Moneyfields chairman: We need an independent body to replace the FA and oversee grassroots football

Moneyfields have been experiencing cashflow problems ever since lockdown was imposed back in March. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

There is currently much anger in the non-league game regarding the fact no fans are being allowed in to watch pre-season friendlies.

The FA, as the sport’s governing body, has faced heavy criticism with clubs still having to pay match officials and bills with no revenue coming in.

Seiden was highly critical of the FA earlier in the year when they null and voided steps 3-7 of the non-league pyramid due to the pandemic.

‘You know my views on the FA,’ he said. ‘They should bring in an independent body to look after grassroots football.

‘The FA don’t really care what goes on below the EFL.

‘We need an independent body that is more in touch with what goes on at our level.

‘It’s been a daily struggle for clubs like ours, with no help from above.’

While other non-league clubs have at least been able to reopen their bars, Moneyfields’ social club has remained closed.

‘It hasn’t reopened because basically we haven’t got the money to buy the bits and pieces we need to get it open,’ said Seiden.

‘We’re just concentrating on the football side at the moment.

‘Everything’s up in the air, though. We haven’t had any commitments yet from our main sponsors. They’ve said if things improve, they’ll come back - and if things don’t, they won’t.

‘We’re having to plod on as best we can.

‘Dave (Carter, first team manager) has done a great job, he’s got a squad that is better than last season’s on paper and looks very competitive.

‘He’s kept the big names and brought in good players like George Barker and Marley Ridge. They haven’t asked for the world, they understand our situation.

‘It’s just ridiculous I can go and sit in a restaurant with 100 other people, but they can’t come and watch a game of football.

‘We could double the amount of social distancing space in our ground and still be fine.’