impression that grant support would be available ‘until the situation improved’.

“Sadly, I think it’s pretty obvious that we haven’t seen an improvement, having had to revert to games behind closed doors.

“Whichever way you cut it, both options presently being offered really take the form of a loan, rather than the expected grant support.

“One would result in individual clubs taking a loan and making direct payments, whilst the other would see the loan being managed by the National League and the league reducing or potentially removing annual financial contributions to service these loans.

“Whichever way you look at it, clubs will be financially impacted.

“At Kettering, we set out a strict budget at the start of the season and have worked really hard to control all expenditure but we don’t have a reserve of cash.

“As many people will know, we had to make improvements to the ground at the end of last season to meet league requirements and that costs money.

“It’s not just about meeting the costs associated with the first team that we have to consider month after month, we also have to meet various maintenance costs, utility charges, travel expenses and as with any business the unexpected.

“We have made our position known to the league and what impact any delay in clarification and award could mean.

“We are being told that no decision has been made, we certainly haven’t agreed to anything.

“All clubs in the league have responded to the league board detailing what we expected, what we need and when we need it.

“There really can’t be any doubt in their mind what the proposed change means to the Poppies.

“We were asked to ‘trade’ and to provide a community beneficial service last October with the confidence that we would receive financial support in the form of a grant.

“We are now being asked to continue but not only can’t we open the doors and generate revenue we’re being asked to take on a debt for doing so.

“Anyone can see that this just isn’t realistic, isn’t in the interest of the club and basically makes no sense.

“The next 24 to 48 hours are going to be critical, if acceptable support isn’t available then I am sure the continuation of the season will have to be seriously looked at.

“We have shared our view on this with the league’s board but at present I will refrain from sharing our position on how or if the season should continue publicly, in respect of the process.

“But I think it’s fair to say that everything will be in the public domain come the weekend.”