JAY CATTON has revealed the lengths Connah’s Quay Nomads are going to in order to stay fit and healthy - and ready for a return to competitive action.

The Football Association of Wales took the decision to suspend domestic football at all levels in the country on Friday with immediate effect until April 4 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

A statement read: “The intention at this time will be to resume the football schedule depending on the medical advice and conditions from the relevant authorities at that time.

“The FAW is fully aware of the impact this will have on the domestic game but the health and safety of all fans, players, volunteers and stakeholders are of paramount importance.

“The FAW will continue to monitor this situation on a day-by-day basis and will continue to provide updates when appropriate.”

Nomads were preparing to welcome Newtown to the Deeside Stadium that night, but the decision has been welcomed by the Flintshire club.

“Who knows what is right and what is wrong?”said director of football Catton. “But at times like this and with so many questions being asked about what’s happening, the FAW are right to be cautious.

“It’s a difficult decision, but the FAW have acted quickly, along with a lot of others, to stop competitive football straightaway.”

Nomads remain in training as they await a decision over when - or if - the Cymru Premier season will restart. Andy Morrison’s men are four points clear at the top of the table with six games of the season remaining.

Catton lifted the lid on what Nomads are doing to in order to keep their squad ready for action.

“We have everyone fit and healthy and we are working hard to keep it that way,” said Catton.

“We are working close with the club doctor and making sure that every player has their own water bottle and we have cancelled meetings in rooms.

“We are also making sure every player has their temperature checked before every session to make sure we are maintaining high standards.

“We are mindful that we need to be ready for a return to action, whether that’s in four, six, eight or 10 weeks. We are ready to roll with what we are being told and we are adapting to everything that is happening.

“But the health and well-being of everyone around the club is still the most important thing.”

There are plenty of rumours and suggestions over the best move for the remainder of the season, one being ending the campaign now.

With Nomads clear at the top, Catton understandably chose not to be drawn on that idea, but he is concerned about the potential knock-on effect a sizeable delay would have.

“The good thing about our league is that there are only six games to go, so fitting them in can be managed,” said Catton. “The concern over a lengthy delay would be about the impact on Europe.

“If the season doesn’t finish until the end of May or later, then there would be no European competition.

“I think the biggest challenge is to do with what happens on the European scene if the postponement of the league continues.”