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THORN Athletic chairman Mark McGee has admitted the future is unknown for all the club's players, coaches and officials amid the coronavirus crisis.

All of Scottish football has been in lockdown for weeks after the Scottish Football Association ordered the suspension of activities, from grassroots level all the way up to the professional game.

Thorn Athletic has more than 270 members, with teams in the Caledonian Premier League, Paisley, Johnstone and District Youth Football League, Glasgow and District Youth Football League and the Scottish Women's Football League, making it the biggest in Johnstone.

Club officials have said helping to keep everyone safe during the outbreak is their top priority.

But there is also acceptance that the club faces significant upheaval when the crisis is finally over, as teams try to return to normality.

McGee said: "This is a very difficult time for everyone at our club and the wider football community across Scotland.

"We are doing our best to provide regular updates to all our players, coaches and officials, to ensure they stay safe during this challenging time.

"Apart from the obvious impact on fitness and physical health, this will also have an effect on the mental health of many of our individuals who relied on football for many reasons."

McGee expects the hangover from the shutdown to be long-lasting and trying for many reasons.

Several of Thorn's teams were due to travel abroad and others were entered in summer tournaments and events which have now been axed.

He added: "There is no confirmed date for a resumption as yet but, when we are able to return to activities, there will be huge challenges.

"Some of our competitive teams are unsure if they will be able to complete their seasons, whether there will be a delay to next season or will everything be scrapped?

"There will be a lot of rescheduling to be done and, whatever the outcome, this will require the support and understanding of everyone involved.

"For teams that were looking forward to trips and tournaments, there will be bitter disappointment but we have to put these things into perspective and hope that the kids can get to experience these things further down the line."

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