Hartlepool United boss Dave Challinor on the challenges clubs faced and why he welcomed Government clarity

Earlier this week Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed the latest measures in a bid to combat the spread of coronavirus including no gatherings of more than two people - apart from those you live with - while families must now stay indoors, with exceptions for essential shopping, outdoor exercise once a day, unavoidable travel to and from work and tending to medical needs.

As a result, football clubs that had previously been training as normal sent their players home with training grounds closed and players given individual plans to follow at home.

It was a move welcomed by the Pools boss as at least there was some ‘clarity’ over what clubs could and should be doing.

Challinor said: “That’s why I wanted to keep things as normal as possible last week because we knew this point would come so it’s just a case of keeping things ticking over.

“Now we’re in the hands of the Government and the experts which is a much better situation to be in from our perspective because even a couple of days ago every club was doing different things so it’s important to have clarity over what you can or can’t do so there’s no vagueness.

“Now there’s been a guideline set, everyone knows where we stand which will be the case until we’re told otherwise.”

Clubs in the National League wait to see whether they will be able to complete the campaign when it is safe to do so.