March 30, 2020 2.53 pm This story is over 47 months old

Coronavirus “a threat to our very existence,” says Imps chairman

The Imps have no matches until at least April 30

Lincoln City chairman Clive Nates said the club “faces a threat to our very existence” the longer the coronavirus-forced football suspension continues.

The EFL released a statement earlier this month stating that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than April 30, and no decision has yet been made on what will happen next.

This is already impacting on the Imps’ finances, not least due to the lack of match-day income.

The club is also working on a plan to safeguard the club and all jobs by identifying and maximising savings, as well as exploring other revenue opportunities.

Most staff are now working from home, with the exception of one or two who are required to maintain the pitches and carry out essential maintenance work.

In a statement on the club’s website, the chairman said: “The suspension of football is absolutely the right thing to do. However, the longer this suspension continues, the higher risk to the club being able to continue to operate in its current form and ultimately, we face a threat to our very existence.

“The most difficult and major challenge for us is the uncertainty around timelines and our number one job is to ensure that Lincoln City Football Club survives the very difficult weeks and possibly months ahead.

“To this end, we are working on a plan to safeguard the club and all jobs as far as we possibly can by identifying and maximising savings, exploring revenue opportunities and seeking new workstreams which will make us more effective when business finally gets back to normal.

“During this period when so many people are working from home, we aim to keep morale as high as possible. We will consistently encourage interaction with the club on social media and our team is trying to get the message out that someone is always listening. We do care. Football brings people together; we know that more than many, thanks to the support we are lucky to have for the Imps.”

Meanwhile, Lincoln City Foundation is working within the community to help the vulnerable, who may not have the support network they need. Anyone who knows someone who may need assistance should click here to fill out an online form.

The club’s kitman Terry Bourne is supporting local NHS workers by offering a helping hand with any laundry requests for those that need help. From Monday, March 30 between 7am and 3pm, the club can arrange safe collection and delivery of the laundry from Lincoln County Hospital and in the Lincoln area – email [email protected] for more information.