FC CLACTON boss Tom Austin admits he and his club are in "limbo" because of coronavirus.

Thurlow Nunn League matches have been halted until April 4, at least, and Saturday's premier division clash at Thetford Town was postponed.

The Seasiders' next three games - home fixtures against Newmarket Town, Woodbridge Town and Norwich United - are also off.

Austin says he fully supports the league's decision and that the bigger picture - people's health - is the most important thing.

However, he anticipates major problems both on and off the pitch for clubs like Clacton.

"Like all teams, we're in a state of limbo," he told the Gazette.

"None of us have ever experienced anything like this before.

"We don't know what's going to happen and can't predict anything, either.

"People's health is the most important thing, obviously, and it's a very worrying situation.

"From our point of view, as a football club, it's going to be a very hard time.

"Off the pitch, there are real concerns about finances.

"Not playing home games means a loss of revenue through the turnstile.

"And long-term, our sponsors may find themselves in a position where they can't afford to get involved again.

"I’m sure most other clubs will have the same financial struggles and concerns looking towards next season."

As first-team boss, Austin also has a headache in terms of what happens next and when his side will next play.

The Thurlow Nunn League have said they will review the situation on Monday, March 30.

However, even if a decision is taken to restart, no games will be played in any of competitions until at least Saturday, April 4.

"There are lots of concerns and, on the football front, it's a very weird time," said Austin.

"We want to keep our fitness levels high and are still going to train a couple of times a week.

"There are things we can do and our reserves are still playing, so there might be an opportunity to play a couple of first-teamers.

"We might even consider the possibility of an in-house match at some point in the future, depending on how bad the situation gets.

"Until we're told differently, we have to train and prepare as though we're playing on April 4 (away to Mildenhall Town).

"I thought it was a bit odd that our league was called off, as was the Isthmian League, but National League matches went ahead as normal on Saturday.

"Those games get much bigger crowds - sometimes up to 5,000 - whereas our game at Thetford probably would have been watched by around 60 people.

"I totally understand why our matches were off, though.

"Players and supporters have to feel safe and the league were acting in the best interests of everyone, so I support their decision."