Doncaster Rovers preparing for 'worst case scenario' of no football for rest of 2020

In his latest statement regarding the state of the club during the shutdown of the game due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Baldwin revealed the skeleton staff which remains have been planning and preparing as much as possible to help the club through the crisis period.

This includes preparing to keep the organisation stable should football not resume for the rest of 2020.

In his statement, Baldwin said: “The chairman and I have been working with the finance director to plan for every eventuality, including the possibility of no football for the remainder of the calendar year.

“While we hope and pray that this is not the case, if we can plan for a worst case scenario anything else will be an improvement.”

The vast majority of employees - including playing and coaching staff - have been placed on furlough as part of the government’s job retention scheme.

This no longer includes manager Darren Moore.

While reiterating the desire at the club remains for the 2019/20 season to be completed - in line with wishes of the EFL - Baldwin insists that will only be supported if safety concerns are satisfied.

“The EFL have suggested that they will look to provide at least a three week notice before any resumption of the football season,” he said.

“Until we have notice that the season will commence and players can return to training they remain at home.

“All parties concerned agree that the health and wellbeing of all individuals, fans, staff, and players remains the overriding priority.”

Baldwin also stated he expects that when football does resume, games will be played behind closed doors.

“This is not yet known but it is expected that this will be the safest option.

“Obviously this presents many challenges from an operational and financial view point. There are several working groups reviewing the options on how football will return and whether this includes fans inside stadiums, games behind closed doors, various streaming options and ensuring that season ticket holders remain valued.”

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