Magpies could live stream games so fans can watch their team in action

The Magpies are due to get their 2020-21 campaign underway this weekend when they host Gateshead at Victory Park in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

The first league game will follow on Tuesday when Jamie Vermiglio's men travel to York City.

As things stand, both games are due to be played behind closed doors and the likelihood is that all of Chorley's games will not be played in front of a crowd over the next six months.

The National League is locked in negotiations with the Government about a financial package to help its clubs survive without much-needed gate receipts.

There is a possibility that without financial help, clubs in the National League will not begin the season as they will not be to fulfil their players' contracts.

Chorley chairman Ken Wright said the club would fold by the turn of the year if fans were not allowed back inside Victory Park or there was no financial bailout on offer.

They are looking at ways of plugging the financial hole and streaming the games live could be a source of income.

They are also looking at other fund-raising initiatives in these difficult times.

The club's chief executive Terry Robinson said: "Our income consists mainly of the gate income coupled with match day sponsorship and other various secondary spends.

"League monies came early to compensate for last season’s early finish. Income has been very much reduced and at one point the Black and White draw was our only income.

"The social club has been closed since March so again another income stream has become non-existent.

"On Wednesday the National League North had a video meeting with nearly all clubs present. The clubs are a mix of views, financial levels and different aims and goals.

"It was therefore interesting to note that 80% agreed that we as a league could not start unless our income loss, due to Covid was somehow subsidised to enable all clubs to pay wages.

"The major problem is that when a ball is kicked player’s contracts commence.

"In our view t is irresponsible and a dereliction of duties of Directors and executives to commence the season without supporters and with no compensation agreed.

"It is believed the National League and the Government are in talks and hopefully before next Friday we have some positive new

"If it’s possible to start the season we will then have further problems. How can we bring football to our season ticket holders and supporters?

"We are discussing live streaming of matches where there will be a fixed price per game or for the full season.

"Season ticket holders will get the service at no cost. We also plan to sell seats in the sporting club where the games will be on big screens both in the main room and if enough interest with a meal in the 1883 Lounge.

"This is a real possibility and we would like to gauge if our supporters will be interested. Please email us your thoughts to [email protected] or call 01257-230007."