Following the news that all football in England will be suspended until at least 30 April, head coach Joey Barton has issued the following message to supporters.
Firstly I would like to say that I hope all Fleetwood Town supporters and their families are well, in what is a really unprecedented time for the country. We must do everything possible to protect each other throughout our own communities, especially in these difficult times.
You may have seen that the club have taken the right decision to temporarily close both Highbury Stadium and Poolfoot Farm to the general public, which has impacted both the playing staff and all other staff within the football club. It must be said that the team off the field; from the chefs, the cleaners, the groundstaff and everyone in the offices play a huge role in our club, and I hope that they are all safe and well at this time.
As coaching staff, we have made the decision to keep the players away from Poolfoot until at least Monday 6 April, but rest assured the lads have their own individual programmes which they are able to do at home, whilst also keeping themselves and their families safe.
Whilst I know everybody is missing football and missing coming to Highbury, it is really important that we look after one and other at this challenging time. Football will return in due course, but we must be patient and follow the advice given from the government and football’s governing bodies.
I speak on behalf of all the staff and players as we continue to wish our supporters and their families continued good health, and we’ll see you back at Highbury in the near future.
Joey