At the same time, the postponement has cast new doubts over Chester's very future as a football club.

BBC: Chester match at Grays called off

"If beefed-up security measures are to be put into place, and that's going to take a little bit of extra time, the postponement is fine with us, " he said.

BBC: Pakistan's tour of Bangladesh off

Mr Woodley said the postponement "extends the time available to secure a settlement to the outstanding problems".

BBC: BA boss Willie Walsh intervened personally in the dispute