In normal circumstances Torquay United would be lining up against Stockport County this Saturday and they would both commencing an assault on a second promotion in the space of three seasons.
The 2018-19 campaign saw the Gulls memorably clinch the National League South title while the Hatters triumphed in National League North. After re-establishing themselves in the National League last season, both their respective managers Gary Johnson and Jim Gannon have spent the summer priming their squads for their respective shots at returning to the Football League.
However, the recent U-turn by the government over the planned return of fans to watch live sport, which was originally pencilled in for October 1, now means that Johnson and Gannon are now anxiously waiting to see if their opening fixture will go ahead behind closed doors, or whether it will be even be played at all.
For Johnson and Gannon the question is 'to play or not to play?'
Without the income generated by gate receipts many clubs will be left facing extreme financial hardship, with many predicting a 'financial armageddon' for lower league sides - not just for teams in the Nationnal League, but for the lower reaches of the EFL as well. Some clubs, especially those in National Leagues North and South, have declared that they are not prepared to start their campaigns without a support package in place, as many are believed to be on the verge of making all but essential non-playing staff redundant.
A group of notable figures in the game have been lobbying the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden and an announcement regarding a government bailout is expected soon.
The second qualifying round of the FA Cup is due to take place this weekend, which will see National League North and South clubs enter the competition and it has been announced that fans of these clubs will be barred from attending any of the ties that they feature in. The possible withdrawal of sides from National Leagues North and South has also been mentioned.
Many clubs have tried innovative ways of generating revenue from offering fans the chance of live stream matches, which several have made available for the coverage of their pre-season friendlies. Nevertheless it is unlikely while live streaming has the potential to bring in money from exiled fans who wouldn't normally attend matches, there would still be a shortfall in terms of the money earned from spectators who would normally buy a season ticket or pay on the gate.
