FC Halifax Town: “I think it’s ridiculous” says Wild as uncertainty over National League season goes on

Town boss Pete Wild has branded the National League’s handling of the voting process over the fate of the season “ridiculous”.
Pete Wild. Photo: Marcus BranstonPete Wild. Photo: Marcus Branston
Pete Wild. Photo: Marcus Branston

Last night, clubs in the National League’s three divisions received resolutions asking them to vote for the outcome they want, due to the ongoing funding row.

A special resolution (resolution one) has been sent out, along with three ordinary resolutions - which will be based on the outcome of the special resolution.

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Clubs are asked whether they want to vote on the outcome of their own step - step one being the National League and step two being the National League North and South.

If that is passed, National League clubs will vote whether or not they want to end their own season (resolution two), with North and South clubs also voting on their own season (resolution three).

But if the special resolution is not passed, then all 66 member clubs will vote on the outcome of the entire National League (resolution four).

The special resolution needs a 75 per cent majority to be passed, while the three ordinary resolutions need a 50 per cent majority.

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And to complicate matters further, for resolutions one and four, each National League club has one vote, while the North and South have four votes per league, while resolutions two and three will be voted on in a one club, one vote system.

Clubs have 28 days to return their voting submissions.

Clubs have been offered long-term loans to allow football to continue, but many have said they would rather null and void the season rather than take on debt.

Clubs were due to meet with Sport England this morning (Tuesday) to discuss the loans and grants available in order to get a clearer picture before voting.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Wild. “What really frustrates me is the 28 days - in my opinion we should all know by Friday tea-time what’s going on, what we’re doing.

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“If we’re finishing, we should all be wrapped up on Friday, if we’re carrying on, we should all know we’re carrying on by Friday.

“I think this delay just adds to the nonsense.”

When asked why he thought the 28-day period had been created, Wild said: “I think the National League are scared of clubs taking them to court, the clubs are only bothered about themselves.

“It’s just a mess. It just shows shocking leadership yet again from the National League.

“We had this last season and we’re going through it again.

“I don’t mind putting on record how frustrated I am with the whole situation.”

Read more from the Town boss on the National League, injuries and a potential new signing in Thursday’s Halifax Courier.