Chesterfield: Out-of-favour players furloughed as National League clubs set to vote on season

Chesterfield FC lie 13th in the National League

Chesterfield have put some players on furlough before Monday's National League vote on how to end this season.

All 66 clubs in the three divisions have the chance to decide what happens to the rest of the 2020-21 campaign.

The Spireites will vote to continue the league programme, but have furloughed out-of-favour players on full salary.

"A small group of players who do not feature in the manager's plans have now been placed on furlough," said chief executive John Croot.

"This decision was taken in consultation with the PFA and there are other National League clubs who have furloughed players.

"Some of the players could have joined other clubs by now had it not been for the fact the National League North and National League South fixture programmes have been suspended, leading to us to take this temporary measure."

The North and South divisions have had their fixtures paused for a fortnight amid continuing uncertainty over funding.

'Inexcusable' not to finish season - Chorley

National League North Chorley, who made it to this season's FA Cup fourth round, believe that not completing the season would be "inexcusable".

A club statement said: "Having been granted the status of an elite club, it is our opinion that we need to act as such and respect the integrity and outcome of the current season.

"With the utmost appreciation we will be applying to Sport England for the loans being made available to help us finish this season with pride that we are part of great competition.

"Our hope is other clubs across all three divisions of the National League see fit to share our outlook and we will actively be lobbying clubs to follow this lead."

Clubs set for Monday vote

Analysis by Simon Stone

All 66 clubs in the three leagues will be sent a resolution for Monday's vote on whether to terminate the 2020-21 season - but the 23 teams in the National League will make their choice independently of the 43 who play in the North and South divisions.

BBC Sport understands the final wording of the resolution is yet to be agreed. However, it will provide a straight choice between ending the campaign now and continuing to a conclusion. The decision will be by a straight majority.

Technically, clubs have 28 days to respond but a final outcome is expected much earlier, although it is unclear how many will wait until after Tuesday's second meeting between Sport England and club officials before casting their votes.

Although a number of clubs - particularly at North and South level - have expressed opposition against continuing the season with the aid of long-term government-backed loans and continue to argue in favour of grants, it is understood there has been a slight softening of their position following a first meeting with Sport England on Friday.

More than 60 clubs were represented when the terms of the loans were outlined and explanations made about why grants are not available.

There is widespread acceptance that had the current position been outlined in September, the new season would never have started the following month.

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