Chorley boss Jamie Vermiglio: Advice and guidance needs to be consistent in fight against coronavirus

Jamie Vermiglio
Photo: Stefan Willoughby — Jamie Vermiglio Photo: Stefan Willoughby

The Magpies were within a couple of hours of London to play a National League fixture when the person in question was suspected of having the coronavirus.

Having reported the incident to the League, the game was subsequently postponed.

“A member of our staff was showing symptoms of the coronavirus,” said Vermiglio.

“If you go on Government websites, it tells you of the things to look out for such as a high temperature or cough.

“We were on the coach just south of Birmingham when we turned back.

“We had to wait first and get in contact with the league and tell them this is what is happening, then wait for the advice and guidance from them.”

Vermiglio – who works as a headteacher of a primary school during the day – said coronavirus and the potential spread of it was a very serious issue, but all he could do as the head of both a football club and a school was follow guidelines from the authorities.

Most fixtures in the National League and elsewhere in non-league were allowed to go-ahead on Saturday despite games being postponed in the Premier League and EFL.

Games in the top flight of non-league football regularly command attendances in four figures, but the UK Governement is this week expected to ban large gatherings of 500 people or more.

“It’s a tough one,” said Vermiglio. “We are in a position where we just have to follow the advice and guidance from people above us.

“I think there needs to be consistency not just in football but in society.

“There’s conflicting advice from authorities, even from one country to another. I think that’s the thing which is making people feel a little bit uneasy.”

In light of the coronavirus outbreak, Vermiglio revealed he was not 100% sure whether the players would be training this week.

They are due to face derby rivals AFC Fylde at Victory Park this weekend, although a decision on whether that game and other non-league games will go-ahead this weekend is expected to be made on Monday afternoon.