AFC Fylde owner frustrated by delays in deciding the National League's outcome

Owner David Haythornthwaite has expressed his frustration that the fate of AFC Fylde remains unclear a month after National League clubs voted to end their regular season.
AFC Fylde owner David HaythornthwaiteAFC Fylde owner David Haythornthwaite
AFC Fylde owner David Haythornthwaite

Fylde then called for promotion play-offs to be scrapped too when the clubs were consulted on that issue more than three weeks ago.

But as the wait goes on for further announcements, Haythornthwaite admits “a state of flux” prevails as second-bottom Fylde remain threatened with relegation.

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The Fylde chairman told the club website: “We were expecting a pretty quick decision on whether the play-offs were going to take place.

“But the National League postponed their decision because they were waiting to see what the EFL were going to do.”

Haythornthwaite maintains the decisions made by the Premier League are all-important because no relegation from the top flight would have a knock-on effect down to Fylde’s level.

He added: “I said at the start that everything would be driven by the Premier League. Whatever they decide on relegation is the key.

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“There’s a lot of controversy about actually playing in the Premier League.

“It seems they are determined to play these games.

“I still don’t believe it should be happening myself. I think the risks are too high. I don’t think it sends the right message.”

An EFL statement on Thursday boosted the National League’s hopes of seeing two teams promoted into League Two.

The League Two clubs decided a week ago that they wished to see no relegation this season but the EFL have since stated that relegation is “integral” to the integrity of their competition.

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However, the EFL would seek reassurances that the 2020/21 National League season can get underway before agreeing to relegation.

Meanwhile, Haythornthwaite revealed that no Fylde players had responded to the offer of jobs in his factory.

The owner has invited his furloughed players to top up their wages by packing veterinary products for £9.50 per hour.

Haythornthwaite reported “a good reaction from support staff” at AFC Fylde, saying three replied within 24 hours and had started shifts.

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As for the players, he said: “At the moment I haven’t had any take-up from any of the footballers.

“We have contacted most of them, who say they are OK at the moment.

“If they don’t need any more money, that’s great. There are still offers there.

“I was conscious quite a lot of the players have young families, mortgages and bills to pay.

“I thought it was a good idea to try to offer that help.”