My fellow supporters;

I had hoped to be writing to you this week with a clear picture of what things will look like at Hayes Lane on 3rd October when our 2020/21 football season kicks off. However, as I’m sure you are all aware, the situation continues to change constantly with regard to what level of crowd we will be allowed to have, and also, following the sad news of Macclesfield Town last week, if indeed we will have a fixture on 3^rd October. With regard to this fixture, as soon as we have any further news from the National League, we will let you know.

As we are awaiting further information as to when we can welcome supporters back to Hayes Lane and with what level of crowd, we as a club are working as hard as we can to be as adaptable and agile as we can in these times, and to provide supporters with as many options and opportunities as possible for supporting the Club in the forthcoming season.

Let me now update you with what we have been able to put together to date in preparing for the return of football at Hayes Lane. We have put in place a “Priority Membership” scheme which will reward those season ticket holders from last year, and also be available for everyone else. We have had to review our admission prices knowing that we will only be able to operate at a far smaller capacity under the latest COVID Guidelines, and this results in us having to increase these prices. Finally, we have joined forces with a professional broadcasting company so that we can stream all home games live, and you will be able to enjoy the high standard of production you are accustomed to at home on your TV!

There has been great thought behind all these offerings and initiatives, as we are conscious of the great support we have, and the times we are in at present, but equally, we have a Football Club and business to run, and we have tried our best to find a balance and accommodate everyone.

Priority Membership:

The new membership scheme will be priced at £50 per person, but will be free for 2019/20 season ticket holders as our way of thanks for their loyalty to us. This will provide 48 hours priority access to matchday tickets, before they go on general sale.

Admission prices:

Adults: £20
OAPs: £15
U16s: £7

With seating being limited due to restrictions, there will now be an additional charge of £5 for this on top of the ticket price. Due to very limited availability, seating will only be available to Adults, OAPs and Family Bookings. When the time comes, seated ticket sales will be managed via a dedicated phone line.

Live streaming:

We are pleased to have partnered with a professional Outdoor Broadcasting provider to enable us to stream our home matches professionally. This will include multiple camera angles, instant replays, live commentary, in-game graphics and an interactive pre-match show. In addition, the full stream will be available post-match to those who have missed it, meaning increased flexibility. This service will be priced at £9.99 per match.

In Summary:

I hope that the above shows that no matter what the situation will be for the club, or indeed your personal circumstances, we are doing our utmost to ensure that you have access to our home matches, whether it be in the stadium, or via a professional live streaming service.

Despite the circumstances we all find ourselves in, hopefully supporters will have seen that myself and the Club are continuing to deliver on the promise of giving Neil Smith and his management team as much support as possible and the best chance of success. Since I last wrote to you, nine signings have been made, with a further one being announced later tonight. I can safely say it’s one you’ll all be very pleased with too!

I want to once again stress that we need all of you on board at this difficult time. With little certainty as to the exact challenges ahead, in this most uncertain of seasons, each and every one of us has a more important part to play than ever, and that very much includes you – the supporters.

As and when decisions from the authorities are communicated with the Club, we will be beginning the process of making the above options available to supporters based on the circumstances we find ourselves in.

In the meantime, please stay safe and well. I really hope to be welcoming you to Hayes Lane again soon.

Robin Stanton-Gleaves
Chairman