A screenshot of this week’s Zoom board meeting. Judging by the expressions on people’s faces, what the Chairman was saying cannot have been that riveting.

It has been a relatively quiet week for the club in relation to the previous month.  More details have been provided by HMRC about what we need to do to register furloughed staff and claim the financial support from the CJRS (job retention scheme).   It’s more than a touch complicated, so the rest of the Board are highly relieved that Bruce and Rob are Chartered Accountants.

Unfortunately, we have to confirm that under the terms of the CJRS our players and coaching staff are not allowed to undertake any club work at all, and this includes media work.  This is disappointing but SUFCtv are doing a great job in providing a variety of content to keep everyone informed and entertained. For as long as I have been involved with Sutton United other clubs have told us how impressed, and envious, they are with the number, dedication and quality of our volunteers and I think we are seeing now the value and strength this brings to the club.

There has been no definitive movement in relation to how to complete the 2019/20 season, all options still appear to be on the table and it probably needs some external factors to change before a pathway forward starts to emerge. 

Of course, this uncertainty makes it difficult to look too far ahead. What we can confirm is that Matt has already secured a number of the current squad on contract for next season and, before the curtain came down, was in discussion with the other players about his plans going forward. But for now, of course, everything is on hold until some decisions have been made by the wider football community.

Don’t forget, if you know anyone who is elderly or infirm or lives or on their own then do try to find a way to keep in touch. They may not need your help but even a brief phone call can be worth so much more in these unprecedented times.

Stay Safe and please follow the Government’s rules and guidelines on social distancing

#inittogether 

Dave Farebrother

Chairman, Board of Directors