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BRIGHOUSE TOWN STATEMENT

BRIGHOUSE TOWN STATEMENT

Damian Wales17 Mar 2020 - 10:59
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Statement from Secretary Dave Parker

BRIGHOUSE TOWN'S fixtures in the BetVictor NPL North West Division have come to a halt in line with other football leagues and all other major sports, and that also includes their academy team.
Ahead of the planned trip to Gateshead on Saturday to play Dunston, the league's Hal-fax-based General Manager and treasurer and former Halifax Town secretary Angie Firth contacted club officials that the Northern Premier League had decided on Monday afternoon reluctantly, to suspend all fixtures until further notice in light of the escalating Covid-19 outbreak.
She continued:"The League would like to congratulate the players, officials, volunteers and fans of clubs able to stage games at the weekend and notes the excellent attendances at those fixtures. Whilst the primary responsibility of the League is to the financial sustainability of its member clubs, the number of clubs reporting players or officials in self-isolation has now reached a point at which continuing to play games would severely undermine the integrity of the competition.
"In consultation with the partners Eliteform, all NPL Football Academy fixtures have also been suspended until further notice.

"The NPL is well aware that clubs and fans need clarity around whether the 2019/20 season is to be suspended temporarily or permanently, and the full implications of either eventuality. The NPL will be working with the other Alliance Leagues and the Football Association, to assess the various options and to agree a way forward.

"As soon as we are able to, we will share that information with member clubs and their support."

Ms Firth also added: "With so much uncertainty surrounding the issues caused by the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the Board of the NPL have considered the impact and also decided to cancel the annual Player of the Year awards dinner in Barnsley next month.
"The main priority is of course the safety and health of those persons who would have been attending. Secondly it would be difficult to continue to plan for a Players of the Year Awards event in April when we are not sure when (if) this season will actually conclude – this decision is not in our hands."

Town's immediate problem is keeping the cashflow moving to cover contracts, utility bills and ground maintenance, and, as such, are asking their members and supporters to help out in anyway they can. The club currently have an Easter Draw running until April 18, have their 200 Club wanting more members at £1 a week and the National Lottery Bonus Ball at £5 per week.
Town's former leading goalscorer in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, Aaron Martin, who left the club at the end of last season for Guiseley, has signed for National; League promotion chases Harrogate Town for a substantial five figure fee.
Martin, 29, cousin of Town's manager Vill Powell, has been chased by National League promotion favourites York City since December. They were however, pipped at the post by Harrogate despite also putting in a most serious five figure bid.
** Please contact Dave Parker if you can afford to join the 200 Club, Bonus Ball or can sell a few more Easter Draw tickets.....Every pound will count right now..many thanks.Tel: 07483119054

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