Impact: Nairn and others to cut back on expenses as their main source of funds dries up

Nairn County will look at what costs they must cut in the wake of the Highland League shutdown.

Chairman Donald Matheson said they would need to review planned purchases or work to be done at the club.

There will be no guarantee of matchday income for the foreseeable future and many Highland League clubs, who rely on attendances and hospitality to generate funds, may find themselves in the same boat.

It is an unexpected scenario to be dealing with for Matheson, who took over as chairman in 2016.

However, it is something he and the club committee are prepared to tackle.

He said: “Financially it will impact the club as we’ve still got bills going out, wages going out, insurance and the day-to-day running of the club.

“We’ll just have to screw the nut a bit harder – anything we don’t need will have to be put on hold.

“If there’s stuff you can delay, you’ll have to look at it and probably wait. I’ll correspond through email with the rest of the committee and take it from there.

“It will be the way for all clubs; you depend on your supporters and sponsors and if you have not got them it puts a financial strain on the club.”

Nairn had gone more than a month without a league fixture, with games called off due to the weather and Clach’s ground issues. They had been due to face Turriff United today, and the rearranged derby with the Lilywhites was slated for Wednesday night.

Matheson added: “Only three days ago we were talking with Rod Petrie and Ian Maxwell in Lossiemouth and coronavirus was high on the agenda.

“They were hoping not to put anything off but with the way it’s developed in England, that may have just swung the balance.

“It could decimate a team if it gets into a football squad.

“Health is more important.”