Musselburgh Athletic Football Club will “ride the storm” of coronavirus, as all football matches and fundraising events are postponed due to the pandemic.

Club president Karl Cleghorn gave reassurances that the club was safe and would survive these “torrid times”.

He stressed: “We have the best fans in the land and have the team both on and off the park to ride this storm and become stronger and better.”

Mr Cleghorn added: “All football matches are postponed, along with any associated training, coaching or gathering of players and club staff.

“This includes both our under-20s team and all Musselburgh Windsor youth matches.

“This has come at a critical time of the football season for all clubs, having endured poor weather this winter, which has led to reduced supporters within the grounds.

“Most clubs have also previously had matches postponed because of the weather – we had two cancelled.

“We usually see an increase in support as the weather improves and games become more important, with clubs attempting to improve their league positions and/or have a run in a cup competition or two.

“Musselburgh Athletic FC have been making big efforts to attract more of the community to Olivebank to see their local football team and we are keen to open up the stadium to the community for other non-football events – most sadly, all this is on hold at the moment.

“Unfortunately, we have reluctantly had to cancel or postpone fundraising and planned celebratory events to raise the remaining funding to complete the installation of new floodlights/PA and CCTV system, to assist in further opening up our facilities, and celebrating 10 years of outstanding service to the club from our team captain and top goalscorer, Mathu King.”

Mr Cleghorn added: “Much work has gone on at the club in partnership with both East Lothian Council and Musselburgh Area Partnership to provide a strong, sustainable community club at Olivebank.

“The loss of games and associated revenue will hit the football club hard, and the committee, team manager, players and supporters are working through plans to ease the ongoing financial stress this has caused.

“Musselburgh Athletic will survive this most testing of times with all options considered and previous plans reviewed, to ensure that the town and greater conurbation have a strong and successful club to support and be proud of – especially as we are due to compete in the Scottish Cup proper in August for the first time in this club’s history.”

Mr Cleghorn appealed to fans to continue supporting the club by joining the Burgh Foundation or increasing their contributions, or making a financial donation direct to the club’s bank account at: sort code 83 25 43, account number 10656292, Musselburgh Athletic FC.