Gareth Clements calls for help to protect the future of the league

With the new season set to commence in less than a fortnight’s time it still remains unclear as to whether or not fans will be allowed to attend games.

Even if supporters are given the green light it will be at a drastically reduced capacity leading to fears regarding the long-term viability for clubs.

Larne owner Kenny Bruce was one of a number of people who flagged up the issue months ago, but now the stark reality is looming for local football.

“The issue was flagged up by Kenny about four months ago but it seems the penny is only dropping in other circles now the season is upon us,” said Clements.

“We face a very real prospect of teams going out of business.

“We need to do something to protect teams.

“I have been very complimentary of NIFL, they have developed a fantastic product here, but now is the time for leadership to make sure that we protect that product.

“As a club we have tried to be pro-active because we have to do all we can to makie sure we do all we can for our club.

“We have shared best practice with any club that has asked as we are keen to help if we can and protect the league and the product if we can.

“The trial events have been key and show that we are doing all we can to show we can manage the safe return of supporters to games.

“But there is going to be gaps in revenue this season.

“Our revenue stream from the social clubs is going to be hit severely this season, but there are other clubs out there who don’t have social club facilities and solely rely on people coming through the gate.”

Larne have been working hard with Mid and East Antrim Council to successfully hold a number of friendlies over the last two months.

Clements feels they have demonstrated that fans can attend games in a safe manner.

“For the last few games we have been working to a total attendance of 600, which is about 21.6% of the overall capacity,” he said.

“With the two metre distancing in place we would be hopeful of reaching 800 which is around 28%, but if the government were to relax it to one metre we would be able to get closer to our break even figure.

“I have to thank the council for how they have worked with us and advised us.

“It has been hard work, a lot of trial and error over the last few months, but we have learnt from every event so far.

“Crumlin United was our very first trial event and we were working up to the Derry City game, which we knew we would have to be on the money for.

“A lot of work goes into each and every event.

“I can’t thank the fans enough for the way they have embraced the guidelines and worked with us, they have been so accommodating.”

Larne’s General Manager, Niall Curneen, also praised the fans and the large number of volunteers for everything they have done in recent weeks.

“The fans have been great coming out to support us, but our ultimate goal is to reach the highest capacity possible within the guidelines,” he said.

“That will help us facilitate as many spectators as possible when we come towards the start of the season.

“We take the safety of our spectators very seriously, we have to stress our guidelines by going to the maximum of our capacity.

“It takes a lot of work but it gives people confidence going forward we can cope with increased capacity.

“Every test event we have we see it getting closer to a return to normal with an increased atmosphere and buzz around the stadium.

“We are indebted to the large number of volunteers at the club, they have given blood, sweat and tears to make sure this club maintains its position and the hard work and effort it has taken us to get there.

“So many of the board have swapped their shirts and ties and donned the hi-vis over the last few months to help where they can.

“It has been a real team effort and no-one is precious about their position.

“We are coming up to about two weeks until the big kick off and there isn’t really much noise coming from certain areas.

“We have 12 clubs in the league and they will face significant expense now and also face having severely reduced revenues.

“We would appeal to the authorities to help in whatever way they can.”