Hawks preparing to welcome fans back to Westleigh Park next week – but other National League South clubs aren’t so lucky

The Havant area will be under tier 2 restrictions when the second national lockdown officially ends on that day, December 2.

Under the guidelines announced by the Government on Monday, ‘elite’ sports grounds will be able to admit 2,000 fans or 50 per cent of their capacity, whichever is lower.

Hawks officials will now step up talks aimed at ensuring they can welcome supporters back to Westleigh Park next Wednesday.

It is likely, though, that the stadium’s capacity could be restricted to 1,411.

That was the maximum number of fans that would have been allowed in last month had the Government not pressed the pause button on spectators returning to ‘elite’ stadia.

The 1,411 figure had been arrived at following discussions with the club’s local Safety Advisory Group.

Hawks’ average crowd last season in the National League South was just shy of 1,400, so even with a 1,411 capacity that should be enough room for everyone.

The club sold 550 season tickets prior to the 2020/21 season starting in early October, so will only financially benefit from a maximum of 891 fans paying on the day.

That will still be more than enough extra income, though, to cover the extra cost of stewards and other matchday staff.

Hawks have three home games in the space of eight days, as the Hemel match is quickly followed by Westleigh Park fixtures against Chelmsford (December 5) and Slough Town (December 9).

The club have also rearranged away fixtures at Welling (Tuesday, December 22) and Hampton & Richmond Borough (Tuesday, January 12).

Not all National League South clubs will be able to welcome fans back next week, though.

Slough has been placed in tier 3 – where ‘elite’ sport can still take place but behind closed doors – and so has the county of Kent. That means no fans for clubs like Dartford and – of interest to Hawks because of their pre-Christmas date – Welling.