Gainsborough Trinity forced to suspend wages amid virus crisis

The Northern Premier Division club paid wages in full last week, but with the current pandemic shutting down football and revenue), chairman Richard Kane said he has had little choice on the wages suspension.

“Like all sports clubs up and down the country and the situation surrounding the coronavirus, Gainsborough Trinity is certainly being challenged by the unprecedented times,” he said.

“The club has had no income since our last home fixture, against Radcliffe FC on Tuesday, 3rd March and will likely have no further income forthcoming, in the foreseeable future.

“Wages were paid in full last week, but in the absence of any additional income, we see no alternative than to suspend all wages to employees, forthwith.

“Both the government and league governing body have announced schemes to assist with the effects of this pandemic, however, as of the time of writing, none of these schemes are operational.”

He continued: “Without a shadow of doubt, the football club will pursue each funding initiative as it becomes operational and hope to pay the outstanding wages, if and when the funds materialise.

“The club's board of directors will do whatever it takes to ensure the future health and survival of our proud football club, Gainsborough Trinity.

“The Northern Premier League has been advised of these measures.

“We will of course endeavour to keep you, our loyal supporters fully in the picture as 2019/20 ends and uncertainty surrounds what 2020/21 may look like for the Holy Blues.”

Trinity manager Curtis Woodhouse added: “It's obviously a difficult time financially for everybody – and no one knows when it's going to end. We are all a bit in limbo.

“It just shows how vulnerable we all are. It doesn't matter how much money you've got in the bank.

“When something like this happens and people's health is on the line we're all vulnerable.

“When you know you've got that money coming in, you've spent it already. Clubs will have spent it and now be thinking now what do we do?”

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