Port Vale fixtures OFF as Football League confirms three week break
The Football League has confirmed that the entire League programme has been suspended for the next three weeks until the 3rd April.
The news means that the match against Crawley Town on Saturday has been suspended along with games against Bradford City, Oldham Athletic and Crewe. The game against Carlisle United on the 4th April could be the club’s next competitive fixture.
Port Vale coach Dave Kevan agreed with the decision as the club tweeted:
🎙️ PRESS CONFERENCE 🎙️
🗣️ "If the powers at be believe that's the right thing to do for everyone's health and safety, then obviously that's the most important decision."
Listen to assistant manager Dave Kevan's press conference 👇#PVFChttps://t.co/RyNuW6Br4c
— Port Vale FC (@OfficialPVFC) March 13, 2020
A Football League statement said:
The FA, Premier League, EFL and Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.
This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of Clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the COVID-19 virus.
The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all Academy and youth team fixtures.
In addition, Clubs are being advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings.
Whilst the EFL Board has continued to take the advice and guidance offered by the Government and its health advisors, emerging developments mean now is the time to implement football’s contingency plans in response to the crisis.
A further update on these plans will be given post an EFL Board Meeting next week.
This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak.