Fleetwood Town's potential play-off rivals Wycombe warn of cash crisis and loss of loan star

Should the League One clubs vote not to play outstanding fixtures and to adopt the EFL's proposal to finalise the table by unweighted points-per-game averages, then Town would meet the Chairboys in the play-off semi-finals.

But Wycombe have spoken out on their financial strife, stating they have advised their furloughed staff to look for alternative employment once the Government scheme ends.

Chairman Rob Couhig said on the club's official website: "The club has essentially been without revenue since the beginning of March. Our loss of revenue even with the utilisation of the furlough plan has exceeded £1m through the end of May.

"On a going-forward basis, we anticipate our loss of revenue will continue at the rate of £350,000 a month.

"While no one really knows for sure when we will be able to return to playing in front of crowds, it seems reasonably certain that it will not happen until at least September and many speculate not until at least December.

"It is apparent that the club's losses as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak may exceed £2.5m. If we are required to play games behind closed doors, whether to try to complete the season or in play-offs, these costs will go up.

"We have informed all our non-football staff presently on furlough that their pay will be limited to that which we receive from the furlough plan.

"We are also recommending that they begin the search for alternative employment once furlough ends."

Wycombe have indicated they will vote for the season to end, which would mean them jumping from eighth place to third if the EFL's PPG system were applied.

However, if they are involved in the play-offs, Wycombe will be without right-back McCarthy, who Couhig says they cannot afford to pay any more.

Wycombe loaned their former defender back from Millwall in January and McCarthy played in Fleetwood's victory at Adams Park the following month.

Couhig said: "I have also informed our manager (Gareth Ainsworth) that the club will be without the services of Jason McCarthy.

"Jason is a wonderful player and a terrific guy. He was on loan to us from Millwall.

"While they and he were willing to extend the agreement through the remainder of this season, and he would unquestionably be helpful if play resumes in any circumstances, we simply can't afford him.

"I am confident that the remainder of the team can achieve success when we are allowed to return.

"The club will survive this crisis as it has in the past. However, it will only do so by taking hard necessary steps to deal with the reality of our economic situation."