HYDE United, Mossley and Stalybridge Celtic will all be looking to secure money from a Government grant of up to £10 million to help keep 850 non-league clubs afloat.
The cash is for clubs at steps three to six which is Northern Premier League, of which the three local clubs are members, and the leagues below in the pyramid which face a second successive season being declared null and void.
This money will be in addition to the £10,000 each club received after the first lockdown as that was provided to all businesses that applied.
Rob Gorski, Celtic chairman and majority shareholder, explained there will be a subtle difference this time.
He said: “I am sure everyone will be applying, but they are different to the first one which were straight grants.
“This grant is complex, and clubs have to justify what the money will be used for.
“We will have to support our application with audited accounts for the last three years and operating accounts for the next six months.
“It will be a massive help as, like all non-league clubs, we have a lot of debt.”
Mr Gorski added that Jonathan Reynolds, MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, for his backing on non-league clubs.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to Jonathan for his support in persuading the Government to change a £10m loan into a grant scheme,” he said.
“I had three meetings with Jonathan and other clubs lobbied their MPs. He backed our case and I am grateful for that.”
Celtic’s finances have been lifted as Oldham Rugby League Club will be returning to Bower Fold for the 2021 season which begins in March.
Roughyeds hire Celtic’s ground but initially it will be without spectators for their Betfred Championship matches due to lockdown restrictions.
“It will not be as profitable as when 1,000 fans are drinking beer and eating pies which is great for our turnover,” he continued.
“We welcome Oldham back with open arms and hope fans will be back sooner rather than later.”
It is understood clubs can apply for up to £15,000, an amount Mossley will be seeking.
Chair Stephen Porter added the money has been earmarked for urgent repair work, the re-roofing of the main building.
“We have had constant calls during the pandemic about the leaking roof and, either way, the work needs to be done.”
Mr Porter added by “cutting their cloth” they have got through the Covid-19 crisis pretty much unscathed.
He added it remains challenging with bills still to pay and, once the season is officially declared null and void, they will have to refund season-ticket holders.
Mr Porter added the monthly members’ draw and regular football cards, which both offer a 50 per cent prize fund and 50 per cent to club funds, have both provided a regular source of income.
He also pointed out the club has written off sponsorship revenue for the 2020-21 season.
Mr Porter said: “We felt it would be unfair to ask them for money when many businesses are struggling.
“We have taken it on the chin and, when we got back to them next season, they will probably a lot happier to support us.
“We are looking to build partnerships with businesses that will go on for decades.”
Hyde United have also confirmed the Tigers have applied for a grant.
The Correspondent understands they have asked for £27,000, with an application being lodged on February 14.
And they expect to find out whether they have been successful in early March.
Chairman Steve Hartley explained the club will be alright financially despite losing £47,000 of revenue since the pandemic began.
Mr Hartley, who always said he could not see the season being finished, wants clarification on the current furlough scheme.
He said: “Our view is we should call this season to an end but there are implications because we’re not sure what the situation with furlough is.
“Players can’t play because of lockdown but would be able to if that was lifted. If the season is curtailed, there wouldn’t be football to come back to.
“It needs clarification from the Government and the FA as to whether furlough would continue, particularly as we’ve players contracted until the first week in May.
“Furlough goes until the end of April, so we can cover that but would it continue if the season’s been cut short?”
Mr Hartley believes one way of handling the disruption may be to continue this campaign into next.
He said: “There’s an argument for running this season into next season, completing a full one over two years.
“Health officials say there could be another spike, so we could be in exactly the same situation next year.”