'Thinking on your feet' - Doncaster Rovers boss on handling the unknown of Covid-19

Various clubs, including this weekend’s visitors to the Keepmoat Crewe Alexandra, have seen the virus impact upon their attempts to play matches this term.

David Artell’s side have twice been forced to postpone their visit to Oxford United - initially after a player tested positive for coronavirus and again in order to comply with EFL and government guidelines.

Ipswich Town striker Kayden Jackson received a positive test last weekend, with the whole senior squad being tested ahead of their defeat to Rovers on Tuesday night.

Moore will regularly seek the counsel of his fellow managers but says there is little advice that can be given as how to handle any potential cases that may befall his squad.

“I spoke with [Ipswich boss] Paul Lambert on Tuesday and all we could say is it is what it is,” Moore told the Free Press.

“Sometimes it’s just about thinking on your feet at the time.

“You just try to follow the guidelines as best as you can and you try to just keep the squad in the cycle of getting in, training and getting out and minimising the amount of contact you will have.

“Sometimes in these situations there is nothing you can do, even though you’ve done as well as you can do.

“If it does come, you’ve just got to try to manage it as best as you can.

“I’m sure for Paul, having one of his players test positive for Covid, the main thing was that it wasn’t his whole squad.

“That is what we’re trying to do here at Doncaster. We’re following the most strict protocols here at the football club, players and staff in dealing with the situation.

“We’re trying to play our part in keeping people safe.”

Moore is sympathetic to Artell over his recent plight and has praised his response.

“We have sympathy with one another but it’s a situation that is going to throw curveballs at you and you’ve got to deal with them in the best way you can,” he said.

“That’s what Dave is trying to do and I’m sure on Saturday he’ll bring a team here that is really competitive.”

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Nancy Fielder, editor.