In these difficult times, our overriding thoughts clearly remain with all affected by health related issues arising from the Covid-19 outbreak.

That being the case, it was also saddening to learn that Bolton Wanderers FC has taken the step of placing the vast majority of their non-playing staff on furlough until further notice.

This is, of course, not an entirely unexpected move given the suspension of all football until at least April 30th, and no doubt for an indeterminate period beyond this date, with the consequent loss of income for the football club that this will cause.

While appreciating that many others across wider society are in a similar situation given the disruption to the economy arising from this outbreak, the BWFCST would like to offer a particular message of solidarity and support to the staff at Wanderers in recognition of the difficult times they are now facing which follow on so quickly from the non-virus related difficulties they have experienced over the past 2 to 3 years.

Having just achieved a measure of stability following the club takeover, this is yet a further blow to those loyal, often unsung servants, who help keep our club functioning on a daily basis.

We hope that fortunes will once again take an upturn in the not too distant future for club staff, and indeed for everybody affected in so many different ways by this outbreak.

We are all in this together, and together we must make sure that we all follow the Government’s guidance in order to stay safe, protect the NHS, save lives and ultimately overcome this virus.