The Return Of Fans Brings a New Set of Headaches For Some Clubs

“Light at the end of the tunnel but limited time to prepare for the best case scenario” seems to be the over-riding feeling from the government’s announcement and confirmation of Tier localisation.

Relief and anticipation was mirrored with trepidation and disbelief. A step forward for clubs, particularly those outside of tier 3 who were already prepared from previous pilot schemes and had the resources already in place to allocate tickets to smaller audiences. For larger clubs opening to such small numbers and attempting to allocate those tickets will no doubt be costly and tricky. The backlash from fans could be substantial, depending on where exactly tickets are distributed.

Then the time to prepare for some sporting institutions, particularly where seasons are already in full swing and fixtures are plentiful. Those that are allowed to have fans in stadiums from December 2nd, will need to have ensured that local safety advisory groups have been consulted and given the go ahead. Clubs would also have to bring stadium staff, including safety officers, some of whom may have been furloughed, legally back to work in time for the games. All with the chance that this return could again be halted in its tracks.

Oxford United, who play in football League One, have been confirmed in tier two, meaning they could have 2,000 fans in their 12,500 capacity Kassam Stadium but club managing director Niall McWilliams told the club’s website that might not be possible right away. “A few weeks ago we submitted plans for a trial game with 1,000 fans allowed in the ground and it may be that we have to be patient just a little longer and trial it with that plan and then step up to a larger number for the next game and hopefully keep building from there.”

EFL chairman Rick Parry has already suggested that the government announcement for a December return for fans was a surprise to many, “We weren’t really expecting anything before Christmas. There’s a lot of work to do quite quickly and it’s really important that we get this right. It’s not a case of rushing into this and tripping over. It’s a case of being measured, getting it right,” he said.

The Premier League said in response: “Our ambition remains to work with the Government to increase attendance to more substantial levels. Until this can be done, many fans will be unable to attend games and our clubs will continue to operate matches at a financial loss… Our priority continues to be the agreement of a roadmap, with DCMS and the Sports Technology and Innovation Group, for pilot events that can help our clubs quickly scale up to larger capacities in line with the Sports Ground Safety Authority’s COVID-secure guidelines and beyond.”

Premiership Rugby chief executive, Darren Childs, supported the news, calling it a “welcome boost” for Premiership Rugby clubs and the wider sports sector. His organisation is set to receive £59million in Government support to cover matchday losses as part of the Winter Survival Package for sports. He said within a statement: “Our clubs have proved that when it is safe to do so they can bring fans back safely, with very successful pilot events at Harlequins and Gloucester Rugby.

David Armstrong, the chief executive of the Racecourse Association, said that following the announcement that £40 million of loans would be available to horse racing it was more good news for racecourses across England: “Even with limited numbers, racecourses can start to re‐open facilities for racegoers, hospitality guests and owners. Work continues to prepare for larger-scale pilots across the sports sector and Racing will continue to play a key role in this vital recovery phase.”

Goodwood motorsport director Daniel Garlick said, “We are really pleased to hear the news regarding small crowds returning to outdoor sporting events which is a great step forward for the sports and events industries. At Goodwood, we will be announcing our 2021 event dates soon and whilst current vaccination news seems very positive which is absolutely fantastic, the team are busy planning for every eventuality to ensure an enjoyable and Covid-safe return.”

A step in the right direction is the overwhelming feeling but whilst the return in these small numbers can be very beneficial for the smaller clubs and stadiums that are used to these levels outside of a pandemic, there are still various hurdles and numerous extra costs to be prepared for. Ensuring social distancing at a small ground with old style turnstiles and ticketing facilities will present its own problems. For the larger clubs it is operating at a loss, whilst really being unable to prove much with the systems and resources they may have already financed. Percentage of capacity attendance was a potential plan that many clubs would have welcomed but then resources to police this would ensure a lot of trust is permitted. For many this is a step forward but merely a dipping of the toe that could prove little on a roadmap to rediscovering high volume safety at stadia for the future.