Mr Newton commented: "Firstly I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support throughout what has been a very difficult period for everyone. I hope everyone is safe and well.

"Sadly, Covid-19 remains with us and we all have to keep being sensible around social distancing and hand washing if we are to continue to keep this pandemic under control.

"Strict Covid-19 procedures were in place for the players and staff during the play-off period and I would like to thank everyone for respecting and adhering to the measures put in place. The measures ensured the safety of everyone and we were delighted that all tests proved negative at all stages.

"The outcome of the play-offs was very disappointing, however we are now focused on the coming season with the aim of achieving promotion in 2021.

"I would like to thank all those that have supported the club financially, whether through donations, purchasing items for the new stadium, buying auction items, or indeed the vast majority of season ticket holders who did not claim a refund for the final games which of course were not played.

"The club has now left the York Street Stadium, which was a very sad day for everyone associated with the football club, but the memories of games at that old ground and friendships formed will live long in the memory.

"Maureen Blackwell has now retired from her position at the club after so many years. We thank her for all her hard work and loyal service and wish her a very long, happy and healthy retirement.

"Construction work on the new stadium is progressing well, but has of course been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic which has resulted in slightly slower progress than under 'normal' circumstances and we have (and continue to be) affected by material shortages, longer delivery periods and some labour shortages.

"We are on track to have most of the work completed for October 3, the potential first home fixture of the new season, however we are less certain to have all the necessary service connections completed in time for the extensive testing of the mechanical and electrical installations - and the completion and testing of the floodlights and the lifts.

"We are working closely with the Safety Advisory Group to ensure we have all the necessary safety protocols in place, but a Safety Certificate cannot be issued until a 'test event' has taken place. Under current draft Government guidance, which is subject to the outcome of the pilot events currently being undertaken, fixtures with spectators cannot take place until the October 1 at the earliest, which would not leave sufficient time for any issues arising from the test event to be addressed before the first fixture.

"We also need to ensure that the new stadium is Covid compliant ahead of any fixtures taking place with spectators and we are currently working through SGSA guidance to ensure we have all the necessary protocols in place. We also need to pass the ground grading process.

"Clearly we need to have some certainty around the playing of that fixture and at present we feel that there are a number of elements out of our control that give uncertainty at the present time, therefore although we will continue to push to be ready for the start of the season, we have to be sensible and realistic.

"We have therefore reluctantly taken the decision to potentially play the first few 'home' fixtures at Gainsborough Trinity's Northolme Stadium. I say 'potentially' as we do not yet know the fixtures and we could have a situation where we are drawn away from home in the FA Cup fixture(s) and our first league games are scheduled away from home, so the scenario may not arise.

"However, we need to make sure we are prepared for the possibility of 'home' fixtures, so we are grateful to Richard Kane, chairman of Gainsborough Trinity, for allowing that option for us.

"It is a really good stadium which always has an excellent playing surface. We will now put in place the Covid-19 procedures for the Northolme Stadium as unfortunately we cannot play under the same protocols being put in place already for our new ground. This is a lot of work that we really have been trying to avoid on top of everything else we are managing at the present time.

"As soon as the Covid-19 assessments have been completed, we will look to start selling season tickets.

"I have been absolutely determined that we would start the season at the new stadium, but the cumulative effect of Covid-19 associated issues have resulted in this very difficult decision.

"On a positive note, work has now commenced on the foundations for the East and South Stands. Construction will continue on the East Stand, with a view to having it complete around March/April next year. We will have to keep the works to the superstructure of the South Stand and the sports hall on hold for a while to see how the economy (and housing market) performs when the furlough scheme comes to an end in October.

"If there is no major impact, we hope to have that work completed towards the end of next year. We are also looking to start work on the 3G pitch and are just refreshing quotations from the specialist contractors for this work.

"Despite my disappointment regarding this delay, it is only a few weeks at the most, and we will then have a brand-new stadium that I hope we can all be proud of.

"We will give regular updates on season tickets and general ticketing over the coming weeks, but I must remind everyone that if we do get to watch games, we will be in a privileged position when other sports still do not have spectators, and everyone will have to comply with strict Covid-19 guidelines which will affect how we attend and enjoy the games, but these will be essential to keep everyone as safe as possible.

"Once again, thank you for your support and we are gradually getting to the point where we can come back together safely to enjoy the sport we all love."