NON-LEAGUE clubs remain the “lifeblood and soul of English football” as they strive to balance ambition with careful financial management, according to Hartlepool president Jeff Stelling.

Eastleigh host Hartlepool in the National League today, one of 10 focus fixtures across Non-League Day which celebrates a decade working with Prostate Cancer UK.

As part of the 10-year milestone activities, the Premier League trophy will be on display at the Silverlake Stadium.

Emulating Manchester City in lifting such silverware may be something Eastleigh and Hartlepool supporters can only dream of.

Nevertheless Stelling — who hosted Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday show for more than 25 years before stepping down at the end of last season — feels that in no way diminishes their standing within the game.

“People forget that they are still the lifeblood and soul of English football — to fans of National League sides or National League north or south sides, their clubs matter just as much to them as Manchester City or Liverpool matter to their fans,” Stelling told the PA news agency.

“They are just as passionate and yet they have to survive on the crumbs from the table. It is a hell of a feast on that Premier League table and yet the lower league sides, and particularly the non-league sides, they get left anything that is pretty much dropped on the floor.

“It will be interesting to see what effect the [new independent football] regulator has. I think none of us are too sure quite how it is going to work and there are certainly grey areas there.”

During a series of marathon marches since 2016, Stelling has helped raise more than £1.7 million for Prostate Cancer UK and increased awareness about a disease which affects one in eight men.

Stelling said: “If you catch prostate cancer early, it is one of the most treatable of all forms of cancer, so if you do get yourself checked you have got a better chance of discovering it early and then going on and living an absolutely normal and healthy life.

“Prostate Cancer UK are saying take their 30-second risk checker and if you have any concerns, make an appointment with your GP, who can help take it forward.”

Prostate cancer is a disease which affects one in eight men in the UK and is the most common cancer in men. Find out your risk of prostate cancer and find a fixture near you via nonleagueday.co.uk.