MELKSHAM Town Football Club chairman, Darren Perrin, has said that it is unlikely league football will be unable to return to the town until Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed.
The chairman has said that whilst Tier 2 (High Alert) restrictions do allow for spectators, it is not financially viable for the club to open due to rules for serving alcohol – the club would have to serve alcohol with a substantial meal, and restrict tables to one household.
The Southern League, along with the Isthmian, and Northern Premier Leagues, has also agreed to continue its suspension of league games whilst they await further updates from the government regarding tier allocations.
League games have been suspended since the beginning of the second national lockdown in early November. And there is talk that games won’t restart until at least January. The leagues are also waiting for progress on negotiations with the government regarding funding for clubs at this level, which is currently only being offered as loans that need to be paid back.
Speaking to Melksham News, Darren said, “The bottom line for us as a football club is that if we stay in Tier 2, unless we get grants instead of loans, the general consensus of all Southern League clubs is that we don’t play.
“In Tier 2 we’re allowed up to 400 spectators through the gate, but we can’t open the bar properly. We are losing a lot of money. We can’t afford to open the bar for drinks with a substantial meal, with people from one household at a table – we would normally get 10 people around a table.
“Financially it’s just not viable – in theory as soon as you have had your meal you’re meant to leave the premises.
“Until we get back to Tier 1 as a minimum, we can’t play any competitive football.”
Tribute to ‘best supporters in the league’
Whilst the club remains in limbo, chairman Darren has praised the support of the community and vowed that the club will continue, despite current difficulties.
“Melksham Town Football Club is not a football club without the support of the community and our supporters,” said Darren.
“We’ve by far got the best supporters in the league, and we’re by far the biggest supported side in the league. Without our supporters and the help of the community, we would not have a football club in this town.
“It is devastating at the moment – but at the end of the day, the club has been going for 144 years, and we will make sure that the club keeps going – and hopefully it will still be here for the next 144 years.
“But it’s tough times, and we are so in debt to our volunteers, sponsors and supporters – they are the ones that have kept this club going – they have supported us through these very difficult times.”
Further news about the future of this year’s season is expected later this week.
“We’ll have a better idea about what is happening from Wednesday 9th December,” said Darren. “There is meeting with the league and the clubs on Wednesday. Fingers crossed it’s good news.”
