Notts County and all National League clubs must provide their financial returns by the end of the day as more details began to emerge about the financial rescue package designed to help them survive the Covid crisis.

The government has agreed to give clubs an emergency grant to help fund them while games are played behind closed doors after plans to welcome the return of fans inside stadiums was scrapped earlier this month.

It emerged today that clubs are now being asked for their financial figures to determine how much support they will need and will largely focus on gate receipts and how much income they are losing out on.

Speaking in parliament today, Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "Yesterday we provided the National League with assurances that financial support from the Government will be forthcoming so they can start this season this Saturday.

"We have asked for detailed financial returns from all major spectator sports to see what support they need. We expect those returns by the end of today.

"Any club in immediate financial distress should alert their sports governing body."

The government's support package comes after clubs in the National League Premier, North and South said they could not survive playing behind closed doors which had threatened to delay the start of the season.

Clubs were reportedly told that government "recognises the immediate pressure National League clubs are under in respect of starting their season and are committed to play resuming in a viable way".

More details are expected to be confirmed before the end of the week, but it means that Notts' trip to Dover this weekend will go ahead as planned.

Dover will be live streaming the game at the cost of £8 with all proceeds going to the home team. Notts are also set to launch their own service in the coming weeks as clubs turn to streaming to help generate income.

Clubs further up the pyramid in the Football League will now also hope financial aid will be coming this week after the government were warned teams were weeks away from shutting down the season unless they are bailed out.

Sunderland co-owner Charlie Methven said: “If the government is not taking responsibility (for their ban on fans) then clubs have to think very seriously about mothballing.

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