Scarborough Athletic boss Darren Kelly preparing for 2020/21 campaign

Boro have been out of action since their 1-0 win on the road at Basford United on Saturday March 14 - with the BetVictor Northern Premier League brought to a premature finish due to the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent social distancing measures.

Kelly admits that while he is unsure on when the 2020/21 season will get under way - he has started planning meticulously for when action is allowed to recommence.

“We don’t know when the new season will be allowed to start, but I have started planning for it regardless as I want to be ready and raring to go when the call comes,” boss Kelly told The Scarborough News.

“I have spoken with all the players in detail and have been in touch with a few transfer targets, but I think everything will be on hold for most clubs as we all tackle the effects of this horrible virus.

“Once I have confirmed the budget with the board I will get to work and things will grind back into action.

“I imagine a lot of clubs will be struggling financially due to this virus, so the picture won’t be clear until we’re through this and know how things lie.”

Kelly confirmed that plans for pre-season friendlies and training are already being put in place and will just need to be confirmed when clubs are allowed to re-start training.

The former Oldham Athletic and Halifax Town gaffer added: “I’ve been working hard to put plans into place for when we can start working again.

“A venue for training has been booked for a while now.

“I have been planning pre-season sessions for a while now so we are fully prepared and ready to get back to work as quickly as possible and hopefully in June.”

While he is awaiting confirmation of his playing budget for next season, Kelly is keen not to place too much emphasis on the financial aspects of recruitment.

“I don’t want players who are motivated by money at the club,” added Kelly.

“I have had discussions in the past with players whose first question has been about what money they’d be on and I have terminated the conversation there.

“The players I’ve spoken to and the ones I want here are hugely ambitious players who want to play for a big club with great support like Scarborough Athletic.

“We have a fantastic group of players here and I know they’ll want to continue playing in front of our great supporters week in, week out.”

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