Ex-Leeds United chief responds to Karren Brady comments following coronavirus outbreak

All professional football in England has been postponed until at least April 3, yet some reports have claimed the suspension will be extended – or the season could be cancelled altogether.

Yet Ridsdale, who is currently working in an advisory capacity role for Preston, says governing bodies need to look at all the implications.

"To the best of my knowledge the clubs haven't been consulted so far but it's very early days," Risdale told Sky Sports on Saturday. "It was only yesterday that it was decided we wouldn't be playing before April 3.

“We need to sit down and look at all of the implications, all of the options available to us and see if we can play on April 3 or if this continues until May or June.

“There is something like nine games to play and there is plenty of time in May and June to play those games. The integrity of the competition is very important.”

“The important thing is cool heads, take a bit of time, let's talk about everything and let's come up with the right decision.

Risdale’s comments come after West Ham’s vice-chairperson Karren Brady said it would be ‘fair and reasonable’ to declare the whole season ‘null and void’ if fixtures can’t be completed.

That would mean no clubs would be promoted or relegation and no silverware would be handed out.

Risdale, though, still believes there is time to finish the campaign.

“Knee-jerk decisions are not right and I've read some comments in the press today which are very premature,” he added.

"There are some clubs, and I'm not suggesting West Ham are one of them, that are looking at the league table and are fearful of what might happen if the season was completed.

"It can't be right at this stage to decide the season is over and the league tables stand as they are now."