Following the announcement by the National League that the professional game in England has been postponed until April 3rd at the earliest, Aldershot Town have issued the following statement.
Aldershot Town Football Club is continuing to monitor and follow official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England.
This statement from Monday 16th March is the most recent update we’ve had from the FA regarding COVID-19: National League System – Coronavirus Update 3 16.3.20
The health and well-being of our supporters and staff is of paramount importance, and we are continually reviewing our procedures as the situation develops.
We have introduced a number of additional hygiene controls, including emphasising frequent and proper hand washing, regular cleaning of high contact points, and the introduction of hand sanitisers in key areas.
In line with government guidance, we are continuing to operate as usual with all members of the football club working closely with each other to ensure the eagerly awaited return of our typical weekly schedule.
Chairman Shahid Azeem said:
“Firstly we want to assure those all involved with Aldershot Town Football Club, we’re doing everything we can that is possible in this moment in time and feel it is important to keep all informed regarding position of the club.
“Due to the difficult circumstances at the moment, Aldershot Town is currently in a state of limbo because of the National League’s decision to remain suspended until April 3, (along with the Premier League, Football League and the FA with grassroots football).
“The club has been implementing a number of procedures in all areas to stop any further and unnecessary expenditure.
“This has resulted in most of areas around the club being currently placed in a state of lockdown, however it is important to note that at this moment in time, essential areas such as the front office are currently still fully functioning.
“The Aldershot Town board members, along with further team management, have had numerous calls planning ahead and have also discussed ways of effectively reducing our costs, which in this moment in time is essential and therefore has been favourably accepted in order to protect the future of the football club.
“We’re not just worried about full-time members of the football club. We care deeply about the health & safety of our sponsors and supporters and wish everyone in this difficult moment in time our sincerest best wishes.
“During these difficult times our concerns are also to our local businesses, local trades, who rely on the foot fall from the match day supporters… We are with you and thinking of you everyday.
“From the first-team players, the first-team coaching staff, the academy staff and players at all ages and levels, along with all our backroom staff in all departments to our incredible volunteers and supporters, we wish everyone our bests and hope you agree we are all in this together.
“It’s time like these that we all need to stick together and ensure that all those affected return to full health, this includes our first-team manager Danny.
“As people may be aware, Danny’s been self-isolated and is doing well but it’s all for precautions at this moment in time and we wish him, his family and all those currently involved with the pandemic our deepest best wishes.
“We know we don’t have a game until April 3rd, following the National League’s decision, but we are still doing everything at this moment in time we can to ensure we are ready for this return date, unless a further decision on this date changes further down the line.”
Should the situation change to what we currently know, we will update our website and social media pages accordingly, so we encourage fans to check both our website and social media channels regularly.
We will continue to follow official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England carefully.
For more information about Coronavirus and the latest public advice, head to the NHS website HERE.
