FC Halifax prepare for ‘difficult times’ as National League falls in line

FC HALIFAX TOWN chairman David Bosomworth admits the club faces difficult times ahead with a fair amount of ‘head scratching’ likely to take place as they seek to make ends meet.
Jack Redshaw's shot is saved by Jordan Holmes. during the Saturday's National League clash between FC Halifax Town and Ebbsfleet United. Picture: Bruce RollinsonJack Redshaw's shot is saved by Jordan Holmes. during the Saturday's National League clash between FC Halifax Town and Ebbsfleet United. Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Jack Redshaw's shot is saved by Jordan Holmes. during the Saturday's National League clash between FC Halifax Town and Ebbsfleet United. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

National League chiefs have fallen in line with the top four tiers in England by calling a halt to their league programme until at least April 3 with only six of the 12 scheduled clashes at the weekend going ahead.

One of them took place at The Shay where Halifax hosted Ebbsfleet in the only televised fixture to be screened in front of spectators across Europe on Saturday.

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But in the wake of the global coronavirus crisis, the league board stated on Monday that playing on was not practical.

Fans watch FC Halifax Town take on Ebbsfleet United at The Shay on Saturday  Picture: Bruce Rollinson.Fans watch FC Halifax Town take on Ebbsfleet United at The Shay on Saturday  Picture: Bruce Rollinson.
Fans watch FC Halifax Town take on Ebbsfleet United at The Shay on Saturday Picture: Bruce Rollinson.

On how Halifax would deal with a potential extended delay, Bosomworth said: “I really don’t know. I honestly don’t know at the moment. I cannot answer it because we are going to have to look at all the cash flows.

“These are difficult times.

“We don’t have the benefit of the large central distributions and there is no fat on the back and you are living from one week to the next to make sure you have enough money to cover your VAT, PAYE and everything else and wages at the end of the month.

“After paying players, there are still other staff to pay and bills to pay and the rent on the stadium, which runs every month.”

David Bosomworth.David Bosomworth.
David Bosomworth.
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The screening of Saturday’s fixture by BT Sports was worth £6,000 in revenue for Halifax and while it is a drop in the ocean compared to the monies that Premier League and EFL clubs receive in TV cash, every little bit helps for the National League side.

Bosomworth added: “We needed it. Television receipts were £6,000. Compared with elsewhere, it seems a small amount, but for us, it is vitally important.

“It is important we can balance the books and there will be a bit of head-scratching and we will see what we can do.”