"In what are unprecedented and awful times, our thoughts go out to the families of all those who have tragically lost lives, or suffering illness in what are totally unprecedented and numbing times.

"At times like these, its amazing that so many people and our excellent NHS staff and public services are they’re for our needs and pulling together. Whilst likely the worst remains ahead of us, with the guidance and adherence to the stay at home instructions, then hopefully the country can pull through minimising loss of life as much as possible.

I would like to personally thank all our Services and I plan to make available 50 season tickets which will be purchased by myself and held for usage by our services, over the course of the 2020-21 season, for use as and when required. This is just a small token of my thanks to such acts of kindness and commitment to society.

"Football obviously must take low priority in such times, but I thought it right to update how us as a club are dealing with such adversity.

"Like every club up and down the Country, the income capabilities of our club was wiped out in literally 24 hours and our income is likely to be zero for the next three to four months. With costs still to pay, as well as having 39 employees on our payroll, then I anticipate a loss of circa £75-£100k over this period.

As a club owner and Chairman I will ensure we meet all our contractual wage obligations for the remainder of this season and find a way to navigate through until such times that we can recommence raising income. This will not be easy, but in the near future we will launch various early bird season ticket and membership offers. We also understand the last three home games were not completed, so we will be doing a special offer for existing season ticket holders renewing. As stated, we will commence such when we know. We really appreciate our loyal and committed support base and we would like to launch a club 50:50 Monthly draw tote which will be open to all members of Basford United FC and our Junior/Academy parents and all supporters. Further details again will follow.

"With the conclusion of the 2019-20 season now confirmed that all league records between Step Three to Six are expunged, then we are disappointed that having spent so much of the season in the playoff spots, we will not have the opportunity to compete in a playoff scenario. However we cannot argue at the decision, as no decision made would have be appropriate. Therefore mine and Steve Chettle's work is all based on next season from a Basford United FC standpoint and going head to head again with some of the standout teams in this years competition ie South Shields etc.

"I believe we will be at the cusp of a tremendous two to three years, but we are under no illusions, we have some massive decisions to make this pre-season. I am delighted that we have a good platform of five key players that we have under contract for next season, with more deals to conclude in the next few weeks, including our very best young talent. I am also delighted to announce two exciting deadline day signings we have pulled off that I know Steve is delighted with and likewise myself. Two lads who have our admiration and we have tracked all season, one is a returning player who I am delighted to welcome back to the club & the other an exciting player who has always impressed us in the NPL Premier. Steve was keen that he was one of our main key summer targets, so it's brilliant to get business concluded. I think we have a good platform for Steve to start pre-season. I don’t feel in the current climate it is appropriate to disclose our two new signings at this time, but all will be revealed in due course and I am absolutely delighted.

"Club wise, we are extremely strong and have excellent foundations all through the club, so we are really well placed and feel 2020/21 or 2021/22 could be our years. We will though, run our club on a sustainable and long-term basis, developing all our USPs and with an emphasis in developing talent from within.

"Final points with the season now officially over I am delighted to advise attendances this season have on average increased by 20%. Additionally, the total number of viewers through our turnstile this season has exceeded last season by 2%. Whilst this does not seem a lot, it is when you conclude this season we did not complete three big end of season home fixtures: South Shields, Warrington Town and the Easter Bank Holiday fixture against Mickleover Sports. Add to this no FA Cup home tie this season given we went out at the first hurdle away to Matlock and no Notts County Preseason fixture, then this therefore is a staggering achievement which makes me so proud.

"I would just like to round off by saying keep safe and we will hopefully all pull through this on the other side."

Best Regards
Chris Munroe.