Barnsley FC chief executive Murohy keen to complete season

The game's governing bodies initially suspended the season until April 3, but on Friday, they announced professional football in England will not resume until April 30 at the earliest because of the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement from the Premier League, EFL and the Football Association, along with the women's professional game, the Professional Footballers' Association and the League Managers' Association confirmed the extension.

"The health and well-being of supporters, staff and players remains paramount in tackling this outbreak,” Murphy said.

“As a club, we continue to follow Government protocol.

"We are all committed to finding ways of resuming the football season and ensuring matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

"To this end, we supported UEFA's decision to postpone Euro 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to beplayed and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.

"It was determined that the limit for an end-date regards to the 2019-20 season would be extended indefinitely in relation to professional football.

"Additionally, it was collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than April 30, 2020.”

Amid general uncertainty, debate remains rife about the possible outcomes of relegation and promotion were the season declared null and void, a worst-case scenario authorities are keen to avoid.

Barnsley currently sit bottom of the Championship, seven points adrift of safety, but with nine games of the season still outstanding.

"Again, I must stress that with the fluid nature of this pandemic and potential developments with stakeholders, circumstances can change.

“The club thank everyone for their patience and understandingduring this difficult time."