Hawks wait on approval for fans return in time for Hemel Hempstead league meeting

Hawks are still awaiting approval that they can welcome fans back to Westleigh Park in time for Wednesday's National League South meeting with Hemel Hempstead.
Hawks supporters. Picture: Dave Haines/Portsmouth NewsHawks supporters. Picture: Dave Haines/Portsmouth News
Hawks supporters. Picture: Dave Haines/Portsmouth News

The club were handed a huge boost last week following the announcement that supporters could return to watch elite football when nationwide lockdown restrictions are lifted on Wednesday.

However, Hawks are still waiting for confirmation to open the turnstiles for Wednesday's fixture.

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They need approval from both the Hampshire County Council Safety Advisory Group and the National League in order for fans to be allowed to return.

The club have been working hard in order for measures to be met and an inspection was scheduled to take place today.

It's hoped they will be granted permission in time for the visit of Hemel.

The Hawks will inform supporters as soon as a decision is reached.

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Meanwhile, the National League has formed an independent committee to ‘look into the methodology of distribution of emergency funding.'

Chaired by former FA chairman David Bernstein, a seven-person panel is in place.

The committee has asked each club to provide their summary on how the £10m government National League bailout fund was distributed between league members.

The Hawks still have the last of three £30,000 monthly payments to come – which end next month.Nine National League clubs - AFC Fylde, AFC Telford, Chester, Dulwich Hamlet, Hereford, Kidderminster Harriers, Maidstone United, Dorking and Chesterfield - were so angered at how the funding package was shared between the 66 teams across three divisions they called for chairman Brian Barwick's resignation.

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