National League North and South divisions suspended for two weeks

The decision has been made after feedback from the clubs.
The National League North and South divisions have been suspended for two weeksThe National League North and South divisions have been suspended for two weeks
The National League North and South divisions have been suspended for two weeks

The Vanarama National League North and South divisions have been suspended for two weeks with immediate effect

The 66 member clubs met with the National League earlier this week to discuss the issues over the government's Winter Survival Package.

While the first three months of the campaign saw clubs financially assisted by grants from the National Lottery to cover the loss in revenue with no fans able to attend matches due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the next £11m for January, February and March will take the form of loans - which has left a number of clubs concerned.

At the meeting this week, clubs were asked to provide views on three options - the operation of a club loan process, the operation of a National League loan or a suspension to the National League 2020/21 season.

All clubs gave their views to the National League Board and 12 National League North clubs, including Kettering Town and their scheduled opponents tomorrow Darlington, put their names to a statement calling for an immediate suspension of the league to enable time for the National League, FA and Department for Culture, Media and Sport to find a way forward.

The National League Board met this morning (Friday) and then confirmed the news in a statement, which read: "Following the review of the feedback from clubs in connection to the recent clubs meeting, a Board meeting this morning decided to halt the participation in the North/South Divisions for a two-week period, effective immediately.

"As a result, tomorrow's games are formally postponed."

It means Kettering's game with Darlington, Brackley Town's and Leamington's respective trips to Boston United and Southport and Hemel Hempstead Town's game at Chippenham in the South are now all off.