"Stay safe everyone!" Boston United chairman David Newton confesses Pilgrims face 'challenging times' in light of Coronavirus outbreak

David Newton admits that Boston United are heading for 'challenging times' but backs the National League's decision to suspend football until April 3.

The Pilgrims chairman admits that paying staff and player wages without the income from match days will be a tough test for the club, but stresses there is a bigger picture at present.

"We fully support the decision taken by the National League. It is incumbent on us all to take the difficult but necessary decisions to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus," Mr Newton told bufc.co.uk.

"Clearly this will have implications around the actual competition, but I do not expect any further information around that at the present time as it is an evolving picture and decisions cannot be made until there is some certainty around how the spread of the virus is progressing and the likely impact on the resumption of games.

"This is a very challenging time for all clubs as we now have no income. We are seeking guidance about players’ payments from the National League and FA, but understandably that information has not come forward yet as things are moving very quickly.

"We are managing the situation as best we can and are mindful that many other businesses find themselves in very similar circumstances, but the main thing is that we try to keep as many people as fit and healthy as possible, and try to avoid spreading the virus to the more vulnerable in our society."

Mr Newton has a firm belief that the football community - and society in general - will be there for one another.

He added: "As always, the football family will come together, but unfortunately this is spread much wider than football.

"The country has been through very difficult times in the past - and come through. I am sure that if we all play our part, we will do the same and not only come through, but come through as a better and more caring society.

"We will update you as we have more information. Stay safe everyone."