COVID causes disruption to pre-season preparations throughout the Club…
With the new season just three weeks away, the Club has been forced to cancel tomorrow's pre-season fixture against Ipswich Town due to a COVID outbreak.
In addition, the Club has closed the Academy Under 18 activities for a period of one week, following a significant outbreak last week and further cases over the weekend which have involved both scholars and staff.
Speaking about the disruption to both groups' pre-season preparations, Chairman Phil Wallace stated, "We face a situation whereby the removal of restrictions in wider society is affecting our preparation for the new season.
Whilst our players and staff members are training in a COVID secure manner, the increase in transmission outside of the Club means there is now an even greater risk they will contract COVID through a friend, family member or when out and about. The situation is starting to spiral out of control and is affecting our ability to train, fulfil and stage fixtures."
Following the outbreak the Club has stepped up its stringent protocols further and will continue to monitor all players and staff in order to prevent further disruption. At present the forthcoming home pre-season fixtures against Crystal Palace and Watford are scheduled to take place, bar any further outbreaks at all parties concerned.