THERE will be a glut of quality footballers available once the sport comes out of lockdown – and clubs at all levels can take advantage.

That’s the belief of Aldershot chairman Shahid Azeem, who says the coronavirus crisis will have a lasting impact on clubs at all levels.

He says clubs will be looking carefully at their budgets and will be operating with much smaller squads when competition is finally allowed to restart.

That means there will be many players on the lookout for new clubs.

And sides like Aldershot may be in a position to take advantage.

Azeem said: “The pandemic will have a big impact on our playing budget – and all clubs. If any clubs says it won’t, they’re wrong.

“Clubs will be more choosy with players and what they are able to pay. There’s a bit of reality now – a lot of clubs from the Football League down will be looking to cut their budgets.

“They will be looking to reduce their pool of contracted players. Instead of having 30 players to choose from, in the future they will perhaps have 20, so there are going to be spare players available.

“I think it will mean there will also be more opportunities at clubs for academy players to come through.

“At Aldershot, we can’t make any decisions until we know when the season might start. We’re in limbo.”

But even with some quality players inevitably dropping out of the Football league and looking at the National League for their next pay cheque, Azeem doesn’t envisage the Shots being in a position to attract the bigger names. The money simply isn’t there, he said.

“It’s going to be an upside-down football world next season.

“People with deep pockets could spend a bit of money at their clubs and get some good players and really go for it, but for us it’s all about being realistic.

“As a club we’ve played with big money in the past and we’re not going to be doing that again. We will do what we can afford to do.

“That’s putting out a competitive side with one or two new talents, but looking to produce entertaining football .

“For us, it’s about consolidating and building.

“Unless you have deep pockets, and can keep players for two or three years and build a team spirit, it’s hard. You can’t achieve much when you’re having to rebuild your team every year or so.

“So we are trying to get together a side with a good core of players and build a team around that.

“Manager Danny Searle has now had a season with us and will look at strengthening the squad, getting some players in and releasing players others.

“At the moment everything’s a bit up in the air but we do know we are in a better position this year than last year.”