McKendry upbeat regarding support

COLERAINE Chairman Colin McKendry says he is “confident” a support package for Irish League clubs may emerge before the start of the new season…

By: Aaron O’Neill

It is believed that local clubs could lose £2million in gate receipts alone as it appears supporter numbers could be significantly restricted for the upcoming season due to COVID-19.

The Bannsiders are due to begin the 2020/21 campaign at home to bitter rivals Ballymena United on Saturday, October 17. With the opening game of the season edging ever closer, Irish League clubs are still awaiting advice from the relevant government authorities and the Irish Football Association.

However, a Taskforce set up by the Northern Ireland Football League which underpins the impact of COVID-19 on local football may unlock the door to the relevant information.

With less than two weeks to go until the Bannsiders clash with the Braidmen, McKendry says all is not lost insisting that the information that Irish League clubs need may come to the fore.

“I am confident that we are going to get some assistance and guidance from the government and the IFA in the weeks ahead,” Colin McKendry told colerainefc.com.

“We could be looking at some form of financial assistance or we could be getting further information regarding crowd capacity but I am calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to help save clubs by providing some financial support and guidance.

“Football is a massive contributor to Northern Ireland’s sporting economy with an annual turnover of around £11million so it is vital.”

The situation facing clubs is real at this stage as it is feared some may go out of business if they do not receive financial support from the IFA or the Northern Ireland Executive.

With that in mind, McKendry says that a united approach is needed to sustain the future of clubs involved with Northern Irish football.

“This is not just about Coleraine every club in this league needs assistance,” insisted McKendry.

“We understand that the COVID-19 situation is fluid and it changes daily but if bigger numbers are not allowed clubs need financial assistance for the sustainability of clubs.

“I would like to think as a Northern Ireland Football League board member and as Chairman of Coleraine that some help will emerge because this is a massive issue for sport and the local economy.”

The 57-year-old also paid tribute to his fellow NIFL board members who McKendry says have worked hard to provide answers for concerned clubs.

“A lot of hard work has been put in by the NIFL board and some members were unfairly criticised about the curtailment of last season,” adds the Coleraine Chairman.

“What I can tell you is that the work that goes on behind the scenes is unbelievable and all of the information is being gathered to put our case to the government.

“The Irish League is the largest employer in the sports sector and this is another reason why guidance is needed.”