Southampton have become the first Premier League club to announce their players will defer part of their salaries amid the coronavirus crisis. The club will not furlough non-playing club staff, who will continue to receive 100% of pay, and first-team players, directors and manager have agreed to defer part of their salaries until at least June “to help protect future of club, staff…and community we serve”.

In a statement on the club’s website, Southampton said: “Furthermore, the club can confirm that it will not use the government’s Job Retention Scheme during April, May and June. Our owners, Mr Gao and Katharina Liebherr have put measures in place to ensure that all staff not deferring part of their salaries will continue to receive 100% of their pay, paid in the normal way until 30 June. Any decision on the future beyond this date will be made in advance of this, but only when more information is known.

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“In these unprecedented times we are dealing with many challenges to our business model and day-to-day operations.  The situation is ever-evolving and we will continue to monitor and assess the impact to the club over the coming weeks before deciding any further action necessary. Everyone at the club remains fully committed to the community we value so highly in Southampton.

The statement added: “We will continue to offer our full support to the city of Southampton through the work of the Saints Foundation and provide any further assistance we can. We ask everyone connected to the club and the city of Southampton to listen and adhere to the Government’s advice.

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“Meanwhile, we will continue to prepare our club for a return to the pitch and make sure that, when safe, we are ready to play and serve the people of Southampton again. Until then, We March On. Together.”