THE chief executive of Chorley Football Club says it would be "irresponsible and a dereliction of duties" to kick off the new season without spectators or no financial support package in place.

And Terry Robinson warned football without fans or compensation for playing behind closed doors would kill the club.

The Magpies kick off their 2020/21 campaign at home to Gateshead in the FA Cup on Saturday before Jamie Vermiglio side’s play their first National League North game at York City on Tuesday.

The FA yesterday announced that all second round qualifying round ties hosted by elite clubs – which Chorley are considered to be – have to be played behind closed doors.

Robinson said National League clubs remain in limbo with the Government saying fans are not allowed in to games due to the increase in coronavirus cases.

“In our view it is irresponsible and a dereliction of duties of directors and executives to commence the season without supporters and with no compensation agreed,” said Robinson

“It is believed the National League and the Government are in talks and hopefully before Friday we have some positive news. We want to start playing but we don’t want to play if financially it would kill our club.”

Robinson said the National League North had held a video meeting with clubs to discuss the on-going situation.

“The clubs are a mix of views, financial levels and different aims and goals,” he said. “It was therefore interesting to note that 80 per cent agreed we, as a league, could not start unless our income loss, due to Covid was somehow subsidised to enable all clubs to pay wages.

He added: “The major problem is that when a ball is kicked player’s contracts commence.”

Chorley have already had to outlay significant funds to upgrade Victory Park following promotion to the National League – work that has been carried out despite their relegation back to National League North.

The club has cut budgets, used the furlough scheme and have looked at other initiatives to raise funds but Robinson said a large chunk of Chorley’s income comes through the turnstiles.

“Our income consists mainly of the gate income coupled with match day sponsorship and other various secondary spends.” he said.