Mr Newton commented: "We have been informed by the National League that it is likely that funding support from DCMS for the period of January to March, in the continued absence of supporters, would be in the form of loans rather than grants. National League clubs were therefore canvassed for their views on potential loans and whether there should be a suspension of the season.

"The National League have confirmed that they are still pressing for the funding to be in the form of grants rather than loans, however following the Zoom meeting yesterday, cubs have been asked by the National League to consider two options for the drawdown of the loans – either by individual clubs applying directly to Sport England, or alternatively by the National League taking the loan, and then making grants to clubs. The National League would then adjust annual payments to clubs to, in effect, cover the repayment of the loans.

"We were informed that some clubs had already indicated their reluctance to apply directly for loans, so we felt that could potentially generate a threat to the integrity of the competition, mid-season. We indicated that we would support the latter approach (the National League taking the loan), subject to the details of the loans, and the method of distribution working for our club. This would then give a potential way forward for the season, although it is not our preferred option.

"Clubs were also asked to give their views on a potential four-to-six-week suspension of the competition. After lengthy discussions within the club, we confirmed that we would, on balance, support this. We are a football club so, of course, we want to be playing games, but our decision took into account a number of factors. We are somewhat uncomfortable playing when the pandemic is at its peak and a large part of the population are locked down. Despite the strict Covid protocols we have in place, there is always a risk to players, staff and their families, and that has to be paramount in decision-making.

"There are also a huge number of games not currently being played due to Covid or pitch issues. This is making it very difficult to plan and prepare for games, with no certainty that we will be playing, until we have actually kicked off. A suspension would mean that a good proportion of the population (particularly those in the most vulnerable groups) will have been vaccinated by the restart – and the NHS will be over the peak of admissions and deaths. The weather and pitches should be improving so, although there will be a lot of fixtures to be played, it is likely that we would get a good run of games to complete the season. We would, of course, need to know the detail relating to any suspension – and planned restart – before offering our final support to the proposal.

"It would allow for players to be (hopefully) furloughed during the suspension, reducing costs to the clubs. If it is not suspended, and the current game postponement rates continue, it is possible that the season would have to be extended in any event, which would add at least one additional month to the wage bill, adding to an already difficult season with very little income.

"It is, albeit unlikely, possible that we may also be able to welcome some fans back into stadiums during the latter part of an extended season, which would be welcome from a financial perspective, but also importantly for health and wellbeing, and rebuilding relations with absent fans."

The United chairman added: “We agreed to start the season on the basis of the grant funding that had been offered to cover the loss of gate income during the months of October, November and December (as we were being asked to play behind-closed-doors) and until fans could be admitted to the stadium. We were extremely grateful for the funding but, like other clubs, we expected the grant funding to be extended further until we could admit fans, albeit under Covid restrictions.

"We, like other clubs, feel that we are now being forced to take significant loans to continue the season. If this situation had been made clear at the outset, we would not have commenced the season as players’ contracts came into force when the first ball of the season was kicked – and they run until at least the end of May this campaign.

"When the initial funding was provided, the Government acknowledged the huge contribution non-league clubs make to their community and, of course, we have continued to help all our community staff through this period. Taking loans could impact on the range of community programmes and initiatives that we can offer going forward, so as already stated, we fully support the National League's efforts to try to ensure any further payments are in the form of grants, while also acknowledging the extreme pressures on the public finances at this very difficult time."