Holding out for a government U-turn - Eastbourne Borough cling to hope of saving season

The club are part of a stand-off between the government and football leaders over how the next phase of the National League should have costs covered. So far, there is little sign of a resolution.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport organised £10m in grants that enabled NL clubs to play the first three months of the season when they had little or no income. The league and clubs believed grants would follow for January-March – then the DCMS said only loans were available.

Borough are among clubs who have the support of their MP in lobbying for a change of heart. But if grants are not forthcoming, it seems a majority of National League South and North clubs say they won’t resume fixtures because they cannot afford to play on.

As we reported on Tuesday, Borough chairman Dave Blackmore shared his concerns with MP Caroline Ansell in a Zoom call.

He said: “Caroline is fully supportive of our cause and she wanted me to pass on her thanks for the incredible work the club does in the community, and the positive impact we have, from the young ones at the nursery all the way through to our elderly residents and members.”

Blackmore said news of grants being replaced by loans was a ‘hammer blow to us and all clubs at our level’ adding: “In normal times, we would be just about making ends meet. To continue without grant support would frankly be reckless, and it might literally jeopardise our longer-term survival as a club.

“I want to thank Caroline sincerely for listening to us and giving me her time. This is not a party political issue – it is about our town and our community. Eastbourne Borough is warp and weft with our local community – and the same is true of football clubs like us right across the country.

“She is planning to talk to as many MPs as she can to try to form a body of support, as well as directly contacting Nigel Huddlestone, Oliver Dowden and Tracey Crouch (who all have responsibility for, or involvement in, DCMS).

“Caroline has said she is very impressed with the framing of our request and genuinely believes in our need for support. She is more than happy for us to publicise her 100% backing and the need for us to continue to receive grants, so we can maintain the running of our club and our vital place in the community.”

The backing from the MP followed a club letter to fans in which Borough said they were upset fixtures had been suspended, something we reported on last weekend.

They told fans: “The announcement on the two-week suspension of the National League North and South is a huge disappointment to everyone at the club. It is something we did not want to happen and was not our view of the way to proceed to resolve the funding questions.

“We must respect others’ views and abide by a decision made following feedback from a majority over the two divisions.

“We are fully aware football has been providing a crucial outlet for many in our community, particularly the more vulnerable and especially at a time of stricter restrictions.

“Danny, the players and all involved at the club were desperate to continue playing in what has been an exciting season, albeit without you our fans being allowed to attend in person.

“We would like to place on record a huge thanks to our players, management, staff, volunteers, and you our fans for your resilience over the last year and the way you have adapted to the many challenges and the changing landscapes.

“Whilst this current postponement creates yet more uncertainty, everyone at the club is determined to continue to work safely to maintain the momentum of the season and our club. We will continue to connect with you in every way we can, we will continue to train in the hope of returning soon, we will continue to test our team.”