Portsmouth pre-season plans up in the air amid coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus outbreak has meant English football has been suspended until April 30, although it’s expected that date will be extended.

The FA confirmed the plan is to indefinitely finish the 2019-20 season, however, meaning matches will run well into the summer.

As a consequence, there is uncertainty when the next campaign will eventually get under way – and the Blues are unable to put a preparation strategy into place.

Kenny Jackett’s side were looking at going back to Fota Island, the Cork-based resort they attended two years ago.

Potential friendlies were also being discussed with other clubs.

But with the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating, Mark Catlin revealed he’s unsure when pre-season will happen.

The chief executive said: ‘We have already pre-planned pre-season but who knows when pre-season is going to be this year?

‘June, July, September or October, we just don’t know. There are so many variables out there at the moment in how this virus could mutate over the coming weeks and months.

‘We have to accept that, you have to accept it. You plan with the best information that you have at your disposal, but you have to accept those plans could have to change.

‘Ireland is where Ken has historically gone and at this moment we are the same as everyone else – we just don’t know if that is going to materialise.

‘We had already spoken to a number of clubs planning the pre-season schedule but as with everything else, in life, we are totally at the mercy of this virus and governing body decisions.’

Last summer, Pompey stayed at the Portmarnock Hotel, near Dublin, for a four-day pre-season training camp.