Gerhard Struber wants Barnsley FC's games to be played behind closed doors for the rest of 2020

The Austrian, back in his homeland, is keen to resume his work at Barnsley, but is also clear that English football must only resume when it is safe to do so.

National reports today are suggesting that there is very little expectation that the EFL will return to action in June, with supporters also not expected back in grounds until January at the earliest.

Struber said: "It is a big topic in the whole world. I wish so much that we can start (training) in the next few weeks, but when we do not have a healthy situation, it is better when we ban football.

"When we speak about football behind closed doors, I think this it is very, very important not for the next first weeks or months, but the whole year. We should always play behind closed doors (in 2020).

"We need a good concept with good impacts (ideas) from experts and time and what is helpful for clubs, players and the whole staff before we start with football.

"Health and safety for everyone is the most important thing before we go thinking about the re-start.

"If we need time until August, then we need the time for that and we start with the new season."

Stressing that the health and well-being of players, staff members and the public is of paramount concern before the game can be safely resumed, he added: "I am in conversation with my boys and read the media reports in England and I think the opinions of the players is very important.

"Many players wish we can make the re-start in the near future. But I think that all the players say we need a guarantee of safety and health when we come back.

"This is the big challenge for the EFL and football associations in every country that the players, staff and everyone around football is safe."

Talks regarding players taking wage deferals are ongoing between the Reds' hierarchy and the playing squad, with the club hoping for a resolution 'relatively soon.'