Coronavirus could impact Blackpool and English football for as long as 18 months, EFL chief warns

Parry, in an interview with BBC Radio 5Live, repeated the EFL’s stance that the 2019/20 season will be completed.

While the initial postponement of fixtures lasts until April 30 at the earliest, it is expected a significantly longer delay is likely.

“We are committed to finishing the season on the pitch,” EFL chairman Parry said. “We want promotion and relegation.

“We don't want an artificial end to the season. When that will be, how that will be, no-one knows at the moment.

“There are greater priorities in looking after the nation's health which we must never, ever forget.”

Playing the remaining games behind closed doors is an option available to the EFL given the government’s ban on large gatherings.

If the season extends beyond the end of June, meanwhile, a number of contractual issues are likely to arise.

But Parry wants all organisations involved to appreciate that patience will be required if a compromise is to be reached.

“People realise there is no rulebook for this, no manual,” he added.

“We're going to have to be incredibly flexible in terms of how the season pans out.

“We don't know whether it's going to be behind closed doors, we don't know when it's going to recommence.

“We also don't know when next season is going to start.

“The idea that this is going to be neatly over in June and next season starts in August is wishful thinking.

“I think there's going to be a knock-on effect for 18 months.

“So we'll need a lot of flexibility, outside-the-box thinking, and more than ever, cool heads.”

The financial future of many clubs outside the top flight is also a matter of serious concern.

The EFL advanced prize monies and basic payments last week as it announced a £50m relief package.

They will also make available an interest free loan which could head off some of the short-term problems.

But some clubs already struggling have warned the financial help will not be enough to see them through in the longer term.

On the prospect of handing out further cash, Parry said: “That'd be a stretch. The money we advanced was on the basis that it ought to be enough to get through the next three wages of matchday revenue, which is the first loss.

“What it doesn't do is come anywhere remotely close to covering the wage bill for the period, but we don't have a money tree and nor does anybody else.

“There's no simple answer, but what we've got to be very careful of is kicking the can down the road.

“The more we defer, the more we lend, the more we're going to have a problem in three or four months.

“We need to find long-term solutions as far as we can.”

As for asking Premier League clubs for financial assistance, Parry isn’t a fan.

“I'm not a fan of the begging-bowl culture,” he said. “I think it's much better to be in dialogue with the Premier League about sustainable futures and how we might have a reset going forward.”