There are many questions we do not know the answer to at this moment in time with regard to Covid-19 and its’ eventual impact upon our club, suffice to say football’s importance is very much in the background at this moment in time. There is one clear message we want to get across to all Brakes fans and their families in the face of this pandemic.
‘All the indicators are that this is going to get much worse before it improves so please be responsible and protect yours and other’s loved ones by adhering to government instructions on staying at home, social distancing, non-essential travel and self-isolation for the vulnerable’.
In the coming weeks and months, we will endeavour to keep you updated in a timely manner with decisions made regarding to football and within our club. Below is a summary of key points as they are known at this time:
- We have no idea when football will return nor if the season will be completed. We are in regular contact with the National League who likewise is involved in regular discussions with the FA and other football bodies. The Board of the National League met again on Monday 23 March and we await further updates from them. All individual member clubs have provided them with a ‘financial impact’ assessment together with views on a wide variety of matters regarding potential scenarios moving forward
- We continue to explore a range of contingency measures for the club in this fast moving and ever-changing situation that we are keeping under constant review. Hopefully within the next few weeks we will have a greater understanding of all financial support available to us and when, thus enabling us to make clear decisions moving forward.
- How the season may end is one for our crystal balls. There are many factors to consider, not least player contracts which are set to end at the end April/start of May.
- The Phillips 66 Community Stadium has effectively been shut down with only ground staff in attendance maintaining and carrying out reparation work on the pitch. The club office is closed. Should you need to get in contact with us please email info@leamingtonfc.co.uk
- All football has been postponed throughout the club, including training, and first-team players are training in isolation.
- All community activity by club coaches and staff has ceased.
- All future board meetings will take place via conference calls with directors maintaining very regular contact by email and phone.
Moving Forward
The potential loss of match income from our five remaining home games is considerable, particularly since most of the scheduled matches are against high profile opponents. We have a duty of care to our players and staff and likewise to pay our suppliers within the local business community who have been so supportive of us over the years. Hopefully those fixtures may eventually get played as the league try to maintain the integrity of the competition.
Depending upon any government or other funding made available to us, we may have to call upon your generosity to support our commitments in the short term. We will make further announcements with that regard in the coming weeks. Any ideas you may have are welcomed.
Keep safe, stay healthy, follow government advice and we hope to see you all at the Phillips 66 as soon as we can.
