Celtic chairman delays restart due to financial reasons

Stalybridge Celtic have confirmed that their Boxing Day derby vs Hyde United and New Year's Day clash at Ashton United will not take place. 

chairman Rob Gorski made the following statement on the club's website:

“As some of you may have read elsewhere, the League Management Committee (LMC) of the Pitching In Northern Premier League issued a statement yesterday which showed no leadership and essentially opted out of making a key decision by leaving each club to make their own choice on whether to play or not over the festive period. Most clubs have acted swiftly and come to the same conclusion.

“After discussing the matter with Hyde United chairman, Steve Hartley, I confirm that our Boxing Day derby will sadly not take place this year. This was a joint decision and both boards were unanimous in their views. I thank Steve for his swift, honest and open feedback.

“Both clubs want to see football return, however, we are tied to having just 300 fans through the gate (a significant number of those would not be paying on the day as they are  season ticket holders, VPs etc) and with no refreshments on sale, that is simply not an economically viable scenario. 

“There have been a plethora of clubs issuing statements today with one club stating that they would go in to liquidation within three weeks if they continued to play under current restrictions!

“I believe that I am far from being the only chairman that is 'disappointed' with the leadership shown by our LMC in addressing what we all accept are unprecedented times, however the decision taken was a simple one. 

“Despite wanting to play football, this board is only the temporary custodian of this great club of ours and we cannot financially jeopardise over a century of Celtic history whilst simultaneously potentially putting at risk the health of our fans.

“So, on a rather depressing note, I sadly confirm that football at our club is over for 2020. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the fans, volunteers, sponsors, the management team and players and the directors for all their incredible hard work and support over such a difficult 12 months. 

“We can only hope that 2021 is a happier and healthier year for everyone.

“On behalf of the whole board, I wish everyone a very merry Christmas.”