Gainsborough Trinity captain fears for future of non-league football

Clubs across the country face an uncertain few months ahead as they battle to get to grips with cash shortfalls and an expected economic downturn.

Trinity themselves launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £10,000 just weeks after placing the players on furlough.

And the former Lincoln and Kidderminster man says the alarm bells are ringing.

“I fear for non-league football, it is obvious to everyone that a lot of clubs rely on gate receipts and sponsorship money,” he said.

“Businesses who sponsor clubs are being affected and if they are going to have to cut their cloth accordingly, how can they put thousands a year into a football club?

“There will be a knock on effect throughout the game and it is going to be really difficult. I feel for all the clubs, especially Gainsborough.”

The Trinity captain also said it was important clubs came through the cash crisis and stay a focal point for the community.

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“I feel for the board of directors, it must be a nightmare to sort furlough out, to keep doing what they are doing for the club as well as their day jobs,” he added.

“The chairman has his own business, it is not just a football club, it is everything that goes with it.

“There is a real knock on effect with the finances that will effect everyone and if the worse did happen to some clubs, it would be a travesty.

“I don’t live in Gainsborough, but whenever you are there the football club seems to be the heartbeat of the town.

“There are people behind the scenes who do this for nothing and they deserve a real mention as well as the chairman and directors.

“If you see what the chairman has created down at Roses, moving forward, the set up will be unbelievable down there.

“The Roses complex will be one of the best things to happen for Gainsborough.

“It is a crazy time and you will never see a situation like this again in our life time. It is surreal.

“As a footballer, sitting at home is tough. You get to a Friday night and feel like you should be eating chicken and pasta.

“It is hard to keep motivated and keep the fitness levels up now the season is over.”

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