We CAN get the non-league football season finished

Pagham manager Kerry Hardwell remains optimistic the current football season can be salvaged.
Pagham manager Kerry Hardwell / Picture: Roger SmithPagham manager Kerry Hardwell / Picture: Roger Smith
Pagham manager Kerry Hardwell / Picture: Roger Smith

The boss of the SCFL premier division side from Nyetimber Lane says clubs should be pushing for its safe return to give many people something positive to focus on.

Hardwell told us: “I’m optimistic we can finish this season whenever it is safe to do so.

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“With the speed of the vaccine rollout, I do think gras- roots football can come back and finish the season safely.

“I think postponing the leagues again would be a real kick in the teeth again for clubs especially in these times we are in.

“At the moment a bit of excitement in peoples lives is what needed, whether that’s fighting for promoting or battling away from safety.

“You’ve only got to look at the likes of Worthing and Littlehampton – both clubs were doing fantastically in their respective leagues until football came to a halt.

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“To then ask them to go again for the third time would be a real blow for those teams and many more across the country.

“I believe people will appreciate football even more when we do have it back and clubs will no doubt be willing to abide by all rules and guidelines put out by the FA.”

Hardwell is pleased clubs at step five are able to bid for £10,000 grants in a scheme agreed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

He said: “I believe all clubs will be applying for what is on offer for them and it will be great help to us all.

“Clubs still have general outgoings in gas electric and water bills.”

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