Barnet make 60 non-playing staff redundant in the wake of the coronavirus, it has been revealed in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
It will see approximately employees laid off – from cleaners to receptionists and stewards with owner Tony Kleanthous calling on governing bodies to do more.

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The club statement read: “In light of recent events the Club would like to release the following statement.
We are in unprecedented times and as such, certain decisions have been made across the football group to ensure the longevity of Barnet Football Club.
Over the past few days, we have taken emergency measures to preserve the Club and ensure it remains sustainable.
Since relegation, we have seen a general drop in crowd attendances of 50%, whilst general costs have increased resulting in operational losses of approximately £100,000 per month.
The Club budgeted for this cost in the hope of promotion but of course, at the end of April, all of our parachute funding will cease and we need to therefore make savings accordingly.
In addition to these challenges, we have to consider the greater challenge of the impact that Covid-19 will have in the immediate and long-term future.
In order to meet the challenges ahead of us, we will have to dismantle our existing cost structure and look to rebuild for next season with a much leaner cost base.
We have therefore taken the difficult decision to put all Barnet FC staff on notice. This is to include all first team coaching and backroom staff, the Barnet FC Academy and many of the operational staff across all areas of the Club.
Having previously announced that all Academy funding the Club receives from the EFL comes to an end at the end of this season, Academy staff had already been made aware of the situation.
Supporters will understandably want to know how this situation affects our Head Coach, Darren Currie. Darren has a long notice period within his contract and as such, should the season resume, he will remain in charge until at least the end of the season and possibly beyond.
Club Statement
— Barnet FC ? (@BarnetFC) March 17, 2020
Club Chairman Tony Kleanthous said: “Our greatest concern is that within the UK and across the entire world, people are losing loved ones. Our sympathies and thoughts go out to everyone affected but right now, I have to focus my attention closer to home and look at the impact it’s having on our Club.
“It is my responsibility to ensure Barnet FC continues to survive and remains financially stable and therefore, I have had to make difficult decisions.
“I have to be open and honest with the staff and it’s been a difficult past few days having to deliver the bad news but it’s something that had to be done.
“I have not had time to think about plans for next season yet but we will have to find a way to move forward based upon our current crowd attendance because existing National League rules limit any signings we can make or players’ salaries we can commit to going forward.
“The knock-on effects are of course heart-breaking for me personally as I am fully aware of how this will impact my phenomenal team of hard-working support staff across the group.”
Much will become clearer in the weeks ahead and the Club will look to regularly update supporters as matters develop.
The Club will make no further comment at this time.
Fans gave their reaction as Barnet make 60 non-playing staff redundant…
Bit difficult when the council didnt want us in Barnet
— Luciano (@LBFC14) March 17, 2020
Fuck off TK
— James Harpin (@james_harpin) March 17, 2020
I suppose asking PL teams to chip in and help save their local non league sides would be too much to ask?
— Toby Aughnotobi (@tapeyes63) March 17, 2020
This is just the beginning for lower league clubs unfortunately. They need our support massively when football is back underway
— Jack (@GranitJacka) March 17, 2020
They shouldn't have to, the FA/EFL should have a contingency plan. Nothing to do with Premier League clubs.
— Kieran (@KieranMilward) March 17, 2020
This is so sad and just the beginning
— Trevor Lloyd (@Trevorlloyd92) March 17, 2020
It’s unbelievable, but so believable.
Thoughts are with the many good people behind the scenes that have dealt with so much, and now this. #BarnetFC
— Aarron Pullen (@aarronpullen) March 17, 2020
I feel for @BarnetFC ?!
This was always gonna happen sadly be few more clubs down leagues in trouble. Aright for overrated Premier league gravy train…. Other clubs need help wont be able to survive?!#BarnetFC— ? (@NFFCRED) March 17, 2020
Heartfelt sorrow for all those at #BarnetFC affected by this, and gratitude once again for the noble efforts of Chairman Tony Kleanthous.
— Andrew Bence (@AndrewBence4) March 17, 2020
I can't believe this. It can't be true? TK you are disgusting. You have killed our club. Fuck off you horrible human being. #BarnetFC https://t.co/dobgHmlEPk
— Charlie Cassen (@charliecassen) March 17, 2020
Awful what’s happening at Barnet now. Not very surprising and don’t expect them to be the last club to have to do this unfortunately https://t.co/cLg6Mf8uCx
— Jake (@JakeMoore87) March 17, 2020
With this in mind, I think Arsenal should organise a preseason/midseason friendly with them considering the ‘affiliation’ between the two clubs.
We sent an XI to The Hive Stadium last summer, I’m sure that we could send our first team at some point.
— Pain In The Arsenal (@PainInThArsenal) March 17, 2020
This doesn’t sound good for Barnet very sad https://t.co/rygWxgRui5
— Simon Garrity (@simon_garrity) March 17, 2020

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