Portsmouth fears for football season as Mark Catlin outlines stance on way forward amid coronavirus crisis

But Blues chief executive Mark Catlin admitted the likelihood of that happening will be quickly reducing if fixtures don’t continue after the current suspension period.

It’s been an unprecedented day of drama for English football amid the global pandemic, with measures announced to suspend the Football League and EFL programme.

Pompey were at the heart of the ever-changing developments, as Mikel Arteta tested positive for Covid-19 after the Arsenal manager’s team faced Kenny Jackett’s men in the FA Cup on March 2.

Games are now suspended until April 3 at the earliest, meaning the postponement of four Blues matches - but currently not the Leasing.com Trophy final against Salford City at Wembley on April 5.

There are hopes within the game the season could continue into the summer with the European Championships postponed until next year.

With Pompey in the League One promotion shake-up, Catlin underlined they would be in favour of completing the campaign - but expressed fears about the logistics of that happening if the pandemic shows no sign of letting up.

Catlin said: ‘I think we have to do whatever we can to see a conclusion to the season.

‘However, how long is this virus going to be prevalent in society?

‘If you go two to three weeks now and it looks like we’re coming out of it, there is still a window to finish.

‘But if you go on much longer than that the window is diminishing very rapidly.

‘There’s enough speculation and negativity around, but the window now is welcome and takes the pressure off.

‘It gives us space to adapt, but with a 14-day isolation period anyone who contracts this in the next week or two will take them beyond April.

‘There is still going to be people contracting it. I’d be amazed if it stops overnight.

‘It’s not my nature to be negative, but that has to be a concern.

‘But everyone is working hard at it and in my conversations with people in the EFL, FA and Premier League clubs, there’s a real desire to see a conclusion to the season.

‘They say where there’s a will there’s a way, so let’s just see what everyone comes up with.’

The News revealed this morning English football was set to be suspended, ahead of football authority meetings taking place.

Catlin backed that decision as Pompey players and staff were sent home after coming into contact with Arteta - with testing set to take place next week.

He added: ‘I’m not sure practically what difference this will make over a two-to-three week period.

‘What was important, however, and I’m speaking on behalf of Portsmouth is we took some heat out of the situation.

‘The pressure was building on the football authorities and it was becoming a little bit disjointed with some games being played and some cancelled.

‘You don’t want to arrive at a situation where someone has finished their season while others still have six games to go.

‘I think it was important a unified approach was taken and I think it’s the right decision.

‘It buys us some time, so that if the season is to progress there’s still time to do it after that

‘It’s sensible all round.’