FA must help non-league clubs financially impacted by any Coronavirus postponements, says Boston United boss Craig Elliott

Craig Elliott believes that football's authorities will need to help clubs that become financially impacted by possible postponements due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

If semi-pro leagues follow the example set by the Premier League and EFL and suspend matches then a number of clubs will miss out on much-needed revenue from home matches.

Extending a season may also bring its own problems with player contracts coming to an end or non-contract players having other commitments.

And the longer any postponements may last, the more it will affect smaller clubs.

"I understand it could be financially bad for non-league clubs, Elliott said.

"That's where I think the FA can help financially.

"They've got enough money to help grassroots football in special circumstances. Not playing games could be devastating for some clubs."

United's National League North fixture at Chester, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed by the host club despite the National League giving its member clubs the all clear to continue playing.

"I think the league should have taken the decision out of the clubs' hands, to be honest," Elliott added.

"I think they should have followed suit with the Premier League.

"It's a surreal situation for everybody. A situation that's hard to get my head round.

"(On Friday) we were planning for a game, then it's on, then it's off."