Former Middlesbrough and Millwall man on Hawks players and wider community 'finding way through' coronavirus crisis

The pandemic has created uncertainty for so many involved in the non-league game but the former Middlesbrough midfielder is confident all at Westleigh Park will find a way through.

Bailey, 35, and his Hawks team-mates found out on Monday that all National League matches were suspended until April 3 at the earliest.

Paul Doswell's squad reported for training at Westleigh Park today but it remains unclear whether they will continue for the rest of the week.

There is also the added worry of EFL and non-league clubs being unable to pay staff and player wages during the blanket football ban.

Hawks director Trevor Brock admitted that 'half of the teams in the National League South' could go bust should a contract contingency plan not be drawn up by the FA in the coming days.

Meanwhile, National League Barnet have placed all non-playing staff and academy players on notice.

But despite what is such a bleak time for so many, Bailey is backing the Hawks' team and staff to come through.

‘It’s something that a lot of people know is going to be coming,’ he said.

‘But there’s nothing you can do about it. If no-one is getting paid you can’t pay any bills.

‘You’re just going to have to deal with it and hope you come out the other side.

‘In my lifetime, this has never happened.

‘I think things are going to come to a bit of a standstill.

‘Hopefully, we get paid at the end of the month.

‘We’ll just have to see what goes on from there.

‘At the end of the day, it’s a big thing and it sort of takes over football at the minute.

‘We’re all strong characters, what will be will be, but I’m sure we’ll find a way.

'It’s a bit of a weird and strange one to think about.

‘No-one knows what to think really.'

At his age, Bailey realises his playing days are coming to an end.

But even though the chance of pipping Wealdstone to the National League South title might now evade the Hawks, he stressed the welfare of the public is the priority.

'It’s a bit mental that we’re up there fighting for promotion, now we don’t even know the next time we can kick a ball,’ he remarked.

‘The health of the people matters more than football at the end of the day.

‘As a player and most of the fans are going to miss it, but it’s the right thing to do.

‘I only know what it’s all about by looking at the TV, I haven’t taken too much notice.

‘But I’m sure within the next couple of weeks we’re going to end up like China and Italy and end up in our own little lockdown.'