Jack Ross: Football's not very important at the moment

Hibernian head coach Jack Ross accepts that football is of secondary importance as the sport deals with the spread of coronavirus.

Clubs are already taking precautions as the disease increases in scale, and planning is taking place that could see games played behind closed doors or competitions suspended altogether.

Ross said that football would adapt to any changes that were needed or imposed but said that it had to be viewed in the context of widespread changes across the country.

“I think, at the moment, we’re aware that there are potential scenarios that can unfold, particularly when you look at the development in other European countries with regard to football,” he said. “In all honesty, for me, football’s not that important at the moment.

“Thing for us, is probably to deal with situation accordingly and football would take care of itself thereafter.”

The Hibs boss is preparing his side for a number of pre-split fixtures and he wants supporters to see games if possible but accepts that might not be permitted.

“I probably would prefer it not to be the case [that doors are closed],” he said. “In terms of us taking the necessary precautions, fine, but I don’t think anyone in the game would like that scenario, simply because fans are such a huge part of football.

“The atmosphere that’s created from supporters being in the ground, regardless of attendance, matters. I think there’s a hugely dynamic to the game when there’s no spectators in attendance but if that’s what happens we’ll just have to deal with that.”

Regardless of what decisions are taken in the coming days, Ross believes that the ongoing competitions, including the Scottish Cup where Hibs play rivals Hearts in the semi-finals, should be completed at some point.

“I think everybody would want that,” he said. “Irrespective of the situation you find yourself in, there’s a sporting element to it, that’s why we’re involved in it, and naturally you want that to be the case.

“However, as I said at the beginning, if it can’t be, because it’s to the betterment of everybody’s health and what we’re doing moving forward, then I’ve no problem with that.”