On Tuesday the government announced that plans to
let fans back in to sporting venues has been paused. As a club, we are not
alone in craving certainty from our governing bodies in respect of the
practical implications of this for our supporters and the planned start of the
league season.Since that announcement we have been closely
monitoring any developments that we may have been able to share with you,
beyond the information that has already been put in the public domain. The
Board of the National League is holding a meeting today, after which it is
hoped that we will receive the clarity we are looking for and which will allow
us to confirm to you the plans we are able to implement at the earliest
opportunity.In the meantime, we are simply unable to answer
many of the questions we know that you have. Your patience and understanding of
the situation is greatly appreciated.Behind the scenes, we are continuing to prepare in
full for the start of the season against Aldershot Town at the Vic on 3rd
October.Friendly vs Middlesbrough U23s
Unfortunately, tomorrow's friendly against Middlesbrough U23s has been cancelled due to one of our players testing positive for Covid-19 today. This is an isolated case as other players and staff have also been tested with negative results. Having consulted with our Club Covid Medical Officer and also discussed the matter with Middlesbrough FC it has been agreed that the fixture should not take place. We will let you know if there any changes to our plans to visit Gateshead on Saturday.
Live Streaming
The League recently announced that clubs have a
dispensation to live stream National League matches to supporters whilst ground
capacities are restricted due to Covid-19. Each home club is being given the
discretion to decide whether a particular home match is streamed.We have been exploring the most appropriate options
(and associated costs) available to us to ensure that supporters will be able
to see Dave's team start the season. We have now selected a partner who we believe
will be able to provide us with the services, support and ability to monetise
our streamed matches for as long as the League grants us the dispensation to do
so.We had planned to test this streaming platform in
full during tomorrow's match against Middlesbrough U23s, however we will now be
carrying out additional testing in advance of the opening home game of the
season. We will provide details of pricing and how to access the live streaming
as soon as our testing has been completed to our full satisfaction.Ticketing
Season tickets are currently available for collection from the Victoria Lounge, at the times outlined in our previous communications: https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/2020-21-season-tickets-now-available-to-collect/
As a reminder, in the event that season ticket
holders are not permitted into matches due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Club
will provide every season ticket holder with an extra match day ticket (to
bring along a friend or family member) which will be available to use at
fixtures later in the season as and when crowd restrictions are eased.New kit
The impact of Covid-19 has certainly affected our
expected delivery dates for this season's replica kits. O'Neill's have been
extremely transparent with us about the arrangements and we remain confident
that those new kits will be in store before the season starts. Watch out for a
teaser in coming days followed by details of how you will be able to order your
home and away kits online for collection or delivery.Programmes
Our requirement to publish a full match programme
in accordance with League rules has also been suspended, with each club able to
decide whether to produce a printed or digital programme – or operate without
one - until the suspension is lifted.We continue to explore the options available to us
alongside their respective financial implications. Once we have concluded our
evaluation of the options, we will advise you of our intentions.Supporters across all clubs are currently looking
for answers to questions that are not immediately to hand. Once we have clarity,
we will be able to fully address the practical implications and uncertainties
that affect you, both individually and collectively.MartinJesper
Acting Executive Director
24th September 2020