Coronavirus: Two Harrogate Town players among four at club in self-isolation

The Wetherby Road outfit had a request to postpone Friday night’s trip to Solihull Moors accepted by the National League after they revealed that persons among their number had gone into precautionary quarantine.

“There are two members of the playing staff and two from the coaching team in self-isolation,” said Town manager Simon Weaver.

“One player looked really unwell when he arrived for training yesterday [Thursday] and didn’t even make it into the building. We sent him straight home.

“The other player felt ill after training on Thursday.

“Health has to come first, which is why we have had to act.”

The National League agreed to the postponement of Town’s fixture at Solihull less than five hours before the scheduled kick-off time of 7.45pm, and Weaver has confirmed that his team was all set to travel to the Midlands.

“The coach was all packed up and ready to go, but after communication with the National League we made the decision to request the postponement,” he added.

“The circumstances are unprecedented, but as I say, people’s well-being has to take priority.

“I didn’t want to be leading the troops onto a coach and into a confined space where something like this could potentially spread like wildfire.

“What I’m sure everyone wants is for the damage to be as minimal as possible when we come out the other side of this.”

As the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK approaches the 800-mark and fears grow across the country, Weaver admitted that there is a feeling of real concern around the club.

“There’s unease because of coronavirus wherever you go at the moment and our camp is no different,” he said.

“News that a couple of lads who’ve been training with the rest of the group and spinning in the same room as everyone else just a few days ago only adds to that.

“This is uncharted territory.”

Earlier on Friday, it was announced that all Premier League and EFL matches have been postponed due to coronavirus fears.

Most of the rest of the National League schedule is however due to go ahead as planned this weekend.