Marlow FC will look to benefit from grant funding announced by Government last week

Marlow FC will look to benefit from a slice of the £10m grant funding announced by Government last week for non-league clubs at steps 3-6.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport announced that £10m would be shared between the hundreds of clubs currently playing at the lower levels of non-league pyramid, with clubs at Marlow’s level able to apply for up to £27,000. The maximum available for clubs at step 4 is £15,000, £10,500 for step 5 and £7,500 for step 6. Clubs who apply for a grant through the Football Foundation have been told they must use it by March 31.

Bartley said: “We are looking at doing something. I’m not sure it’s gone in yet.

“A lot of the time we use the revenue that comes in for bits around the ground, whether we’re playing games there is a certain amount of upkeep that needs to happen.

“The grass needs to be cut and we’ve got an issue with the lawnmower. My understanding is that we’re going to apply (for a grant), but I’m not sure if it’s gone in just yet.

“We’re looking to put an application in. If the grants can help with some of those jobs, then it means there’s less pressure on any profit we’ve made from having supporters in.”

Bartley added that it was imperative for clubs to get back to playing matches, whether in a friendly or competitive capacity as soon as restrictions allow.

He said: “It’s important for players to get back and to play. There is this mental health aspect.

“It’s been understated. As managers we wouldn’t sit down and talk about players who are having difficult times, but we’ve had some people who’ve had some really difficult times.

“From our end we’ve had people who have had a difficult time.

“So, we want to play, we want to get out there and play as many games as we can. I don’t think the players would have a problem with a very short close season.”