Journalism & News from Bournemouth University

The expense of player safety in non-league Football

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The Wyatt Homes Stadium, as well as it’s metal fencing surrounding the pitch. (Credit: Tom Whittick)

The death of Billy Vigar has shook the football world to its core.

At just 21, a tragic accident involving a head collision with a brick wall run-off ended a life far too short.

Talking on safer barriers, Wimborne Town captain Sam Jackson said: “It should be the standard across all grounds, regardless of the standard or budget, and I just think you cannot put a price on someone’s life.”

It’s tragedies like this that beg the question if Non-League clubs are doing enough to maintain safety standards for the players.

It’s clear that non-league clubs aren’t blessed with the same finances as the top divisions, so how can the installation of safer barriers be done?

Wimborne Manager Tim Sills said on the finances: “Is it the FA? Is it Premier League clubs, can they help? I’m sure if they grouped together to help their local sides that need their help, and if it potentially saves a life, it’s definitely worth investing in.

“There are so many Non-League grounds with brick walls, it won’t change overnight but it needs to be made sooner rather than later.”

Within Dorset, the major Non-League clubs are Wimborne Town, Poole Town, Dorchester Town and Weymouth. Only Wimborne and Poole have made the change to safer metal fencing equipped at their grounds, with Dorchester and Weymouth remaining with brick walls.

The metal fencing at Poole Town’s Tatnam Ground. (Credit: Euan Thomas)

Wimborne made the switch in 2021 when they moved to their new stadium, the Wyatt Homes.

The Old Cuthbury, their original ground, had brick wall run-offs. Poole moved to Tatnam Ground in 2000, changing to safer metal run-offs in 2017.

Wimborne minority owner and finance director, Lee Merrifield, said: “It shouldn’t take a tragic accident for changes to be happening, it feels like it should have been on the FA’s radar for a long time.

“Up and down the country there are thousands of clubs with brick walls and to fix it is a mammoth task, but something’s got to be done about it.”

Changes need to be made to improve the safety of players in Non-League level, but with a limited budget, it’s hard to say who the responsibility really falls down too.