York City is now closed until further notice, with players and staff furloughed.
With the National League North season suspended indefinitely, the club had little choice than to “take the difficult decision” to shut down.
In a statement, the club said:
The sudden onset of the coronavirus pandemic, uncertainty around the conclusion to the 2019/2020 league and our inability to make plans with any real certainty, has had an immediate, unforeseen financial impact on the club.
In line with the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, club staff and players have been placed on furlough until further notice.
Chairman Jason McGill, “has personally supported the club financially since 2006, paid all wages in full to this point and will ensure that all staff receive 80% of their wage during their time on furlough, irrespective of the government scheme’s upper limit,” the club said.
‘See you soon’
The club is no longer operational and the offices will be closed.
The club shop remains open online. Its social media channels and website will only be updated with urgent news related to the league or coronavirus.
With the new LNER Community Stadium close to handover, it will invite the question whether fans have seen City play for the final time at Bootham Crescent.
The club’s statement went on: “Like others in the community, we’re humbled to see charity and support are coming to the forefront of people’s lives.
“We have been overwhelmed with support from fans over the past few weeks and thank them for their kind gestures.”
Chairman Jason McGill said:
This virus and the current crisis that surrounds us all, is bigger than the club and bigger than football.
So, for now, we urge supporters to take this time to focus on their health and that of their family and friends.
From everyone at the club, thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you again soon.