CHAIRMAN Darryl Eales says the future of Solihull Moors is in capable hands despite the ongoing tensions caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
While the sides at Step Three to Six of the non-League ladder received the grave news of the football season being cut short last week, the fate of the National League and National League North and South remains very much firmly in the balance.
Currently, the suspension at Step One and Two is set to remain until April 30, although an update is expected in the coming weeks as the severity of the lockdown imposed on the United Kingdom becomes clearer.
Eales expressed his desire to put the minds of Moors fans at ease during the current climate of uncertainty and says the challenges in the months ahead will be tackled head on.
In an open letter to the club’s fanbase, he said: “Aside from any financial support from the FA, the Premier League or the EFL and alongside any government support, the board can reassure fans that it will ensure that the team survives the current challenges and will emerge intact with as bright a future as before the crisis.
“As you can imagine, it is a challenging time as our income has effectively been reduced to zero. In the short-term, alongside furloughing staff, we will seek to ensure staff do not suffer financially.
“At this time, no staff have been asked to take pay reductions and March and April salaries will be paid in full. I am delighted with the support and buy-in from everyone to pull together and do what they can at such a challenging time.
“It is a time that we all need to pull together and support the club and the offers of support from fans, staff, sponsors and shareholders has been humbling. We thank everyone for this and it demonstrates that Moors is a fantastic community club and we will emerge stronger.”
While the outcome of the season at both professional and semi-professional level is uncertain, the Solihull chairman believes a joint decision should be made to ensure the ripple effect on future campaigns is minimised as much as possible.
“Personally, I feel it is better if all leagues – Premier League, EFL and National League – adopt a common approach and remain in step together,” Eales added.
“At the moment, football is a secondary consideration but the club supports an approach that enables everyone to follow the Government advice regarding the lockdown and that football should take its time before making any decisions regarding the future of this season and the implications for next season.”
The presence of the club at a community level has been particularly noted during this unprecedented time, with the Solihull Moors Foundation recently donating £500 to local food bank Helping Hands to provide for members of the town.
Meanwhile, a ‘Stay at Home Skills School’ has been set up by Moors, whereby members of Solihull’s coaching and playing staff demonstrate various exercises on social media for youngsters to replicate whilst at home.
“In these uncertain times, it truly demonstrates the value of family, friends and community. Moors are proud to be part of the community and is ready to play its part wherever possible,” Eales continued.
“We wish everyone health and safety during these times and, together, we will emerge stronger as a club and a community.”
