In view of the reported government policy that will require all those over 70 years old to remain in their homes for up to four months due to COVID-19, Stevenage FC Chairman Phil Wallace has offered to help those most in need...
"Whilst I understand the logic behind flattening the peak curve, so that the NHS are able to treat more people with the limited ITU beds and equipment available, this will undoubtably cause anguish for those folks that can’t use the internet, have no relatives and no way of ordering supplies or obtaining meals.
"We have always prided ourselves on being a community club and now it’s time to show what that means. Starting immediately, we will start to work on the logistics of obtaining details of folks that will need help. We have kitchens we are not using, we have young players that can’t play football and we have an army of youngsters that, if asked and organized properly, would be willing to help distribute meals and obtain supplies.
"I intend to work with CEO Alex Tunbridge to make this happen. To be honest, we have no idea how the club can survive for long whilst paying players and staff with no income, but some of these folks have nobody to help them and we will make sure we are there for them.
"If that means we cook food and prepare snacks, that is what we’ll do. If it is getting essential supplies to them, that is what we'll do. We will be there for these people and we would encourage all local businesses in the area to join with us. If we all work together, we can avoid serious hardship to people that need the most help."