National League

Nigel Huddleston: DCMS were not to blame for funding mix-up

The Sports Minister says the DCMS can’t be held responsible for the National League communicating to their clubs that further grants would be on the table

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
21 February 2021

SPORTS MINISTER Nigel Huddleston has told the Football Supporters’ Association the DCMS can’t be held responsible for the National League communicating to their clubs that further grants would be on the table.

National League chiefs insist they and the FA left a meeting in October believing more support would be offered once the initial £10m funding for the opening three months ran out.

Responding to The FSA’s letter to the government lobbying for Non-League clubs to receive grant funding, Huddleston wrote: “At no stage was the National League told by DCMS that its support would only be in the form of grants.

“It is unfortunate the National League chose to communicate this to clubs without first clarifying the nature of the support with DCMS. This appears to be a regrettable misunderstanding but DCMS cannot be held responsible for internal communications between a governing body and its clubs.”

Meanwhile, an initial 19 clubs across Steps 1-2 of the National League system will be offered loan packages worth up to £5.4m. Clubs will be notified of their individual decisions early this week.

Related TopicsFootball National League Non-League

Read our latest news on any of these social networks!

Tackle the News

- Sign Up for our weekly Non-League Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

More in National League

NEW BOYS GET CLARK’S POOLS UP & RUNNING!

Boss Lee happy to start race in style By Paul Fraser IN THE BAG: Jack Nolan celebrates scoring Hartlepool’s second with his teammates PICTURE: Michael Driver HARTLEPOOL UNITED knew they were bringing in goals when they signed Will Harris and Jack Nolan during the summer. And both Harris and Nolan...
SAV REAPS BENEFITS OF CALM APPROACH

By Ash Loveridge GOOD SHOUT: Kyle McAllister celebrates scoring Rovers’ third PICTURE: Wayne Tuckwell FOREST GREEN boss Robbie Savage admitted he is a “changed man” after watching his side launch their National League campaign with an impressive comeback victory over FC Halifax. Rovers trailed to debutant Will Flint’s early opener...
DREAM DAY FOR DAVIES AND BRAND NEW SHOTS

By Christian James SCOTT Davies hailed new-look Aldershot Town after starting his reign with a hard-fought victory at Boston United. Former Slough Town boss Davies named a starting XI consisting entirely of debutants and it worked as John Gilbert’s 59th-minute strike proved decisive. “It was a great team effort,” enthused...
IT’S DREAM START FOR BOSS DYER

By Alex Thrower NEW Southend United boss Kieron Dyer admitted it was ‘massive’ for him to start his managerial career with a victory. After going behind early on to a Tom Crawford tap-in, the Shrimpers grew into the contest, equalising before the break through the exceptional Leon Parillon. A dominant...