PAUL RUTHERFORD believes top flight football will probably resume their season before non-league sides get the green light to return to action.

A statement from the Premier League, EFL and the Football Association, along with the Women’s professional game, the Professional Footballers’ Association and the League Managers’ Association yesterday confirmed the extension to the suspension.

But it is not clear when the National League will be back as Wrexham will look to continue their fight against relegation.

“I don’t envy the people who have got to decide all this,” said Reds winger Rutherford. “In my opinion, the top levels might be able to resume a little bit earlier than everybody else because financially they can afford to do it.

“Their revenue isn’t built upon matchday; it is upon the global game, the merchandise.

“At our level there is loads to consider but from my own situation, I would happily resume whenever they want to resume.”

Dagenham managing director Steve Thompson, meanwhile, says clubs in the National League, National League North and National League South will need a total of £15million to £20m to survive and revealed talks are ongoing with the Football Association.

“The biggest worry is that so many non-league clubs, not just in the National League... they are integral parts of their community, the fabric of their community,” he said. “It worries me if these clubs are lost, what will happen going forward.”