Too many managers have lost their jobs for football season not to count, says ex-Blackpool boss Ian Holloway amid coronavirus pandemic

In total, 34 managers have lost their jobs in the top four divisions of English football so far this season.

All games have now been suspended until April 30 at the earliest but the footballing authorities have committed to finishing the season, extending the deadline "indefinitely".

Holloway, now manager of League Two side Grimsby Town, insists the season must be completed one way or another.

“It should be a priority for us to do that,” the 57-year-old told BBC Sport.

“There is too much to be lost and that has already been lost. Managers have lost their jobs in this season, so how can it not count?

“Supporters have been waiting years to see their teams do well, Leeds going for promotion from the Championship and Liverpool should get the (Premier League) title.

“All these things - promotion, relegation - it has to count for something. What is the point other than that?"

He continued: “Calling off the Euros was the best thing we could do. That will give us time to somehow squeeze the end of this season in maybe before we start the next one.

“Even if you go to play Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, clubs have youth policies, so give the young 'uns a chance - you just have to get it done, simple as that.

“And if that interrupts the timing of, or we have to slice next season in two a little to make it all fit in, we need to do that.”

Like many other clubs, Holloway and his backroom staff are monitoring the Grimsby players remotely after setting them individual training requirements while social distancing.

“All we are doing is ticking over,” he added. “It is like starting a chainsaw, leaving it on the floor, stopping the blade going around but you can hear the motor running.

“We are ready to go, but when that will be who knows?

“The way this virus is escalating I can’t see in a couple of weeks things changing.”