Government funding ‘essential’ for Boston United’s survival, says chairman David Newton

Pilgrims to launch matchday streaming service...
David Newton.David Newton.
David Newton.

Boston United chairman David Newton says the Government’s National League rescue package was ‘essential’ in helping the club survive the season.

It has been reported an initial £10m of support has been given to the 66 teams across three divisions after discussions with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s essential. Since it was announced we couldn’t have fans in it’s been difficult to say the least, because I couldn’t see how we could get through the season without that,” Mr Newton said.

“It’s absolutely fabulous really.

“We’re obviously very grateful to the Government and Matt Warman as well, the local MP, who has been trying to help us push it through as well.

“We’re extremely grateful.”

The situation is due to be reviewed again three months into the campaign.

With the National League and North and South divisions classed as ‘elite sport’ fans are currently not allowed to attend matches - in line with the divisions above including the Premier League and EFL - costing clubs their main source of income.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The support package was created to help clubs cope with the loss of gate receipts, although other incomes such as catering and match day hospitality was not taken into account.

In order to enable fans to catch Pilgrims matches, United will be launching a streaming service for home games this week, ahead of Saturday’s visit of Guiseley.

“We’re trying to put that in place for next Saturday,” Mr Newton said after Saturday’s FA Cup win over AFC Mansfield.

“I think we’re making good progress. We just need to check signal, things like that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“All being well we’ll put the streaming on sale in the week and hopefully go live on Saturday.

“We’ve obviously received notification of funding from the Government which is fantastic, but it’s still going to leave us a big shortfall so every bit of income coming in is going to be really important to us.”

Mr Newton hopes that streaming can help supporters to still get their Pilgrims fix.

He added: “It’s still about communicating with the fans.

“Even though they can’t come to the ground we’re trying to make it as good as we can.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We want the fans back in as soon as possible. It’s great watching the team but it’d be 100 times better if the fans were here.

“We’re going to try to make it a good streaming service.”