Chief executive Mark Maguire discusses Dave Challinor's training plan at Hartlepool United to battle coronavirus suspension

So far no cases have been reported at the club with first-team players taking part in a practice match at The Vic on Tuesday morning.

Pools will continue to train at their home ground four days a week until told otherwise as manager Dave Challinor looks to maintain the fitness of his squad for as long as possible while no matches are taking place.

Hartlepool chief executive Mark Maguire said: “I spoke with Dave spoke on Sunday what we decided was that we’ll have a couple of gentle, arranged sessions at the stadium so that we’re in control of the environment in terms of sanitising it.

“Then we’d review it based on what developed with the leagues.

“Dave came back with a good point in terms of training where if there’s going to be a lockdown at some stage and we’re forced not to train then it’s best to train as long as we can to try and get some fitness in the legs before we’re forced not to train.

“If that lockdown period lasts for two or three weeks, for example, then getting them back to fitness would be very difficult.”

While Pools are yet to be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, they are still taking precautions.

“We’ve had no cases but there was one member of the youth team who came into contact with somebody,” Maguire added.

“He has not been in contact with anybody here and we’ve told him to stay away for the appropriate period of time.

“There have been no issues internally in that regard and the players have been great.

“There are different opinions between the players and the staff as to what we should do and it’s a question of protecting the integrity of what we do on a day to day basis and trying to plan for the future whilst thinking of everyone’s welfare.

“That’s under constant review and I hope they know that we’ve got their best interest at heart and will make the right decisions at the right time.”