Clearly we are facing a significant revenue shortfall and will be reassessing all of our options, says Maidstone United chief-executive Bill Williams

MAIDSTONE UNITED chief executive Bill Williams says the full-time Vanarama National League South club are putting plans in place to battle against the crippling Coronavirus outbreak crisis.

“In my 60 years in football, this is unprecedented. I imagine there has been a lot of soul-searching at The FA and National League HQ as to what to do for the best,” Mr Williams said in a statement posted on the club website.

“Coronavirus is already having an impact on our day-to-day lives and in my opinion it was inevitable that the league would follow the example of the Premier League, EFL and others in bringing a halt to fixtures.

“While the true cost of this virus will be measured in the lives it impacts and takes, it’s clear that it will also be costly to the sporting industry and its supply chain.

“As a club, we have been following government and Public Health England guidance to keep everybody who works, plays, learns, trains or watches at the Gallagher Stadium as safe as possible.

“I am also working with Terry (Casey) and Oliver (Ash) on the various scenarios that could come our way in the days and weeks ahead and putting plans in place to mitigate those wherever possible.

“Clearly we are facing a significant revenue shortfall and will be reassessing all of our options. We hope we can count on your continued understanding and support in these exceptional times.

“Please be assured we are doing all we can at this time and will do our best to keep everyone informed as to what’s going on.”

The FA and National League will be monitoring this fast-moving situation and will update clubs as and when government advice changes.

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk