Chairman Dave Hopkins confident Buxton FC will be just fine in the long-term

League action is currently on hold for the Bucks until the NPL decide when they will return to action.

But Hopkins believes there is light at the end of the tunnel for the non-league game.

“My personal opinion is that, now we have some light at the end of the tunnel, if we can get playing again this season with the view to a more normal season next year, Buxton can bounce back,” he said.

“I don’t think there will be much of a long-term impact for clubs and the mood is generally positive for the long-term.

“Buxton has been going since 1877 and we have had some major events in that time, including world wars.

“I can only speak for Buxton, but we will be fine and manage our way through it.

“Clubs at our level are generally well run and hopefully it is something we look back on as a big bump in the road but I’d like to think our fellow clubs will also be ok.”

Hopkins also backed the NPL decision to suspend league action until the conditions lend itself to a return of football.

“Because of the lack of government sport filtering down to our level, it isn’t viable to continue for us,” he added.

“The furlough scheme has been an undoubted help, but the majority of chairman at our level gave a two-fold message back to the league.

“Not only can we not look at resuming competitive football without fans, but we also need to be able to open the bars up and catering facilities for supplementary support.

“A lot of clubs rely on that bar set-up seven days a week to offer a pivotal secondary income.

“The NPL has the vast majority of clubs in tier 3 so it’s not viable.

“We are doing it for the fans and we want them there back in the ground.

“We understand why we can’t play and we are aware of the bigger picture. There is a feeling we are heading in the right direction.

“We have to keep it in perspective. There are people and businesses out there that are struggling right now.”

And he now hopes that the season can reach a positive conclusion

“I am hopeful that the league will resume at some point, depending on how quick that is will decide what format that is,” he added.

“The season could be extended into June or July but that may cause issues for those who share facilities with cricket clubs.

“The lads are winning football matches right now and the job is there still to do.

“It really is the thing that our fans look forward to during the week and I really feel for them more than anyone.

“You don’t dare promise anything because of the nature of football, but one or two of our fans are daring to dream.”