Northern Premier League club Prescot Cables backed a vote on pausing the season once again until December 16.
The announcement was made following the re-introduction of England’s ‘Tier’ system after the exit of the second national lockdown.
Clubs from across the country voted to agree on the pause by a majority of 76%.
Of 224 clubs voting across the three Leagues, 172 agreed with the proposition to continue the pause in fixtures, 51 disagreed and there was one abstention.
A review will take place upon the announcement of the Tier system on December 16.
Supporter-owned and Knowsley-based side Prescot Cables were one of the clubs to agree with the pause in the current campaign.
”The biggest challenge for me personally is ensuring that the season can be finished in full, and working to make sure that can happen,” said Cables co-Chairman Jamie Weston.
”With the rushed null and void decision that ended last season I want this season to be completed.
“I think the league have done a lot right and are like a middle man between the government and DCMS.
”My frustrations lie with there seeming to be ‘Elite’ football and ‘Grassroots’ being the focus of the FA/DCMS, non league (steps 3-6) is seemingly forgotten about.
”We have to therefore collectively raise our voices loud over the likes of social media, we fall in the crack between elite and grassroots and at time it feels like we are seen as an afterthought.”
Cables, whose last competitive game was back on November 4, have seen a constant stop/start cameo to their league and cup campaigns this seen and its been a difficult year for the club to say the least.
With funding avenues short due to a COVID outbreak and a sustained closure of the ground, Weston admits it’s been a tough time for the club.
”The second national lockdown was difficult because the only real option was to do things online.
”The management team carried out training classes on zoom and there was individual training for the players following the rules but it’s just not the same as everyone being together.
”In terms of the business side, we kept working away at home trying to put as much in place as possible so we could immediately pickup when restrictions where eased.
”The vast majority of people have full-time jobs outside of work done for the club so you are trying to balance an effective work/home life balance whilst dedicating the time to the club.
”When things are stop start it’s difficult to get the balance right and 2020 has certainly been a learning experience for us all.”
Cables have been able to organise friendlies to keep up some level of match fitness.
Prescot hosted Welsh side Prestatyn Town on Saturday and ran out 7-3 winners in what was a competitive tie, with Alex McMillan netting a hat-trick for Cables.
Weston admits the funding to aid the running of the club is something they are still having conversations about.
”In terms of funding, there are discussions going on with the FA/Government/Sport England to change the funding package on offer (With no date of when it will actually be available) from loans to grants.
”Non league clubs cannot afford to take on loans, and some clubs makeup does not allow them to take on debt so loans are no good at this level.
”We have applied to Knowsley council also for various grants that may be available and we are waiting keenly on a reply from them.
”I should also state that they have been very helpful despite not allowing us to have fans when we were in the previous tier 3.”
For Cables, and for all other small operating clubs up and down the country, it is hoped more information and potential funding avenues can be achieved to ensure the safety and longevity of these grassroots clubs.
They play host to local side Lower Breck on Saturday with supporters allowed to enter the stadium due to Liverpool’s ‘Tier 2’ classification.
In support of the Liverpool City Region mass-testing programme, all fans who are attending the match are being encouraged to have COVID-19 test either on the day of the game – or the day before.
Tickets are priced at £5 and are available online at: https://www.prescotcablesafc.com/first-team/tickets/first-team-v-lower-breck-12th-december-2020/
