COLCHESTER United boss John McGreal has admitted he would rather postpone games than face the prospect of playing behind closed doors.

The spread of coronavirus led to suggestions this weekend's EFL games could be called off - including the U's League Two showdown at home to Scunthorpe United.

There were also rumours fixtures might be played behind closed doors, without fans present.

It now appears to be a case of 'game on', with the government insisting it has no plans to advise against the cancellation of 'mass participation' events like football matches.

But if "push came to shove", McGreal would have favoured putting games back until later in the season so fans can be present to cheer their team on.

"I never played a competitive match behind closed doors," said the U's boss.

"In all my years in the game, I haven't come across anything like this.

"I'm no expert but if push came to shove, I'd rather postpone matches and get the crowds to the games.

"We finish in early April. There would be a little gap to push matches back, if needs be.

"As a player, I can't imagine it (playing behind closed doors) because I've never been in that situation.

"I've read comments from Premier League managers, saying they would rather postpone matches than play in empty stadiums, and we've seen what's happened in some of this week's Champions League and Europa League ties.

"In some ways, we're a bit different in League Two.

"But in other ways we're no different because we're still reliant on our fans.

"From a players' perspective, it must be soul-destroying and the fans pay to watch games of football.

"They spend their hard-earned cash and football is for them as much as it is clubs and players.

"There's no question about that and there's also the revenue side of things, in terms of gate receipts. That goes without saying."

McGreal insisted Colchester are doing everything in their power to prevent the virus reaching their stadium and training ground, at Florence Park, Tiptree.

"We're trying our best to keep the virus at bay, following advice from the government and World Health Organisation," he said.

"As I said before, we'll listen to the experts and be guided by them.

"We're trying to be really careful in terms of meetings and gatherings, not shaking hands and keeping a safe distance.

"There are hand sanitisers everywhere and we're doing our best to heighten personal cleanliness.

"There's a lot of awareness around the building and we have to be vigilant."