Jim McMahon: "Vast majority" of Motherwell FC players and staff on furlough

Jim McMahon (centre), pictured with Motherwell FC chief executive Alan Burrows and manager Stephen Robinson, has provided fans with update

The Steelmen - who haven't played since facing Hearts on March 7 due to the Covid-19 crisis - are making use of the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which McMahon said was making "a significant difference to our financial stability".

He added: "The board continues to work to best safeguard the club’s finances and to plan for all potential scenarios.

"Some core staff have been retained to continue the club’s ongoing operations and to help plan for what comes next.

"Unfortunately, we are still without the clarity we are all seeking on when we may resume playing football. Our view is that we have to plan for a long delay, but hope and be ready for a shorter one.

"All that is left is to wish you, your family and your friends continued good health during these unprecedented times. We all know how hard this is. And we all know that the only way we will get through it well is by staying strong and in touch with one another like this."

On a positive note, McMahon revealed that Motherwell's season ticket sales for the 2020-21 campaign have been flourishing.

He added: "Our season ticket sales continue to move apace. We are fast approaching 1,500 purchases after just over three weeks, with fans continuing to demonstrate their commitment to the club in uncertain times.

"This compares to the 327 season tickets that were sold after three weeks last year. Our message remains the same – please buy if you can afford to, but only if you can."

McMahon said that, thanks to the sterling efforts of the club's Community Trust, and funding from key external partners, they were able to deliver over £5,000 worth of food to people who need it most in our local area.

He added: " Our fans volunteered their time and effort, once again showing that we pull together and support each other in the moments of greatest need.

"Our fundraising efforts for the Community Trust, as well as the vitally-important local suicide intervention charity Chris’s House, also continue.

"You’ve donated close to £10,000 already in such a short space of time as we try and reach our target of £13,742 and I urge anyone who can make any contribution at all to do so to support very important causes."