The EFL is rightly facing fury after Gateshead were barred from taking part in the National League play-offs.
The club has a stadium to play in next season, and almost certainly well beyond, should they win promotion to League Two.
But the EFL has blocked their progress for failing to secure a "10-year security of tenure" at the International Stadium, where they have played since 1971-72.
This approach is intransigent, and means petty bureaucracy is standing in the way of the dreams and aspirations of Gateshead FC, their players and fans. Gateshead’s play-off with Solihull scheduled for Tuesday April 23 has been cancelled - but the club has instructed barristers to launch an appeal, and they have support from politicians in the North East.
The details behind the decision are rooted in austerity and cuts to council budgets. The EFL should be taking this into account and offering flexibility not a roadblock.
Shearer slams Arteta after Arsenal draw - "needs to have a word with himself"
Gateshead council are seeking a new operator for the stadium, which houses athletics and indoor sports. In fact Alan Shearer trained there as a kid at Southampton’s Centre of Excellence. So did triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards, and legend Brendan Foster.
The place has sporting history. It runs at a deficit of £860k a year which the council can’t afford. Most other councils in the North East, leisure facilities are being moved out of direct council control and new operators sought, to allow new sources of funding.
Alan Shearer trained at the Gateshead International Stadium as a kid (Offside via Getty Images)When a new operator is found, there is a 12 month break clause with the club, which is the bone of contention. The key is Gateshead FC WILL have a stadium next season and beyond, and there is a 12 month grace period should they ever have to move, which is unlikely.
Labour Mayoral candidate Kim McGuinness has written to the EFL guaranteeing strong political support for Gateshead and demanding a rethink.
She wrote: “I am asking you to reverse your decision… Your lack of flexibility now means it is bureaucracy off the pitch not success on it which defines the future of Gateshead FC.
“The facts are clear. Gateshead has a stadium to play in next year, the club has the support off the pitch to ensure it’s long term viability.The EFL must allow an urgent review of the decision and meet with the club, and its backers, to work through the options.”
Kim McGuinness , Labour's Mayoral candidateGateshead have done brilliantly this season to reach the play offs. Their games should go ahead. If they get to Wembley, and beyond, it would allow time for guarantees to be met to keep the EFL happy. If not, at least their sporting endeavour has been allowed to play out.
An EFL statement read: "As the EFL strongly believes in the principles of promotion and relegation it is therefore highly disappointing that appropriate solutions have not been put in place over the previous two-year period, as avoidable circumstances are preventing Gateshead from progressing up the pyramid even if the club achieves success through sporting merit.
"The League hopes that Gateshead and the relevant stakeholders can address this matter so that the club can meet the obligations of EFL membership and be eligible for promotion in future seasons."
It is time for a rethink.
Arteta should learn from Klopp mistake after being labelled "embarrassment"
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
