One year ago, sport came to a halt like many aspects of life.
Non league clubs like Merseyside-based Prescot Cables had to stop playing.
The pandemic and further lockdowns has led to a second consecutive season being curtailed – and many clubs at this level feel they have been completely forgotten about financially.
They were told no grants would be given to financially support the survival of football clubs.
This meant they would have to take out loans to survive, and would then have to repay these loans with added interest.
Merseysportlive spoke to eighth tier side Prescot Cables FC to see how they have faired during the pandemic without football and what the future holds for them with the country aiming to be restriction free on June 21.
Craig Davies, the first team manager, said: “Naturally, it’s been tough for everyone as for many, playing football is a release from everyday stresses.
“However, we must spare a thought for those who haven’t come through such a straining period.
“There’s no question that it would affect us all mentally. Going from the routine of training and playing week on week to no football at all, does mentally test you.
“But hopefully we are on the home straight for normality and football returning for next season.”
It's good to be back! pic.twitter.com/DHjreProcn
— Prescot Cables F.C. (@PrescotCablesFC) October 25, 2020
Club captain James McCulloch said the FA needs to do more to ensure non league football is supported.
He added: “Lower league football has been completely forgotten about, highlighted by the comments made by Liam Watson at Southport.
“How can teams justify taking loans out to cover costs?
“Teams are itching to get back playing, but the FA are so out of touch with our level.
“Football is about more than two teams, the fans, families and friendship groups.
“The murky guidance and reluctance to give a proper decision has caused confusion and frustration for all involved.
“It would seem the elite level gets support and we are forgotten.
“Safety is of course paramount for all involved, but we need to get back playing sooner rather than later.”
Cables opened their Emirates FA Cup account with this goal in the 18th minute, an own goal following a header from Captain James McCulloch @jamesmac20 pic.twitter.com/d3GNzht7jx
— Prescot Cables F.C. (@PrescotCablesFC) September 13, 2020
Co-chairman Jamie Weston said the strain the club has been put under due to the current circumstances has been helped by a council grant.
“The grant we received from Knowsley Council has recovered some losses the club accrued from playing behind closed doors, as well as the grant for the Winter Survival Fund that has been agreed between the FA and the DCMS.
“We will be using some of this money to renew the flooring in the function room as well as renewing the outside toilets and some smaller repairs around the ground.
“We are trying to use the time between now and next season to be as productive as possible behind the scenes.”
The club is currently waiting for the government to decide when semi-professional sports can begin again, the co-chairman had this to say.
“The reserve and youth teams are due to finish their season in April which gives an opportunity for games at the ground. However, these would be played behind closed doors.
“We are still awaiting ratification from the FA council that the 20/21 season has been curtailed and what the start date will be for the 2021/22 season.
“We will be meeting with the management team towards the end of the month to start planning pre-season and we hope more details will have been released by then.”
