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It's not only the pitches of Kent League Clubs that are frozen! When winter takes as firm a grip as it has at present, then it's the clubs' finances that really feel the effect of the big freeze. Whilst pitches are buried beneath their protective white blanket, the revenue streams on which the livelihood of the clubs depend simply disappear from site. Gate receipts, bar revenue, refreshment sales and the other smaller ancillary income that a match day generates are simply lost. The worrying aspect of the present situation is that if the current messages of doom and gloom being generated by the weather forecasters prove to be accurate, then there doesn't appear any immediate signs of a thaw. Unfortunately, whatever warmth you may be lucky enough to benefit from doesn't spread far enough to soften the demands of local authorities and landlords for rent, nor touch the frozen hearts of the of the utility companies who still expect their ever increasing bills to be settled. There are no grants, subsidies, or Government winter fuel allowances for non-league football clubs! Left exposed and naked to the financial ravages of this record breaking arctic winter, it's no wonder clubs are feeling Jack Frost nipping at their "nether regions". Peter Denton |  |    |
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