We must start by saying that the biggest challenge and greatest priority for us all at this time is in helping stop and eradicate Covid-19. We must all adopt a responsible approach to manage this the right way to keep our families safe and get through these difficult times.
This crisis put into context and reaffirms that the most important thing in life are our families, partners, children, relatives and friends.
1874 Northwich FC recognises the amazing work, dedication and effort being put in by everyone working in the NHS and our service industries. Without these people we would not be able to see our way through this pandemic, and to these people we are truly grateful.
This week, the Football Association announced the decision to terminate the 2019/20 season at all levels below step 3 of the non league pyramid and to declare all results null and void. Given the obvious uncertainty as to when or if the season could be safely resumed, we appreciate the decision to end the season now. However, the decision to expunge all records with no recognition for the many thousands of man hours that have been put into the last 9 months by players, coaches, club officials, volunteers and supporters is something that we find totally unacceptable.
We believe that this decision has been made in haste, without proper consultation and that fairer more workable solutions should be considered prior to a final decision being made.
To this end 1874 Northwich FC are placing our full support behind the growing list of non league clubs from all over the country who are currently petitioning the Football Association to reconsider this ill thought out decision.
Football particularly at non league and grassroots level has a massive positive effect on many peoples lives and well-being and as a club we will doing all that we can to support our football family through these uncertain times.
We would like to place on record our immense appreciation to all our players, management and coaching staff, volunteers and supporters for the manner in which they have represented the club this season. To completely disregard the efforts and financial contribution of all these people is totally unacceptable and 1874 Northwich FC will be challenging the FA’s decision in the strongest possible terms. We offer our full support to League Chairman Paul Lawler and his management team whom we know are extremely unhappy with the current situation.
1874 Northwich FC will always recognise the achievements of our 2019/20 playing squad. Their performance during this season will be forever a part of our history, whatever the final outcome of the season is.
On behalf of the football club board I would again wish to recognise the efforts and sacrifices made by our 1874 family. At some point football will start again, and we look forward to many more good times.
Look after yourselves, be safe until we meet again.
Stephen Richardson
Chairman
1874 Northwich FC.