The conclusion of the National Football League’s 2020/21 season left clubs, fans, and critics alike with an uneasy feeling. Former Chairman Brian Barwick has stated that trust is required between the competition board and clubs to avoid a similar outcome in 2021/22.
The National League final matchday ended in a positive light. Aston Gate was the venue where Hartlepool saw off Torquay in a memorable penalty shoot-out victory. A last-minute equalizer from Torquay United goalkeeper Lucas Covolan with an attendance of 6,500 fans could not have ended better. Top sportsbooks couldn’t have anticipated such a highly improbable ending.
With that said, the season as a whole was plagued with uncertainty and displeasure, between rows over the method of distribution for grants obtained to start the season to a funding crisis that came to fruition during the Christmas period. It soon became apparent future revenue would come through loans.
Most clubs became displeased with the decision to keep playing behind closed doors in the National League but not in the North and South divisions. They then saw financial penalties for clubs that refused to abide by the decree and decided they would not play before the direction of the season was resolved.
Former Chairman Brian Barwick was often scrutinized for the part he played. Alongside the rest of the National League Board, he only endured a no confidence motion due to the league’s voting structure, which pits most of the power in the hands of step one clubs.
“There has to be some work done at restoring a level of trust,” Barwick told journalists.
“If there are any lessons to be learned or need to pull the league together, there may be opportunities through a new chair and a new general manager and a couple of new board members.”
Barwick gave an enthusiast speech before the National League promotion final, which proved how good he was at delivering an audience-pleasing display.
With that said, this talent did not come into play during the consecutive controversial events within the National League throughout 2020/21, and it became apparent the nature of the criticism he received was painful.
“I have been in a lot of roles where part of the reality of the position is that you come in for a level of criticism. Sometimes it’s fair, sometimes it’s unfair, and sometimes it’s very unfair,” he said.
“But I always believe a bit of dignity and class goes a long way.
“Sure, it has been challenging. Yes, some of it has been personal. In the end, you must accept some of it – but not all of it. You do not have to read all of it or see all of it. But you do not ignore it. It is the reality to the people who are saying It, and you must respect it.
“But it is also true that we have been hit, as a global sport, with something we have never had to manage before, and I pray we won’t have to do so again.
Aged 67, Barwick has held quite a career in football – including four years as chief executive of the Football Association and minor stints in charge of the whole sports output for the BBC and ITV.
Barwick joined the National League in 2015, two years following his role as chairman at the Rugby Football League, a position that is still ongoing.
The reality is, Barwick is stepping down to spend more time with his family. With that said, he still speaks of a book he’s written on his 60 years as a Liverpool supporter, to which he still receives offers – one of these could tempt him back into the sport.
Whilst the National League attempts to fill the cracks under their new general manager Mark Ives, and introduce a new club in Southend United, who were relegated from League Two for the first time in over one hundred years, Barwick does have some hope.
“I am a football person through and through,” he told the press. “I am a fan, and I have huge belief in this league.
“The play-off series alone was dramatic, but the Torquay goal in the final was something else again.
“I started six years ago and will probably be here next season as a guest so that I won’t leave it in the broadest sense.
